COA APPLICATION #2020-0302: NORTHERN INDIANA HISTORIC SOCIETY INC. V. SOUTH BEND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

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Commissioner Deegan stated that he has to believe there are opportunities to do more with Venues Parks & Arts to connect the cabin with the park; that in terms of access, the cabin is currently in a public park now, it is in a very welcoming place. The cabin's new location will be behind a fence and gate, with controlled access doesn't seem ideal. Lastly, the idea of education outside of the context of the river is objectionable, which is why the question about building a replica was asked. If location isn't important, then the mere idea of having "the original" cabin in a new location no longer matters — the Museum could put up a picture, or put up a picture of the river, so I don't feel like accurate education is the main focus here. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko expressed that she is tom, and that the [applicant's] arguments are uncontestable, but the cabin is leaving the riverine context. She further stated that the felt like she was being forced to choose between a known option, and other unknown options. Improvements to the park are unknown, and by constructing some of the amenities that the museum may want for improving their use of the cabin in the park, would it then adversely impact the cabin's setting. Funding is important, so the re -listing of the cabin the National Register of Historic Places should be supported. She further supported the museum's stated position of wanting to have multiple representations different time periods of homes on their campus. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: IN FAVOR OF THIS PETITION: Jonathon Cooke, 63460 Orange Road – Mr. Cooke identified himself as a member of the Board of the History Museum, and he indicated that he has been the chair of the Campus Planning Committee and has been working on acquiring the properties to move this cabin for over ten years. There were two goals: 1) to move the cabin, 2) to create more green space. They have tried to save the local houses that will be removed to move the cabin. He stated that he was involved with the reconstruction of the cabin and that only approximately $40,000 was received because of the historic status of the cabin, with the remaining 75% of the funds raised by The History Museum fundraisers. He denounced the `idyllic setting' of Leeper Park because of the cabin's proximity to the reservoir., and the river can barely be seen, and it is a safety hazard. He stated he felt that this application was delayed, that it could have been heard in February, but The History Museum had to have a public meeting to share information, so they were delayed. He attended the February HPC meeting as an observer and recalled that he interpreted the ethics training as that the Commission "should do what is best in the public's interest", and that moving the cabin to The History Museum campus is in the best interest of the public. Alyssa Gavin, 1208-2A Hidden Lakes Drive – Ms. Gavin identified herself as a public school teacher with SBCSC as a fourth grade teacher, who has brought students to Cabin Days for seven years; she stated that she is disappointed that the fire won't be available in future Cabin Days. She stated that moving the cabin will benefit student education in many ways. A significant portion of the curriculum is about Indiana's indigenous peoples, early exploration and settlement and particularly the fur trade. Historic interpretation is incredibly useful for students. The History Museum is limited in what they can offer in Cabin Days – if bad weather happens, the event has to be cancelled or rescheduled, which can impact interpreter attendance or school attendance. Security and safety are a concern with the busy road, the outside public, and the river. She also stated that the lack of bathrooms is very concerning. Jim Lykowski, 23158 West Ireland Road – Mr. Lykowski identified himself as the owner of Lykowski Construction, which has been working with Jon [Cooke] to try and move the houses that will be removed from the neighborhood to move the cabin, and those efforts have been exhausted. He stated that he has lived in South Bend his entire life, been to the museum six or seven times and had forgotten about the Navarre Cabin. He stated that he had known about the Powell Cabin, which was burned to the ground. He stated that this cabin is an asset to the community, and he would like to take his family to see the cabin, but where it is currently at, it is just not