1979-12-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Consideration re: Ordinance Closing & Vacating a portion of Morton Drive Property. Mr. M. H. McMurdo and Mr. George DeBorg, O'Neill Bondholders, addressed the Council in opposition to the closing of this street. Mr. Lloyd Smith representing the owners of the Roy Rogers Restaurant addressed the Council and stated that it is estimated 13 to 14% of the potential business of this restaurant comes thraugh Morton Drive from Meadowbrook Road and they are very concerned about cutting off this access. He stated he doesn't feel that Morton's desire for additional parking can be considered as a reason for closing this road. He suggested the reaaons you consider are safety, non-use and whether it constitutes a public nuisance. He stated that according to the traffic survey there is no safety hazard involved at this intersection. He stated his client is not Opposed to the rezoning, not opposed to the sale of property by the City, but are opposed to the cloaing of this street. Mr. John Marston, President of the Barracks-Preston-Rugby Neighborhood Association, addressed the Council in favor of closing Morton Drive to prevent through traffic into the adjacent neighborhood. Mr. Channing Daniel~ Dr. Ed Miller, Dr. Robert ~olan, Dr. G. S. Fitz Hugh, Mr. Milton Grigg and Mr. Bill Thomas addressed the Council in favor of C.lasing the road. Mrs. Elizabeth Knight, Vice-President of the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, stated that the following neighborhood associations support the closing of Morton Drive: Greenbrier, Jefferson Park Avenue, Lewis Mountain, North. Down, town Residents Association, Ridge Street, Starr Hill Neighborhood and Venable Neighborhood Association. Mr. Fred Landess speaking on behalf of the Barracks-Rugby- Preston Neighborhood Association stated that in his opinion the closing of Morton Drive would not be detrimental to the businesses along Emmet Street and on Morton Drive, but not closing Morton Drive will be detrimental to the existing residential neighborhood. That Meadowbrook Road should constitute a barrier and buffer between these two and there shauld be no thoroughfare running between the commercial interest and the residential neighborhood. Mr. Buck stated that the existance of the connection of Morton Drive with Meadowbrook Road does not make much planning sense and he does not ~hink anyone wants Morton Drive to be a general thoroughfare. He stated he doesn't believe there will be any significant impact on the value of the property owned by the O'Neill Bondholders or by Roy Rogers Restaurant. An ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND . DISCONTINUING A PORTION OF MORTON DRIVE AND THE EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY AT THE REAR OF MORTON FROZEN FOODS' PARKING LOT," was offered by Mr. Buck, seconded by Mrs. O'Brien and carried over to the next meeting for consideration.