No. 0908 expanding the boundaries of the WWCDA, expanding the allocation area for purposes of TIF, and amending the development plan

Home Browse Search

o SBHF. With its considerable experience in the neighborhood and other parts of the City, SBHF should lend its expertise to projects requiring land assembly, rehabilitation, and new construction, and play an important role in future planning and development. o The City of South Bend. The City's role is vital on a continuing and active basis, as only the City can approve and coordinate public improvements in conjunction with other projects, and because the City is the source of various public funds that can be chan- neled to the neighborhood. It is crucial that the City make a multi -year funding com- mitment to the long -term improvement of the Near Westside. o Other Organizations. Other organizations that serve the greater South Bend area may be able to lend support and expertise to Near Westside programs. Some, such as New Hope Housing, are identified elsewhere in this document. The City should work with WWCRP to identify public, private, and non - profit organizations that could potentially play a role in the Near Westside Area. Revitalization Program Scope The recommended revitalization program is comprehensive in that it addresses the full range of economic and physical conditions affecting the living and business environments, and the general quality of life within the neighborhood. The program is balanced between targeted area redevelopment and revitalization, and area -wide improvement. It is based upon a commitment of all participants to a long -term improvement program designed to produce positive and lasting gains on a year -to -year basis. The recommended program responds to existing conditions and needs of the neighborhood, planning goals and objectives endorsed by the neighborhood plan- ning task force, and the overall development concept. The scope of the revitalization program includes recommended zoning proposals, the continua- tion and expansion of ongoing programs, and early action redevelopment proposals for the Washington Street and Chapin Street areas. Zoning WWCRP and the City of South Bend should cooperate in the preparation and adoption of zoning district map changes required to conform with and support the recommended Development Plan for the Near Westside Neighborhood. The following zoning district map changes are prepared to ensure compatible and mutually supportive land -use relationships within each district and be- tween all districts. Residential Housing Conservation Areas. The predominant land -use in this area should be single -and two- family residential. The Al- Residential district is recommended for these areas. If new multi - family residential is desirable, the area east of Chapin Street should be considered as a B Residential district. Mixed -Use Residential and Commercial Development. This area is characterized by a wide range of residential, commercial, public and institutional uses and is influenced by the Central Business District to the east. In general, zoning changes within this area should be scheduled to coincide with specific development proposals consistent with the transitional character of the area. However, the opportunities of current industrial zoning should be re- evaluated. Commercial Areas. The Washington Street and Chapin Street areas are currently zoned C- Commercial. These areas are no longer appropriate for the broad range of commercial uses per- mitted in this type of district. The C -1 Commercial district is recommended for these areas in conformance with the area limits suggested in the Development Plan. 25