02-09-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 2009 governmental and quasi-governmental uses. Since the types of permitted uses in the OB District are typically less commercial in appearance and are architecturally more harmonious with residential structures, this district can serve as a buffer between residential district and more intense commercial or industrial districts. The OB District may also serve as a gradual and reasonable transition between major thoroughfares and residential districts. The OB District development standards are established to assure small scale developments. The site plan shows a 3,400 square foot duplex. This covers 35.8% of the site. The northern half would be used as office space and the southern half would remain a residential rental unit. There will be a shared parking area between the petition site and the office to the north. The existing drive on Portage will remain. The parking area covers 3,185 square feet or 33.6 % of the site. The remaining 2,905 square feet or 30.6% is open space. The site is served by municipal water and sewer. The Department of Community and Economic Development identified this rezoning as consistent with City Plan, and the Portage Avenue Commercial Corridor Revitalization Action Plan. The building is currently set up as a duplex. The property to the north has been used as an office since 1981. The funeral home is also a long standing non- residential use. The majority of the surrounding area is single family homes. This is only a few blocks away from the Central Business District. The most desirable use for this property is to accommodate the adaptive re-use of the buildings to a use that can be compatible with the neighborhood. Surrounding property values should not be negatively affected. It is responsible development and growth to allow the expansion and adaptive re-use of buildings. 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 further noted that given the office immediately to the north, this is an appropriate re-use of the existing building. The shared parking area and additional landscaping will enhance this gateway into the Portage Avenue Corridor. Mr. Peter G. Trybula, Board Treasurer, F.I.R.E. Inc. (d/b/a Families First Center), st Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, 600 1 Source Bank Center, 100 North Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Trybula advised that the petitioner is seeking a rezoning for property located at 421 Navarre now 541 William and 419 Navarre now 543 William to re rezoned from R-2 Residential to OB Office Buffer to allow mixed use as offices (northern duplex unit) and residential (southern duplex unit). He stated that the use of the site immediately to the north is for offices, this is non-profit social work. They conduct supervised visitation for children that have been removed from their custodial parent. They are conducted 6 days a week. They are open from 10 in the morning until about 7 at night. They also conduct a number of parenting classes. Their client base is referred to them by the St. Joseph County Court system and also by the Department of Family and Children. Currently F.I.R.E has been occupying the site at 605 Portage, which is immediately north from this site. They purchased that home four (4) years ago and they have been using it for this purpose. Unfortunately their clientele has increased and they need additional space. Mr. Trybula noted that they have support from the Chapin Street Park Historic District and the neighborhood association. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Varner made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 3