April 20, 2024
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Sheridan: Stop loitering on alley policy

Joliet alley dispute that started in September lingers on

By Bob Okon
John Sheridan can be seen pointing down the alley behind his home Thursday, Sep. 17, 2020, in Joliet, Ill.

John Sheridan in September points down the Cunningham Alley that the city reopened that month.

It’s been more than four months since City Manager James Capparelli blocked an alley policy from going to the City Council for a vote.

Cunningham Neighborhood Council President John Sheridan, who lives along the alley that is the target of the policy, told the council Tuesday it’s time for Capparelli to let them vote on it.

Capparelli removed the policy from a council agenda in February after it had been recommended for approval by a 3-0 vote in committee.

City Manager Jim Capparelli listens to council discussion on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Joliet City Hall in Joliet, Ill. The Joliet City Council discussed an amendment to allow for liquor consumption and video gambling at gas stations.

City Manager James Capparelli at a May meeting of the Joliet City Council. (Geoff Stellfox - gstellfox@shawmedia.com/Geoff Stellfox - gstellfox@shawmedia.com)

“In my humble opinion it was improperly removed by the city manager,” Sheridan said.

The alley was blocked off on one end in 2012 after residents who live along it petitioned the city seeking to restrict access because of backyard thefts and other issues associated with the alley.

Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, who has been the subject of public criticism from Sheridan, called city staff to reopen the alley, which was done in September with approval from the interim city manager at the time, Jim Hock.

Hock said he would have the alley restricted again with another petition from residents. But after the petition was circulated, Hock said he wanted to create an alley policy before restricting it again.

The policy basically puts into writing the procedure used to restrict access to the Cunningham Neighborhood alley previously, giving residents a right to petition for closing alleys and city staff the authority to deny a closing if it is seen as a problem.

Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, who represents the Cunningham area, has questioned Capparelli about the status of the policy at two council meetings since he pulled it from the agenda. Capparelli said he would bring it back to the council or the committee.

“I believe that the city manager should be held accountable for not doing what he said he would do on two separate occasions,” Sheridan said.