2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

fir. Nielsen then discussed the 1976 vacation of Wetmore and%the hospital's original plan for a parking garage which was deleted because of monetary reasons. He suggested the hospital might feel it less expensive to buy up a whole block than cost of constructing a garage. He also spoke of the sewer construction that was done in the area which is now over, freeing more parking spaces that were being used by those residents unable to park in their garages with alley access. He felt the need for the lot has not been established and the neighbors should not have to bear the brunt of the hospitals problem. He urged that the permit be denied. Jim Perin, Police Chief, said he would challenge the figures shown in the neighborhood's parking study. Ron Cameron, Traffic Engineer, was asked if he had seen the study and he had and felt the figures were correct and consistent. Chief Perin said the Police Department was in favor of the parking lot as there had been many complaints about parking on the streets and problems with the restricted parking zones.by construction workers, employees, and hospital visitors, etc. He pointed out the ECC parking lot would not be available when classes presume. John Van Dalen, of 1316 Hoyt, said he was against the parking lot and there have been very few cars parking in front of his home. Austin Dwyer, of 1302 Hoyt, felt the compatibility consideration had been overlooked, this being a residential neighborhood. He was not in favor of the parking lot_ Margaret Dwyer, of 1302 Hoyt, said she was disappointed with the lack of democratic process in this regard and pointed out the neighbors were not looking for a free playground use for this lot and urged better planning by the hospital. Gerhard Ruben, of 1207 Colby, said there has been pressure on some of the residents to sell their property. He said hospital employees have been parking in the restricted zones, shifting their cars around to avoid getting tickets. He spoke against the parking lot as it was not needed. Chris Nickerson reported she had taken a parking survey herself on September 11, 14 and 15 between 4-5 p.m. and found from 44 to 50 cars in the lot with 85-102 available parking spaces in the lower. lot. She suggested a camera system in the lower lot for security purpo.?4 s . Councilman Langus asked Gerry Ervine why it was recommended that the lot only be used weekdays and he' replied it was felt it would lessen impact on the surrounding residential area by reducing activity level, etc. and also the demand is not as great at night. Allen Limpo addressed the issue of the recent property purchased by the hospital by saying it was obtained by the Foundation and would be used as a rental or for future purposes. He felt the hospital had been consistent and honest with.the neighborhood regarding the expansion. In answer to a question from Councilman Overstreet regarding financing of the parking garage, Mr. Limpo said assets were not as liquid as originally thought and the decision was made to delete the garage construction. President Baker asked if anyone wished to speak against the Possibility of having more cars parked on the street and no,one replied.