Bill No. 13-23 Approving a Petition for B&ZA the Property at 1602 S. Michigan St. Dist. No. 3

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(2) REQUESTED ACTION Special Exception (1) The proposed use will not be injurious to public health, safety, comfort, community moral stands, convenience or general welfare, because: The property at 1602 S. Michigan Street will be used for Multi-Unit transitional housing for women and their children who, even though they might currently be unsheltered and homeless, will abide by the laws and regulations of the City of South Bend, the county of St. Joseph and the state of Indiana. Each candidate is only eligible with the understanding this is a volunteer program and will have certain expectations with behaviors and actions that will not only benefit her personally but also the neighboring area. Consequently, there will be a security system, strict rules and regulations set in place to help her feel safe and secure, and to help her keep a mindset that this opportunity to change her lifestyle will come only with cooperation and intention. (2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area property values therein because: The purpose as stated before, is to assist women who are in the beginning levels of transitioning their lives. Each woman is part of a working community focused on being self-sufficient. There are other multi use housing locations in the immediate area. There should be no objections from neighboring homes. Prior to 2020, this proposed site for Homes for Tracy, 1602 S. Michigan Street, was a common nuisance because it stayed empty for so long. Now there is a perfect opportunity to create a new narrative not only for the property but for the lives of these women, and in some cases the lives of their children. (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is located and the land uses authorized therein because: 1602 S. Michigan Street was built around 1900. The character of this home from the time is was first created has not changed. It stands with dignity despite the changes all around. Like everything that has come about in the last 20 or so years, this neighborhood is in transition for the better and with that mindset the Homes for Tracy ministry is perfect for this spot.