01-23-06 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 23, 2006 use by the land use plan. The neighborhood to the north and west consists mostly of single family houses. To the south and east on Lincolnway West Lafayette Blvd. the uses are commercial in nature. The most desirable use is for either single or multi-family residential. Should this rezoning be approved, adjacent residential property values could be adversely affected. It is not responsible development and growth to rezone residential areas when there is vacant or under utilized commercial property adjacent to the peititon area. Based on information available prior to the public hearing staff recommends that this petition be sent to the Common Council with an unfavorable recommendation. This section of Madison Street is residential in character, with single family zoning on the north side. The multi-family zoning was put in place on the south side of Madison Street to act as a buffer between the commercial uses to the south and the single-family uses to the north. The proposed zoning would result in creating an intrusion of higher intensity uses into this neighborhood. In addition, the combination of offices and multi-family is too intensive for this site. This is evidenced by the fact that 32 parking spaces are required, but only 16 can be provided. This rezoning, if approved, could result in the overflow of parking on adjacent streets and parking areas. Doris Portolese, 2410 N. Grape Road, Suite #1, Mishawaka, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Portolese advised that the petitioner is requesting a zone change from “MF1” Urban Corridor Multifamily to “MU” Mixed Use to allow office and residential uses. The property is located at 316 Williams, 318, 320, 322, 324 and 326 W. Madison Street, South Bend, Indiana. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council in favor of this bill. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill. Mr. Kolin Hodson, 807 Ashland, South Bend, Indiana, thanked Joe Grabill for taking time to talk to the neighbors. Mr. Hodson stated that the project just does not fit in the neighborhood. He urged the Council to defeat this bill. Ms. Karen Ainsley, 1007 Portage, South Bend, Indiana, Chairperson, Near West Side Neighborhood Organization stated that this is an inner city neighborhood, which often struggles to maintain and strengthen the various pockets of zoning. Therefore, the Near West Side Neighborhood Organization is opposed to this rezoning and asks the Council to vote against this bill tonight. Ms. Connie Tooley, 514 W. LaSalle, South Bend, Indiana stated that she is opposed to the rezoning. Ms. Tooley stated that she owns property at 317 and 319 Madison Street and that residential zoning is the correct zoning for the neighborhood. She urged the Council to vote against this bill. Councilmember Varner stated that he was pleased that everyone worked well together to try to resolve the issues that the petitioner and neighbors had to try to make this project work. However, it is in the best interest of the neighborhood not to allow this rezoning. Councilmember Dieter made a motion for unfavorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 3