09-28-98 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee September 28, 1998 Page 2 Councilmember Hosinski then asked for public comment. There were not persons present who spoke in favor of the proposed project. Those in opposition were then called upon by Councilmember Hosinski. Terri Zeiger stated that the City of South Bend has a low unemployment rate and questioned where employees for the proposed project would come from. She questioned who would build the project and whether they were from Arkansas. She questioned how many out-of-state contractors would be involved. She noted numerous empty stores currently at Scottsdale Mall and that Venture and Briteway have closed. She believed there would be light pollution from the 24-hour lighting for the project. She also noted safety concerns with regard to Roosevelt Hill which she said is called the"Death Zone". Lastly she questioned how many Walmarts and Lowe's could the community support in light of the fact that they are located in Elkhart,Mishawaka and Portage. Randy Zimmerman, General Manager of Scottsdale Mall,then spoke against the proposed annexation/rezoning. He provided a handout entitled "Scottsdale Mall 1997-2002 Projected Population Change and 1997 Population Density" and related data (14 pages attached); as well as the"South Gateway" Report (16 pages attached) which he briefly highlighted. He concluded that there is close to a negative population growth projected in the affected area. As a result the draw will have to come from exiting areas. Tom Harsh stated that he is in favor of southside growth but cannot support the proposed annexation/rezoning. He asked the Committee to listen to the southside residents. Sandra Zeiger noted that her property is across from the proposed stores. Lighting and traffic are real public safety concerns. She noted that Grape Road is not a major arterial like U.S. 31 and does not have the heavy truck traffic from the by-pass. She feared that the area would become a "mini-Kokomo". She voiced concern over the stores remaining in Scottsdale and Broadmoar. She also noted that the majority of the land in question is made up of corn fields. She voiced concern over an access road. She noted that a person is within fifteen minutes of any major retailer currently. Councilmember Hosinski then asked if the Petitioners had any rebuttal. Mr. Waldschmidt stated that the proposed project may help Scottsdale Mall. He stressed that goods and services must be properly supplied. He concluded that the project would put a focus on the southside. Ms. Patel stated that her company had looked at three(3) sights before focusing on the proposed area. The other sites were in the city limits but were restricted by the owners wanting the property to be leased instead of bought, or that they were too small. Council President Coleman questioned whether there were other sites away from U.S. 31 considered. Mr.Patel said that there were. Councilmember Udjak questioned Mr. Waldschmidt who advised the Committee that the tenants would construct their own buildings. Councilmember Hosinski called upon Sharon Myers from the public who questioned the impact of the project on police protection. Councilmember Hosinski noted that that question is addressed in the Fiscal Plan. Dr. Varner then provided a copy of the Fiscal Plan to Ms.Myers (copy of Fiscal Plan attached). The Council Attorney noted that pages 6-7 address police and fire concerns.