01-12-98 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation January 12, 1998 Page 3 from both the staff and the commission. Mr.Mike Danch then made a further presentation on behalf of the petitioner Mr. Robert Henry. He noted that a 6 foot fence would be utilized for screening. Mr. Robert Henry noted that the business began in 1974 with two employees and now has over 154 employees. Several properties have been owned by the corporation for the past five years. He noted that the week of Thanksgiving that 12 of the vehicles were vandalized and that security would be improved with the sensing requirements. In response to a question raised by Council Member,he stated that he would install a 8 foot fence if necessary. Council Member Kelly noted that Mr. Henry and his corporation have been a good corporate citizens and spoke in favor of the proposed rezoning. During the public portion Martha Lewis spoke against the proposed rezoning. She noted that she owns property on Francis Street and is concerned over how the properties are currently being maintained. Ms.Fritz who lives on Quimby Street spoke against the proposed rezoning. She noted that the office building itself is fine, however is concerned about emergency vehicles having access in light of the old railroad right of way being vacated. Mr.Henry stated that there was no alley that was ever abandoned and that he had no plans to reconfigure the abandoned right of way area. Mr. Spielman who lives at 1010 Quimby no longer has access to his garage. He also spoke against of the proposed in light of how the properties are being maintained. Council Member Hosinski cognizant of the concerns raised by Ms. Fritz and Mr. Spielman noted that those issues are not before the Common Council. The Council Attorney further noted that if the Common Council would approve the proposed rezoning this evening that it would be subject to a final site plan. She further emphasized that it would address many of the reorganization concerns and would require adequate screening. Mr.John Oxian questioned which parcels would be removed from the proposed petition in light of the fact that there is a historic home in the area. Mr. Yoll then conferred on the exact parcels. Ann-Carol Simons, Assistant City Attorney noted that the City of South Bend has several concerns with regard to storage and environmental violations. She recommended that concrete be required instead of gravel and showed pictures of the storage areas. Mr.Don Fozo noted that the code does not require either gravel or concrete for the storage of vehicles. In rebuttal the petitioners stated that they are not required to putting concrete and if required to do so when a building would be requested at a later point in time additional costs would be incurred to remove such concrete.