01-12-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 12, 2009 limited public and institutional uses that are compatible with a multifamily residential neighborhood. The development standards are designed to promote the establishment of multifamily dwelling projects with on-site amenities. The site plan shows a 20,547 square foot apartment building. This 4 story, 72 unit building will cover 23.9% of the site. Fifty-five parking spaces, covering 28,711 square feet, are shown. Open space, including patios covers the remaining 36,712 square feet. This site, as a part of the LaSalle Square area, had requested rezonings, in 2001 and 2002. Both were withdrawn. On October 3, 2008, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission accepted the LaSalle Square Plan. Ardmore Trail is a two lane road with a center turn lane. The site will be served by municipal utilities. Board of Zoning Appeals variances for the height of the building, recreational open space, and number of parking spaces have been filed for the November 20, 2008 meeting. She noted that City of South Bend City Plan dated November 2006 Objective H 1 Ensure that an adequate supply of housing is available to meet the needs, preferences, and financial capabilities of households now and in the future. Policy H 1.4: Encourage the development of a variety of housing types and care choices for seniors and disabled persons. The future Land Use Map shows this area in general as Mixed Use. She noted that the LaSalle Square Area Redevelopment plan Five Year Outlook Recommendation #3: Work with a senior housing developer to come into the Square. This development seems ideally suited to be situated in the vacant parcel to the immediate east of the LaSalle Library, which will preserve the frontage on Bendix Drive to be used for retail development. Bringing in a new development will quickly add residents, improving the likelihood of new retail development for the area. The proposed rezoning is in conformance with these policies and plans. The current site is an empty field. The most desirable use of this site is a mixed use of residential and commercial. The surrounding property values should not be affected. It is responsible development and growth to follow previously approved land use plans. Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends that the petition be sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. Ms. Nayder advised that a significant effort has been put forth into the planning for the LaSalle Square site though the South Bend Comprehensive Plan, City Plan, and more recently the LaSalle Square Redevelopment Plan. This rezoning is consistent with both those plans. Mr. John VanMeeter, Director of Development, Sterling Development, LLC, 3900 Edison Lakes Parkway, Suite 201, Mishawaka, Indiana made the presentation for this bill. Mr. VanMeeter advised that the property sought to be rezoned is located at 921 North Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. The owners are Faith Apostolic Temple, Inc. and the contingent purchaser is Sterling Development, LLC. He stated that it is desired and requested that this property be rezoned from “CB” Community Business to “MF2” High- Density Multifamily District to allow multifamily dwellings (Independent Living Senior Development) He advised that the project will consist of 72 units of senior independent living, in a four (4) story structure with an estimated 7.4 million dollars in development costs. Mr. VanMeeter stated that the development will be restricted to age 55 and older. He stated that this development will be allowed through the low income housing tax credit and the affordability period will be for a thirty (30) year period. This development will be constructed with energy efficiency in mind for the resident as well as the owner. He also noted that all utilities will be included in the rent except electric. The site is approximately 1.92 acres situated between the LaSalle Branch Library and some retail located along Bendix Drive, just south of Ardmore Trail. He also noted that there will be only one entrance into each building, it will be secured with personnel during operating hours and monitored with a security camera. The parking lot will also be monitored with a security camera. Mr. VanMeeter noted that after hours the camera will monitor and be backed up on a DVR. Mr. Lance Swank, 14297 Avondale, Granger, Indiana, advised that they will have a monitoring system in each unit just in case one of the residents should fall or need assistance. It will be on a pull string and a call button that would be relayed to a monitoring system. Mr. Swank noted that the parking would be open. He noted that storage for each unit will be located on each floor. 4