Special Exception - 2602 Western Ave.-Hell's Angel Club

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2 VARIANCE REQUEST: 1). From the requirement of providing the minimum of One (1) Parking Space per Five (5) Members of the Club for a total of Three Parking Spaces (i.e. 15 Members = a minimum of 3 Parking Spaces) to providing a total of Two (2) Parking Spaces for 15 members. The Petitioner is the owner of the real estate parcel shown on the attached site plan and as shown in the records of the St. Joseph County, Indiana Auditor's office. The Petition property presently has a Zoning classification of "MU" Mixed Use District. The Petitioner has been approached by the City to negotiate the purchase of the property to allow for the re-location of a Private Club to the site. The re-location is necessary as the City is purchasing the Private Clubs' property, which is located on the Northwest corner of Indiana Avenue and Chapin Street. This property falls within the boundary area of properties being acquired by the City for the Ignition Park. The Petition site is approximately the same size as the property on Indiana Avenue with a similar structure. The zoning of both sites is the same (MU) and the location on an arterial street with adjacent single-family homes is the same. The existing Private Club has been at their location for approximately 30 years. They desire to be re-located in South Bend at a location that is relatively close to their Club members. The Western Avenue location fits the Club's requirements closely. The Private Club is a motorcycle club made up of 15 members. They have enjoyed being at their location on Indiana Avenue for the past 30 years. They have been active members in the neighborhood and they look forward to being active members in their new location and to help the neighborhood in any way they can. They meet on a regular basis and enjoy the company of their members getting together at their Club facility to discuss issues related to the Club and events within the community that they can play a part. The members usually try to meet once a week with the meeting lasting approximately 2 hours. The meetings usually occur in the early evening. Not all 15 members are in attendance at each meeting. The average is approximately 11-13 members. During a few days each week a member or two maybe present for a few hours to do general clean- up/maintenance and check for mail. It is typical that the members come to the club building by motorcycle. The City, their representatives and the contingent purchasers have had discussions with the Building Department Staff to determine the procedures required to move the Private Club from their present location to the Petition site. Based on the City's Ordinances, the re-location process requires the approval of a Special Exception. A "Private Club" is a Permitted Use in the Mixed Use District only with the Special Exception. There were also discussions with the Councilman of the District, to discuss with him, the process to re-locate the existing Club. He was favorable to the re-location within his district and expressed no concerns. The Petitioner, the City and the contingent purchasers would ask the Board Members to agree that approval of the Special Exception to allow