04-24-17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2017 certain issues. There were several issues the neighborhood had, but a major one (1) was that they did not want to increase student housing in the area. He stated that the restrictions that determine who can reside in the units are a good compromise. Those from the public wishing to speak in opposition to this bill: Mike Siefring, 1311 White Oak Drive, South Bend, IN, stated that the developers have not communicated with him regarding his concerns. Mr. Siefring stated that there also is a lack of awareness of this project in the community. He also questioned the need for the development, asking how many people would need to be displaced to accommodate this development. He explained that the proposed project is so close to one single-family property that it would cloak it in shadow almost all day long. He argued that a fifteen (15) foot setback,though legal, is not courteous to the homeowners of that single-family home. Mr. Siefring stated that he does not see how the Council will be able to turn down similar developments in the future if they pass this bill. He urged the Council to consider the ramifications of allowing the proposed development to go forward. Mr. Danch returned to the podium for a rebuttal. He stated that the setbacks currently proposed for the project would keep the proposed buildings from disturbing the character of the neighborhood. He added that any future projects would have to be approved by bodies like the Area Plan Commission, and that there is adamant opposition to development farther to the east, as that is one of the main points of access to the Wooded Estates. He stated that because those properties are small in that area, any development in the area would have to come before the full Council. Councilmember Davis opened the floor to the petitioner to share her thoughts with the Council and public. Ashley Penn, Cantinas Properties LLC, 5095 Hunter Valley Lane, Westlake Village, CA, stated that she is the owner, developer, and petitioner of this project. Ms. Penn challenged the notion put forth by Mr. Siefring that her party has not engaged enough with the community, citing the fact that at the last meeting some fifteen(15) or so residents were present, as well as the fact that an e-mail chain for neighborhood residents had been formed, and information packets were delivered to residents' mailboxes, and print and news media have covered the development. She stated, I believe that we have done all that we can to reach out to neighbors. I agree with Mike's point that perhaps the notification for meetings should extend beyond the three-hundred (300) feet I don't think that would be a bad thing. In this instance, I believe we've done a lot to try to make this work for all of the neighborhood residents,the greater community, and even the immediately adjacent residents. We plan to continue to do so, going forward. Councilmember Davis stated the developer has taken concerns into account and made several compromises, and that he appreciated that. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Substitute Bill No. 04-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation, subject to written commitments. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. 13-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF COTTER AND KENDALL STREETS, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 2 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chair of the Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to accept Substitute Bill No. 13-17. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven(7) ayes. 5