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139 3. 405 N. Main/ 207 Madison — Scottish Rite Temple <br />140 Mr. Oxian stated that proposed local landmark known as the Scottish Rite Temple, be <br />141 tabled until May to allow the owners to meet with the Commission. Mrs. Choitz moved <br />142 to table proposed local landmark, 405 N. Main/ 207 Madison, until May 15, 2000. Mrs. <br />143 Sporleder seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. <br />144 <br />145 4.427 N. Main — Masonic Temple <br />146 Mr. Oxian noted that proposed local landmark known as the Masonic Temple, should be <br />147 tabled until May to allow the owners to meet with the Commission. Mrs. Choitz moved <br />148 to table proposed local landmark, 427 N. Main, until May 15, 2000. Mrs. Sporleder <br />149 seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. <br />150 <br />151 5.53233 Fir Road — Cheerhart Farmhouse <br />152 Mr. Huff, owner of 53233 Fir Road, stated that he was against the landmarking of his <br />153 house because he feels it would be too restrictive. He sighted the development of the <br />154 area and the possible conversion to commercial property as reasons why the property <br />155 should not be landmarked. He also noted the fact that the property might be annexed into <br />156 Mishawaka within the next few years. Mr. Oxian stated that rezoning to commercial is <br />157 not a problem, however, a concern would be that the house would be annexed into <br />158 Mishawaka. Mr. Huff stated that several acres around their house have been annexed and <br />159 that if they needed to replace their sewer system Mishawaka would likely annex their <br />160 property and tie it into the citys' sewer system. Mr. Oxian noted that if landmarked <br />161 property is annexed into Mishawaka the historic designation is terminated. He further <br />162 noted that the Commission has agreements with various cities within St. Joseph County <br />163 that if a county landmark is annexed into their city limits it would remain a landmark, <br />164 however, such an agreement does not currently exist with Mishawaka. There was more <br />165 discussion over the fact that there are numerous commercial structures in the city and <br />166 county that are landmarked. Mr. Huff again expressed his concern that landmarking <br />167 might adversely affect their property if it were rezoned to commercial. He sighted the <br />168 need for parking lots and new landscaping as potential problems if the property wase <br />169 landmarked. Mr. Oxian stated that the Commission often approves parking lots signs, <br />170 etc. He further noted that the Commission takes all aspects of commercial needs into <br />171 account when making decisions regarding proposed changes to landmarks, including <br />172 large additions. Mr. Huff noted that he does not plan to sell any time soon but the <br />173 possibility does exist and he does not want landmark designation to hamper a future sale. <br />174 Mrs. Sporleder stated that she would hate to lose the house, which would be possible if it <br />175 is not protected. Mr. Huff stated that he would not allow someone to demolish the house, <br />176 however, a future owner may want to move it to a new location. Mr. Ujdak expressed his <br />177 concern over the house being bulldozed for future commercial structures. Mr. Huff again <br />178 stated that he and his wife would not allow a future owner to demolish the house, by <br />179 insisting that they apply for historic designation at the point of purchase. Mr. Oxian <br />180 stated that Mr. Huff could always donate the facade to the Commission. This would <br />181 protect the house even if it were annexed into Mishawaka. Mr. Huff asked if the fagade <br />182 meant only the front. Mrs. Choitz stated that by donating the fagade would mean all <br />183 sides. Mr. Huff stated that he would be interested in donating the facade versus <br />184 landmarking the site. <br />4 <br />