01-10-05 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Virginia Gruber of 2731 Locust Road spoke against the rezoning request. She stated that she believes that the commercial development would be inappropriate. She believes that the development will decrease property values by at least 14% if the apartment development is permitted. She stated that the residents have deep concerns about the entire project, and further noted that the water cannot flow to the retention basin proposed in the higher elevation. Jeannie Ratman of Locust Road spoke against the Bill. She noted that there are already traffic problems in the area and that they do not need an additional 300 vehicles. Mark Stevens of 3515 South Locust spoke against the proposed rezoning. He cited Mayor Luecke's State of the City Address of 2004 with regard to "quality of life" and "a strong commitment to neighborhoods"which focused on single-family developments. He noted that 94 single-family homes were constructed in South Bend last year. He stated that the focus groups which are part of the ongoing City Plan discussions have favored home ownership since the people are less transient. He noted that in the classified section of the local paper there are many ads for free heat, deposits of $.99, since there is a plethora of apartments in South Bend. He noted that there are red-tail hawks which are on the endangered species list in the area and inquired what will happen to them. He noted that the development is 4 1/2 miles away from the Erskine Village development, and believes that the proposed development and rezoning should be turned down. He further stated that the crime maps in the local paper show that there is more crime by apartment complexes. There are no bus lines. He asked the Council to "please keep the seat equity" and turn the request down. Mr. Steve Overmyer of 3447 South Locust spoke against the rezoning. He noted that in 1999 a trailer park was proposed.. The Area Plan Commission rejected the proposal as well as the Council. 86 acres in the area was later developed as single-family housing, and that they would like a single-family development for the subject area. He requested that the unfavorable recommendation from the Area Plan Commission be followed by the Council. Suzanne Hamilton of 3429 South Locust spoke against the rezoning. She spoke of quality neighborhoods and quality starter homes on lots of 1/2 to 2 acres. She stated that she does not believe that the proposed development will "age-well". She further stated that accidents will increase. She noted that the Cataldos permitted abandoned vehicles and equipment on the property. She concluded her remarks by stating she sees the rezoning as a form of"taking". David Pink of 3631 South Locust spoke against the rezoning. He cited four (4) primary reasons for his opposition. # 1. Increased crime and traffic: he noted that during an evening time period there were speeding tickets issued every 19 1/2 minutes. He noted that there is a surplus of apartment now which have high crime. # 2. Decrease in property values: he noted that there are already homes up for sale. He noted that there is alot of muck land in the area. He showed pictures of homes with mold and mildew on the siding because of the muck and drainage problems. # 3. Inconsistent statements: He stated that he believes the residents have"been lied to since bulldozing of ponds have taken place without proper permits and trees have been removed. Garbage, junk and concrete are buried in the area in question. He noted that very short notice was given of the "informational meeting"held on a Notre Dame game day and none of the Locust Road residents were invited. He stated that he has paid taxes for 29 years and does not want a substandard development. # 4 City Plan: he noted that apartments are not addressed Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-