HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-10 Zoning & Annexation CommitteeZONING & ANNEXATION COMMITTEE
August 9, 2010
The August 9, 2010 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Al "Buddy" Kirsits at
3:30 p.m., in the Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd.,
South Bend, Indiana
Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Oliver Davis, David Varner
Other Council Present: Derek Dieter, Ann Puzzello, Karen White, Tim Rouse
Others Present: Rita Kopala, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Chuck Leone, Ron
Radecki, Don Schefmyer, Jeff Gibney, Mayor Luecke, Michael
Wiescher, Don Wheeler, Gary Gilot, Christa Nayder, Marco
Mariani, Jitin Cain, Tim Hacker
Agenda: Bill No. 27-10 Rezone 1847 Lincolnway East
Bill No. 29-10 -1219 Mishawaka Avenue
Bill No. 33-10 -101 E. Northshore Drive
Bill No. 10-35 - Special Exception 702 E. Jefferson
Bill No. 27-10
Chairperson Kirsits with all committee members present opened the hearing by asking for a
motion to accept a substitute version of Bill No. 27-10, the first item on the agenda.
Councilmember LaFountain so moved Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded and all accepted.
Derek Spier proceeded to give a report on Bill No. 27-10 from the Area Plan Commission. He
reported a favorable, APC recommendation for the proposed credit union with a drive-up window
and ATM. The site is compatible for a high-traffic commercial business. Mike Danch followed
with a brief presentation for the petitioners. There were no remonstrators at either public hearing.
David Varner moved 27-10 be sent favorably. Tom LaFountain seconded and all affirmed.
Bill No. 29-10
At Chairperson Kirsits request, Councilmember Varner motioned followed by a second from
Oliver Davis to accept a substitute version of 29-10. All agreed. Derek Spier again provided a
report from the Area Plan Commission hearing. The small vacant commercial building on
Mishawaka Avenue petitioned to become SF2 from MU. Michael Wiescher the petitioner stated
at intention to live in the building he sees as necessary to store his books while commuting to and
from Portland Oregon. Ultimately, on a motion by Tom LaFountain, seconded by Councilmember
Oliver Davis the referral to Council was supported by all as it had been when it was before the
Area Plan Commission.
Bill No. 33-10
A substitute version of this bill was accepted after a motion by Councilmember Oliver Davis. A
second by David Varner was supported by all. Christa Nayder provided the report from the Area
Plan Commission hearing. The Area Plan Commission sent a favorable recommendation subject
to four written commitments from the petitioner. Chuck Leone, the petitioner made his
presentation to the committee referencing a letter he filed with the City Clerk accepting the
requirements. Leone said he met with the nearby residents, heard their concerns and modified
his proposal accordingly. If approved the church would relocate to make room for four condos.
Concerns were primarily possible student housing and parking. Don Wheeler pastor of the
church who was a part of the meetings with the neighbors was present for support and questions.
Both Councilmember's White and Kirsits expressed appreciation for the accommodations asked
by neighbors and accepted by Leone.
After a few other questions Chairperson Kirsits moved to send the bill to full Council favorably.
Councilmember Oliver Davis followed with a second supported by all.
Bill No. 10-35
This special exception if granted would allow a dining bar (gastro pub) to be located in an area
where three other businesses serving alcohol currently do business.
Mark Lyons, from the Building Department reported the bill was sent to Council from the BZA with
a favorable recommendation Mark McDonald the proposed tenant and Don Schefineyer owner of
the property, both participated in the presentation. They noted they too met with surrounding
neighbors to discuss the proposals impact on the area. Councilmember's White and Henry Davis
both expressed concerns about parking, nearby residents and businesses were present to offer
support. Only Zion continued to express reservations about parking and possible negative
damage to the area. In support testifying were Mayor Luecke, Jeff Gibney, Tim Hacker, Marco
Mariani, Jitin Kain. Rita Kopala questioned the possible use of Howard Park for parking.
Councilmember Henry Davis injected the larger issue of a monitoring parking in the Parks.
Councilmember Rouse expressed sensitivity to the fears of the Zion faithful. Councilmember
Puzzello expressed support of the proposal. Finally on a motion by Councilmember Varner,
seconded by Councilmember Oliver Davis to send favorably with majority support Bill 10-35 was
so sent.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time. Chairperson Kirsits
adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
1 Cd Is kuzL
Al 0 & I
"Buddy" Kirsits, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee