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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-87 Zoning & Vacation amintitatt smart ZONING AND VACATION COMMITTEE Wu tilt Comm Moon& of tip ettg of emu* Iiittih The June 8 , 1987 meeting of the Zoning and Vacation Committee was called to order by its Chairman, Councilman John Voorde , at 4 : 30 p .m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Barcome, Braboy, Zakrzewski , Taylor , Voorde , Puzzello , Beck and Serge ; citizen member Doug Carpenter , Ann Kolata, Ken Fedder , Hedi Robinson, Rick Morgan, Jim Wensits , and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand . Councilman Voorde noted that there were four (4) matters on the agenda for the Committee to review. The first item was Bill No. 33-87 which would amend the zoning ordinance for the property located at the southeast corner of Columbia and South Streets . Ann Kolata then briefly reviewed the bill. She noted that the Redevelopment Department owned the property in question for approximately 6-7 years and were looking for a reuse of the property. It is proposed that the first floor would be used as an antique and deli with the second floor being residential. She further indicated that the sale of the property was contingent upon proper zoning for the location. The Board of Zoning Appeals would then be approached at its June meeting for the necessary- variance . Following discussion, Councilman Beck made a motion-,- seconded by Councilman Taylor , that Bill No. 33-87 receive a favorable recommendation. The motion passed. Councilman Voorde then reviewed Bill No. 26-87 which was a bill to rezone the property at 2002 Mishawaka Avenue and 914 20th Street, 918 20th Street and 922 20th Street. He explained that the purpose of the rezoning was to allow the expansion of an existing optometrist facility. He indicated that two (2) letters of remonstrance were received . Attorney Ken Fedder then briefly presented the background information for the petitioner. Councilman Beck noted that she had not received any complaints and had personally inspected the properties in question. She indicated that the optometrists had been good neighbors in the past. Mr. Fedder further indicated that the optometrists would be increasing in number from two (2) to four (4) at the enlarged facility. Following discussion , Councilman Serge made a motion, seconded by Councilman Braboy , that Bill No. 26-87 receive a favorable recommendation . The motion passed . • �w re ►sass ate Pu•usHIua en Zoning & Vacation Minutes June 8, 1987 Page 2 The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 23-87 which would rezone the property located at 3502 Lincolnway West. Councilman Voorde indicated that the Area Plan Commission voted favorably on the petition at its meeting of May 19, 1987. The petitioners , Sue Cameron and Rebecca Cameron , then briefly set forth pertinent information. They indicated that they would be starting a boarding , grooming , and behavioral counseling service for cats. They indicated that they had received letters in support of the facility from local veterinarians. It was also indicated that Mrs. Cameron had worked in this area with a local veterinarian for twelve (12) years. One ( 1) remonstrator had appeared at the Area Plan Commission to voice concern with regard to whether outside facilities would be used. It was clarified that the operation would be totally within the facility. It was also indicated that the wooded area would be kept as a buffer . Following favorably discussion by the Committee members, Councilman Beck made a motion, seconded by Councilman Puzzello, that Bill No. 23-87 receive a favorable recommendation to Council . The motion passed . Councilman Voorde then briefly reviewed Bill No. 11-87 which would amend the zoning for the property located at Bowen Drive and High Streets. He indicated that a total of 23.9 acres were involved and that the Area Plan Commission voted to send the petition without recommendation at their meeting held May 19 , 1987 . He further indicated that the vote was 8-3 on this recommendation. Mr. Rick Morgan of the Barnes and Thornburg then presented background material on behalf of the petitioners. He indicated that the proposed Erskine Plaza would be a benefit to the City of South Bend. He indicated that the substitute version of the bill would be allow the modification of the legal description. Mr. Morgan then distributed copies of the staff report dated June 3 , 1987 to members of the Committee as well as a letter dated June 8 , 1987 from Mr. Leszczynski (copies attached) . He then briefly reviewed both documents with the Committee. He further indicated that he would have representatives from the Robert Henry Corporation, Dr. Allen and Cole Associates at tonight's hearing to give testimony. He further indicated that two (2) variances must be applied for before the Board of Zoning appeals - one would allow the building within a 100' set back and the other regarding a variance to allow parking within a 30' set back. The total shopping center would be 170 ,000 square feet . Zoning & Vacation Minutes June 8, 1987 Page 3 Mr. Morgan also indicated that representatives would be present at the hearing from both Chicago and St. Louis and representing Venture Stores from the May Company Division. He stated that concern over lighting has been addressed and that the lights would be shielded from the residential area. With regard to the traffic on Widener Lane, he indicated that the proposed shopping center would have less of an impact than the relocation of Riley High School . He also stated that eight (8) homes on Widener Lane would be affected . He then showed a cross section indicating the elevation and proposed screening in the area. He stated that the natural difference in elevation ranges from 24' to 16' along the area and that 6'-8' fences would also be installed. He stated that draining would go into the rebuilt retention basin and that the developers would do all things reasonably necessary to minimize the impact to the area . He stated that a total investment of $9 million would be made into the development with between 300-350 jobs created . Mr. Morgan then introduced Mr. Mike Duggan of St. Louis who is the manager of architectural services , Mr. Dave La Pay from St. Louis who is a vice president for May Company, Mr. Chris Davey, Mr. Gordon Johnson, and Mr . Bob Dunbar . Councilman Robert Taylor then briefly referred to the traffic concerns raised by the residents of that area as well as his desire to have these needs addressed through the City Engineering Office and the residential neighborhood committee headed by Councilman Zakrzewski. He also indicated that the letter from the City Engineer showed the willingness of the City to sit down with the residents of the area to address the traffic concerns . Mr. John Abraham, a resident on Widener Lane, stated that he needed more time to address the various concerns. He believes that the project is too large for the area. He stated that he is not against progress but believes that certain concerns must be addressed . Betty Maroney , a resident of Widener Lane , disagreed with the elevation problem. She also stated that there is currently a water problem in the area. She believes that the streets (especially Widener Lane) are currently abused and that this must be addressed . Zoning & Vacation Minutes June 8, 1987 Page 4 Mr. George Warrick, a resident of Widener Lane, stated that they are already having problems with Reverend Summerall 's operation ; that they question why 2 , 200 parking spaces were required ; and that they did not like the suggestions of variances. Mr. Bernard Williams, a new resident on Widener Lane, stated that she lives in a bi-level house and that she would be looking directly at the new mall . In response to a question from Mr. Warrick, the Council Attorney noted that the procedures with regard to notice of the hearing before the Common Council were identical to all other procedures for rezonings. She further indicated that the Council follows all applicable State and local ordinances with regard to notice requirements . Mr. Rick Morgan indicated that the variances would be within the domain of the Board of Zoning Appeals and not before the City Council. He also indicated that a total of 1 ,076 parking spaces were indicated on the proposed site plan. The total height of the buildings would be 24', and deliveries would take place out of Chicago somewhere between 6 :00 a.m. and 7 :00 a.m. Mr. Doug Carpenter noted that if the variances would not be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals , the developers must address the specific items with regard to parking and set backs in the final site plan . Following further discussion by the Committee, Councilman Voorde noted that the Committee had three (3) basic options. The Committee could vote to recommend the substitute bill favorably, vote to recommend the substitute bill unfavorably , or vote to recommend the substitute bill without recommendation. Following further discussion by the Committee , Councilman Taylor made a motion, seconded by Councilman Puzzello , that Substitute Bill No. 11-87 be reported to full Council without recommendation . The motion passed . There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5 : 15 p .m. Respectfully submitted , Councilman John Voorde , Chairman