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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-05 Zoning & Annexation Zoning and Annexation Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The June 27, 2005 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 3:48 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Kuspa, White Kirsits,Varner and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Les Fox,Building Commissioner Don Fozo,Brad Poulan,Andrew Nemeth,Mrs. Kopola,Peter Mullen,Margaret Pfeil,Don Inks,Todd Schaffer, Michael J. Baxter, Kent Hull, City Clerk John Voorde, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, and Jeff Parrot of the South Bend Tribune. Council Member Kuspa noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Rouse, Dieter and himself. Council Member Kuspa reminded any one wishes to address the committee to state their name and address for the record. Council Member Kuspa asked that persons wishing to testify before the Committee give their name and address for the record. Council Member Kuspa then called for a report from the Board of Zoning Appeals on Bill No. 05-66 which would approve a petition of the South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals for the property located at 744 South Main Street. Building Commissioner Don Fozo reported that the special exception was filed by Andrew J. Nemeth, Peter Mullen and the Catholic Worker of Michiana to permit and allow food distribution to take place at 744 South Main Street, which is zoned "L1" light industrial. He further reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on the request on May 19, 2005 and send it to the Council with a favorable recommendation,the vote being4-0. Andrew J. Nemeth with offices located at 922 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46617 made the formal presentation. He stated that the special exception is needed in order for the Catholic Worker of Michiana volunteers to have food served at the address. He stated that he sees this as being "very good for the community at large". It would not take the property off of the tax rolls and sees the issue as one of public safety and economic development. Michael J. Baxter of 1126 West Washington provided a five-page memorandum to the Committee(copy attached). He summarized the entire document which focused on the Catholic Worker Drop-In Center with regard to taxes, financing, exterior building improvements, the services to be provided, the population which would be served, security, a development plant, hours, and staffing. He noted that no tax abatements are involved. They would focus on the approximate 100 individuals who live on the streets or near the river and attempt to develop a feeling that these individuals belong. They see four (4) stages being involved, the 1st being repair and renovation of 3-6 months to the building owned by Peter Mullen who will be the landlord; the 2nd being the actual opening projected to be by Christmas, the 3rd being developing the middle area of the building, installing showers, washers & dryers, lockers, etc., and the 4th stage being developing the back portion of the building with the downstairs for June 27,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1- storage and the upstairs being for prayer and meditation. He concluded his remarks stating that the Catholic Worker of Michiana have attempted to address all concerns in good faith. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. Nemeth stated that the food would be limited and just basic snack-type food. Council Member Kirsits noted that code requires a suppression system if the food distribution becomes more developed. Les Fox, CEO of Real Services spoke in favor of the special exception request. He noted that in his forty (40) years of service to the community he truly believes that no one elects to be homeless. He sees the type of service which would be provided by the Catholic Worker of Michana as complimenting President Carter's housing activities for those less fortunate. No one spoke in opposition to the Bill. Council President Pfeifer inquired who the on-call person would be, to which Mr. Baxter stated that there would be a schedule of volunteers from the community. If they "got stuck", that would close the doors. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the Board of Directors. Mr. Baxter stated that Ben Peter, Margaret Pfeil, Jay Landry and former Notre Dame Law School Dean Thomas Schaffer are on the Board. The Council President then asked for a copy of their insurance certificate for the property. She suggested that training courses be established and that there be procedures for those who break the rules. She inquired if there was a regional board. Mr. Baxter stated that there is not a regional board. He noted that the Catholic Worker community was founded in 1933 and that there are 150 worker houses throughout the country with no central office. They operate under the Bishop. Letters in support were then provided to the committee (copies attached) which included June 27, 2005 letter from Maria Kaczmarek, Executive Director of Dismas House of Michiana; June 27, 2005 letter from Rev. John M. DeRiso, C.S.C. of Saint Joseph Catholic Church; June 24, 2005 letter from Stephen H. Camilleri,Executive Director of the Center for the Homeless; January 27, 2005 letter from Olga Lorimer,Executive Director of La Casa De Amistad,Inc.; undated letter from Karen DeLucenay, Director of Hannah's House; and June 27, 2005 letter from Linda S. Baechle, Executive Director of the YWCA of St. Joseph County. Council Member Rouse inquired whether there have been any lawsuits since they began operation in 1933. Mr. Baxter stated "yes" however they have been limited in nature. Council Member Rouse noted that several communications have been received in support of the special exception request, and he would hope that the Catholic Worker group would work with them. Les Fox stated that he would. Mr. Baxter noted that he meets with Sister Suzanne regularly. Council Member Puzzello noted that she knew very little about the Catholic Worker group and accepted an offer to have soup with them and learned a great deal about their services. June 27,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2- , Following discussion, Council Member Rouse made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 05-66 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There was no miscellaneous business. Council Member Kuspa then adjourned the meeting at 4:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ervin Kuspa, Chairperson Zoning and Annexation Committee KCF:kmf Attachments June 27,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-