09-12-05 Zonning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Member Rouse made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dieter that Bill No. 05-109 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kuspa then called for a BZA report and a formal presentation on Bill No. 05-110 which would approve a petition from the Board of Zoning Appeals for the property located at 926 Blaine Street. Don Fozo, Building Commissioner reported that the Bill was heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals on August 18,2005 and is sent to the Council without a recommendation. Sara A. Williams of 926 Land Trust made the presentation. She noted that the special exception would allow the property to be used as a duplex. The property had been used as a 3-unit apartment which had been grandfathered as a non-conforming use. Since the building sat vacant for approximately a year, it lost its grandfathered status. She noted that it would be cost prohibitive to change this structure to a single-family home. They have hired an architect who is working on a report about the structure and whether it can be changed, however that report will not be ready by this evening. She plans to have a construction foreman here this evening. She noted that there were remonstrators at the BZA meeting who voiced concern about a rental status for the building. She noted that their company rehabs and sees properties primarily to homeowners. The small apartment would enable them to sell the property so that it would not sit vacant. Council Member Dieter inquired about the grandfather status. Mr. Fozo stated that it was previously grandfathered as a legal non-conforming use prior to it becoming vacant. Council Member Dieter voiced concern about the request,noting that it is near Muessel School. Council Member White inquired about no formal recommendation from the BZA, and noted that she would support this matter being continued. Mr. Fozo stated that the BZA only had three (3) members present at their meeting and questions were raised as to whether the request was consistent with the comprehensive plan for the area. He also confirmed that three(3)people spoke against the request at the BZA meeting. Ms. Williams stated that she spoke with a representative of the neighborhood organization for the area before the Committee meeting. Council Member Pnzzello stated that a letter from that representative as to their position would be helpful. Ms. Williams then requested that Bill No.05-110 be continued until September 26th to allow her to have the architecture's report completed and to follow up with the neighborhood group. She stated that she can be contacted at her office at 287-0444 or at her cell phone 532-3654. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Council Member spoke in favor of the proposed continuance and then made a motion to that effect. It was seconded by Council Member Dieter and carried. September 12,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -Page 3-