03-11-19 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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eCITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK general awareness would help the enforcement piece come from a wider knowledge of what that developer committed to when they applied for that property. Council President Scott stated, That is why we need a deeper conversation on this. There is a property in my neighborhood that is now an Area Plan Commission violation junkyard and there is nothing they are doing. They send a letter and there is no recourse. Committeemember Broden stated, I do think we have to keep in mind the effectiveness at the staffing level is only as good as the budget is, as well. We need to make sure they can carry out their duties and functions. Council President Scott then opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to this legislation. Kathy Schuth, 911 Leeland Avenue, stated, I am here wearing multiple hats. I am a mayoral appointee for the Area Board of Zoning Appeals and I started that in 2015. It is my fourth (4th) year sitting on it. I was surprised by this move but am very much in support of it. I think what we are seeing right now is South Bend asserting itself as more and more of a nuisance planning City and, I think because of that, it requires a City-based planning team. The way it is now, there isn't even a City-majority voice to speak to a City-based issue. Conversely, it feels a little silly to talk about County issues that I kind of feel I have no business discussing and making decisions on. The truth of it is these boards are only as good as the information that citizen brings. Mike Keen, 1012 Riverside Drive, stated, I would like to speak in support of this as well. I've had personal experience of trying to do neighborhood redevelopment. I also have sat on the Board of Zoning Appeals and what I think is, again, having a body that is more familiar with the issues of the City can make a huge difference in pursuing those solutions. When I took at a look at that budget slide, I thought to myself, the City is already sort of stretching themselves to provide some of these services. We did a bootcamp where we had fourteen(14)people do development projects in the City and when we talked about what they were working on, $3 - $4 million of development over the next eighteen (18) months to two (2) years but thinking about the next seven (7) years, there was $20 million worth of development sitting at that table. That was being brought together because of our ability to work with the improved South Bend Plan Commission and some staff members there. I think it would be really important to have a Commission that understands City issues such as parking. I think this would provide a greater ability for us to have a partner we can work with, especially for small developers who don't have large staffs that needs this kind of assistance. Again, the City has already stepped up and provided that. Thank you. Council President Scott sent Substitute Bill No. 19-15 to the full Council with no recommendation. With no further business, Council President Scott adjourned the Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting at 5:22 p.m. -:.- • '• -d Tim' o ounci 'resident EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 wwwsouth bend in goy 7