Laserfiche WebLink
Dr. Varner inquired whether there were regulations where you could only have so many of these <br /> types of zoning uses in an area. Mr. Fozo stated that there are no regulations addressing group <br /> residences; however there are state law requirements address homes for mentally disturbed <br /> individuals and adult uses have restrictions. <br /> Council Member Puzzello asked the Council Attorney whether there was a way to address the <br /> conditions which Mr. Griffith stated that the Catholic Worker House was willing to operate <br /> under at this property. <br /> Mrs. Cekanski-Farrand stated that the Council could make the rezoning subject to written <br /> commitments which would address restricting the number of persons, requiring that the property <br /> would revert back to SF-2 upon resale,etc.;however by governing state law the ordinance would <br /> then be sent back to the Area Plan Commission. Under current regulations, the Area Plan <br /> Commission would then review the requested commitments, and if they would approve them, <br /> they would be recorded. <br /> Mr. Byonri agreed with the Council Attorney on the process for imposing written commitments <br /> and stated also that they would be enforceable by the City,the Building Department,etc. <br /> Council President Pfeifer asked if the Catholic Workers only provide services to South Bend <br /> residents, noting that an article in the newspaper stated that some of their residents were from <br /> Detroit. <br /> Mr. Griffith stated that they provide service and care to those in need who may be from out of <br /> the city. <br /> Council Member White inquired whether they would maintain service to just five (5) residents, <br /> since enforcement has been an issue in the past. <br /> Mr. Griffith stated that Mr. Baxter had a meeting with Mr. Gibney who suggested that the zoning <br /> may not have to be addressed if they would reduce their numbers. He stated that they have <br /> reduced their numbers and were willing to work with the neighborhood; and if necessary would <br /> be willing to have an accountability agreement with the neighbors in the interest of "total <br /> transparency". <br /> Council President Pfeifer stated that last November the neighborhood group did not support this <br /> use and asked if the Catholic Worker Group had gone door-to-door to solicit support or to offer <br /> services. <br /> Mr.Griffith stated that this issue came up last night on the radio program. The Catholic Workers <br /> has asked people if they have problems with them and have asked residents to sign their petition. <br /> In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. Griffith stated that Mr. Baxter met <br /> with Mr. Gibney this past January and that there were several items discussed such as reducing <br /> numbers, having a drop in center downtown to reduce foot traffic, arranging meetings to sit <br /> down and to help in working things out. <br /> November 14,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -Page 5 of 7- <br />