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Staff Report-PC#0187-24 1/16/2024 <br /> The future land use plan identifies this area as low density residential. With a residential unit <br /> located on the 2nd floor of the structure, it will continue its historic residential use. <br /> Plan Implementation/Other Plans: <br /> The petition is consistent with the Near Northwest Neighborhood Plan (2019)which encourages <br /> amenities that serve the neighborhood; increase housing choice; and encourage of mix of uses. <br /> The petition is also consistent with City Plan, South Bend Comprehensive Plan (2006), <br /> Objective LU2.2 Pursue a mix of land uses along major corridors and other locations identified <br /> on the Future Land Use Map. <br /> 2. Current Conditions and Character: <br /> The vast majority of the neighborhood was built prior to 1917. A mix of uses is appropriate in <br /> select locations including the corridors and new development should not detract from the <br /> character of the existing residential areas. <br /> 3. Most Desirable Use: <br /> The most desirable use, at this time, is to allow for small scale development as a retail or <br /> restaurant space with upper floor retail, which fits into the established character of the <br /> neighborhood. <br /> 4. Conservation of Property Values: <br /> The OF Urban Flex district was established to enhance and support a full range of housing types <br /> and small-scale commercial uses found outside neighborhood centers. The proposed rezoning <br /> will allow for the conservation of property values throughout the area by the development of <br /> amenities that serve the neighborhood. <br /> 5. Responsible Development and Growth: <br /> It is responsible development and growth to allow for small-scale commercial development that <br /> will not detract from the character of the existing residential areas. <br /> Special Exception <br /> The petitioner is seeking a Special Use to allow: <br /> Retail & Service and Restaurant <br /> A Special Use may only be granted upon making a written determination, based upon the <br /> evidence presented at a public hearing, that: <br /> (1) The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community <br /> moral standards, convenience or general welfare; <br /> The proposed use should not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral <br /> standards, convenience or general welfare as any proposed restaurant or retail space will meet <br /> all applicable building and fire safety codes. <br /> (2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or <br /> property values therein; <br /> The proposed use should not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or property <br /> values as the outward appearance of the structure would continue to be residential and the use <br /> would be limited in scale by the nature and size of the structure. <br /> (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is <br /> located and the land uses authorized therein; <br /> While not immediately fronting Portage Avenue, the unique street configuration in this area <br /> makes it feel like it is part of the Portage Avenue frontage. The property would be developed in a <br /> mixed use format with a residential unit on the 2nd story of the existing structure, allowing for a <br /> SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 4 of 5 <br />