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Staff Rgport <br />3/6/2015 <br />the loading dock and trash enclosure. <br />3. From the required 20' side -yard and building setback to 0' along the east property line <br />for a sidewalk. <br />4. From the required off - street parking area screening standards to a minimum of 75 % <br />screening along Ardmore Trail, as shown on site plan. <br />5. From the required minimum foundation landscaping standards to a minimum of 4 trees <br />and 30 shrubs along the south fagade, as shown on the site plan. <br />6. From the requirement that no off - street loading spaces or trash containers exceeding 36 <br />cubic feet be located between the front fagade and the front lot line. <br />State statutes and the South Bend Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be <br />met before a variance can be approved. <br />(1) The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general <br />welfare of the community. Converting the vacant building to a school and improving <br />lighting around the site will create a safer environment for the neighborhood. <br />(2) The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not <br />be affected in a substantially adverse manner. Improving the building facades and <br />installing new landscaping will protect surrounding property values. <br />(3) The strict application of the terms of the zoning ordinance will result in practical <br />difficulties in the use of the property. The strict application would limit the ability for the <br />site to be redeveloped for any use since a building already exists. The parking <br />requirements exceed what is needed for this specific use. <br />Recommendation: <br />Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends that the <br />rezoning petition be sent to the City Council with a favorable recommendation. The staff <br />recommends approval of all six variances. <br />Analysis: <br />The conversion of this vacant site into a school would create an asset for the community. <br />Renovating the building and establishing landscaping will create a place that is safer and <br />more aesthetically pleasing. Its proximity to the library, community garden, and <br />residential neighborhoods make it a logical and compatible development. <br />APC # 2734 -15 Page 3 of 3 <br />