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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-01 Zoning & Annexation (ont]tttttc 'pout: Zoning anti itmexation e ommtttu The September 24,2001 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by the Committee Chairperson Council Member Karen White at 3:32 pm in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Varner, Coleman, White, Kelly King, Aranowski, Kirsits, and Pfeifer; Janet Macjulski, Karen Hammond-Nash, Owen Rock, George Adler, Robert Case, Terry Bland of the fboUth TECribunt, and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 01-75 which would approve a written fiscal plan and establish a policy for services in German Township commonly referred to as the"North Olive 2 Annexation Area". Mr. George Adler of the Division of Community Development made the presentation. This is a voluntary petition consisting of two(2) lots totaling 1.47 acres on the east side of Olive Road north of Cleveland Road. No new public improvements will be required. Owen Rock of the Division of Community Development noted that five (5) homes are located in this area. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman that Bill No. 01-75 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Y I� The Committee then reviewed Bill NO. 74-01 which is a voluntary annexation request for the property located at 52680 and 52720 North Olive Road. Mr. Robert Case of the Division of Community Development made the presentation. He noted that the area in question is an island of residential homes. Following discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 74-01 be recommended favorably. The motion passed. Council Member White then called for a presentation on Bill No. 61-01 which would establish as an historic landmark the structure and real property located at 1534 West Sample Street commonly known as the"Old Washington High School". Karen Hammond-Nash, Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission, made the presentation. She noted that the school served immigrants and residents coming to the area. It was once leased to IUSB and is currently vacant. Originally this matter was to be heard on the same evening as the police salaries, and the Commission requested a continuance, however since that time the interim protection status expired. As a result, the South Bend School Corporation went forward and began demolition taking down a major portion of the front of the building. Council Member White noted that this matter was originally scheduled the same evening that the historic landmark status for Nuner School and the police wage ordinances were being considered. She has received no communication from the South Bend Community Schools on this matter. Dr. Varner noted that he never saw a future for Old Washington High School, but had hoped that there would have been one for Nuner School. Zoning and Annexation Committee September 24, 2001 Page 2 Council Member Aranowski stated that it was his understanding that central services is to be re- located to the old Washington site which would bring ninety(90)jobs. Karen Hammon-Nash noted that she review the SBBC budget and had conversations with Dr. Stump in the past about relocating central services. Council Member King noted that he has seen the architectural drawings and the capital budget which addresses the School Corporation's plans for a print shop, central supplies, central meals preparation, machine maintenance which would be moved to the site under consideration. Council President Pfeifer inquired whether in light of the demolition, has the historic nature of the building been altered? Karen Hammon-Nash stated that the Council would still have the legal authority to consider this location as an historic landmark. The Council Attorney inquired whether any of the three (3) criteria which the Historic Preservation Commission found to be in existence in July were impacted by the demolition. Ms. Hammon- Nash stated that although the face of the building has been weakened, that in her opinion the building is still worthy of being designated. Council Member Aranowski stated that the School Corporation intends to demolish the building and put up a new facility at that location;therefore he would not be in favor of the designation. Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion seconded by Council Member Coleman that Bill NO. 61-01 be recommended unfavorably to Council. The motion passed 2-1 with Council Member White being the dissenting vote. Council Member White stated that in light of the viable plans which were presented for Nuner, that she finds it extreme difficult to understand the lack of communications and lack of openness with all of the entities involved. Council Member White stated that it is her goal to continue discussions with the Council Attorney to see how the system can be improved. Council Member King and Council Member Kelly noted the need to improve communications, with Council Member King noted that timing was a key factor. Council President Pfeifer hoped that civility would be an end product also. The Council Attorney noted that in light of Council President's concerns with regard to how neighborhoods are impacted when buildings are vacated, that this will also be part of the discussion with Council Member White in attempting to improve communications and the entire process. Under miscellaneous business,Karen Hammond-Nash presented a proposed landmark designating ordinance for Nuner School,noting that she was hoping that the Council would consider hearing it this evening. The Council Attorney stated that such action would required all nine (9) Council Members voting to suspend the rules to go forward this evening. Ms. Hammond-Nash was requested to come to the Informal Meeting at 6:45 pm to discuss this matter further. Zoning and Annexation Committee September 24, 2001 Page 3 There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White adjourned the meeting at 3:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson Zoriing and Annexation Committee KCF:kmf Attachments •