02-22-10 Council Agenda & Packet

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- fy-aff"fc and. transportation considerations: There is a traffic signal at the intersection of Western and Chapin. Western and Chapin have lour lanes with right and left turn lanes. Laurel has two lanes. The cul -de -sac at the south end of Laurel will need to be vacated. There will he access from Laurel Street and Chapin Street. The Chapin Street access will be a right -in, right -out only. Additional information: (Agency comments) The Engineering Division has coordinated with the developer's engineer to create the drainage and access plan. There is no objection to this preliminary site plan. The Staff recommends that the size and height of the entry sign on Laurel be reduced. As shown, the sign is 6 feet tall and has an area o'18 square feet. The Staff recommends the sign conform to the standards of the higher intensity commercial and industrial districts, where the maximum height is 4 feet and the maximum square footage is 6 feet. 5 Criteria (per IC 36 -7 -4 -603): f. Comprehensive Plan: Policy Flan: City Plan South Bend Comprehensive Plan, November 2006 LU 2: Encourage a compatible mix of land uses in the community. LU3.2 Encourage pedestrian- oriented, mixed -use development in the CBD. Land Use Plan: The Future Land Use flan designates this area as parks and open space. plan implementation /Other Plarrs: Western Avenue Commercial Corridor Revitalization Action Plan -June 1999 The intersection of Western and Chapin already has some shopping and should be further developed as a gateway. However, the area between Walnut Street and Chapin Street contains marry vacant or underutilized commercial buildings, vacant lots, and various small businesses. A Vision Plan for the Commercial Corridor of: The Wester« Avenue of South Bend Indiana. Februaa 2003 The Community Feedback Report noted that organized activities /sports for young people would add quality of life to Western Avenue. 2. Current conditions and character: plus the This area has residential in the tyro multi - family developments bordering the project area, p single family neighborhood to the north of Western. Also in the neighborhood is a retail center and a church. The proposed use will replace an under - utilized park. 3. Most desirable use: The most desirable use would benefit the surrounding neighborhoods by replacing an under- utilized park with organized recreational activities. 4. Conservation of property values: It is the staffs opinion that nearby property values should not be adversely affected. 5. Responsible development and growth: The site is currently developed as a park. This community center has the potential to increase the attraction of the area as a commercial and recreational destination. City of South Bend Board of Public Works, et al "2544 -10 Page 2 of 2