11-24 Special Exception for Professional Offices in S1 Neighborhood 1 District 737 Beale St.

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Staff Report— BZA#0251-24 March 4, 2024 Criteria for Decision Making: Use Variance(s) A Use Variance may only be granted upon making a written determination, based upon the evidence presented at a public hearing, that: (1)The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community (1) The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral standards, convenience or general welfare; The proposed use should not be injurious to the general welfare of the community. Offices are an appropriate use for the building and should have a lower impact on the surrounding neighborhood than the previous school. (2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or property values therein; The proposed use should not adversely affect surrounding properties. The use of the building for an office space is appropriate. The footprint of the building will decrease and its impact on the surrounding neighborhood should also decrease. (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is located and the land uses authorized therein; An office space will be consistent with the character of the district and the neighborhood. The building is currently used as a learning center, and an office space should similarly interact with the surrounding residential neighborhood in a low impact manner. (4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. The petition is consistent with the City Plan, South Bend Comprehensive Plan (2006) Objective LU 2: Encourage a compatible mix of land uses in the community. Analysis & Recommendation Analysis: Offices are an appropriate use for the building located on this property, and should have a lower impact on the surrounding residential neighborhood than the existing learning center. A Use Variance is more apropriate than upzoning to OF Urban Neighborhood Flex to allow Professional Offices, as the upzoning would also allow for more intense uses and development on the parcel that are not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to public hearing, the Staff recommends the Board send the Use Variance as presented to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation subject to limiting the office space to 160,000 square feet. sut l3ENl)BO RI)OF ZONING 1PPE:u.s Page 3 or