07-08-19 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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C.)CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK the City for doing that. I don't one hundred percent (100%) like every single aspect of this but there is nothing in these changes that would dissuade me from doing continued development and in fact, I particularly like the riverfront aspects because I remember conversations I've had on the Wharf Site and the Cascade Development where we actually gave ten (10) more feet and we are setback twenty-two (22) feet from the water. If it's ever practical to put public space to use in a way in which outsiders visit and then say this is great and invigorating,how many times have we heard about San Antonio, Texas, for example? Although it's a whole different thing, that is what they've done. So, I really want to applaud, again, the cohesiveness in which they did it because I believe it's proactive. It is fairly succinct for what it is. It has to be somewhat lengthy. I'm assured there is a path forward even on the issues I don't like,for example,to maybe change and or modify them. There is still the variance process if we don't like them. And, they are practical. All those things said, I think it's a kudos to the City for doing this. I'm glad it's done, and I only hope we can all take advantage of it and have more development. Tom Panzica, 416 East Monroe Street, stated, Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm with Panzica Building Corporation.We are the architects and builders of the 320 at the Cascade project. When I first (1st) heard of this ordinance and looked at it, I thought, "Oh great, more regulations. Just what we need." That is our normal reaction to ordinances. But on looking through it, and having some of the details explained to me, and drilling things down, I've come to understand the wisdom and the utility of it. I think, primarily, we are most supportive of the river setback requirements because we do believe access to the river is the key to maintaining and improving the property values downtown. I also have to say that I've been a six (6) year member of the St. Joseph County Parks Board. We are instrumental in taking the riverfront trails of South Bend and Mishawaka and extend that all the way up into Michigan. The dream is to get all the way to Lake Michigan. So, I believe as a Board Member of the County Parks and as a downtown builder and developer, access to the river is of primary importance and I think that particular clause is of particular importance. I want to speak in support of it. Thank you. Mark Neal, 321 South Main Street, stated, I am speaking in support of the ordinance. Hats off to the Department of Community Investment and Councilmember Broden mentioned this has been an effort that has been going on for quite some time. I think it even predates 2016. I feel there was even some discussion in 2013 and 2014 of what we could do to make sure we are improving the aesthetic of our downtown. We want to make sure future development encourages other great development that certainly take advantage of the real estate. I speak as a member of the Parks Board and I also echo Mr. Panzica's comments. I think access to the river is important. I think this enhances it. I speak in support of what has been proposed. I appreciate the simplicity of it,actually, in many cases, and as a very small developer downtown, I look forward to doing other things in the community that we think will also enhance the aesthetic, the economic value, and the opportunities in our community. Vice Committee Chair Voorde then gave the floor back to the Committee for questions,comments or main motions. Committeemember Matthews stated, I have a couple of questions. Looking at the slide with the river setback, type one(1) and type two (2), to me, seem to be the same. It doesn't matter if there is an easement or not. Type three (3), it says City-owned property, but could the land owner do a one(1) inch subdivision and now exempt themselves from this fifteen(15) foot setback? EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 j p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 wnnv.southbendin.gov 15