12-27-03 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Uommitt a depart Zoning aub 2tinveation Cantmitttt Tle December 27, 2003 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Kirsits, Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Coleman, Kuspa and White; Community & Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Area Plan Executive Director Robert Sante, Area Plan Assistant Director John Byorni, Robert Hunt, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Bernard Feeney, Larry Magliozzi, Terry Bland of the *Mb Witti ib1tfl and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that the first item on the agenda was to receive an update from the South Bend Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee. Mr. Robert Sante then made the formal presentation. He noted that the South Bend Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee started meeting in September of 2002. They will completely overhaul the city's zoning regulations. Mr. Sante stated that they will be"trashing the majority of the current ordinance" with limited exceptions related to adult business uses. He then reviewed some of the proposed changes in the zoning districts which he said will be proposed to be "changed substantially". He noted that they will propose regulations to address"big box sites"and. the issues related to storage. Mr. Sante stated that the law firm of Baker Daniels was hired last year to oversee this entire project. Mr. Sante stated that the Steering Committee is addressing policy issues and not technical issues. The Area Plan staff meets weekly with Baker Daniels through video conferencing. Mr. Sante noted that they are on schedule and are providing high quality work. Mr. Sante then provided a handout which listed the web address where the draft of the zoning ordinance could be accessed [http://www.bakerdaniels.com/southbend.htm]. Mr. Sante stated that the draft of the text of the zoning ordinance should be ready in early Summer with the remapping to take at least six(6) months or longer. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that input from the Corridor Committees be sought. Mr. Sante stated that that was a good idea and that he would be in contact with each of them. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about permitting downstairs businesses with residential units above. Mr. Sante stated that this would be considered a mixed use and would be considered. Council Member Pfeifer urged Mr. Sante to include such a use, especially on the corridor locations. She further suggested that South Bend must pay attention to trends so that we are ready to address "Big City Invasion"issues. Council Member Kuspa thanked Mr. Sante for his presentation. Council Member Kuspa noted that a letter dated January 7, 2003 (copy attached) from Larry Magliozzi, Assistant Director of the Division of Community Development has been received requesting that Bill No. 02-91 be withdrawn. The Council Attorney stated that the proper motion at this evening's meeting would be to strike Bill No. 02-91 at the request of the petitioner. Council Member Kuspa stated that a letter dated December 10, 2002(copy attached) from Michael Zoning and Annexation Committee