HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-24-00 Zoning & Annexation •
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Zoning anb Ittivexation (Committee
The April 24,2000 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order
by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 5:00 pm in the Council Informal Meeting
room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski,Pfeifer,Kelly,King, Ujdak,
Coleman, White and Kirsits;Timothy Lykowski,Todd Zeiger,Mr. And Mrs. Sexton,Kevin
Butler,J. Edward Talley,Terry Bland of the *nth I U GrLbUU ,and Kathleen Cekanski-
Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member White noted that the first item on the agenda was to continue the review of
substitute Bill No. 27-00 which is a request to designate the Remedy Building located at 501 West
Colfax as an historic landmark. She noted that the Committee had a public hearing on this matter
on March 27th and was continued.
Mr. J. Edward Talley,Director of the Historic Preservation Commission provided
documents to the Committee which included a picture of the Birdsell Home,and maps of the area
dated 1898, 1899, 1917 and 1933-1935(copies attached). He noted that the petition is to
designate the structure only as an historic landmark. Interim protection was sought for it in
September of 1999 because of the threat to demolish the structure. The structure is ranked a
"Significant 12"and was built in 1895. He noted that significant progress has been made since the
last meeting and that his agency and the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana have been
working together which has resulted in a great example of teamwork in their attempt to save the
structure and to relocate it.
Mr. Todd Zeiger,President of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana noted that
his organization continues to look for a new owner for the structure and a location to move it.
They are currently negotiating with a potential owner of property in which to move it. He
committed to the Committee that if an owner is not found that the Historic Landmarks Foundation
of Indiana will move the structure itself and restore the building. Mr. Lykowski would be the
mover of the structure.
Council Member Kelly expressed concern about designating the building until more solid
information was forthcoming.
Council Member Ujdak inquired of Mr. Lykowski about the designation. Mr. Lykowski
stated that he too would be hesitant to have the building designated in light of the pending issues
regarding ownership and its relocation.
Mr. Kevin Butler, the attorney for Mr. And Mrs. Sexton, noted that the building is a"fine
old structure"however he is concerned about the timing since that is critical to his clients.
Council President Pfeifer stated that the house has been an eyesore and has not been
maintained for over twelve(12) years. She hopes it can be saved and moved but in light of the
complaints from the neighbors it must be done timely.
In response to a question from Council Member King,Mr. Zeiger noted that their
organization had a house moved last week and could now focus on the Remedy Building. Council
Member King noted that everyone in the room thinks the building should be saved but the time
table must be established.
Zoning and Annexation Committee
April 24, 2000
Page 2
Mr. Zeiger noted that they are currently negotiating with the owner of a downtown property
on a main arterial street.
Following discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Council
Member Ujdak that substitute Bill No. 27-00 be continued until the June 12th Committee and
Council meeting. The motion passed. Council Member White requested that Mr. Zeiger and Mr.
Talley have an update on the project by that date.
Council Member Ujdak noted that he would like to have the building saved,and that often
times crisis brings resolution.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White
adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
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