"School Safety Concerns Prompt St. Jude's Request to Vacate Part of Hildebrand Street"

The South Bend Tribune reports.  Excerpts:

St. Jude Catholic Church and School has filed a petition with the county to vacate Hildebrand Street between St. Joseph and Carroll streets in the Gilmer Park neighborhood.

According to business manager Mary Krisch, the church is concerned about the safety of students, who must cross Hildebrand to access the school's playground.

...

County Councilman Dan Herbster, R-District F, in whose district St. Jude is located, said Monday he is aware of the petition to vacate Hildebrand but has not spoken to the church about it.

"I would imagine they (St. Jude) have a safety and security issue with all the kids there," he said, adding: "At this point, unless some big concern is raised, if they think (vacating Hildebrand) is the best use for the property, I'm all for it."