08-09-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 9, 2010 Councilmember Al “Buddy” Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning and Annexation Committee reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon to hear the pros and cons and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Mark Lyons, Assistant Zoning Administrator, 125 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, presented to the report from the Area Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Lyons advised that the petitioner is seeking a special exception to allow a lounge and restaurant in a “MU: Mixed Use District at the property located at 703 E. Jefferson Blvd. Mr. Lyons stated that the Area Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on July 7, 2010 and sends this bill to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Lyons noted that the petitioner also asked for a variance from the allowed two controlled uses within 1,000 feet to four controlled uses and from the required sixty-eight parking spaces to zero. Mark McDonnell, 17180 Wheatridge Drive, Granger, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. McDonnell advised that he intends to construct a “gastropub”, which consists of 60% food and 40% bar revenue. He stated that this project is a part of Phase II in the East Bank Village Development. He noted that this is a private investment and will not be asking for any kind of tax abatement. Mr. McDonnell asked the Council for their favorable consideration. Mr. Jeff Gibney, Executive Director, Community & Economic Development Department, th 12 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Gibney stated that he is also speaking on behalf of Mayor Stephen Luecke, who could not attend this evening’s meeting. He stated that this is an excellent project. He noted that his department has been working with Mr. McDonnell for approximately 8 months on this project. Mr. Gibney stated that Mr. Donnell brings his excellent entrepreneur and business development skills to this project. He reiterated that this project is a good fit for the East Bank Development Corridor. Mr. John Stratigos, President, The East Bank Village Partnership, Formerly The Howard Park/East Bank Neighborhood Association, c/o Action Mortgage Corporation, 300 South Saint Louis Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He stated that as President of the East Bank Village Partnership, he stated that the members of their organization are enthusiastic and endorse the proposed “Fireside Tavern” to be developed by Mark McDonnell at the southeast corner of St. Louis and Jefferson Blvds. He stated that Mr. McDonnell has made several presentations over the last year to their organization and they believe that this plan for adaptive re-use of the vacant building on the site to be a great improvement and a concept which will complement not only the existing commercial uses in the neighborhood but also be a great benefit to the residential neighborhood. As the owner of the LaSalle Grill, Mr. McDonnell has proven himself to be a talented restaurateur and a corporate good citizen. In short, a businessman with the community’s good foremost in his mind. His vision for transforming the old liquor store into an upscale Tavern-Restaurant is in keeping with successful developments in many other cities which are now emphasizing urban development of this nature in revitalization efforts. Furthermore, the development as proposed fits in very well with the East Bank Village Master Plan (phase II) previously adopted by the Council. He stated that they understand that the owner of the property Mr. Donald Schefmeyer is seeking both zoning and parking variances and they hope the Council will approve them as has both the Area Plan Commission and the Area Board of Zoning Appeals. The project not only conforms to the East Bank Village Plan, it will crate some 50 new and part-time jobs, increase the tax base and provide more destination traffic t this location. Moreover, the projected development cost will be in excess of $1.5 million and will not require a tax abatement. All of these factors will be beneficial to existing and new area business development and help attract the type of area resident they feel essential to improve economic diversity. The imminent relocation of the TRANSPO garage facilities and the plans to create market-rate residential along the river make the proposed Tavern and amenity for area residents and business owners as well. He stated that Mr. McDonnell’s track record first as manager of Tippecanoe Place and later as developer of the LaSalle Grill is a powerful argument for they type of restaurant he develops. Mr.Schefmeyer’s commitment to the 16