08-26-19 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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•CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK diligence going forward. So, that's what I can tell you right now about the site regarding the environmental conditions. We moved forward with the best information and the best decision making we had at the time. Mr. Mariani then stated, through the institute process which really began in February as a compressed process, our team met, continued to learn more about permanent supportive housing, what else was happening across the state and analyze our project to get more information from the City. So, as we continue to not have a site in the beginning with only a site list, we studied that list. As we finished that process in June, this site became a priority site. The City of South Bend put this site into play. We looked at it and we thought that it met all those requirements, and we began the public process. There were sites that would have been simpler than this site. There were already zones in this neighborhood that we could have pursued, and other sites around the community that had some potential. All of the sites were wrought with difficulty. I think any developer that's wise would be open to considering a site that's being offered by a public body for free. That seemed to be a pretty logical approach. This isn't an unusual occurrence. The City's position is to try to incentivize development, and that's what they are doing in this particular case. So, it is an important point because having a site at no cost allows us to build more units. I think that's what our community has said that they want. They want more units online. If we had to buy or pay for a site, it inhibits our ability to bring additional units online. If you approve this zoning tonight, we're still not bringing these units online until mid-summer of 2021. This construction process takes ten(10)to twelve(12)months barring any complications. So,you've got information on the overview of the project, the funding sources, background on the environmental and the population that we're trying to house. Committeemember Shein stated, In the plan it looks like it's laid out where there would be ample room for parking and another building. Is it laid out that way in order to accommodate additional density? Mr. Mariani replied, No, there's been no discussion of additional units at this site. The parking is the minimal amount of parking that we would have to provide for at the site for guests, staff and others, but there's no intention for additional units on the site. Committeemember Matthews asked, If the zoning goes through and you buy the land you can do what you want with it,but it seems like it makes sense to at least consider improving the alley way instead of having the alley and then fifteen (15) feet of grass and then a twenty-four (24) foot garage you guys are making and maintaining. If you could shift the building and the parking lot east, save some pavement that probably would be nice. Then, if you're not planning on adding on more later it kind of makes sense to me if the City would sub-divide it and keep that part and you wouldn't have to make payments. Are you guys looking at building energy efficient apartments to eliminate the variability in utility bills? Mr. Mariani replied, Yes. We built the Oliver Apartments to an emerald level according to the National Green Building Standard. We don't have the funds to build this building to that level. We'd love to achieve a lower level of environmental sustainability, but we have to look at our overall budget. We will certainly be looking at high efficiency units on everything. Committee Chair Dr. Oliver Davis opened the floor to the public for questions or comments from the public. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227W Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235 9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 8