07-23-12 Zoning & Annexation & Health & Public Safety

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ZONING & ANNEXATION JULY 23, 2012 & HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY 3:40 P.M. Zoning & Annexation Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. David Varner Other Councilmember's Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter, Karen White Other's Present: Paul Phair, Marco Mariani, Christa Nayder, Mark Neal, Mike Mecham, Gary Gilot, Larry Magliozzi, KathyCekanski- Farrand, Mike Schmuhl Agenda: Bill No. 19 -12 — Amend Code — Combine Public Hearing Bill No. 12 -54 — Special Exception 508 -512 W. Colfax Chairperson Oliver Davis opened his Committee's hearing with two bills up for consideration. The first, Bill No. 19 -12, was initiated by the Area Plan Commission. Its intent, as explained by Christa Nayder, was to streamline the appeal process by eliminating the redundant hearing sometimes required by an initial request to rezone a property. Presently, she said an approved rezoning might require subsequent hearings for variances and special exceptions. This change would consolidate all needed public hearings into one making it easier for the staff, the Council, and most importantly the public asking for a rezoning. Christa noted this consolidation was allowed by-recent state law and was also recently adopted by the County Council. After brief discussion David Varner motioned for a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded and all supported. The second bill, 12 -54, asked for a special exception for property located at 508 & 512 W. Colfax. This request was initiated by South Bend Heritage (SBH) and was presented by Marco Mariani. The SBH Director explained that an old apartment building called "The Rushton" was being completely renovated into 23 senior apartments. The exception would allow for a parking lot adjacent to the apartments at a number of spaces less tan would normally be required. Mark Lyons reported a unanimous favorable recommendation form the BZA. In response to Valerie Schey's question as to the source of funds, Marco said SBH was one of 14 recipients statewide of federal dollars from a pool of 70 applicants. Henry Davis urged the use of minority contractors. Marco said a diversity plan was being developed to assure that would happen.