HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-00 Zoning & Annexation (ommftttt Ztport:
The Zoning and Annexation Committee
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The February 28, 2000 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to
order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 3:04 p.m. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Varner, Pfeifer, King,
Ujdak, Kelly, Kirsits, Coleman and White; John Oxian, Ann Kolata, Ann-Carol Simons,
Kevin Butler, Larry Magliozzi, Louann Becker-Pruett, Robert Hunt, Terry Bland, and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member White welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Zoning and
Annexation Committee members,namely: Council Members Ujdak,Varner, Coleman and
herself.
Council Member White noted that the first item on the agenda was Bill No. 10-00 which is
a request to establish an historic landmark for the property located at 3016 Portage Avenue.
Mr. John Oxian, President of the Historic Preservation Commission, made the
presentation. He noted that the Historic Preservation Commission held its public hearing
on January 17, 2000, and recommends the Bill favorably to Council. The real estate is
113.8 acres located on the east side of Portage Avenue just south of the Indiana Toll Road.
It includes Portage Manor which was purchased by the County in 1905. The structure
reflects Classical revival structure.
Mr. Oxian then introduced Louann Becker-Pruett, Administrator of Portage Manor. She
stated that the Board of Directors of Portage Manor would be honored by the designation.
She noted that the Board and the County have worked hard to preserve the facility which
fills the needs of the community. She noted that the Manor is always filled to capacity and
invited the Council Members to visit.
Council Member Kelly voiced concern that if the area was designated as an historic
landmark whether development north of Portage Manor could take place.
Council Member King questioned why the entire 113.8 acres was necessary to be
designated as part of the historic landmark status.
Mr. Oxian stated that the Historic Preservation Commission always brings in the entire
parcel. He cited a number of farms which have been preserved as a result. He noted that
the Kline property on Jackson Road included the entire acreage. When development of the
area was sought,the Administration and the County after the annexation held discussions
with the owners and the land that was not needed was then deleted from the historic status
and developed. A new survey lot was needed and completed.
Ms. Becker-Pruett noted that a feasibility study will soon be under way on the Portage
Manor property. The State Board of Health will be involved.
The Council Attorney inquired as the the tax key number. Mr. Oxian stated that the entire
113.8 has one(1)key number assigned to it.
Zoning and Annexation Committee
February 28, 2000
Page 2
Council Member Coleman noted that in his tenure on the Council,he could not recall large
tracts of land with a single use, which were designated as an historic landmark. He voiced
concern about designating the entire tract of land and believed further input from the
County was necessary.
Dr. Varner also voiced concern about County input and did not want such a designation to
preclude future development.
Ms. Becker-Pruett requested that Bill No. 10-00 be continued to permit her to contact her
Board of Directors.
Council Member White suggested that in light of the concerns raised that contact should be
made with the County Commissioners on this matter.
Following discussion,Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman
that Bill No. 10-00 be continued until the April 10th Council meeting,remain in Committee
for further review and recommendation, and that the Chairperson of the Zoning and
Annexation Committee and the Council Attorney contact the County Commissioners for
their input on this proposed designation. The motion passed.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 11-00 which would establish as an historic
landmark the Angela Boulevard Bridge. Mr. Oxian noted that the Historic Preservation
Commission held its public hearing on January 17th and sends the Bill to the Council with
a favorable recommendation.
Mr. Oxian stated that the current Angela Boulevard Bridge is the second bridge to span the
St.Joseph River. It was open in 1940 and represents a three-span Arch Melan bridge with
two (2) central pillars with corbelled string course cones at the pillar bases and plain
spandrels. It is rated as a "12".
In response to a question from Council Member Coleman,Mr. Oxian noted that the historic
landmark designation p r o
cess included uded contacts with the County Commissioners, the
County Engineer, and former Public Works Director Lew Powell.. He noted that other
bridges were also discussed however the Angela Bridge was architecturally superior to the
LaSalle Bridge.
Council Members Kirsits and King noted that they were advised at a meeting in the Fall of
1999 by the County Engineer that the Angela Bridge would require a complete rebuild.
Council Member King inquired whether there was a memo from the County Engineer on
this matter.
Council Member Coleman voiced concern about proper updated information being
provided to the Council from the County. Mr. Oxian stated that he spoke with the County
Commissioners today and they were aware of the process. He also noted that the courts
have held that owner consent is not necessary for an historic landmark designation.
Dr. Varner requested that Mr. Oxian procure a letter from the County Commissioners
detailing their involvement on this matter in light of the conflicting information on the
structural status of the Angela Bridge. •
I;
Zoning and Annexation Committee
February 28,2000
Page 3
Following discussion,Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman
that Bill No. 11-00 evi wnandsecomm the
endat recommendation. The 2000
on passed.meeting and continue in
the Committee
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 12-00 which would establish as an historic
landmark for the property located at 528 South Eddy Street. Mr. Oxian noted that the
Historic Preservation Commission held its public hearing on January 17th and sends the
Bill to the Council with a favorable recommendation. School. It
The area includes 19.96 acres and is the home in 1930�It is Elementary three-s ry red brick a Neo Classical Style and was constructed
building with corner brick quoins and stone garlands above the front portico, around the
oval window and in all recess porticos. It contains a New England style cupola and
double-leafed wood paneling in the main entry. The architecture style reflects that of the
Thomas Jefferson home. Mr. Oxian read a January 21, 2000 letter from Fred a Fred of
the South Bend Community School Corporation (copy attached)
position on the proposed designation.
Dr.Varner Bill oNo. 12-00 be recommended Bill.orably to Council. The motion passed
Dr.Varner
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 13-00 which would establish as an historic
landmark the property located at 1917 Cedar Street. Mr. Oxian noted that the Historic
Preservation Commission held its public hearing on January 17th and sends the Bill to the
Council with a favorable recommendation.
The property is located on the northwest corner of Coquillard and Cedar Streets. It is a
brick,Tudor Revival style house built in 1927. It is a two and one-half story home which
meets three(3)of the building criteria for the designation.
Following discussion, Council Member Coleman, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No.
13-00 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
There bein g no further business to come before the Committee, it was adjourned by
3:45 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
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Attachments
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