03-26-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 2012 South Bend’s Comprehensive Plan encourages reuse of abandoned and underutilized land and structures. The Future Land use map identifies the property fronting on State Road between Ironwood and Maple Lane as Commercial. The intersection of State Road 23 and Ironwood is identified as a Regional Commercial node. There is no other plan in effect for this area. There are commercial uses on both sides of State Road 23 from Ironwood to Maple Lane with office uses further east. The most desirable use for this site is to have it develop to its full potential, while protecting the neighboring residential properties to the north. Due to the proposed outdoor patio and controlled use activity, the neighboring residential properties may be negatively affected. It is responsible development and growth to support the appropriate reuse of vacant properties. Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the petition be sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. Ms. Nayder noted that this small two-lot site with an abandoned commercial structure straddles two zoning districts. By expanding the zoning further north into the lot, it permits this site to accommodate a responsible reuse of the building and property, while protecting the last remaining residence on the block. The “LB” District can accomplish this within the context of the commercial area immediately adjacent to the south and west. The “LB” District allows a variety of smaller business uses that can locate on this site. Mr. Abdul Farhan, P. O. Box 11664, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Farhan advised that he is requesting a zone change from B Business District and R Single Family District (County) to LB Local Business District (City) to allow a billiard hall. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There was no one present wishing to speak in favor of the bill. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the bill. Ms. Wanda Shock, South Bend, Indiana, stated she is representing the Maple Lane Neighborhood Association. Ms. Shock advised that they do not object to the annexation. However, she asked the Council to be cautious on the use of this property. She noted that this is a vital corridor into the City of South Bend, Indiana, and the City should be concerned with what uses go into this area. Ms. Ann Puzzello, 1247 E. LaSalle, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in opposition to this bill. Ms. Puzzello advised that this rezoning to allow for a billiard hall does not fit into the area. She noted that most of the surrounding properties have business hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. She stated that a billiard hall will operate much later and disrupt the current businesses and surrounding residential properties. She stated that there is not enough parking, no matter how many pool tables or tables for sitting. She urged the Council to vote against this bill. There was no one else present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. Mr. Farhan declined for a rebuttal. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to recommend this bill to the full Council unfavorably. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of seven (7) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Schey, Fred Ferlic, Varner, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic and White.) and two (2) ayes (Councilmember’s Scott and Dieter.) After much discussion between Councilmember’s on what the next step should be, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to continue this bill until the April 9, 2012 meeting of the Council. Councilmember Fred Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 9