Special Exception - 515 S. St. Joseph St. - Michael J. Baxter (Catholic Worker of Michiana, Inc.)

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use is in keeping with this increase in diversity, inasmuch as the Catholic Worker accepts people of any race, color, ethnic group, gender, sexual orientation, ability or disability, and religious creed (including those who profess none at all). Third, as regards the City Plan's guiding principle of "sustainability," the purchase of this house and its proposed use enhances the sustainability of this area. The previous owners of the property on 515 S. St. Joseph St., who reside in Indianapolis, intended to rent it out each year to students with property management to be handled by a local realty company. The present plan is for two or three members of the Catholic Worker community and some of its guests to live in this house long-term. (The same is true, by the way, of the property on 518 S. St. Joseph St., which the Catholic Worker has also recently purchased.) This will increase the percentage of homeowners, as opposed to renters, in the neighborhood, which is a crucial index of neighborhood stability and sustainability. Fourth, as regards the City Plan's guiding principle of "flexibility," the proposed use of this house falls well within the parameters indicated by this principle. The Monroe Park Neighborhood is comprised mainly ofsingle-family and multi-family dwellings, of which a high percentage (45%) are rental properties. Clearly, the neighborhood would be helped by increased family-dwelling use by homeowners. While the property at 515 S. St. Joseph St. does not fit this description entirely, inasmuch as it will not be occupied by a traditional family, the proposed use is nevertheless appropriate under the principle of flexibility for several reasons. The property is located on the very western edge of the Monroe Park Neighborhood and will not draw foot traffic or activity into the heart of the neighborhood. The property is bounded on three sides by properties zoned for mixed use or commercial use. The property is within 300 feet of at least four other properties that are approved for social-service-related use. The property is within 300 feet of at least three other properties that are zoned for multi-family use with a special exception for a communal living situation similar to the one indicated in the proposed special exception for group residence. In view of these facts, the principle of "flexibility" is warranted and applicable in this case. Fifth, as regards one of the elements of the City Plan, namely, the "Vision of South Bend in 2025" that was adopted by the Common Council on May 10, 2004 as part of the basis for the City Plan, the proposed use is compatible with this vision, in many respects. The vision calls for "diverse housing choices," and highlights "achievements of ethnic and racial harmony, volunteerism, philanthropy, and just and equal access to economic and social opportunities." The proposed use enables an important part of the population of South Bend, namely, homeless people, to pursue housing choices. There is story after story of guests of the Catholic Worker who have been able to move from there into their own homes. Moreover, people of diverse racial and ethnic groups living together under the same roof and sharing the same table promotes harmony. In addition, the proposed use will promote volunteerism, inasmuch as the Catholic Worker has select volunteers who assist in providing meals. Also, the Catholic Worker receives no funding from the Church, nor from federal, state, or local governments; it relies on personal donations. In this way philanthropy is promoted. Finally, the proposed use will foster