04-13-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2009 residential. The Department does recognize that the existing structure was built as a commercial structure and that there are Mixed Use zoned structures sprinkled throughout the area, and therefore indicates that the rezoning may be acceptable if only the eastern feet (the actual building) is rezoned. Additionally, she advised the City Engineer has an unfavorable recommendation because the parking area will required that vehicles back into Ford Street at an intersection. She stated that the area is a single family neighborhood, however, there are several non-residential uses and zoning districts within a one block radius of the site. Ms. Nayder noted that the most desirable use is to allow the adaptive reuse of an existing commercial structure. The surrounding property value may be negatively affected by commercial but could also be negatively affected by a deteriorating building. It is responsible development and growth to allow the adaptive reuse of an existing commercial building. 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 the staff would not normally support Mixed Use zoning in the middle of a residential area. However, in this case, the commercial building exists and there is mixed use zoning throughout the area. The conversion of this building to a residential use could be difficult and the building is still desirable for a small, neighborhood oriented business. The rezoning could result in a positive investment in the neighborhood. Ms. Yakira Mcleod, 618 S. Warren Street, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Mcleod advised that she and her sister Ms. Sheila Stroud are seeking to establish a local convenience store, that is easy to travel to and convenient for the community. She stated that the area is in need of a local store for the residents to stop by and pick up essential items needed. Ms. Mcleod advised that she and her sister want to better the west side. There have been so many businesses that have failed due to lack of effort on the west side along with so many abandoned houses. She stated that there is a need for someone with positive optimism and energy that want to help bring the west side back to life. She stated that she believes that her sister and she can help pave the way for a brighter and better west side. She stated that she has been working with her Council th Representation Oliver J. Davis, 6 District who has set up meetings with the residents of the neighborhood to hear comments and suggestions regarding the rezoning. She also noted that Mr. Tim Hudak from the West Side Democratic who extended his approval for customers from P & S to park in their lot adjacent to the store. Ms. Mcleod stated that all she is seeking is the rezoning and a chance to prove to the West Side and the City of South Bend, that they can bring unity back to the area. She urged the Council’s favorable recommendation so that she and her sister can get started on their dream of owning their own business and not living off the government and to be self-sufficient and not relying on others tax dollars. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Ms. Martha Lewis, 308 S. Frances Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. Ms. Lewis stated that one of the two stores that Ms. Mcleod is opening is next to her store on East Jefferson Blvd. She stated that the City of South Bend needs more “Mom & Pop” stores for the residents to be able to shop at. Mr. Thomas Klempay, 1733 S. Walnut, South Bend, Indiana spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Klempay stated that he remembers walking down to the local grocery store “Grubers” to buy his penny candy. He asked the Council for their favorable consideration. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Kirsits made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 6