08-27-01 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee August 27,2001 Page 3 Council Member King stated that the overall interest of the special advisory committee was not to pressure toward a specific recommendation, but rather to enable discussions to take place in the interest of finding common ground between the various entities. He noted that He and Council Member Kelly met for approximately two (2) hours with three members of the School Board of in executive session. Trustees,and thereafter the School Board met m utive Janet Macjulski, a Riverpark resident and member of the advisory committee, thanked Mr. Hunt for all of his efforts and stated that she believes that the recommendation of the advisory committee is possible. Mr. Dennis Whittaker,President of the River Park Neighborhood Association and a member of the advis or y committee,recommended that the city proceed ahead with the recommendations. Karen Hammond-Nash,Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission and a member of the advisory committee noted that in her opinion,there is a better case for landmark designation for this building than any other building in the city. She hoped that there would be a cooperation solution and is wholeheartedly in support of looking at the proposed options. Jo Blacketor noted that there are several joint ventures where the city and the school corporation have acted in partnership. Ms. Blacketor stated that as one school board member she has been suggesting a rejection of landmark status since 1996. She requested the Council to inquired why it has taken so long for the preservation commission to move forward. She noted that the South Bend Community School Corporation needs the site in question for physical education and recreational activities. In light of full-day kindergarten sessions and re-districting discussions I under way that there is very limited space within the Adams district. Ms. Blacketor then voiced concern with regard to due process considerations and noted her 11-page fax previously sent to the I Council (copy attached). Ms. Blacketor concluded her remarks by noting that the previous School Superintendent, Dr. Calvin, requested RFP's and all were rejected. She also noted that it is costing the School Corporation $95,000 since January of this year to maintain the structure, At this point in the committee meeting, a motion was made by Council Member Ujdak, seconded by Council Member Coleman to accept the filing of the report by the Special Advisory Zoning Committee. The motion passed. I Council Member White then called for a presentation on Bill No. 45-01 which is a request to establish as an historic landmark the structure and property located at 2716 Vine Street. Karen Hammond-Nash made the presentation. She noted that the building in question was originally built by the residents of the Riverpark community and then transferred over to the school corporation. The building reflects the ethnic diversity of South Bend at that point in time and is one of the prime architectural buildings with a former Mayor of the city having been an architect on the project. Council Member White then opened the hearing for persons wishing to speak in favor of proposed Bill No. 45-01. Mr. Dennis Whittacker presented a one-page letter dated August 27,2001, a two-page letter dated August 27, 2001, a copy of a letter dated November 1, 1999 addressed to Matthew J. Stahl, and a copy of a petition signed by 322 individuals which began"I am in favor of having the Old Nuner School be designated as a Local Landmark and I am opposed to having the building demolished" limnimmmi...i.T.