HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-22-97 Zoning & Annexation and Community & Economic Development tons Mgt Ztport:
The Joint Committee Meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee and the
Community and Economic Development Committee
10 the Common tout utl of tis (ttt of *South garb:
The December 22, 1997 meeting of the joint committees of the Zoning and Annexation
Committee and the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order
at 3:40 p.m.in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Hosinski,Aranowski,Broden,Pfeifer,
Varner,Ujdak, Kelly, Sniadecki and Coleman; Don Fozo, citizen member Sue Hodgson,
Mr. Tomaschewski, Louie Marks, Robert Gorney, Joel Gorney, Bob Luan, Bob Hunt,
John Oxian,Ann Kolata,Jon Hunt,Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Hosinski, the Chairperson of the Zoning and Annexation Committee
called the meeting to order. He noted that the discussion scheduled for today's Committee
meeting involved the property located in the 1100 block of South Michigan Street. He
noted that the Redevelopment Commission has the authority in this area,however in light
of the discussion in the prior Committee meeting, it is believed that further discussion
should take place today. It was further noted that a resolution to the Redevelopment
Commission,which originally included twenty (20)properties for acquisition,did have the
five(5)properties in question removed. Ann Kolata noted that the process would have to
begin again from the initial stage for the five(5) properties in question. She then passed
out a map of the area in question(copy attached).
Mr. Joel Gomey provided a brief history of his property. He noted that he has owned the
property since 1967. Records indicated that there is more traffic on South Michigan than
Grape Road in Mishawaka. He has been paying taxes on the property for the past 25
years. He noted that there has been no problem with the issue of compatibility until the
new Juvenile Justice Center was built and now with the construction of the Ivy Tech
campus.
Mr. Louie Marks, the property owner of 1115 and 1123 South Michigan then addressed
the Committee. He noted that he resides in the property located at 1123 South Michigan.
He stated that he tried to get a building permit for the past four years and had to hire an
attorney in order to have this done. He is also the owner of the storage building. He noted
that the properties now have their electrical systems up to code and that he would like to
have a roofing and blacktop business moved into the facility. Mr. Tomaschewski noted
that he is the owner of Mary Lee's Diner which has been in existance since 1927. He
would like to keep the operation going and believes it is compatible for the area.
Ann Kolata noted that the process involves three basic steps. Step one would be to
appraise the properties; step two would be to add the properties to an Acquisition list for
Sample/Ewing; and step three would be to make purchase offers which would include
information on relocation assistance and financial assistance. Negotiations would then take
place and if unsuccessful,eminent domain would then be pursued. Demolition,reappraisal
and a public bid process would then take place.
Zoning and Annexation Committee
December 22, 1997
Page 2
Council Member Coleman asked a question about access and was advised by Mr. Gorney,
the owner of the liquor store, that he has always had access on Michigan Street. Mr.
Gorney further added that he was never contacted by anyone in Redevelopment prior to the
letters being sent.
Council Member Coleman noted that assessments are done by the Township assessors and
no de-valuations should have taken place. He also noted that any denial of a building
permit would have been because of a Code violation. Mr. Fozo confirmed that a release
from Code Enforcement would be necessary in light of the"vacate and seal order."
Mr. Jon Hunt noted that there is a need to increase the tax base and to create jobs. He
further noted that four small parcels individually could not be marketed unless all properties
were acquired. Once there is a plan for South Michigan and it is complete, a consulation
would then be utilized on how the tax base could be increased.
Council Member Aranowski noted that there must be a better job done with regard to
communications before owners receive the appraisal letter.
Council Member Hosinski stressed that the problem appears to be that there is no prior
contact which could be done legally before the appraisal letter is sent. Council Member
Hosinski also voiced concern about the effect on ongoing businesses.
Council Member Varner questioned the appraisal contract. It was noted that the contract is
between the Commission and the individual appraiser.
Ann Kolata noted that her appraisals would be done on each property and if the property
would be taken on eminent domain,that the Court would appoint an additional appraiser.
Council Member Hosinski noted that the acquisition of the five(5) properties in question is
currently tabled by the Redevelopment Commission.
Mr. Robert Hunt of the Redevelopment Commission confirmed that it is tabled and that
there is no further action scheduled on these properties at the present time.
Council Member Hosinski stressed the need for continued informal discussions between
the Common Council and the Redevelopment Commission.
There being no further business to come before the committee,the meeting was adjourned
at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member John Hosinski
Chairperson,Zoning and Annexation Committee
Council Member John Broden
Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee
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