HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.21.25 PC Minutes.docx (signed)aQtiPNC_ City of South Bend
PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
January 21, 2025
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Sarah Barber (virtual)
Francisco Fotia
Jason Piontek
Caitlin Stevens
Tyler Gillean
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
1. Election of Officers:
County -City Building
227 W. Jefferson Blvd. 1400S
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-7627
www.southbendin.gov/zoning
Council Chambers, 4th Floor
County -City Building, South Bend, IN
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dr. Oliver Davis
Scott Ford
John Martinez
ALSO PRESENT:
Michael Divita
Kari Myers
Amani Morrell
Tom Panowicz (virtual)
Kelly Meehan
Upon a motion from Caitlin Stevens and seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, Jason Piontek was elected President.
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens and seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, Francisco Fotia was elected Vice -President.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. A combined public hearing on a proposed ordinance of CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DEPARTMENT OF REDEVELOPMENT to zone from I Industrial to S2 Suburban
Neighborhood 2 and seeking the following variance(s): 1) Use variance to allow a Group
Residence; and 2) Variance from a required building type to no building type, property
located at 4022 CLEVELAND RD, City of South Bend - PC# 0240-25.
(Audio Position: 07:15)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: Zoning this property to S2 Suburban Neighborhood 2 will allow for a use that
is compatible with the built form and use of surrounding properties. The programming of
the site will result in buildings which do not fit well within the defined building types in
the zoning ordinance, though the development meets the intent of the ordinance for an S2
Suburban Neighborhood 2 zoned parcel.
Staff Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the
staff recommends the Plan Commission approve the development variance and send the
Page I of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
rezoning petition and use variance to the Common Council with a favorable
recommendation.
PETITIONER
Joseph Molnar, Property Development Manager, Department of Community Investment,
appeared in person to present.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, a proposed ordinance of CITY OF SOUTH BEND DEPARTMENT OF
REDEVELOPMENT to zone from I Industrial to S2 Suburban Neighborhood 2, property
located at 4022 CLEVELAND RD, City of South Bend, is sent to the Common Council
with a FAVORABLE recommendation.
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Francisco Fotia and unanimously
carried, a Use Variance to allow a Group Residence, property located at 4022
CLEVELAND RD, City of South Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a
FAVORABLE recommendation.
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and unanimously
carried, the variance from a required building type to no building type, property located at
4022 CLEVELAND RD, City of South Bend, was approved.
2. A proposed ordinance of PROPERTY BROTHERS, LLC to zone from U3 Urban
Neighborhood 3 to U2 Urban Neighborhood 2, property located at 616 SHERMAN
AVENUE, City of South Bend - PC# 0239-25. (Audio Position: 16:25)
STAFF REPOR
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: Rezoning the site to U2 Urban Neighborhood 2 will allow for residential
growth and increased housing options in the neighborhood while not drastically changing
the established character.
January 21, 2025 Page 2 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
Staff Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the
Staff recommends the Plan Commission send the rezoning petition to the Common
Council with a favorable recommendation
PETITIONER
Chris Godlewski, Abonmarche Consultants, 315 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend,
appeared in person on behalf of the petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, a proposed ordinance of PROPERTY BROTHERS, LLC to zone from U3 Urban
Neighborhood 3 to U2 Urban Neighborhood 2, property located at 616 SHERMAN
AVENUE, City of South Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a FAVORABLE
recommendation.
A combined public hearing on a proposed Major Subdivision, IRON CREEK VILLAS
MAJOR SUBDIVISION, by FOX CREEK, LLC, located at 17023 Hepler Street (NWC
Hepler St. & Hickory Rd), City of South Bend, also seeking the following variance(s): 1)
from the maximum units in a cottage court of 5 units to 12 units; 2) from the maximum
width of a duplex of 48' to 54' for units 5-6, 7-8, 10-11, and 12-13, to 72' 4" for units 1-
2 and 3-4, and to 120' for unit 9-14; 3) no frontage type for unit 9-14; 4) from the
maximum fence height in a front yard of 3' to 6'. - #0227-24 (Audio Position: 20:20)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: Variances 1 and 2 allow for the development of cottage courts that are
consistent with the intent of the ordinance and contextually appropriate in a suburban
setting. Variance 3 is appropriate as a frontage type will be provided to the open space of
the cottage court. Variance 4 would allow for an extensive privacy fence running along a
public right-of-way, which is not consistent with the intent of the ordinance.
