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Staff Report – BZA#0085-21 November 1, 2021 SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 3 A Special Use may only be granted upon making a written determination, based upon the evidence presented at a public hearing, that: (1) The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral standards, convenience or general welfare; Approval of the Special Exception will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community. The scale of the proposed duplex is comparable to a single unit dwelling and will be used for residential use. Reactivating a vacant lot will provide more residents to the neighborhood which will increase safety and the general welfare of the community. (2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or property values therein; Adding a two unit dwelling on a currently vacant lot should not injure or adversely affect the use or value of the adjacent area or property values. New construction that fits the scale of the current residential properties should strengthen nearby property values. (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is located and the land uses authorized therein; The current context of the neighborhood provides a mix of single family homes and small scale multifamily apartments. This two unit dwelling will be consistent with the character of the district and neighborhood in both uses and style of construction. Ford Street has a history of small scale multi unit dwellings which this project will further compliment and enhance. (4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. The petition is consistent with the City Plan, South Bend Comprehensive Plan (2006) Objective H1.1: Encourage residential developments to contain a mix of housing types, densities, price ranges, and amenities. Analysis: The proposed construction of a two unit dwelling will further compliment the existing housing stock in the surrounding area, as well as providing more diverse housing types for residents. Ford Street has a history of small scale multi-unit dwellings. The proposed two unit dwelling will fit into that existing setting, as well as reactivating a vacant lot. Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the Board send the petition to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation as presented. Analysis & Recommendation Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception