08-22-16 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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says is a good and proper change in our City Code. Mr. Mathew's may disagree but it is not that painful to go through that process laid out in the ordinance. Marguerite Taylor, 714 Corby Blvd. South Bend, spoke in favor of the bill. All we want to do is close the loophole. Those wishing to speak in opposition: Committee Chair Davis asked if Mr. Mathew's would like to have his comments referred to as opposition. Mr. Matthews responded that yes that makes sense. No one else spoke in opposition to the bill. Committee Chair Davis asked the petitioner, Jo M. Broden, to respond to the issues brought up by Mr. Mathews. Committeemember Jo M. Broden stated the intent is to try to protect Single - Family development while opening a viable opportunity in the CBD is the intent. The types of living arrangements Mr. Mathew's is speaking about are currently not even an allowed use. She stated she believes in the process that neighbors should be engaged in these decisions that are right next door to them. While there is a burden for developers the initial thought was that it's better than what is currently in place. This allows the individuals most impacted by the development be a part of the discussion. This bill opens up possibilities for these creative living spaces and arrangements, and in the future we could come back to this and look at something more permissible. This provides consistency with the neighborhood plans that people have been working on and developing for years. Committee Chair Davis asked if she would like this bill to stand as is without any further amendments. Committeemember Broden responded yes as it stands but we will certainly have further discussions later on. We should certainly be willing to come back and tweak things when needed. This currently opens up an avenue for developers which is currently unavailable. She expressed her full support for group residences. Councilmember Randy Kelly stated the most salient point he has heard in regard to this is what Mr. Mathews said about the fact that someone could open a bar next door to him easier than having a house with three (3) residents. That is a pertinent point and when someone like Mr. Mathews who has clearly invested a lot in South Bend and has continued to do so recommends opening the CBD up to group living as a blanket possibility, it is worth considering making that small adjustment to this language before we move forward. Committeemember Broden stated she does believe there are higher standards for opening a bar in South Bend.