11-23-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETINGNOVEMBER 23, 2009 BILL NO. 90-09 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ESTABLISHING HISTORIC LANDMARK STATUS FOR THE STRUCTURE AND REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE RUSHTON APARTMENTS AND LOCATED AT 501 WEST WASHINGTON, IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Lynn Patrick, Vice President, South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Commission, 227 West Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Patrick advised that this bill would allow for the property located at 501-503 West Washington Street also known as the Rushton Apartments to be a Historic Landmark. She stated that the Rushton is a neo-classic style building built in 1906 by John and Edward Rush. It is a four-story apartment building with unusual glazed brick masonry exterior. She noted that the building is suitable for preservation because the building and site meet three of the criteria for Local Landmark Status: Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; its suitability for preservation: The Rushton has significant original exterior architectural integrity. Recent architectural studies have concluded that the building can be converted to modern living standards and that it is in sound structural condition. It is also identified with the life of a person or person of historical significance and that being South Bend developers John and Edward Rush. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Kirsits seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 87-09 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $450,000.00 FROM EMERGENCY SERVICE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND NO. 288 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY DRIVER TRAINING SIMULATORS PURSUANT TO A U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT Councilmember Puzello, Vice Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee, reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and sends it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Kirsits disclosed that he is a member of the South Bend Fire Department and that after discussion with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it was determined that no conflict exists. Mark Nowicki, Assistant Fire Chief, South Bend Fire Department, 1222 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. 5