01-25-88 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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development would not be p paid by the developer but rather by the taxpayers. Councilman Zakrzewski questioned how large the actual commercial development would be. Mr. Cook indicated that it would be approximately three hundred thousand square feet. Mr. Jon Hunt, Director of the Department of Economic Development stated that the City of South Bend is strongly endorsing and supporting the proposed project. He noted that population in St. Joseph County has basically leveled off. However, a marketing report taken in February 1987 showed that there is a market for rental units of the type proposed in the project. He also indicated that development in the Northwest corner was appropriate and would strenthen the City of South Bend. He stated that the site plan was not only appropriate but made good common sense. He noted that the public committment of the developer was commendable. He also noted that a study completed in November, 1986 by a national company showed that there is a need for additional retail on this side of the City. Lastly, he indicated that written reports were received by the Department of Public Works, the Police Department, and the Fire Department and all three voiced favorable and positive support for the proposed project. Each indicated that there would be no problem with regard to meeting the service needs of the area in question. Councilman Slavinskas then asked for members of the public to give statements on the proposed project. Mr. Frank Papczynski, noted that he was the chairperson of the neighborhood group. He then gave a handout (attached) which was a recent article from the South Bend Tribune and various apartment advertisements. He was concerned with regard to abatement and questioned the overall market figures. He stated that the neighborhood group was not opposed to "A" Residential but was opposed to the proposed project. Mr. Jim Lewis of 52401 Lynnewood passed out another marketing handout (attached) . He questioned the future of the Portage Volunteer Fire Department if the development was approved. He stated that he did not believe that there was a market for such a development. He stated that a "A" Residential development would be most appropriate and not the type proposed. He further stated that he believed that there could be problems at the Sewage Treatment Plant and also with regard to retention ponds and mosquitoes. Councilman Slavinskas noted that the Council must keep in mind what is the best use for the property in question, and 4