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REGULAR MEETINGNOVEMBER 14, 2005 <br />of life in the neighborhood is a key point with residents in that area. Mr. Hurley <br />maintained that zoning laws are put into place to keep that quality of life in the <br />neighborhoods. <br />Mr. Art Leinen, 755 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that this issues of <br />housing the homeless only puts a burden on the citizens of the City of South Bend. Mr. <br />Leinen advised that the City of Indianapolis has a population of over 781,000 people and <br />has 155 beds for the homeless, the City of Ft. Wayne has over 200,000 people and houses <br />300 homeless, the City of Gary has 102,746 people and has 0 beds for the homeless. The <br />City of South Bend cannot afford to house any more homeless. <br />There was no one else present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. <br />In rebuttal, Mr. Mike Griffin stated that the Catholic Worker Home is willing to adjust <br />their number of guests and staff each night to comply with the zoning laws. He advised <br />that there is mixed zoning throughout the West Washington Street area, and reiterated <br />that this is not a simple case of spot zoning. Mr. Griffin stated that the Catholic Worker <br />Home is willing to sign written commitments stating that they will be in compliance and <br />when and if the times come to sell the home, they will rezone it back to single-family. <br />Mr. Griffin further advised that the Catholic Worker Home would like to continue their <br />good work and are willing to continue working with the residence of the neighborhood <br />and the City of South Bend. <br />Councilmember Rouse commented that the Time Zone issue maybe an easier issue to <br />decide on than this one. He further stated that he believes that the issue of the Catholic <br />Worker Home in a dynamic one. Councilmember Rouse stated that he would like to see <br />the process of mediation begin. He feels that the work of the Catholic Worker is not the <br />issue but abiding by the zoning law is. <br />Councilmember Varner commented that the mission of the Catholic Worker cannot be <br />disagreed upon. However, the home that they are currently occupying is not zoned <br />properly for that work. He stated that they must operate in an appropriately zoned area. <br />Councilmember Varner stated that he is not in favor of continuing this bill. <br />Councilmember Kuspa commented that his mother-in-law took in people who were down <br />and out on their luck and homeless for years. He stated that he always commended her <br />for her actions and stated that it took someone with along of strength and courage to take <br />such actions. In the case of the Catholic Worker, they want to provide that same kind of <br />environment, a home not a shelter or institution. The Catholic Worker shares their food <br />and companionship with people who are less fortunate. Councilmember Kuspa advised <br />that he is in favor of continuing this bill and allowing the mediation process to begin. <br />Councilmember White commented that this issue is quite clear and it is strictly about <br />upholding the zoning laws. Listening to the residents and neighborhood organizations <br />and respecting their wishes. Councilmember White stated that respect is earned. She <br />reiterated that when someone purchases property, they must check the zoning laws and if <br />it is not suitable for the area, you must move on. Councilmember White advised that she <br />would not be in favor of a continuance. <br />Councilmember Puzzello commented that requests to rezone property are done on a case- <br />by-case basis. The Council has many requests to rezone property. When she became <br />aware of the problem with the zoning at the Catholic Worker Home, she wondered why it <br />had taken so long. Councilmember Puzzello stated that she has heard comments from <br />both sides in favor and opposed. She stated that she has been to the Catholic Worker <br />Home and seen first had their wonderful vegetable and fruit garden. The basketball court <br />for the youth in the neighborhood is an added attraction to keep the youth off the street. <br />The Catholic Worker Home is before us tonight to try to come into compliance. She <br />believes that they may have been given some wrong advise along the way in not seeking <br />for the rezoning sooner. It seems to her like South Bend Heritage and the Near <br />Northwest Neighborhood organization want them out of the neighborhood. She stated <br />that she would also like to see mediation begin and allow for the healing process begin. <br />21 <br /> <br />