01-23-17 Council Mintues - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 23, 2017 Councilmember Tim Scott asked, Would you consider it a continuation on the entire project, or just looking at zoning the front end of it? Mr. Smoke responded, We would do the entire project. Councilmember Scott responded, Continuation? Mr. Smoke responded, Sure. Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to continue Bill No. 78 -16 to February 13t', 2017 and Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 01 -17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY FROM SOUTH RIGHT -OF -WAY OF WEST SHERWOOD AVENUE A DISTANCE OF 255 FEET AND WIDTH OF 14', WEST OF SOUTH MICHIGAN STREET AND EAST OF SOUTH MAIN STREET. Councilmember John Voorde, Vice - Chairperson of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Tim Scott paused the proceedings to inform Clerk Kareemah Fowler that, at that time, there was no audio for the "IT stream of the evening's meeting. As Clerk Fowler attempted to rectify the issue, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic asked that the presenters proceed. Maurice McGee, Cobb Funeral Home, 3525 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN, served on behalf of the petitioner. He was joined at the podium by the owner and director of Cobb Funeral Home, Roosevelt Cobb. Mr. McGee stated that they were seeking to have the alley abutting the west end of their lot vacated. They intend to build a garage there to house their service vehicles. He stated, The one opposition that we had was from an employee at the church that is directly southwest. What is important to note is that both that church and the school, Xavier, across the street, got certified letters. Upon receiving those letters, the director of the school and the reigning pastor of the church called us that morning giving us their praise and offering to do anything they could to help. So, both Mr. Cobb and I were completely thrown off to find that an employee actually came and opposed the measure. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Can you just clarify: you got a letter —you got a phone call from the owners? Mr. McGee responded, Part of the process is that we must inform abutting properties. We only had two: a church — Southgate —and Xavier School across the street. The day they received their letters, the reigning pastor of the church and the director of the school called our office to praise our initiative and to offer any help that they could to make this process go smooth. Councilmember Davis asked, So they're very supportive? Mr. McGee responded, Very supportive. We were both very surprised to find an employee of the church here in opposition. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of this bill: Huey Scoby, Riverside Drive, South Bend, IN, stated that he hoped that Council would pass this bill. He stated, As a minority business, we are always saying that minorities are not given consideration, so I hope that you would give this bill consideration and pass it. Those from the public wishing to speak in opposition to the bill: