02-11-08 Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting

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__ Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting 2008 South Bend Common Council The February 11, 2008 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member AI "Buddy" Kirsits at 3:40 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor of the County-City Building. . Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Henry Davis, Jr., LaFountain, Puzzello, Varner, Rouse, Kirsits, Oliver Davis and White; Mayor Stephen Luecke, City Clerk John Voorde, Interim City Controller John Murphy, John Byorni, Mark Lyons, Steve Studer, Violet Schorsch, Mrs. Kopola, Martha Lewis, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, and Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune. Council Member Kirsits noted that the committee members include Council Member Council Members Oliver Davis who is the Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Varner, Thomas LaFountain and himself. Bill No. 85-07: Proposed Rezoning for 701 S. Grant Street: Council Member Kirsits called for a report from the Area Plan Commission on Bill No. 85-07 which is requesting a zone change from MU Mixed Use District to SF2 Single Family and Two Family District for the property located at 701 South Grant Street. Mark Lyons, a Planner, on the Area Plan Staff reviewed the multi-page report dated January 16, 2008 (copy attached). He noted that the Area Plan Commission held a public hearing on the request on January 15, 2008 and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. The Area Plan Commission believes that the addition of a new home will help develop an under-utilized parcel of land which should have a positive effect on the surrounding properties. Violet Schorsch of Habitat for Humanity with offices located at 402 South Street in downtown South Bend made the formal presentation. She noted that 701 South Grant Street is current a vacant lot which would be developed by Habitat for Humanity with infill housing. She-noted that 75% of their homes are in-fill housing projects. In response to questions from Council Member Kirsits, Ms. Schorsch stated that the West Side Democratic & Civic Club, Inc. would be donating the property to Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Schorsch stated that they have determined that they do not need this property for parking. In response to questions raised by Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Ms. Schorsch stated that Habitat for Humanity has constructed in-fill housing in St. Joseph County,