03-28-11 Council Agenda & Packet

Home Browse Search

The property in question is lined with commercial properties directly to the South, and residential properties directly to the North. The properties prior use was an industrial warehouse. Many commercial trucks and traffic ingressed and regressed from the location. The current proposed use will not entail dangerous commercial trucks or traffic flowing about the area. No heavy machinery or equipment will be used for the day to day operation. Because the proposal is for an indoor soccer facility, other than parking all activity will be conducted inside the current building. More than ample parking is available for the proposed use. The site for the indoor soccer facility is located in one area; there will be no need to cross the street for parking. The plan provides for safe vehicular and pedestrian access, including emergency vehicles. Neighborhood street parking and noise will be reduced by centralizing the parking location and eliminating commercial vehicles. Because the whole area is fenced in safety has been maximized. All utilities necessary for this use are already present. The location itself is secluded from the other commercial properties in the area by virtue of its enclosed perimeter and triangular shape. Proposed signs and exterior lighting, although not finalized, are expected to minimize neighborhood safety concerns and will be compatible with the surrounding properties via City site plan approval The proposed use will not entail the need to consider industrial environmental hazards and will be a friend to the environment when compared to the heavy industrial use of the property by the previous owners. Further, the current property has sat vacanty deteriorating for the at least the past five (5) years. My client's proposed use and improvement of the property will bring a fresh, new and exciting business to the area. The neighborhood will benefit. New jobs and a tax base will be created. The proposed improvements and use of the location will be in line with community moral standards by bringing a fancily oriented community center to the area. Children and their families will have a safe place to go after school. There exists the potential for future sporting or other similar venue events at this location. This proposal and plan anticipates other present business expansion and economic benefits to the City by offering current thriving business a commercially viable partnership. II: The pLgposed. use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the ad'acent area or ro pM values therein. The neighboring properties, being within a light industrial zone, will not suffer any negative impacts. The proposed use is for an indoor soccer facility, which is akin to a commercial use. The future improved site will increase property values and will energize the area. 7he use of the property as a community oriented business will enhance both commercial and residential property values. The neighboring commercial and residential property oviners will benefit from investing entrepreneurs attending commercially viable soccer games and practices. Because there is no other similar business in the area like this proposed indoor soccer facility, current businesses will not be subject to competing financial interests. III: The proposed use will be consistent Keith the character of the district in which it is located and the land uses authorized. therein. The proposed use of the area is located within a commercially light industrial area, with .many other situated commercial properties. Direct to the North of this properly is a large residential community, directly to the South a commercial community. The proposed use is not a residential proposal, The addition of my client's commercial business plan is consistent with this area's established character. The proposed use is anticipated to be received favorably by the community. The anticipated use is consistent with the overall character of the district. Family orientated with a flavor of locally owned commercial enterprise. IV: The proposed use is compatible with the recommendation of the City of ,South Bend .Comprehensive Plan. Since its founding in 1835, the City of South Bend's boundaries have continued to expand. The City of South Bend's Comprehensive plan anticipates that market forces and economic trends will continue to make it beneficial for South Bend to follow an orderly and balance growth. An indoor soccer field located within the inner city falls with the City's planned growth and more simply put, a Smart Growth project. The proposed indoor soccer facility fosters the City's "Smart Growth" plan by fostering an attractive community site with a central sense of place allowing community neighbors to interact. The community comes here to enjoy their families. The City's cultural infrastructure is strengthened by the development of a community oriented location that can offer residents and partners to safe place to interact with any number of interests and/or the planning neighborhood activities.