06-26-17 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Stanton continued, The site plan includes an existing two (2) story retail building situated near the middle of the block. Only a portion of the building, which is approximately 4,500 square feet, is proposed to be rezoned. The remainder of the building will continue being zoned GB, General Business District. Assured parking is located east of the site. This comes to you from the Area Plan Commission with a favorable recommendation. Rezoning the site to MU, Mixed-Use will allow for the reuse of an existing structure in a manner that is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Committee Chair Davis opened the floor to questions from the Committee or Council members. Committeemember Voorde asked a clarifying question with regard to the ownership of the building and why only half the building is being rezoned. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston arrived at the meeting at 4:05 p.m. Angela Smith, Area Plan Commission with offices on the I Ith floor of the County-City Building, answered, This is common. You may see this on Mishawaka Avenue where buildings are built property line to property line. It is all one (1) ownership, one(1)parcel, but is more or less two (2)buildings. So in this case,the portion of the building they would like to use isn't zoned to allow them the intended use. They are `down-zoning' this portion. Committeemember Broden asked, What would happen with change of ownership of the parcel? There is assured parking, would that agreement not hold? Ms. Smith replied, It is not an official easement at this point so they would have to work that out. They did get a variance through the Area Plan Commission for no parking. There is a lot of street parking and walking so the demand for parking is not as high. They could enter into an agreement of sorts but that would be up to them. Committee Chair Davis than gave the floor to the property owner. Ciera Ewing, 3015 Western Avenue, stated, I am the owner. We are planning to open a flea market. It will be a retail store that specializes in multiple home items. We hope to open Jul of this year. We wholesale from an online website. Councilmember Tim Scott asked, Are you aware that Lincolnway and Western Avenue, through the Office of Community Investment,have fagade grants? Ms. Ewing replied, Yes, we have applied and been approved. Committee Chair Davis opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the legislation. 2