05-29-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 29, 2013 BILL NO. 19-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF INDIANA AVENUE FROM ST. JOSEPH STREET EAST APPROX. 200 FEET TO THE NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY, AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chairperson, reported that this Committee met this afternoon and it was the consensus of the Committee to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Pastor Ricardo Taylor, Jr., 137 E. Indiana Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Pastor Taylor advised that the purpose of the vacation of the real property is to consolidate the property to build a new church. He stated that they had started construction and then realized that they needed to have the alley vacated. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill. Rev. Greg Brown, 1238 Diamond, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He stated that this is a good project. Huey Scobey, P. O. Box 3594, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He stated that Pastor Taylor is a role model. He noted that the church has cleaned up the area and has a wonderful plan for that neighborhood. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the bill. Jerry Ivacic, 3019 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he agrees that Pastor Taylor has cleaned up the area. He is concerned that his property that he is currently selling on land contract is being affected by the changing landscape. Mr. Escobar, 225 Dubail, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in opposition to the bill. He stated that he is concerned about the church taking over the area. He stated that he put up a fence and has had trouble with vehicles hitting it. In Rebuttal, Pastor Taylor stated that he has been in contact with Mr. Ivacic to purchase his property. He stated that he needed to get some things in order before he made an offer. Pastor Taylor stated that Mr. Escobar’s issue is clear and that he put up his fence without having a survey done. He stated that the fence is in the right-of-way. Councilmember Scott stated that the cart was put before the horse. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., stated that he supports the church, but would have liked to see more conversation with the neighbors. Councilmember Schey stated that she was in support. Councilmember Dieter thanked Pastor Taylor for bringing back the neighborhood. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic congratulated Mt. Carmel on their new Church. Councilmember’s Oliver Davis and White thanked Pastor Taylor and the Congregation at Mt. Carmel Church. 2