05-08-17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2017 applications. Concerns were raised about the overall effect of the use of the property on the area and the condition of the property as well, whether the existing building was actually a duplex, and concerns about the increase of on-street parking as well as traffic in the area. The findings from the ABZA meeting address the concerns regarding the potential effects of the use of the property as a duplex and the condition of the property. If the property is to be used as a duplex, the owner will have to ensure the building meets code standards for the duplex and submit applications for any applicable permits to bring the building up to that code. Duplexes require two (2)parking spaces per unit, so the property will have to provide four(4) parking spaces altogether. Right now, we don't have any concerns that they will be able to provide those spaces. If they are not,they will have to apply for a variance in the future, but that's not relevant to today's application. Dora Cruz, 725 North Shore Drive, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner of this bill. Ms. Cruz stated that she intends to improve the property with things such as the required four(4) parking spaces. Councilmember Tim Scott asked why Ms. Cruz wanted to buy the property. Ms. Cruz responded that she intends to move back to Mexico and wanted her daughter, who is currently attending IUSB,to have a place to live. She explained that though she does not have the requisite knowledge regarding duplexes, she has attended meetings wherein she has spoken to people with the wisdom and experience to guide her in the correct direction. It was after speaking with these people that she decided to buy the property. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in favor of this bill: Andrew Pich, 717 East Indiana Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated that he has observed Ms. Cruz's property being improved a great deal over time and improving the neighborhood, as well. Those wishing to speak in opposition to this bill: Gene Wilkinson 20578 Hines Drive, South Bend, IN, stated that he is a landlord and property owner. Mr. Wilkinson stated that the property had not been a duplex for twenty (20) years, that it is one and a half(1.5) instead of two (2) stories tall,that the circuit breaker box is outside of the house (which is illegal), that debris from the renovation has been piled in the backyard instead of in a dumpster, and that the garage is in disrepair. Mr. Wilkinson had with him letters from five (5)residents of the neighborhood who are against this project. Dora Cruz returned to the podium for a rebuttal. She explained that she is willing to do whatever she needs to do to remain within code while conducting these improvements. Ms. Cruz stated that she could even get the debris cleared potentially as soon as tomorrow. She stated that the safety and shelter of her daughter is her priority. She stated that so long as someone tells her the rules she needs to follow, she can find someone to get the job done accordingly. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked Ms. Paek if the public was notified of this project and the ABZA meetings. Ms. Paek responded, Yes. For every application, there notices that go up to people within three- hundred (300) feet of the property edge. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, So, anyone who said that they did not receive notice was mistaken? Ms. Paek responded, They were either outside of that three-hundred (300) foot radius,they did not see the notice in the paper that was also required, or the letter came back because the address on their property was incorrect. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked if there was any opposition brought up at the meeting that she would like to share with the Council. 9