03-26-79 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED BILL NO. 27 -79 MARCH 26, 1979 A BILL DESIGNATING AND ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC LANDMARK UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 5565 -73, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4990 -68, AS AMENDED, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND (TIPPECANOE PL.) This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponent were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. John Oxian, vice president of the Historic Preserva- tion Commission, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated that this building was going to be sold, and the larkmark status would place local restrictions on any alterations to the building. He indicated that the owners, Southold Restoration, approved of this proposed bill. Council Member Taylor made a motion to recommend this to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Adams. The Motion carried. BILL NO. 28 -79 A BILL DESIGNATING AND ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC LANDMARK UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 5565 -73, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4990 -68, AS AMENDED, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND (530 CARROLL.) This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponent were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. John Oxian, vice president of the Historic Preserva- tion Commission, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated that the main historical as- pect of this house was its architectual value. He indicated that this house had a rating of eleven, which is either superior or close to a superior landmark. Council Member Miller made a motion to table this bill, seconded by Council Member Taylor. The motion carried on a roll call vote of six ayes and three nays (Council Members Kocczynski, Adams and Horvath.) BILL NO. 32 -79 A BILL APPROPRIATING $288,000.00 FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DIVISION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponent; were given an opportunity to be heard. Mayor Peter J. Nemeth, made the presentation for the bil He indicated that this appropriation was for the acquisition of the Odd Fellows Building. He said the Board of Works has signed an option to purchase the property. Mr. Dennis Moran, presi- dent of the Near Northwest Neighborhood indicated that the City should not buy this building, since they only plan to destroy it. He said they felt this was not the intention of Community Development funds. Mr. Carl Sinclair, 522 S. St. Joseph, indicated that the feasibility study was not complete on Century Mall. He indicated that this building should not be destroyed. He indicated that structurally the Odd Fellows Building was sound and adaptable. He said he was against the City buying this building for the purpose of destruction. Ms. Barbara Schankerman, 1615 Rockne, spoke against the demolision of a sound building. She indicated that before any further decisions are made, the Council should wait for the results of the feasibility study. Mayor Nemeth indicated that resolution 9D on the agenda, authorized the City to exchange the real estate to the Department of Redevelopment for the triangular parcel of land in front of the Morris Civic, as well as the Plaza Park. He indicated there was a study being made regardin, the Odd Fellows Building, and he said he would recommend to Redevelopment that no action be taken on this matter until this study is received. Council Member Horvath indicated that the Council will not vote on this bill with the original cover letter of explanation. Mr. Maurice Tulchinsky, attorney with offices in the Odd Fellows Building, indicating it would be a crime if that building was destroyed. Mrs. Jane Swan, 2022 Swygart, indicated that downtown malls would never be accepted as having a market value. She said they were more for amusement, rather than a purchasing center. Council President Parent indicated he was in favor of ac- quiring the building. He said the building had been ,neglected and that it could be developed into viable needed office space. Council Member Adams asked if the City would be able to meet the April 1 commitment to the developers. Mr. Carl Ellison, Redevelopment Director, indicated that the land would not be ready for bid, but the developers were continuing to spend money on this development, so they did not feel there was any problem. Council Member Adams asked if they had received any communication for the developers wanting the City of acquire the Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Ellison indicated they had not received any specific request from the developers. Council Member Adams made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council unfavorabl, seconded by Council Member Kopczynski. Council Member Taylor indicated that if the Council voted not to purchase this building it was a vote against Century Mall. Council Member Miller indicated that the concept of development and the City's involvement in development requires that the CIty get major tracts of land available so it can be developed. He indicated that the only way to properly develop downtown was by putting this property together so it can be bid as one bid. Council Member Kopczynski indicated that the Odd Fellows Building should be in- corporated in the Century Mall plans. Council Member Horvath indicated that the Odd Fellows Building could possibly be rehabilitated for the new Federal Building. The unfavorable motion failed on a vote of three ayes and six nays (Council Member Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Taylor, Dombrowski and Parent.) Council Member Taylor made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Miller. The motion carried. BILL NO. 35 -79 A BILL APPROPRIATING $325,000.00 FORM THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.GRANT, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A FIRE STATION TO BE LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THE AIR- PORT INDUSTRIAL PARK, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponent were given an opportunity to be heard. Fire Chief VanWiele made the presentation for the bill. He indicated this appropriation was for the design and construction of a fire station to be located in an area around Cleveland Road and Bendix Drive. He said that the business develop- ment and residential building activity in the area of the Airport Industrial Park warrants ad- ditional fire protection. Mrs. Jane Swan, 2022 Swygart, asked if the location of Lathrop and Bendix Dr., had been considered. Chief Van Wiele, indicated that it was considered, however, the area around Cleveland and Bendix was much more accessible. Mrs. Swan indicated that Lathrop and Bendix has the most density, and would be mid point to the area to be served. Counc Member Horvath indicated that the Council had just learned of industrial expansion in the north- west portion and this would bring more residential homes into that area, therefore, the fire station should be located in the northern most point to be served. Glenda Hernandez, 702 E. South, indicated that the fire station in their area was closed because there was not enough