REGULAR MEETINGMARCH 14, 2005
<br />Period of significance occurs. In 1875 the Chapin children agree to divide the property.
<br />1890-1910 main development of residential neighborhood and by 1925 the neighborhood
<br />is relatively complete. The Historical context is intact and architecturally notable
<br />example of successful professional and middle-class Victorian neighborhood. The
<br />neighborhood took advantage of early modern city amenities; water works and sewer,
<br />brick streets, electrified street lights, and the nearby trolley line. The area connected to
<br />early settlers and second-generation professionals; the Anderson, Chapin, Dushane,
<br />Sibley, Ware, Fassnacht, Voll, Burrough, and Keller families. Growth and development
<br />coincides with South Bend’s industrial and manufacturing booms in the mid-1800s and
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<br />the decade of the late 19 and early 20 centuries. Survey’s were conducted by 12
<br />volunteers from February 23, 2005 to March 13, 2005, all streets were included and the
<br />results were 110 in favor, 28 not in favor and 20 no answer, 56% of owner occupied
<br />homes responded.
<br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents
<br />and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
<br />The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill.
<br />Catherine Hostetler, President, Historic Preservation Commission, 708 N. St. Joseph,
<br />South Bend, Indiana, advised that since 1976 the Chapin Park Neighborhood Association
<br />has been trying to apply for the Historic District Status. Ms. Hostetler favorable
<br />recommended the neighborhood for this status.
<br />Theodore Futi, Senior Vice-President Memorial Hospital, stated that he is in favor of the
<br />historic district.
<br />Charles Reger, 816 Forrest Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of the historic
<br />district and believes that property values will go up. There will have to be restriction and
<br />guideline that will have to be met because what the neighbors do to the exterior of their
<br />homes directly impact property values. Mr. Reigert advised that local historic guidelines
<br />maintain integrity.
<br />Geoff Newman, Past President Temple Beth El, 305 W. Madison, South Bend, Indiana,
<br />spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Newman advised that the impact on the temple and vacant
<br />lot was a concern for the congregation. It was believed that it would make it very
<br />difficult to expand the campus because of costs involved. However, those concerns have
<br />been addressed and modifications in the ordinance have been corrected not to cause any
<br />problems. Mr. Newman stated that full approval of this bill is requested.
<br />Allison Hinds, 621 N. Lafayette, South Bend, Indiana, advised that she is a proud
<br />homeowner in the proposed Chapin Park Historic District and would urge to the
<br />Council’s favorable consideration on this bill.
<br />Tim Klusczinski, 617 Park Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is the Vice-
<br />President of the Chapin Park Neighborhood Association. He advised that property values
<br />are a great concern among home owners in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is 150
<br />years old, with unique amenities, such as lamp posts, brick streets and unique architecture
<br />that is a treasure that must to be maintained. He encourage favorable consideration of
<br />this bill.
<br />Janet Doolittle, 407 LaMonte Terrace, South Bend, Indiana, urged the Council to
<br />consider this bill favorably.
<br />Jean Pawlak, 807 Ashland, South Bend, Indiana, advised that the households in the
<br />neighborhood are very contributing to the City of South Bend. She reflected back on the
<br />ad campaign Work Downtown, Live Downtown, Play Downtown, that is what the
<br />Chapin Park Neighborhood means. It is an inner-city neighborhood that needs tools such
<br />as the Historic District to protect it as a whole neighborhood.
<br />Rita Dargis, 845 Park Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is a 25 year resident
<br />of the neighborhood. She stated that when Memorial Hospital began to expand their
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