02-11-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2008 Councilmember Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that this Committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and sends it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. th Mr. Mark Lyons, Staff Planner, Area Plan Commission, 11 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana presented the report from the Commission. Mr. Lyons advised that the petitioner is requesting a zone change from “LB” Local Business to “CB” Community Business to allow for office or retail uses. On site is a 3,200 square foot building zoned LB Local Business District. To the north across South Bend Avenue is a bank zoned CB Community Business District. To the east is a business zoned LB Local Business District. To the south is a supply/warehouse company zoned GB General Business District. To the west is a barber shop zoned LB Local Business District. The “CB” Community Business District is established to provide a location for high volume and high intensity commercial uses. Activities in this district are often large space users which may include limited amounts of outdoor sales or outdoor operations. The site is approximately 0.51 acres. The site plan shows an existing approximately 3,200 square foot building. Buildings cover approximately 14% of the site. The site plan shows 10 parking spaces with up to 20 spaces available depending on the use. The 10 existing parking and drives consist of 30% of the site. The remaining 56% of the site consist of open area. Type A Open Landscaping is required along all property lines. There is also a billboard located along the north property line of the site. South Bend Avenue has four lanes and a center turn lane. The site is currently served by private well and septic systems. The City Engineer has reviewed the site plan and recommends connection to municipal sewer and water. The water main is located on the frontage of the property on South Bend Avenue and sewer is available two lots south of the subject property. The site currently has a vacant building. The area is commercial in character. The most desirable use for the property is commercial. The surrounding property values should not be affected by the rezoning. It is responsible development and growth to allow the reuse of an underutilized building. Mr. Lyons advised that the Commission held a public hearing on this bill and it is being sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Lyons further noted that this area is an acceptable location for Community Business District uses. The rezoning is compatible with the surrounding land uses and zoning to the north and east. The rezoning will reuse an underutilized structure and should benefit the surrounding area. The addition of the required landscaping will help beautify the adjacent area. Mr. Steven Studer, Plews, Shadley, Racher & Braun LLP, 53732 Generations Drive, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation on behalf of the owner Dignan LLC. Mr. Studer advised that that Dignan is a property management company and is seeking this rezoning to allow greater flexibility with the potential of future uses at this location. Mr. Studer further advised that Dignan anticipates an office or retail use as allowed by the CB zoning classification. He noted that this rezoning will be consistent with neighboring properties. 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 being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Varner made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Rouse seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 09-08 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, CLOSING SEDA TIF FUND NO. 414 AND TRANSFERRING REMAINING FUNDS TO AEDA TIF FUND NO. 324 6