Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council vacates portion of Illinois Street, clearing path for Berry Plastics parking consolidation
Summary
The council unanimously adopted an ordinance vacating an alley and portion of Illinois Street adjacent to Berry Plastics' property so the company can combine parking lots and add security fencing; easements for utilities were reserved and the company agreed to logistical commitments if Mary Street is closed in the future.
The Evansville Common Council voted unanimously on March 31 to adopt Ordinance G2025‑06, which vacates part of West Illinois Street and an adjoining alley in the Foster Subdivision to permit Berry Plastics (referred to in the meeting as Berry Global or Berry Plastics Corporation) to consolidate adjacent parking lots and add security fencing.
Chris Wisher, an attorney representing Berry, said the company owns properties on both sides of the street and alley and seeks the vacation to combine those parking areas. Wisher said the petitioners provided required notices to utilities and government agencies and that the ordinance reserves easements requested by CenterPoint and Evansville Water and Sewer. He said the company met with the city engineer’s office and accepted commitments addressing what would happen if Mary Street required future improvements or partial closure, including Berry assuming logistical responsibility rather than expecting special accommodations from the city.
Wisher acknowledged 1 letter of objection submitted to the Area Plan Commission raising concerns about Mary Street being used as a truck thoroughfare and trucks backing up into residential areas; he said Berry reviewed security footage and believes most traffic ("99%" in their estimate) is related to employee parking rather than through truck traffic.
With no public speakers in opposition at the council meeting, the ordinance passed on a roll call vote: nine ayes and zero nays. Berry representatives said the company hopes to complete the parking work later in the year after obtaining necessary variances and permits.
