6B(1) Staff report on adding properties to SBCDA Acquisition List

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COVELESKI PARK -DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GMS Realty-Toyota Properties 300 & 400 blk of Western 10 parcels Schilling's Camera Store 325-329 S Lafayette 1 parcel Nor Systems Inc. Computer Store 301 S Lafayette 1 parcel Located in the two square block area between William, Western, Lafayette and Wayne, the twelve parcels identified above house the former Gates Toyota Sales lot and sales building, the current Gates service center, the former Schilling's Camera store, and the Nor systems Inc. computer store. The purpose for placing these properties on the acquisition list at this time is twofold. First, the Coveleski Park plan has identified these two blocks for mixed use development and the action to add the properties to the acquisition list would be consistent with the plan. Second, the vacation of the Gates Toyota use from the site coupled with the vacation of the Schilling's building would allow for a large percentage of the area to be acquired in the event that a large format user were to be interested in an urban location. The only other large format site (3.2 acres) is the former Studebaker Museum block between Lafayette and Main as compared to the 5.8 acre development site that could be assembled in this proposed development block. SUMMARY Staff would request that the Commission direct staff to develop the appropriate documentation to begin the public process to add 17 parcels to the acquisition list for the South Bend Central Development Area. The majority of the properties proposed for addition to the acquisition list are properties identified within the Coveleski Park plan and the inclusion of The Manor parcels are consistent with the larger redevelopment goals for William Street of removing buildings with inconsistent land uses. The amendment is reasonable and appropriate when considered in relation to the plan and the purposes of the South Bend Central Development Area, and the plan, with the proposed amendment, conforms to the comprehensive plan for the development area. Staff requests favorable approval of this request.