Staff Recommendation: The staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds that if the
waivers are granted and the conditions are met, it complies with the requirements for
Primary Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision Control Ordinance. The
staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted Primary Approval, subject to
the following: Addressing all comments from zoning such as eliminating outlots,
January 21, 2025 Page 3 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
removing surrounding subdivision indications to avoid confusion, and providing support
data sheet, and comments from Engineering regarding an acceptable drainage plan, and
any possible utility or water/sewage extension agreements. The staff recommends the
Plan Commission approve Variances 1, 2, and 3 as presented, and deny variance 4.
PETITIONER
Chris Godlewski, Abonmarche Consultants, 315 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend,
appeared in person on behalf of the petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried by vote, the Plan Commission finds the evidence adduced at this Plan
Commission Hearing supports each element of the Staff Report, and IRON CREEK
VILLAS MAJOR SUBDIVISION Subdivision therefore complies with the City of South
Bend Subdivision Control Ordinance and is granted Primary Approval, subject to the
following: Addressing all comments from zoning such as eliminating outlots, removing
surrounding subdivision indications to avoid confusion, and providing support data sheet,
and comments from Engineering regarding an acceptable drainage plan, and any possible
utility or water/sewage extension agreements.
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and carried by vote,
the waivers from Section 21-11.02 (c) (2) Every lot shall abut on a public street for lots 5-
8, 10-13, 31-35, 38-42; Section 21-11.04 (b) (6) Cul-de-sac and dead-end streets,
designed to be so permanently, shall not be longer than 200 feet measured along its
centerline from the centerline of the intersecting street to the radius point, were approved.
Upon a motion by Tyler Gillean, being seconded by Francisco Fotia and unanimously
carried, the variances 1) from the maximum units in a cottage court of 5 units to 12 units,
2) from the maximum width of a duplex of 48' to 54' for units 5-6, 7-8, 10-11, and 12-13,
to 72' 4" for units 1-2 and 3-4, and to 120' for unit 9-14; 3) no frontage type for unit 9-
14, and 3) no frontage type for units 7 and 14 were approved; and 4) from the maximum
fence height in a front yard of 3' to 6' was withdrawn, property located at 17023 HEPLER
ST, City of South Bend.
January 21, 2025 Page 4 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
4. A combined public hearing on a proposed Major Subdivision, MARION COURT
MAJOR SUBDIVISION, by DEPARTMENT OF REDEVELOPMENT CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, located at the northwest corner of Marion Street and Leland Avenue,
and seeking the following variance(s): Variance from the required 20' rear setback to 18',
property located at 603 MARION ST, City of South Bend - #0238-25
(Audio Position 38:24)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell
Analysis: The variance reducing the rear yard setback will allow for a duplex on a small
square lot that matches the scale and built form of the surrounding area. If the duplex
were rotated to face Leland Avenue, the house would only require a 5' setback.
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds that if the
conditions are met it complies with the requirements for Primary Apprval as specified by
the South Bend Subdivision Control Ordinance. The Staff therefore recommends that
this subdivision be granted Primary Approval, subject to the following: Master utility
plan, dedicated improvements agreement, and drainage plan required prior to major
secondary approval. Public water line needs to have 20' of clear space for easement. No
utilities other than sanitary sewer should be within this easement. Specify responsibilities
of each utility — water main will be dedicated as public, but stormwater/sanitary lines on
site must be maintained privately. No sewer should be placed in the alley. Lots with
frontage on street should utilize existing utilities in street. Water extensions will be
public. 6' wide sidewalk required where there is no treelawn. The Staff recommends the
variance be granted as presented.
