11-25-02 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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tontinittu Zeport Zoning alb Zin vexation (ommit#*t The November 25, 2002, Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer,Kelly, King, Varner, White, Kirsits, Kuspa and Coleman; Department of Community and Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Jeff Myers, Jim Frick, Greg Stroupe, Mike Wotiziak, Beth Leonard, Karen Hansley, Terry Bland of the &filth , tnti 1CribU I,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that the first on the agenda was to review Bill No. 70-02 which is a proposed rezoning ordinance for the property located at 1018-1020 North Sherman Avenue. Jeff Myers of the Area Plan staff noted that the Bill had a public hearing before the Area Plan Commission on October 15, 2002 and sends this bill to the Common Council with an unfavorable recommendation, He stated that the property contains a legal non-conforming use which was grandfathered when the area was zoned "A" Residential in 1976. Mr. Greg Stroupe of Granger, the owner of the property in question, made the presentation. He noted that 97% of the properties in the affected area were built as single-family residences, however the subject property was part of the 3% which were not. He has owned the property for three (3) years and has made many improvements to it. He has equity in the property and is in need to getting his money back. He placed the property on the market one year ago and was advised that he would need a letter from the City of South Bend that if the property was destroyed that he could rebuild it for that use. The City refused to provide such a letter therefore he filed for the rezoning. Council President Kelly asked if he was aware of the zoning problems when he initially purchased the property and was advised that he was not. Mike Wotiziak, a local CPA, then spoke in favor of the proposed rezoning. He stated that the insurance company would not permit the structure to be rebuilt if it was destroyed. There are four (4) units in the structure paying between $550-$625 per month in rent, plus utilities. They are trying to balance the area with affordable housing. He noted that they pay between $1,300-$1,400 in real estate taxes which may go up by 20%next year. Karen Hansley, President of the NNN, then spoke against the proposed rezoning. He stated that the neighborhood organization passed a resolution against it on October 8, 2002. She stated that it would be spot zoning and noted that the density in the area and the fact that 50% of the structures are rental units adds to the absentee landlord problems. Council Member Pfeifer spoke against the bill,noting that she would support the neighbors and the efforts of the NNN. Council Member Aranowski noted that the property is within his Councilmanic District. He has supported and will continue to support the NNN and therefore would oppose the rezoning. Council Member Coleman stated that he has been familiar with the property since his youth. He stated it was built as a duplex and believes that the structure is an exception. It has two(2) separate