08-27-01 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee August 27,2001 Page 4 (copies attached). Mr. Whittacker took issue with the school corporation's proposed use of the land in question and noted that this issue may be ultimately resolved in the courts. Janet Macjuiski then circulated pictures of the area in question which she had taken (pictures attached). Council Member White then asked if there were any individuals wishing to speak against Bill No. 45-01. Mr. Dave Newfer of 2626 Mishawaka Avenue stated that he was a past member of the Riverpark Neighborhood Association. He said that this proposed designation is separating the neighborhood by dividing the residents from the business owners. Mr. Newfer stated that the elected school board's decision and vote to tear the building down should be honored. He thanked Mr. Hunt for an excellent job on the advisory committee and focused on a statement from the advisory report which he quoted from page 4: "The Council should not be requested to declare a winner or loser on the future of each one of the community's older school buildings". Rebecca Nice Bender, a Riverpark resident, voiced concern over the possible precedent that would be set. She said that the building is abandoned and can become a danger. The school corporation is not a deep pocket. Mr. K.R. Palmer of Palmer Funeral Homes noted that he has served on various committees in the past. Most of the business owners and members of the association are in favor of having the building torn down. Mr. John Hempler stated that he was a physical education teacher at Nuner from 1994 thru 2000. Mr. Hempler stated that Nuner desperately needs green space. It is landlocked and 15-25 acres is preferable. He prefers taking the students outside for PE classes and athletic events . He noted that the neighborhood could be plugged into the process, but finds that having Potowatomi as the closets facility is unacceptable. Julie Shadinger noted that she is a taxpayer, a neighbor and a mother and is concerned. She noted that there is no real feasibility for the development of the area in question and that the school corporation should be entitled to carry out their decision. The issue in her opinion is moot since the school corporation took action. Mrs. Shadinger also voiced concern about the amount of public money that has been spent fighting this issue. She inquired about the current vacancy rate of senior housing in the city, noting that the city has six (6) high rise center currently which have vacancies. Mrs. Shadinger concluded her remarks by stating that the top issue is the children and we have forgotten to look at the concerns and needs"of our kids". Under rebuttal, John Oxian, President of the Historic Preservation Commission, addressed the Committee. He stated that he agrees with the recommendations set forth in the report filed by the advisory committee. He noted that as early as 1980, Oliver and Central were proposed as landmarks and later Madison, Monroe and Jefferson. Mr. Hunt added that the RFQ/RFP stage would be the test of feasibility of the proposals. He noted that if the building does come down that there should be discussions with regard to the type of uses planned for the area.