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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 12, 2006
<br />advised that this petition of Michael Baxter and the Catholic Worker of Michiana is
<br />seeking a Special Exception for a group residence in “MF1”
<br />Mr. Michael J. Baxter, P. O. Box 4241, South Bend, Indiana, representing The Catholic
<br />Worker of Michiana, Inc., made the presentation for this bill.
<br />Mr. Baxter advised that the Catholic Worker of Michiana seeks a special exception so
<br />that the house may be used as a “group residence” and also a variance from parking
<br />requirements. He stated that the house at 515 S. St. Joseph Street has three floors and a
<br />basement. On the first floor, there is a kitchen, a full bath, a living room, a dining room,
<br />and a parlor. On the second floor, there is one full bath, two large bedrooms, and a
<br />kitchenette area. On the third floor, there are two large bedrooms, one small bedroom,
<br />and commodious closet space. The basement has one room for a washer and drier,
<br />another room for two large furnaces, another room that was probably used as a pantry,
<br />and another room that was originally used to store coal. The previous owner clearly
<br />planned to break the house up into two units. Not only are there two kitchen areas, but
<br />there is also an outside stairway entrance that opens directly into the kitchenette on the
<br />second floor. Use as a group residence will probably involve two or three community
<br />members plus six to eight guests, no more than ten or so people altogether. This does not
<br />exceed the normal use of this house by two average families, nor does it exceed the space
<br />requirements set forth in the City of South Bend Building Code. Mr. Baxter stated that
<br />although this will be a house of the Catholic Worker community, it will not be used for
<br />providing social services to homeless people. Rather, such service will be provided at the
<br />Catholic Worker’s drop-in center at 744 Main Street. This house will be used simply as a
<br />residence for a handful of people. Mr. Baxter stated that with regard to the variance for
<br />the requirement for parking space on this property, such a variance is warranted. He
<br />noted that there will only be a maximum of three members of the Catholic Worker
<br />Community living at 515 St. St. Joseph Street and in the event that all three own and
<br />drive cars they will need to park them near the property. There is adequate space for
<br />three cars in the street in front of the house. Mr. Baxter noted that the guests do not have
<br />cars and any volunteers helping at this property would park at “Our Lady of the Road” at
<br />744 S. Main Street, where there is ample parking.
<br />A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time.
<br />The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill.
<br />Mr. Mark Piasecki, 511 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the house is
<br />in the best shape that it has ever been in.The Catholic Worker Home is a benefit to the
<br />neighborhood. Mr. Piasecki stated that he is in full support of the Catholic Worker and
<br />urged the Council to approve this special exception.
<br />Mr. Mike Coleman, 508 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is in favor of
<br />the Catholic Worker House. The neighborhood is a beautiful, safe, small neighborhood,
<br />but diverse and that is the key. Mr. Coleman further noted that the Catholic Worker
<br />House is a wonderful asset to the neighborhood.
<br />Ms. Anna Bond, 518 S. St. Joseph, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she has been a guest
<br />of the Catholic Worker Home while she is waiting for total hip replacement surgery. She
<br />urged the Council to approve the Special Exception.
<br />Mr. Renaldo Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is in full
<br />support of the Special Exception for the Catholic Worker Home.
<br />There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council in opposition of this bill.
<br />Councilmember’s Puzzello, Varner and Kuspa stated that they are glad that the Catholic
<br />Worker Home has found a new home and begin again to continue their good work in the
<br />Community. They wished them well in the future.
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