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Board delays sidewalk/parking closure request for 1605 Franklin but approves alley closure; contractor insurance remains pending
Summary
The board deferred approval for a sidewalk and two parking-space closure needed for facade and preservation work at 1605–1607 Franklin Street until proof of insurance is provided, but approved a related alley closure and agreed to return for an update within two weeks.
The Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety on Oct. 6 agreed to continue action on a request to close a sidewalk and two parking spaces in front of 1605 and 1607 Franklin Street for debris removal and façade-preservation work until the contractor provides a certificate of insurance. At the same meeting the board approved a temporary closure of the alley between Franklin and Washington streets (between Ann and Homer) to give the contractor more working room during the project.
Public works director Miss Vashet told the board the sidewalk and parking closures are needed to stabilize and reconstruct a façade that a structural engineer had found to require bracing; the project is under a 100-day timeline that began with a notice to proceed and includes monthly milestones and reporting requirements. The demolition/cleanup contractor, Fernando Patino of Undefeated Construction, was not present because of a family emergency, and staff said they had documentation but were still awaiting a certificate of insurance (COI). Because the COI remained outstanding, the board voted to hold the sidewalk/parking closure and to get a report back at the board’s next meeting (the board set a two-week follow-up). Public commenters and some board members urged flexibility to avoid delaying the project timeline, and one speaker recommended conditional approval pending receipt of the COI.
Separately, the board approved a motion to close the nearby alley during construction; Miss Vashet said the alley closure would increase safety and provide space for equipment and storage during facade stabilization.
Staff said the contractor had begun interior cleanout work that can be done without the sidewalk closure; facade stabilization and façade bracing will follow interior work and require the sidewalk/parking space accommodation once insurance is provided. The board’s motion to continue rather than grant or deny the sidewalk/parking request was unanimous among members present.
Next steps: public works will coordinate with the contractor and building owner (identified in the meeting as Mr. Graff) to obtain the COI and related permits, and will report back to the Board of Works within two weeks so members can consider full approval once insurance and other outstanding paperwork are submitted.
Public safety and building-stability measures (interior bracing and engineered façade anchoring) are required before any permanent facade work begins, staff said; the board did not change the 100-day remediation schedule but sought the COI before allowing sidewalk closures in the public right of way.
The transcript shows public works staff presenting project documents and the board recording its motion to continue action pending insurance, followed by a separate approved motion for the alley closure.
