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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2013 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />concerns about the implications of this and wish to have members of the neighborhood group <br />(East Bank Village Partnership) aware of what is going on. Thank You, Don Schefmeyer, <br />Owner of Property Adjacent <br /> <br />Mr. Chester T. Gamble, 3996 Liberty Street, Bremen, Indiana, made the presentation on behalf <br />of the Petitioner, Zion United Church of Christ, 715 East Wayne Street, South Bend, Indiana. <br /> <br />Mr. Gamble advised that Zion United Church of Christ request’s the vacation of the alley that is <br />bounded by properties of the church property on both sides. The vacation of the alley will allow <br />for the continued use of the alley as part of the church parking lot and will also allow for the <br />construction of a new Worship/Fellowship building to replace an existing building that will be <br />removed. <br /> <br />The City Engineer’s Office asked for dedication a 15’ triangular piece on the northwest corner of <br />the cross-alley for the proper maneuvering of garbage trucks. Mr. Gamble agreed. <br /> <br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and <br />opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. <br /> <br /> <br />The following individual spoke in favor of the bill: <br /> <br />Mr. Judy Waldo, Mishawaka resident, spoke in favor of this bill. She stated that she is a member <br />of the Zion United Church of Christ. She stated that she is in a wheelchair and would like to be <br />able to participate in Church activities. She stated that this bill would allow for the church to <br />begin plans to construct a new Worship/Fellowship building that would be handicapped <br />accessible. She urged the Council for their favorable consideration. <br /> <br />The following individual spoke in opposition to the bill. <br /> <br />Mr. Don Schefmeyer, owner of property adjacent, stated that with respect to the request to vacate <br />the north-south east of St. Louis along Zion Church lot, I respectfully ask that any discussion be <br />continued due to the late notification. I have certain concerns about the implications of this and <br />wish to have members of the neighborhood group (East Bank Village Partnership) aware of what <br />is going on. Mr. Schefmeyer stated that he really is not objecting, but has concerns that he has <br />not seen any plans/drawings for the new building. He stated that he is concerned that the new <br />building may be so close to his building that it might make obtaining property permits for his <br />existing building difficult. <br /> <br />In rebuttal, Mr. Gamble stated that he cannot respond tonight for the congregation. He stated <br />that this is church owned existing property. <br /> <br />Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that there is a four (4) prong test when it <br />comes to the Council and property vacations. She stated that the first prong is whether or not the <br />vacation would hinder growth. She stated that with Mr. Schefmeyer’s concerns raised this <br />evening that they fall under this first prong. <br /> <br />Mr. Gamble agreed to the continuance until April 22, 2013 <br /> <br />After much discussion between Councilmembers regarding the hopeful outcome that the two <br />parties can work together to reach a mutual agreement, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a <br />motion to continue this bill until April 22, 2013. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded the <br />motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br /> <br />