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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> Committeemember David Matthews asked, With the variance we just saw, could they have fit in <br /> the SF-Three (3) District, as proposed? <br /> Mr. Divita replied, Yes, a duplex would be permitted outright. We actually see that as a potential <br /> benefit to a developer who may have a series of lots and they don't know exactly where the market <br /> is going to fall. This helps them not have to have it all figured out on the front end and they can <br /> see which one (1) of their products is selling. They would be able to make that change without <br /> having to ask for any special zoning permission. <br /> Committeemember Matthews followed up, Is there any desire to do a map upgrade and designate <br /> some areas as SF-Three (3)? - <br /> Mr. Divita replied, I think that will be what we do,ultimately,through our neighborhood planning <br /> processes, assuming it is put in place. We could come to that neighborhood and ask them where <br /> the appropriate spots would be for this designation. <br /> Committeemember Broden asked, Would it be fair to say there are some plans in the works that <br /> have contemplated this? <br /> Mr.Divita replied, I think that is fair to say. Some developers are very interested in seeing this and <br /> potentially taking advantage of it. <br /> Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I have a question for our lawyer. I live in an SF-One (1) and I <br /> own multiple lots. Is there a conflict of interest for me to vote on this? <br /> Council Attorney Bob Palmer replied,No. <br /> Councilmember Scott stated, Thank you. <br /> Councilmember White stated,I'm looking over the comments we received from the two(2)letters. <br /> One(1)of the comments was that housing affordability has typically been a concern for the lower- <br /> income households. How would this new designation impact and cause more development in the <br /> neighborhoods that are most challenged? What would that look like? <br /> Mr. Divita replied, Again, one (1) of the issues in some of the neighborhoods that haven't seen a <br /> lot of development is obviously the market costs, especially on the new construction costs with <br /> higher costs for labor and building materials. Unless there is some sort of subsidy in place, they <br /> aren't really marketable and feasible to do. So, I think this, at least in some neighborhoods, can <br /> help change the math where instead of perhaps having one(1)renter in a structure, it might be two <br /> (2)renters or you could even live there yourself and provide another unit that is affordable. Again, <br /> it would be a smaller unit but could provide income back to the owner of the land or of the primary <br /> unit. I'll mention, I think the writer of that letter is referencing the middle-income populations in <br /> some of the hotter neighborhoods in the City. <br /> Councilmember White stated, That is one (1) concern that I have. As we begin to look at any <br /> changes in our zoning. The work we do, not only in the Administration but with the Council, as <br /> well,we begin to look at the impact.Hopefully what we do,it will help bring those neighborhoods <br /> opportunities for home ownership as well. <br /> EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY ( INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend.Indiana 46601 p574.235.9221 (574.235.9173 '11)574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov <br /> 5 <br />