10-04-16 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Karen Schefineyer- 63262 Orange Rd., Ms. Schefineyer is reading a statement to be submitted into the record from Cathy Reddy -White and Jan Cervelli, St. Mary's College President. Ms. Cervelli is a landscape architect who calls for more experts to weigh in on the development proposal given the out of scale nature of the proposal and lack of consistency with the comprehensive plan. Ms. Reddy -White suggested that Council reach out to University of Notre Dame College of Architecture experts. She went on to say that people who are urbanist professionals should not be making such a decision. James Lewis -622 N. Coquillard Dr., lifelong resident and works in the East Bank at Tuesley, Hall, Konopa law firm at 212 N. LaSalle. Mr. Lewis loves South Bend and particularly the village feeling of the East Bank. He enjoys Mr. Matthews spaces and is favor of the current proposal at the scale appropriate to the East Bank Village. He is concerned about the precedent that this proposal may set for future development in the village. Mr. Lewis asked Council if a traffic study has been conducted in regard to the Sycamore entrance due to increased traffic that the development will bring. Thomas Panzica- 416 E. Monroe, owns Panzica Building Corporation and submitted an exhibit to highlight the scale of the Matthews project in relation to other recognizable buildings in downtown. He is a part of the Wharf Project on the river. He usually avoids commenting on other developer's proposals because he's also typically on the other side of the podium. He cited the record from a 2013 BZA meeting where Mr. Matthews submitted a remonstrance against the proposed height of the Wharf project. He wonders why Mr. Matthews has changed his mind in regard to the village character, walkable character of the East Bank Villiage. Mr. Panzica is in favor of the development and continued growth of the East Bank Village but encourages Mr. Matthews to consider a smaller building to meet his development goals that is within the context of the area. Frank Perri- 234 S. Coquillard, echoed Mr. Panzica's comments regarding scale and village character. Mr. Perri is the second largest stakeholder in the East Bank Village next to David Matthews. Mr. Perri asked why the developer needs a PUD instead of a variance. A PUD land use designation will stick with the land, so if he fails what will the next landowner do? Mr. Perri has some concerns regarding the actual financial feasibility of the proposal. Mr. Perri offered to pay for a study regarding the appropriateness of the project by an AICP professional. Mr. Perri asked for the development to be better vetted given the size. David Matthews, Sr. 54609 Bradley Ave. Elkhart, Mr. Matthews argued that the Matthews project would drive rents down at surrounding properties and bring income diversity to the downtown. Committee Chair Davis wrapped up the public hearing portion by sharing that the substitute bill would be accepted at the October 10th meeting and a schedule would set for Bill No. 41 -16. He then turned the floor to Council for questions. 10