02-24-92 Zoning & Vacation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

(tlommitter depart . ZONING AND VACATION COMMITTEE 110 tide Mammon Moonlit of tide Qlitg of*milli *nit The'February 24, 1992 of the Zoning and Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Lee Slavinskas at 4:03 p.m. in the council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Coleman, Puzzello, Washington, Kelly, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Ladewski, and Duda; Fred Holycross, John Byorni, William Weaver, Beth Leonard, John Oxian, Jon Hunt, Don Porter,Barbara Steele,Ann Kolata and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Slavinskas noted that the first item on the agenda was to discuss Bill No. 62-91 which is a request to establish the property located 802 South Main as an historic landmark. Mr. Fred Holycross spoke in favor of the designation citing a 1989-1990 report of the Historic Preservation Commission. He noted that the property in question has been determined to be eligible for the national register and is rated as "S-11". It depicts a commercial building of the 1920's with neoclassical motifs and reflects the social history of the area. Mr. John Oxian, the Chairman of the Historic Landmark Committee, spoke in favor of the designation. Barbara Steele of South Hold Restoration also spoke in favor of the designation and noted that it is directly related to the Studebaker Era. She noted that the State Landmarks organization will put up money for future studies so long as the letter of support is received from the City. Mr. William J. Weaver, the owner of the building then presented multiple handouts to the committee (copy attached). He noted that the Redevelopment Commission offered to purchase the building for $50,000.00. He further noted that the cost to remove asbestos alone will be $44,000.00. Ann Kolata, then presented a letter dated February 24, 1992 (copy attached) which informed the Council that the Redevelopment Commission is opposed to the designation. She also clarified that the asbestos removal was anticipated as a cost to the Commission as opposed to the current property owner. She further advised that there is a pending lawsuit to acquire the property through eminent domain. She also indicated that the Commission had received a letter from Schafer Gear Works Inc. currently located at 814 South Main. He noted that they may be interested in the property in question. She also noted that if the Redevelopment Commission becomes the owner of the property through eminent domain, that a public bidding process is required by state law. Council Member Slavinskas questioned whether the current property owner was ever approached by Schafer Gear. Mr. Weaver indicated that they had been in 1990 and they were given an option on the building, but were no longer interested. Council Member Slavinskas stressed that the issue before the Council is one of land use. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello it was noted that a building could be designated as an historic landmark yet still be demolished. Council Member Duda voiced concern and support for a delay of any further action to allow various options to be pursued. Council President Luecke and the Council Attorney noted that the Council must focus on the zoning issue of what is the best land use for the area in question.