12-08-97 Zoning & Annexation and Community & Economic Development

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• atommittss Zsport: The joint Committee of the Zoning and Annexation Committee and the Community and Economic Development Committee Iro the atommott E oultuil of Os CO of South lasttb: The December 8, 1997 meeting of the joint committees of the Zoning and Annexation Committee and the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order at 3:40 p.m.in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Hosinski,Aranowski,Broden,Pfeifer, Varner, Ujdak, Kelly and Coleman; Paula Auburn, Ann Kolata, John Stark, Bob Hunt, Terry Bland,Mr. Gomey,Mr.Tomaszewski and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Hosinski noted that he thought that the joint committee meeting was to be held on December 22 and not today. Ann Kolata noted that she was under the same impression. Nevertheless,the meeting notice setting the joint committee to begin at 3:40 today had been prepared by the City Clerk's office. Since several individuals were present to address the proposed acquisition of the 1100 block of the west side of South Michigan, it was determined by the Chairpersons for each of the committees,namely Council Member Hosinski and Council Member Broden to go forward with a brief informational update. Ann Kolata noted that her office is currently in the process of adding properties to an acquisition list. It did not include those properties owned by the properties owners present. She then showed a map and pictures of the area in question. She stated that she did not believe that the 1100 block on the west side of South Michigan is developed to its highest and best use,in light of the new development across the street. Mr. Gomey noted that he uses the vacant lot to access the Gomey Plaza Shopping Center. Mr.Tomaszewski noted that he owns Mary Lee's Diner and would like to continue its operation. Council Member Hosinski noted that it was his understanding that there were no alternate uses discussed with Mr. Gorney or Mr. Tomaszewski. Mr. Gorney would like to purchase additional property to enlarge his existing shopping center. It was also noted that the exposure to potential customers on Michigan Street would be seriously impacted if the city would go forward with its acquisition thus curtailing Mr. Gorney's signage on that street. Ann Kolata noted that she had not spoken personally with the current owners. She noted that appraisals of the property are currently being done by Mr. Ralph Lauver. She also noted that two notices have been sent, the first being a letter with regard to the appraisals and the second being a public hearing. She noted that the overall plan was to acquire five lots and to sell them as one lot. Council Member Varner voiced concern of acquiring property and then turning it over for another not-for profit venture. Council Member Coleman stated that the affected parties should be part of the overall development at least from a discussion standpoint. Bob Hunt, a member of the Redevelopment Commission, stated that in light of the remonstrance,that the affected property owners were removed from the acquisition list so that additional homework could be done.