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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-05-01 Zoning & Annexation eommitte *port: Zoning an4 Stuvexation 4ommitte The July 5, 2001 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 12:04 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: White,Kelly,Varner,and Pfeifer;Gerald Ujdak, John Strauss of the South Bend Community School Corporation, Kitty Gerschoffer, Janet Macjulski and Dennis Whittaker of the Riverpark Neighborhood Association, Karen R. Hammond-Nash, Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission; John Oxian, Director of the Historic Preservation Commission, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that Dr. Varner and herself were members of the Committee. She then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Council Member White stated that the Committee meeting was called to permit members of the Historic Preservation Commission to share their concerns with regard to the "Old Nuner School". She noted that no formal action by the Committee would be taken today since another Committee meeting on this issue has been set for Monday, July 9th at 4 p.m. She further noted that she had an informal meeting on June 25th with representatives of the South Bend Community School Corporation. Mr. Udjak asked who was present at the informal meeting. The Council Attorney noted that Council Member White, Dr. Varner, Dr. Sheehan, Richard Hill, Ann Bruneel, B. Patrick Bauer and herself were present. The Council Attorney then was called upon to summarize the new state law (memorandum attached)and she noted that both the SBCC and HPC filed information with the City Clerk's Office pursuant to the written request from Council Member White(written request attached). Council Member White noted that the informal meeting with the SBCC representatives focused on their concerns with regard to the overall impact of interim protection; the impact that a landmark designation has on the planning process; the financial impact;and the lack of a mechanism in place to hear the concerns of the affected property owners. Dr. Varner added that he believes that the SBCC believes that the Council should have a more active role in the overall process. Mr. Oxian stated that in 1999 a meeting was held with officials from the SBCC and that an agreement was reached whereby there would be communication between the SBCC and the HPC and Council. He further noted that notification was to take place between the SBCC and HPC before any damage was done to a building or action to begin a tear down, which he believes has been totally disregarded. Mr. Oxian proposed that both Washington High School and Nuner School should be sent to a "Blue Ribbon Committee" for discussion and input from the community. He noted that in the i6outh ettb 3GribUUe article of May 17, 2001 the City of Mishawaka agreed to appoint a ten (10) member citizen committee to study the "Old Mary Phillips Elementary School" which would have ninety(90) days to review the status of the school,propose possible uses,develop time Zoning and Annexation Committee July 5, 2001 Page 2 tables, and guidelines. He suggested a similar committee be established for Washington and Nuner. Dr. Varner noted that with regard to Nuner there are three (3) entities involved, SBCC, HPC and CC with it appearing as to which entity,HPC or SBCC can manipulate the Council the most. Council President Pfeifer noted that when a business abandons a building it affects the surrounding neighborhood. She stressed the need for the needs of the neighbors to be taken into consideration and that they should be a part of the intricate process of planning. Schools in particular should have a plan, and purposes of buildings which should continue to be maintained. She further noted that buildings are a world's resource and need to be addressed so that the neighborhood is not negatively affected when a use changes or ceases. Council Member Kelly agreed that a plan is critical and that the neighborhood should be heard. Mr. Ujdak noted that there are safety concerns with regard to children crossing Pleasant Street if the area in question becomes a green space or a playground. Teachers could assist but most would not want the risk that would be involved. Both He and Mr. Whittacker noted that crossing guards would be required. Mr. Ujdak stated that a mechanism is needed so that all of these items can be sorted out. Council Member Kelly noted that he has toured Nuner and believes it is a mess. He inquired as to what kind of dollars would be required to make it usable. Mr. Oxian stated that one estimate is $ 2 1/2 million, and noted that there are three (3) entities which have submitted proposals which should be in the material filed with the City Clerk. Kitty Gerschaffer inquired about tours. Council Member White asked Mr. Strauss about scheduling tours. The Council Attorney suggested that perhaps Mr. Strauss could call the City Clerk's Office by 3 p.m. today with a date and time whereby members of the Council, the neighborhood and the Historic Preservation Commission could tour Nuner. Mr. Strauss agreed to this proposal. Council Member White noted that such a tour would have to be held prior to the Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting on Monday at 4 p.m. Mr. Oxian stated that with regard to the new state law, that it is HPC's position that only the third part applies and nothing more. He stated that he has an opinion to that effect from their attorney, Thomas Bodnar. The Council Attorney suggested that since the SBCC would have their attorney present on Monday that HPC should consider also have their attorney present. Council Member White summarized that the SBCC would make available Nuner School for a tour prior to Monday's Council meeting; and that the Committee would be taking formal action on Bill No. 45-01 at the 4 pm Monday meeting. Zoning and Annexation Committee July 5, 2001 Page 3 Dr. Varner noted that he is supportive of the overall role which HPC plays, however noted that adaptive reuses of buildings must be consider within a realistic time period so that another Oliver School does not result. Karen Hammon-Nash noted that it is her understanding that the architect Greg Kil has prepared a 50-100 page study of Nuner, for SBCC. Discussion continued, with Council Member White thanking everyone for attending today's meeting and then adjourning the meeting at 1: 15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karen L. White,Chairperson Zoning and Annexation Committee KCF:kmf Attachments