PETITIONER
Steve Ruby, Abonmarche Consultants, 315 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, appeared in
person on behalf of the petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried by vote, the Plan Commission finds the evidence adduced at this Plan
Commission Hearing supports each element of the Staff Report, and MARION COURT
MAJOR SUBDIVISION Subdivision therefore complies with the City of South Bend
January 21, 2025 Page 5 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
Subdivision Control Ordinance and is granted Primary Approval, subject to the
following: Master utility plan, dedicated improvements agreement, and drainage plan
required prior to major secondary approval. Public water line needs to have 20' of clear
space for easement. No utilities other than sanitary sewer should be within this
easement. Specify responsibilities of each utility — water main will be dedicated as
public, but stormwater/sanitary lines on site must be maintained privately. No sewer
should be placed in the alley. Lots with frontage on street should utilize existing utilities
in street. Water extensions will be public. 6' wide sidewalk required where there is no
treelawn.
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, the variance from the required 20' rear setback to 18', property located at 603
MARION ST, City of South Bend, was approved.
5. A proposed ordinance of CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND to zone from I Industrial to
U3 Urban Neighborhood 3, property located at 1408 ELWOOD AVE, City of South
Bend - PC# 0241-25. (Audio Position: 48:00)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: Rezoning the site to U3 Urban Neighborhood 3 will allow for residential
growth and increased housing options in the Portage Elwood Neighborhood and allow for
the adaptive reuse of a large vacant industrial parcel. Approving the rezoning will allow
for a greater possibility of development that best fits the character of the neighborhood.
Staff Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the
staff recommends the Plan Commission send the rezoning petition to the Common
Council with a favorable recommendation.
PETITIONER
Joseph Molnar, Property Development Manager, Department of Community Investment,
appeared in person to present.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
January 21, 2025 Page 6 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Francisco Fotia and unanimously
carried, a proposed ordinance of CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND to zone from I
Industrial to U3 Urban Neighborhood 3, property located at 1408 ELWOOD AVE, City
of South Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a FAVORABLE recommendation.
ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING
A. MINOR SUBDIVISIONS:
1. SHERMAN AVENUE MINOR SUBDIVISION — PC# 0229-24
(Audio Position: 54:42)
TAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds it complies
with the requirements for Primary Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision
Control Ordinance. The Staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted
Primary Approval.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, the Plan Commission finds the evidence adduced at this Plan Commission
Hearing supports each element of the Staff Report, and SHERMAN AVENUE MINOR
SUBDIVISION Subdivision therefore complies with the City of South Bend Subdivision
Control Ordinance and is granted Primary Approval.
2. OCR CABANA MINOR SUBDIVISION — PC# 0237-25
(Audio Position: 55:47)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds it complies
with the requirements for Primary Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision
Control Ordinance. The Staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted
Primary Approval.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
January 21, 2025 Page 7 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean and unanimously
carried, the Plan Commission finds the evidence adduced at this Plan Commission
Hearing supports each element of the Staff Report, and OCR CABANA MINOR
SUBDIVISION Subdivision therefore complies with the City of South Bend Subdivision
Control Ordinance and is granted Primary Approval.
B. DEVELOPMENT PLANS
I. A proposed RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
APPROVING RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION AND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE RIVER WEST
DEVELOPMENT AREA FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A NEW
ALLOCATION AREA AND RELATED MATTERS, City of South Bend - PC# 0242-
25.
(Audio Position: 56: 49)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Michael Divita.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public hearing,
the staff recommends the Plan Commission approve the resolution.
PETITIONER
Caleb Bauer, Executive Director, City of South Bend Department of Community
Investment, appeared in person.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and unanimously
carried, a proposed Resolution, RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND PLAN
COMMISSION APPROVING RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND
REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE
DECLARATORY RESOLUTION AND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
RIVER WEST DEVELOPMENT AREA FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A
NEW ALLOCATION AREA AND RELATED MATTERS, City of South Bend, is
APPROVED.
January 21, 2025 Page 8 of 9
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
B. FINDINGS OF FACT — None for consideration.
C. MINUTES:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Tyler Gillean, and unanimously
carried, the minutes from the December 16, 2024, meeting were approved.
D. UPDATES FROM STAFF
5. ADJOURNMENT- 5:15pm
4-��L'
Tim Corcoran,
Interim Secretary of the Commission
January 21, 2025 Page 9 of 9