HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-02 Zoning & Annexation iI ommttt ort:
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The June 24 2002 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White at 4:03 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Ujdak, Varner, Coleman,
King, Ujdak, White and Kelly; Bob Case, Tom Veldman, Rick 011ett, Jeff Myers, Dr. Hudak,
Yassin Al-shawi, Rebecca Al-shawi, Khadijah Muhammad, Terry Bland of the &nab WO
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ICribunt and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member White called for a presentation on Bill No. 19-02 which is a rezoning request for
the property located at 2733 Lincolnway West.
Mr. Jeffery Myer, a planner with Area Plan, noted that the proposed ordinance received an
unfavorable recommendation from the Area Plan Commission at its meeting of May 21, 2002. In
the Commission's opinion, future commercial development should involve the reuse of existing
commercial property, rather than infringing on the remaining residential areas. The Area Plan
Commission also found that the proposed rezoning is not consistent with the land use and zoning
plans that were formulated by the City of South Bend and the Land Use and Appearance
Subcommittee of the Lincolnway West Steering Committee. The Commission also requested
further proof that the east/west alley between Lots 5 and 6 and Lot 17 is indeed vacated.
Rebecca Al-shawi made the presentation. She stated that the rezoning is being requested to allow a
used car lot and single family residential use.
Council Member White then opened the public hearing. There was no one to speak in favor of the
proposed rezoning.
Dr. Thomas J. Hudak of 2805 Humboldt Street spoke against the proposed rezoning. He noted
that he presented to the Area Plan Commission a petition signed by 236 residents in the area, all of
whom signed to show their opposition to the proposed rezoning (copy attached). He also noted
that John Oxian who is a member of the Lincolnway West Steering Committee asked him to note
for the record that that organization is against this rezoning. Dr. Hudak concluded his remarks by
further noting that LANA and State Representative Tom Kromkowski are both against the
proposed rezoning.
Council Member White noted that all Council Members should have received a copy of the signed
petition against the proposed rezoning in their Council packets. She also noted that she had
received twenty(20) telephone call against this Bill,as of this date.
The Petitioner offered no rebuttal.
Council Member Coleman stated that the petitioner lacks the appreciation of the integrity of the
rezoning process. Council Member Coleman noted that in his opinion approving the rezoning
request would further erode the residential character of the area in question. He concluded his
remarks by stating that to support this request would be a terrible mistake. He understands the
petitioner's intention but his business venture should not be located in this location.
Council Member Pfeifer noting that the proposed rezoning is located in the 2nd District which she
represents. The Lincolnway Corridor, LANA, and the Near Westside have been very respectful
Zoning and Annexation Committee
June 24, 2002
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of the relationship between the businesses and the residents of the area. The proposed rezoing
would go against all the work which has taken place in this area for the past six(6) years.
Council President Kelly noted that there is much opposition to this proposed rezoning. He said it
appears that it "is not going to fly". He suggested that the Petitioner consider withdrawing the
petition to rezone.
The Petitioner stated he wished to pursue the rezoning.
Council Member White also noted that there appears to be little if any support for the proposed
rezoning. She stated that she could not support the request.
Following discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Ujdak that Bill No. 19-02 be recommended unfavorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member White encouraged the Council Members to contact her on their suggestions
addressing cell tower legislation.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Vice-Chairperson Andrew Ujdak
adjourned the committee meeting at 4:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karen L. White,Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
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Attachments