04-28-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 28, 2008 Mr. Toby Todd, 52776 Shellbark, South Bend, Indiana, advised that he just moved into the neighborhood a couple of years ago. He spent years obtaining good credit so that he could purchase his first home. Mr. Todd stated that he has spent countless hours and money improving his property. He noted that the increase in traffic will forever alter the footprint of the neighborhood. Mr. Todd urged the Council to vote against the proposed development. In rebuttal, Mr. Danch stated that in regard to light pollution, there are restrictions that apply to development in the City of South Bend. All the lighting that would be done on this particular site has to be shielded and has to be down lighted, so that in essence there is no light spillage over onto any adjacent property. Mr. Danch stated that they will take care of any light issues that might arise. He noted that there was concern about pedestrian safety on Lynnewood Avenue by the additional traffic from the proposed development. Mr. Danch noted that the proposed development is south of the library, so the only traffic that would be of concern is that of the library itself. So residents and children walking down Lynnewood would only be faced by the traffic heading north onto Lynnewood, and would not be affected by traffic from the proposed development going south onto Lynnewood down to Cleveland. Mr. Danch reiterated that there are the ten (10) written commitments that he read into the record. The commitments are there for the protection of the residents of the neighborhood. Mr. Cooreman advised that it is not good business to sign leases before the development has been approved by the local governing body. Mr. Cooreman stated that change is a hard thing to accept. The Cleveland Road area is changing and this development will have minimal impact on the surrounding properties. He noted that there are developments that back up to residential property all over the county. He stated that he is investing 4 million dollars in this project. He stated that the reason that St. Joseph County had to be exempted out of the 1% cap on property tax is because there is not enough businesses investing in the City of South Bend and that is the reason that our taxes are higher. Eight of the top ten employers in the City of South Bend are not-for- profit. Mr. Cooreman reiterated that with this development the proposed taxes will be approximately $80,000 to $100,000 of new tax base added to the City of South Bend. He again stated that he would absolutely not lease or rent to cigarette shops, tattoo parlors, bars, or other non family friendly users. He asked the Council for their favorable approval. Councilmember Varner made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill, subject to the written commitments. Councilmember Rouse seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes and two (2) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Kirsits.) Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to set this bill for third reading on May 12, 2008. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 20-08 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST ALLEY TO BE VACATED IS THE FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF GOLDEN AVENUE FROM WOODWARD AVENUE TO THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY FOR A DISTANCE OF 120 FEET AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET. THE SECOND ALLEY TO BE VACATED IS THE FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF GOLDEN AVENUE FROM RIVERSIDE DRIVE TO THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY FOR A DISTANCE OF 120 FEET AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET 14