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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: August 4, 2009 Application Number: 2009 -0731A Property Location: River Bank at Intersection of Lafayette and W. North Shore Architectural Style/Date /Architect or Builder: Non - Applicable Property Owner: City of South Rend Landmark or District Designation: West North Shore Rating: Not rated DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The land is located on the south side of the T intersection of Lafayette and West North Shore Drive between the St. Joseph River and W. North Shore Blvd. The site is grass covered with trees and shrub plantings; a metal barricade and a timber pole with directional signage are also present. See - photographs in Exhibit #1 ALTERATIONS: The addition of the man-made materials: barricade timber post with signage. APPLICATION ITEMS: Install a stainless steel single access control cabinet approximately 3'x5' with a small attached radio antenna behind the shrub located behind the timber pole and barricade. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The City of South Bend Public Works Department proposes to install a 3'x5' cabinet to house controls and monitoring devices to regulate the flow of Combined Sewer Overflow toward the sewage treatment plant instead of to the river. The cabinet will be installed on a poured concrete slab behind the shrubbery. See attached project specifications and site plans. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: I. THE ENVIRONMENT The West North Shore Drive residential neighborhood from Michigan Avenue to Iroquois Avenue has a distinctive and valuable character. The external appearance of the river and street, homes, and yards communicates and reflects the fact that for over half a century it has been and still is a comfortable residential neighborhood. All of the architectural and charming character of West North Shore Drive has been preserved. The homes are generally architecturally and historically distinctive, large and located on ample lots. A. THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND TIRE RIVER The intimate relationship of the St. Joseph River to this residential neighborhood and to each individual home should be preserved. At present residents, visitors, and passers -by drink in the delights of the River - its Swift, unimpeded current, its substantial breadth and its banks of verdant natural growth. The erection of high walls or other artificial barriers to the enjoyment of the scenic River must be prohibited. Parking on the river side of North Shore Drive must be prohibited. If erosion control efforts become necessary to preserve the river banks, they must involve processes and material consistent with natural beauty of the banks. Poured concrete, concrete slabs, concrete building blocks or other unsightly material must be avoided. The development of boat landings, access points, scenic overlooks, or terraces should be done in such a way as to preserve the natural beauty of the river and banks. Grass clippings and leaves should be placed on the bank so as to induce building up the bank. They must not detract from the beauty of the bank. Unsightly brush and weeds must be eliminated. Dead or diseased trees and branches should be removed. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval. The proposed stainless steel cabinet will be installed on a concrete pad in an area that is below street grade and further shielded from view by a large bush.