11-10-03 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I. Qommitt t itoort Zoning and Inu xation. tommittte The November 10, 2003 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 4:03 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, White, Vanier, Aranowski, Pfeifer, Coleman, Kirsits, and Kuspa; Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Mike Morse, Dennis Whittacker, Bruce Yerry, Jeff Meyers, Michael Danch, Anne Mannix, Rick Katzenmacher, Charlotte Sobel,Dea Andrews,Terry Bland of the *olttIj 0 "Cr dam, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kuspa noted that the members of the Zoning and Annexation Committee included Council Members Kelly, Varner, Coleman and himself. Council Member Kuspa then called for a presentation on Bill No. 71-03 which is a proposed zoning ordinance and site development plan of Rescue,Inc., d/b/a Hope Rescue Mission to change the zoning from "D" light industrial "F" height and area to "A-3" mixed use "F' height and area, for the property located at 432 S. Lafayette Boulevard. Jeff Meyers, a Planner with Area Plan, summarized the report of October 22, 2003 and reported that the proposed ordinance received a unanimous favorably recommendation from the Area Plan Commission at its meeting of October 21, 2003 (report attached). In response to a question from Council Member Aranowski, Mr. Meyers reported that the Area Plan Staff also gave the proposal a favorable recommendation. Mr. Bruce Yerry of 51591 Stranton Court, Granger,Indiana noted that he is the Executive Director of Hope Rescue Mission. He stated that approximately one year ago they reapplied for low income tax credits and were advised that a zoning change was recommended. If approved there would be a fifteen(15) year obligation. Mr. Yerry noted that he brought the proposed plans for the building which he previously has shown to the Council. Dr. Varner noted that Mr. Yerry came before the Council approximately one year ago to address parking requests for the building. Council Member Kuspa stated that a detailed presentation on the overall use of the building was presented to the Council last year. Council Member Kuspa then called for comments from the public. No one from the public spoke in favor of the Bill. Mr. Rick Katzenmacher of 4115 Irish Hills Drive, Apt. 3D, South Bend, Indiana 46614, rose in opposition. He noted that he moved back to South Bend a couple of months ago after having lived in Washington, D.C. For the past 28 years. He sees two (2) issues with the request, the first whether there is a need for another homeless shelter and the second whether it should be located in the former Ries Building. He contended that no other city is located homeless shelters in the center of their cities, stating that it would be like take part of the "crown jewels" away from the downtown. He contended that people do not want to develop business next to such uses and that such key property should be tax producing property. He questioned whether the Council had I