City to Return Unneeded Property

On September 16 the City Council will vote to return property to Anthony Rosati - property acquired from Mr. Rosati for the South/Rt. 47/Fair/Calhoun Project. The property located at 808 East South Street.

Presumably, the City paid Mr. Rosati for the property. Now that the Project has fallen off the City's radar, the City wants to transfer it back to him.

The City passed an ordinance in March 2008 authorizing execution of a warranty deed for the conveyance of the property back to Mr. Rosati. The deed was executed and delivered for recording with the McHenry County Recorder of Deeds. The Recorder's office found the deed to be insufficient and that the "proper" way to return the property was by way of a street "vacation".

The City Attorney prepared an ordinance vacating the property. But a public hearing has to be held. Notice of the public hearing has been given, and the hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 7:00PM in the City Council chambers.

Chalk up one more item for Tuesday night's meeting.

How much did all this legal wrangling cost the City of Woodstock?

I certainly hope that Mr. Rosati recovered all his expenses and legal fees, plus recording fees and taxes.

Starbuck's Outdoors Seating

Several years ago, after Starbuck's opened on the Square, it requested, and received, permission to create outdoor seating on the public sidewalk.

On a recent visit to the Square, I noticed that Starbuck's has placed tables and chairs on both sides of the sidewalk in front of its business. One row is against the front window of the business, and a second row has been placed against the railing that separates the sidewalk from the vehicle parking spaces at the curb.

This second row of tables results in there being a narrow passageway for pedestrians on the public sidewalk. The space, while not measured this morning, appears to be about six feet wide. And, when customers of Starbuck's sit sideways to the table, their legs extend even into that "free" space.

Should a pedestrian have to step around a customer who is slouched in his chair and blocking the sidewalk right-of-way? I suspect that few pedestrians say anything to the seated customer, and even fewer probably step on his toes. "Ohhhhh, excuuuuuse me, I didn't see your feet..."

Let's continue to attract pedestrians and shoppers to the Square, and let's not allow a few unthinking latte-drinkers to create a subliminal message that Woodstock is less than a friendly place.

The City has been asked for a copy of the Special Use Resolution passed by the City Council that grants permission for Starbuck's to use the City sidewalk (public right-of-way) for business purposes. I'm fairly sure that the "free" space is defined in the Resolution.

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT