in lieu thereof. They are essential from the viewpoint of fire protection, police protection, emergency services (i.e. ambulance) and loading or unloading of goods, refuse collection, servicing of blocked sewers and utility services. Without such alleys, the above noted services would at least be more costly if not impossible to complete or adequately access; and would noticeably interfere with street traffic, thereby reducing the access capacity of the adjacent arterial, collector, or street for business.

• Alleys having some usefulness should be considered for closing only upon request of abutting owners rather than by encouragement of the City.

• Alleys that serve no useful purpose should be closed if at all possible, and in fact the owners abutting thereon should be encouraged to accept conveyance.

• Alleys that are clearly obsolete should not be closed unless there is a municipal need or specific development proposals acceptable to the City are submitted.