04-11-05 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Member White inquired about how competitive the development would be since the petitioner originally proposed 54 units. Mr. Mihalche stated that they have removed the health club and related amenities. He further noted in response to a question from Council Member Kelly that each condo would have two (2) bedrooms and a garage. In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer he stated that the floodplain was in the southwest quadrant which remain as green space. Council Member Kirsits joined the Committee meeting, and a quorum was now present. Council Member Kuspa then opened the meeting to public comments, limiting such comments to two (2) in favor and two (2) against; and encouraging persons to speak at the 7 p.m. public hearing on the substitute bill. Chris Tressell of the Department of Community and Economic Development spoke in favor of the project and rezoning. He noted that for the past decade the department has been involved in this area. The development would enhance residential development and would continue to encourage development in this area. The proposal is appropriate and lends credence to the area. Kitty Kershan, President of the River Park Neighborhood Association stated that on February 3, 2005 they unanimously voted in favor of the project. On March 3, 2005 they invited Carl Littrell to their meeting to address any traffic concerns, since the neighborhood wants the area to be safe. On April 7, 2005 the latest site plan was shown which now proposes 1/3 of the area as green space. She noted that there was mis-information being circulated on the project such as it being apartments and not condos. She stated that the neighborhood association supports the project. The owner of 3310 Northside Boulevard provided notebooks to the Committee entitled"Friends of River Park: Rezoning Remonstrance Common Council Bill: 1-05" (copy attached). He directed the committee to Tab No. 3 and addressed the r'EMA map, and noted that there is a steep slope at the end of the floodway. He noted that he discussed the need for commitments with the Area Plan Commission. On page 6 under Tab No. 1, he noted that Gerry Phipps of the Area Plan Commission voiced concern about accountability. He urged the Council to require written commitments. He suggested that the condos are not in compliance with the City Plan. He stated that no contact has been made with DNR and the Army Corps of Engineers. Pamela J. Tanber of 3214 Northside Boulevard stated that she believes it is illegal to build in the floodway under Indiana Code 14-28. In 2003, the water rose by 10.8'. She stated that she is having trouble"getting her arms around the proposal" since it keeps changing. She said it began with 70 units, then 54, then 46. She noted that over 300 signatures have been collected against the proposal. She believes in development, but in single-family development for the area. Condos which are stacked are high-dense buildings. There will be serious traffic problems which is near an elementary school. She noted that two(2)people have been killed in the area. Council Member Kelly stated that he has heard that some of the residents may be able to purchase the property in question for single-family development. Ms. Tanber stated that there is to be a closing on the property in ten(10)days. April 11,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-