06-27-05 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The June 27, 2005 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 3:48 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Kuspa, White Kirsits,Varner and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Les Fox,Building Commissioner Don Fozo,Brad Poulan,Andrew Nemeth,Mrs. Kopola,Peter Mullen,Margaret Pfeil,Don Inks,Todd Schaffer, Michael J. Baxter, Kent Hull, City Clerk John Voorde, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, and Jeff Parrot of the South Bend Tribune. Council Member Kuspa noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Rouse, Dieter and himself. Council Member Kuspa reminded any one wishes to address the committee to state their name and address for the record. Council Member Kuspa asked that persons wishing to testify before the Committee give their name and address for the record. Council Member Kuspa then called for a report from the Board of Zoning Appeals on Bill No. 05-66 which would approve a petition of the South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals for the property located at 744 South Main Street. Building Commissioner Don Fozo reported that the special exception was filed by Andrew J. Nemeth, Peter Mullen and the Catholic Worker of Michiana to permit and allow food distribution to take place at 744 South Main Street, which is zoned "L1" light industrial. He further reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on the request on May 19, 2005 and send it to the Council with a favorable recommendation,the vote being4-0. Andrew J. Nemeth with offices located at 922 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46617 made the formal presentation. He stated that the special exception is needed in order for the Catholic Worker of Michiana volunteers to have food served at the address. He stated that he sees this as being "very good for the community at large". It would not take the property off of the tax rolls and sees the issue as one of public safety and economic development. Michael J. Baxter of 1126 West Washington provided a five-page memorandum to the Committee(copy attached). He summarized the entire document which focused on the Catholic Worker Drop-In Center with regard to taxes, financing, exterior building improvements, the services to be provided, the population which would be served, security, a development plant, hours, and staffing. He noted that no tax abatements are involved. They would focus on the approximate 100 individuals who live on the streets or near the river and attempt to develop a feeling that these individuals belong. They see four (4) stages being involved, the 1st being repair and renovation of 3-6 months to the building owned by Peter Mullen who will be the landlord; the 2nd being the actual opening projected to be by Christmas, the 3rd being developing the middle area of the building, installing showers, washers & dryers, lockers, etc., and the 4th stage being developing the back portion of the building with the downstairs for June 27,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-