HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.05.25 BZA Meeting Minutes (signed)SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MINUTES
Monday, May 5, 2025 4th Floor, Council Chambers
4:00 p.m. County -City Building, South Bend, IN
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Burrell
Francisco Fotia
Kaine Kanczuzewski
Caitlin Stevens
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ALSO PRESENT:
Michael Divita
Tim Staub
Amani Morrell
Kelly Meehan
The petition of Mohamed Nafti seeking the following variance(s): 1) from the maximum
encroachment of a frontage type into a front yard of 5' to 14', property located at 207 E
CALVERT ST. Zoned U1 Urban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 04:46)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Tim Staub.
Analysis: Built in 1907, prior to any zoning laws, the house and the property to its east were sited
with no setback from the lot line. The porch deteriorated over the years and needs to be replaced
to be a functional frontage. Replacing the porch with one that fills the same footprint helps
maintain the historic built form of the neighborhood and provides an effective frontage for the
property.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board approve the variances as presented.
PETITIONER- Mohahmed Nafti, owner, 207 E Calvert 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.
1IPage
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia. being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and unanimously
carried, a petition by Mohamed Nafti seeking the following variances: 1) from the maximum
encroachment of a frontage type into a front yard of 5' to 14' was approved as presented, and
will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Francisco Fotia -Yes
2 The petition of Sarvid 1 LLC, seeking the following variance(s): 1) from the maximum
encroachment of a frontage type into a front yard of 5' to 9', property located at 1333
WILBER ST. Zoned Ul Urban Neighborhood 1.
(Audio Position: 08: 5 0)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Tim Staub.
Analysis: In 1960, 10 of the 11 homes on Wilber had full front porches while only one has a full
porch in 2022. The petitioner is seeking a variance to construct a porch that will restore that
former condition to their home and improve the block face. Additionally, the variance should
bring the frontage type for the house into greater compliance from the stoop which is non-
conforming in depth.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board approve the variances as presented.
PETITIONER —Thomas Gryp, 1736 W Northshore Dr, on behalf of Sarvid 1 LLC. appeared
virtually to present.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
2 1 P a
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and unanimously
carried, a petition by Sarvid I, LLC seeking the following variances: 1) from the maximum
encroachment of a frontage type into a front yard of 5' to 9' was approved as presented, and
will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Francisco Fotia -Yes
3 The petition of LAKSHMI PRIYA & KAUR RAVNEET & MR DISCOUNT GRILLE
& LIQUOR LLC seeking a Special Exception to allow beer/wine/liquor sales, property
located at 3401 WESTERN AVE. Zoned NC Neighborhood Center.
(Audio Position: 13: 0=l)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: Located along the Western Avenue commercial corridor, the proposed use is consistent
with the form and use of surrounding properties.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board send the petition to the Common Council with a favorable
recommendation, with the condition that all improvements to bring the building up to zoning
compliance are completed within 6 months.
PETITIONER — Priya Lakshmi, Owner, 6520 Lake Crest Cir 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.
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Frank Fotia, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and unanimously carried, a
petition by LAKSHMI PRIYA & KAUR RAVNEET & MR DISCOUNT GRILLE &
LIQUOR LLC seeking a Special Exception for beer/wine/liquor sales for property located at
3401 WESTERN AVE, is TABLED until next meeting, in the meantime, the petitioner will
discuss with staff as to whether a special exception is needed.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell - Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
4 The petition of 2010 INVESTMENT GROUP seeking a Special Exception to allow a
two unit dwelling on each lot in Ul Urban Neighborhood 1, property located at 912
DUBAIL AVE and 914 DUBAIL AVE and 918 DUBAIL AVE and 1703 DALE AVE
and 1705 DALE AVE and 1711 DALE AVE and 906 DUBAIL AVE and 1711 DALE
AVE. Zoned U1 Urban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 24:20)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: The construction of new duplexes that are consistent with the built form of the
surrounding neighborhood will bring new residents to the area and provide additional housing on
lots that are currently vacant.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing; the staff
recommends the Board send the petition to the Common Council with a favorable
recommendation.
PETITIONER- David Njoroge, 2010 Investment Group owner, 3131 Springbrook Dr appeared
in person to present
INTERESTED PARTIES
Damian Conrad. resident, 718 E Broadway, appeared in person with questions regarding the
special exception and how it would affect changes in the neighborhood.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
41Paa,
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and carried, a
petition by 2010 INVESTMENT GROUP seeking a Special Exception for a two unit
dwelling on each lot in U 1 Urban Neighborhood 1 for property located at 912 DUBAIL AVE
and 914 DUBAIL AVE and 918 DUBAIL AVE and 1703 DALE AVE and 1705 DALE
AVE and 1711 DALE AVE and 906 DUBAIL AVE and 1711 DALE AVE, City of South
Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation, and will issue
written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell - Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
The petition of A & M WIRELESS INC seeking a Special Exception to allow a
Restaurant use, property located at 1702 WESTERN AVE. Zoned OF Urban
Neighborhood Flex.
(Audio Position: 38:33)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Tim Staub.
Analysis: The building was designed and has historically been utilized as retail/service space.
Introducing a restaurant will activate the building and enhance the neighborhood by offering a
new local amenity.
Staff Recommendation: with the condition that all improvements to bring the building and site
up to zoning compliance are completed within 6 months of approval
PETITIONER — Bob Masters, attorney, 350 Columbia St, appesred on behalf of the petitioner
A&M Wireless
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
5 1 P a g e
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by , being seconded by and carried, a petition by A & M WIRELESS INC
seeking a Special Exception for a Restaurant use for property located at 1702 WESTERN
AVE, City of South Bend, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell - Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING
1. Findings of Fact - Upon a motion by Frank Fotia and seconded by Caitlin Stevens and
uninamously carried, the findings of fact from the April 7, 2025, Board of Zoning Appeals
meeting were approved
2. Minutes -Upon a motion by Frank Fotia and seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and
uninamously carried, the minutes from the April 7. 2025, Board of Zoning Appeals meeting were
approved
3. Other Business — This is Skip's last BZA meeting
4. Adjournment — 4:46pm
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Mkld,FB
Chair
ATTEST:
TIM CORCORAN.
Interim Secretary of the Board
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