02-09-98 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee February 9, 1998 Page 2 Mr. John Oxian made the presentation. He noted that the 45 day period was insufficient for proper review and that they were recommending a 60 day period instead. Following discussion, citizen member Doug Carpender made a motion, seconded by Council Member Broden,that Bill No. 121-97 be recommended favorable to Council. The motion passed. The next item on the agenda was Bill No. 1-98 which is a request to establish the property located at 214 West Jefferson Boulevard as an historic landmark. Mr.John Oxian noted that the proposed Bill received a favorable recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission. He noted that HPC was unaware of any other action n involving th e subject property Y lncludin g t h e proposed bo n d issue. He stated that other cities incorporate older buildings with new developments. The building in question was originally ranked "12" but is currently ranked "11", with the C.E. Lee Building being ranked "10". Mr. Greg Kil, a local architect, spoke in favor of the proposed historic landmark designation. He noted that in 1916 it was used as an office building and a hotel. He further noted that he had met with representative from the Fire Department,the Engineering Department and the Building Department. He further noted that he had met with the Legal Department regarding an easement. The easement was drafted with action to be taken by the Board of Public Works in the summer of 1997. Action on the easement agreement was tabled by the Board at the request of the Redevelopment Commission. Mr. Kil noted that he is pursuing state and federal tax credits for the building. He added that this is one of two buildings of this type left in the downtown. It has been found structurally sound by a licensed structural engineer. He showed the Committee an article from a 1996 Architectural Digest, which depicted existing buildings next to new construction. He noted that if the building is designated as an historic landmark that 130 feet of frontage would remain for new construction. He concluded by stating that the building in question would anchor the integrity of this type of architecture in the downtown. A handout was then provided (copy attached). Mr. Steven J.Moerlein,a local attorney, noted that the property in question has a narrow footprint. He intends to use the building for his own use, with approximately 1/3 to 1/2 to be used by other tenant. He noted that he has lost two (2) tenants to date who wished to the 1st floor. He noted that he came to South Bend in 1989, and the property was purchased when it came onto the market. He noted that he has been prohibited from getting building permits due to the intervention of Ann Kolata. Ann Kolata spoke in opposition of the proposed historic landmark designation. She noted that a purchase proposal for the property was sent in late 1997, and that a court action is now pending on the matter. She further noted that in 1996 Mr. Moerlein requested tax abatement for the property but since it was in a TIF area, it could not go forward since the Redevelopment Commission was opposed to the abatement. She noted that the concern focuses on the fact the present building is not the most productive use in the downtown. The east side of the building is right on the lot line, and,the Commission believes that the best position is to purchase the building and take it down. She concluded by stating that for the four(4)uses in this block,a total of$ 16,000 is paid in annual property tax. N'em�er_of-the • • __ -