HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-08 Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting__ Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting
2008 South Bend Common Council
The February 11, 2008 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member AI
"Buddy" Kirsits at 3:40 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor of the
County-City Building. .
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Henry Davis, Jr., LaFountain,
Puzzello, Varner, Rouse, Kirsits, Oliver Davis and White; Mayor Stephen Luecke, City
Clerk John Voorde, Interim City Controller John Murphy, John Byorni, Mark Lyons,
Steve Studer, Violet Schorsch, Mrs. Kopola, Martha Lewis, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,
Council Attorney, and Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune.
Council Member Kirsits noted that the committee members include Council Member
Council Members Oliver Davis who is the Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Varner, Thomas
LaFountain and himself.
Bill No. 85-07: Proposed Rezoning for 701 S. Grant Street:
Council Member Kirsits called for a report from the Area Plan Commission on Bill No.
85-07 which is requesting a zone change from MU Mixed Use District to SF2 Single
Family and Two Family District for the property located at 701 South Grant Street.
Mark Lyons, a Planner, on the Area Plan Staff reviewed the multi-page report dated
January 16, 2008 (copy attached). He noted that the Area Plan Commission held a
public hearing on the request on January 15, 2008 and sends it to the Council with a
favorable recommendation. The Area Plan Commission believes that the addition of a
new home will help develop an under-utilized parcel of land which should have a
positive effect on the surrounding properties.
Violet Schorsch of Habitat for Humanity with offices located at 402 South Street in
downtown South Bend made the formal presentation. She noted that 701 South Grant
Street is current a vacant lot which would be developed by Habitat for Humanity with
infill housing. She-noted that 75% of their homes are in-fill housing projects.
In response to questions from Council Member Kirsits, Ms. Schorsch stated that the
West Side Democratic & Civic Club, Inc. would be donating the property to Habitat for
Humanity. Ms. Schorsch stated that they have determined that they do not need this
property for parking.
In response to questions raised by Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Ms. Schorsch
stated that Habitat for Humanity has constructed in-fill housing in St. Joseph County,
Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting Minutes
February 11 , 2008
Page 2
Mishawaka, North Liberty and South Bend. In many cases the properties were vacant
or underutilized and have a positive effect on the surrounding properties.
In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Ms. Schorsch stated that there
are currently two (2) families competing for this property.
Council Member Oliver Davis made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner, that Bill No. 85-
07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Bill No. 88-07: Proposed Rezoning for2122 South Bend Avenue:
Council Member Kirsits called for a report from the Area Plan Commission on Bill No.
88-07 which is a rezoning request for the property located in the 4th Councilmanic
District, namely 2122 South Bend Avenue.
Mark Lyons, a Planner, on the Area Plan Staff reviewed the multi-page report dated
January 16, 2008 (copy attached). He noted that the Area Plan Commission held a
public hearing on the request on January 15, 2008 and sends it to the Council with a
favorable recommendation. The Area Plan Commission believes that the "rezoning will
reuse an underutilized structure and should benefit the surrounding area. The addition
of required landscaping will help beautify the adjacent area".
Steven Studer, an attorney with offices at 53732 Generations Drive, South Bend,
Indiana 46635 made the formal presentation. The zoning request for 2122 South
Bend Avenue is from "LB" Local Business to "CB" Community Business. He noted that
the property has been vacant for approximately ten (10) years. His client Dignan LLC
hopes to develop the property. They will connect to City water and sewer. He noted
that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the future land use plan of the city.
In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Studer stated that Dignan
LLC plans to develop the property as an office or retail use.
Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member LaFountain that Bill No. 88-07
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kirsits
adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted, ~~J`~ /~~
Council Member AI "Budd "Kirsits Chair erso~
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Zoning and Annexation Committee
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