HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-02 Zoning & Annexation •
ctotttttcitt a import
Zoning 00 Stinimation ltotttmittet
The October 9, 2002 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson, Council Member Karen White at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, White, and Kuspa; Community &
Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Director of Economic Development Don Inks, Director
of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer,Area Plan Director Robert Sante, George
Adler, Larry Magliozzi,Marco Mariani and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member White noted that this Committee was called to continue the discussion on the
proposed Comprehensive Plan and documents related to that plan.
Jon Hunt noted that today's focus would be on:
1. Commercial Corridors
2. Redevelopment Plans
3. Neighborhood Plans
He reviewed a map proposing the"Ireland Road Redevelopment Corridor"which roughly includes
the Scottsdale Mall area,Broadmoar,and Erskine Plaza to the bypass and part of South Gateway.
Mr. Hunt noted that the St. Joseph County Council adopted a resolution at last evening's meeting
which approved the comprehensive plan. He noted that there is nothing in the proposed
comprehensive plan which contradicts any of the redevelopment plans. There are requests for new
redevelopment areas in conjunction with the NNRO.
Each of the commercial corridors are considering having redevelopment areas with such
discussions currently underway. SR 23 is a potential area for redevelopment.
Don Inks noted that Michigan Street was not initially a part of a redevelopment area, however long
term proposals include such discussions.
The Council Attorney inquired about how much flexibility the Council would have with regard to
amending a resolution proposed by Area Plan; and she requested a copy of the St. Joseph County
Council resolution.
Dr. Varner inquired about power generators and other concerns and issues which may be raised in
the next five(5) years.
Mr. Hunt noted that if the Common Council would have any changes to the comprehensive plan
itself that the plan would then have to go back to the Area Plan Commission. He noted that he
envisions an annual report of significant and substantial changes would be provided by his
department working in conjunction with the Area Plan staff. He also believes that every five (5)
years a revision of the comprehensive plan itself would take place.
Mr. Sante noted that corridor plans could be done as an amendment. He also noted that Area Plan
drafted the County Council's resolution and that he would provide a copy.
Pam Meyer noted that many of the documents under her supervision are based on federal or state
Zoning and Annexation Committee
October 9, 2002
Page 2
funding such as the"weed and seed"program which targets specific areas. Her staff helps educate
individuals on all of the other items which are in place and may impact their areas. Ms. Meyer
stated that often times the amount of detail is based on the amount of monies made available for a
project. She noted that many of the plans are old and should be updated and then formally
approved. She sees this as an opportunity and a challenge to connect discussions to the plans and
an understanding of each of the areas to the whole.
The Commercial Corridor map, the Neighborhood Organization Boundary map, and the City of
South Bend Land Use Map of 1998 were then shown to the Committee.
The Council Attorney inquired whether copies of each of the maps shown to the Committee could
be provided to the City Clerk's Office so that they could be placed on an eisle and made available to
the entire Council.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner,it was noted that each of the maps were GIS generated.
Marco Mariani noted that much can be done in light of GIS and that several staff members are
receiving training in this area.
Mr. Hunt noted that many of the planning initiatives are driven by federal funds, however there
should be overall planning going on. The proposed City Plan which is currently underway is an
attempt to get away from federally driven or focused programs. Mr. Hunt noted that the Council's
support and direction is needed. The City Administration and the Council need to work hard so
that they can direct dollars to carry out specific plans and advance those plans.
Ms. Meyer noted that under the Good Neighbor/Good Neighborhoods they will be looking at all
plans rather than on a project by project basis.
Marco Mariani noted that such questions as what is the process for updating; what should be
presented to the Council;etc. are just some of the areas being discussed. He also stressed the need
for formatting all future plans the same. Currently there is an informal relationship with Area Plan,
noting that land use plans are not addressed currently. With regard to the City Plan, he asked how
is a neighborhood area selected since there are many areas which need strategic planning.
Jon Hunt noted that the neighborhood plans require a lot of leg work of his staff working in the
neighborhoods. Planners no longer just sit at a computer but rather they also work directly in the
neighborhoods.
Pam Meyer stressed that the process can be an invaluable educational tool. They are currently
interviewing consultants for the weed and seed program areas. They are seeking more people to
become involved.
Marco Mariani also noted that the gaps between the various plans must also be addressed, since
currently there is no direct linkage. Funding priorities must be made. He sees the need to prepare
a simple map where points of conflict are identified. He also sees the need to develop a checklist.
Jon Hunt noted that if a more formal process is needed between the City and Area Plan that those
discussions must take place. He noted that currently there are five(5) commercial corridors.
Zoning and Annexation Committee
October 9, 2002
Page 3 -
Mr. Sante noted that 90% of the time Area Plan would have similar recommendations as
community development.
Larry Magliozzi stated that the City Plan would hopefully fill the gaps between the proposed
comprehensive plan and the neighborhood plans; however there need to be overall guiding
principles development by the Administration and Council.
Dr. Varner inquired what are the top three (3) goals which the comprehensive plan is trying to
achieve, noting that it is being proposed as a document which will be in place for the next twenty
(20) years. He asked about sewer and water districts; industrial areas; and what agencies are
driving the proposed comprehensive plan.
Mr. Sante stated that the most important part of the plan would be that it proposes a"smart growth
model", that there would be growth where it makes the most amount of sense.
Dr. Varner asked if one of the goals of the proposed plan would be that there would be no new
subdivisions without a sewer and water services.
Mr. Sante stated that this is not one of the goals since the plan sets public policy. New regulations
addressing sewer/water services are coming from the State Department of Public Health. He noted
that Baker&Daniels has been hired to draft a new zoning ordinance for the city.
The Council Attorney inquired when the Common Council would have input to the zoning
ordinance drafting process.
Council Member White suggested that early input from the Council would make a proposed city
zoning ordinance more effective.
Jon Hunt suggested that"common sense issues from the Council" should be encouraged.
Council Member White suggested that a framework of the proposed ordinance be provided to the
Council. She also suggested that the Council could prepare a list of needs which the Council
believes are topics should be addressed such as cell towers, secondary uses at commercial areas in
light of the many outdoor shoe sales currently going on each weekend;etc.
Dr. Varner stated that there has been a great "leap of faith" with regard to the public comments
since several are not valid. He voiced concern that the proposed comprehensive plan would be
based on many"false assumptions"as currently drafted.
Mr. Sante stated that the public comments were merely responses and that there was no analysis of
those comments.
Council Member White inquired whether each of the Neighborhood Associations have been
provided with a copy of the proposed comprehensive plan. She noted that providing such
information which assist in the discussion and educational process. She suggested that each of the
Presidents of the neighborhood associations be given copies for review and discussion with their
groups.
r
Zoning and Annexation Committee
October 9, 2002
Page 4
In response to a question from the Council Attorney,Marco Mariani stated that he would file a
letter with the City Clerk listing all of the maps being made available to the Council,and that a copy
of that letter would be provided to the Council and to her.
Mr. Sante suggested that approximately thirty(30) minutes be allocated for the presentation on the
proposed resolution which would adopt the comprehensive plan for Area Plan and their consultant.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White adjourned
the meeting at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
KCF:kmf