HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-11 Zoning & Annexation Committee ����•,�
�.
� �.�
�:
ZONING AND ANNEXATION COMMITTEE 06-27-11
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis;Tom LaFountain; David Varner
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Karen L.White;Ann Puzzello; Henry
Davis; Tim Rouse
Others Present: Mayor Luecke; Cosimo Bumbaca; Frank Agostino;
Gregg Zientara; Charlotte Pfeiffer; Mark Lyons
Agenda: Bill No. 11-44—Special Exception— 1117 W.Washington
Bill No. 11-30—Special Exception— 1019 Talbot
Bill No. 11-44
This bill asks the Council to grant a special exception to a home at 1117-1119 W. Washington to
allow a duplex in a single-family neighborhood.
Vice-Chairperson Oliver Davis conducting the meeting in Councilmember's Kirsits absence asked
for a presenter of the bill. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand interjected to note repeat
attempts to notify the pefitioner of the hearing by the Clerk's office had failed.
Vice-Chairperson Oliver Davis, recognizing some members of the public were present to speak
on the bill decided to go ahead with the hearing and reschedule another hearing and action on
the Bill for July 11, 2011.
Going directly to the public portion Chairperson Oliver Davis noted no one was present to speak
in favor. Speaking against was Charlotte Pfeiffer representing the Near West Side Neighborhood
Alliance said residents nearby had long fostered single-family owner occupied homes. A duplex,
she felt, would compromise years of heard work to turn the neighborhood around. Charlotte also
read a letter from South Bend Heritage opposing the granting of the special exception.
Mark Lyons from the building department reported that the BZA sent the bill to Council with no
recommendation.
Council Atiorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand noted that failure of the Council to act with in a 60
day deadline from June 1 would automatically allow the special exception. She recommended
the Clerk's Office send a registered letter to the petitioner to appear at a meeting to further
consider the matter at the next meeting on July 11, 2011.
Bill No. 11-30
Chairperson Kirsits was now present to conduct the committee hearing. This bill asks for a
special exception to allow two properties to be consolidated with the two single-family houses on
them joined together. The petitioner was present to answer questions. The petitioner was
represented by his Attorney Frank Agostino.
Chairperson Kirsits called upon Mark Lyons of the building department who reported that the BZA
gave the bill an unfavorable recommendation preferring the houses not be joined.
Mr.Agostino outlined the support for the project by the neighbors on Talbot St. He further cited
the many positive improvements Mr. Bumbaca has made to other rental properties in the area II
the while maintaining this would add to neighborhood revitalization.
Chairperson Kirsits asked for those present who would like to speak in favor. There were none.
Opposed was Marguerite Taylor who identified herself as Vice-President of the North East
Neighborhood Center and Treasurer of the Near Northeast Revitalization Organization. She said
the proposal runs counter to long standing efforts to promote single-family zoning.
Both Councilmember's Puuello and Kirsits expressed opposition to the exception.
Councilmember Henry Davis cautioned against discrimination against landlords and renters.
Councilmember Oliver Davis moved the bill be sent to full Council with no recommendation.
Councilmember LaFoutain seconded the motion and all affirmed.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Kirsits
adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitt�d, „
. . � �.
� ''
AI "Buddy" Kirsits, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee