04-09-18 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Way West, which is the subject property we are dealing with, is located in what is known as the Bendix Node. There was some information presented to you that indicated it was outside the Bendix Node. I think that is very important in terms of what we discuss as we move forward. It will serve as a reference point moving forward. The first item of criteria is the comprehensive plan. What we pointed out to you in the materials provided is that there was a comprehensive plan, called the City Plan, which was enacted and approved by this Council back in 2006. We have provided you a few pages from that plan as well as a copy of the resolution that approved that plan. If you look at the resolution it said it was a twenty (20) year plan. The intent was that it would be something reviewed by future Councils. What also is included in the information provided was some specific areas where it was decided that neighborhood specific plans would be looked at going forward. That is found in Objective ED-7.3 which is part of the information I've provided to you. It says that its purpose is to support neighborhood based economic opportunities identified in area specific plans. In 2014,there was a West Side Main Streets Plan that is such an area specific plan. Included within that plan are different corridors. One (1) of the corridors is the Lincoln Way West corridor and the other is the Bendix Node which is the one (1) we are talking about. The Bendix Node contains the property in question. The various nodes were developed in order to encourage certain activities that might support residential areas that lie between the nodes. As Angela showed you, there are some residential areas immediately to the West, the South and to the North. This is zoned residential but within the Bendix Node. The Bendix Node in the plan provides for certain uses that are commercial, such as medical offices. The Women's Care Center, we believe,falls into that category. We will talk about that in a little more detail as we move along. Mr. Nussbaum continued, The comprehensive plan adopted in 2006 has really been looked at carefully by that Council and this Council. A number of things have occurred since that time that are consistent with not only the comprehensive plan but also the various corridor plans that include the West Side and other parts of the City. For instance, in the River Park and Miami area, Wilbur and Lincoln Way West area, Portage and Elwood area, there are different nodes and corridors where you had developed plans and allocated funds in order to support the plans you have adopted. In addition, there has been some very extensive work on the part of this Council to look at residential needs within the neighborhoods. There was an update on incentive strategies for inclusive growth that occurred in December 2017 the Council participated in. Within that plan, it talked about $2 million TIF funds for the improvements to the Lincoln Way West and Charles Martin Sr. Street Node. Again, this is evidence that these plans are alive and well. Within your packet, there was also information relative from the Main Streets Plan that showed the various nodes and maps that are a part of that plan. Mr. Nussbaum continued, I believe on page fifty-four (54) and fifty-five (55) of the West Side Main Streets Plan, it says a series of nodes rather than a continuous strip is the most desirable manner of development because it can create pedestrian friendly destinations with unique identities that have the greatest chance of competing in the regional marketplace. Fortunately, in contrast with Western Avenue, Lincoln Way West generally already follows this development pattern. However,it is evident there is some erosion to this clear pattern as some homes between the nodes have been adapted to commercial use. There, the plan indicates that the Council is looking specifically at residential plans between the nodes. The property in question is not a residential property between the nodes. This is a residential property within the Bendix Node. A shortage of commercial space is not the driver for this conversation, given that there are several vacant buildings along the corridor. This change should be halted before these changes negatively impact the corridor. Again, we are talking about those areas between the nodes. It then goes on to talk EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 i TD574.235.5567Iwww.southbendin.gov 4