HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-22-12 Zoning & Annexation Committee ZONING&ANNEXATION COMMITTEE OCTOBER 22, 2012
5:27 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Dr. David Varner,
Gavin Ferlic
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Valerie Schey,
Derek Dieter, Karen White
Other Present: Kevin Allen, Catherine Hostetler, Jim Masters, Christa Nayder,
Tony Zappia, Mike Danch, Wendell Johnson, Harjinder Singh,
Herbert Miller, Gayle Broden, Mark Lyons, Kathleen Cekanski-
Farrand, Bob Masters
Agenda: Bill No. 38-12-Rezone/Special Exception 3527 Western Avenue
Bill No. 35-12—Avon Theater
Bill No. 12-70— Special Exception 1441 N. Michigan
The first agenda item, Bill No. 38-12, is a petition to rezone and ask for a special
exception to allow a gas station/convenience store at 3529-3527 Western Avenue.
Consideration began with a presentation from Christa Nayder of the Area Plan
Commission Staff who provided a brief summary of the Area Plan Commission review
and disposition. She reported that the APC sent the petition to the Council with a
favorable recommendation. Following Christa, Tony Zappia, an attorney representing
the petitioner outlined his client's intent. During the public portion that followed several
residents nearby the proposed convenience store voiced opposition. This prompted
Councilmembers Henry Davis, Jr. and Oliver Davis to voice reservations about the
proposal. With no apparent consensus either for or against, Valerie Schey motioned the
bill go to Council with no recommendation. Tim Scott seconded. All agreed.
The next Bill No. 35-12 was initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission asking the
Council to declare the old Avon Theater a historic landmark to forestall the library's plan
to demolish the building.
The public library purchased the Avon and other properties on the block the main library
occupies so they could proceed with demolition and expansion of their facilities. The
library's plans and purchases were made public five years ago. At that time and since
then these buildings had been vacant and boarded for years. In the months leading up to
this request by HP, the library reached an agreement with HP to preserve the ceramic
facade of the structure at their own cost for future re-use. Though the HP Director had
agreed to this plan,the HP Board did not prompting this request to roadblock any further
action by the library. Representatives of both the library and the HP argued their
positions and answered Council questions. Ultimately Gavin Ferlic motioned the bill be
forwarded with no recommendation. Dr. David Varner seconded and all agreed.
The last item Bill No. 12-70 was a special exception request to allow a re-use of the old
St. Joseph High School as a business incubator and education center. Mark Lyons from
the Building Department reported the BZA endorsement. Dr. Varner seconded Gavin
Ferlics favorable recommendation and all supported.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson
Oliver Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:06 p.m.
Respectfu • itted,
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