04-13-09 Zoning & Annexation Committee

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Bill No. 07-09 -This bill requests a rezoning from MU mixed use to SF single family for property at 1032 Wayne Street. At Chairperson Kirsits request Christa Nayder from the Area Plan Commission reported that the APC staff and Commission approve the petition and send a favorable recommendation. Marcia McMillan, the petitioner then explained the house at 1032 E. Wayne originally built as a single family home, later converted to a doctor's office, had now sat vacant for several years. Her intent, she stated, was to return it to a single family home. Martha Lewis stated the Howard Park Neighborhood Association was strongly in support of McMillan's effort. Without further discussion, Chairperson Kirsits recognized a motion from Councilmember Varner to recommend favorably. Councilmember LaFountain seconded the motion. Councilmember Puzzello strongly endorsed the project. Councilmember Kirsits noted the Committee support was unanimous. Bill No. 08-09 -This rezoning petition asks that three single family homes be rezoned from "SF" to "O" Office. Chairman Kirsits again recognized APC staff planner Christa Nayder to report the APC Staff and Commission's actions. She said the three lots each having a single family home, tota{ed 40,000 square feet or enough to support one or two new offices after demolition of the homes and site plan preparation. All three owner's initiated the rezoning request. She noted the staffs favorable recommendation was based upon land use trends along Hickory over the past 20 years. One of the owners, Betty Calderone, said the homeowners were simply trying to maximize the potential value of their property. In that this petition is congruent with land use plans and City Plan and was fully supported by Councilmember Puzzello. Chairperson Kirsits accepted a motion to send favorably from Councilmember LaFountain followed by Councilmember Varner's second and support from all. Bi11 No. 15-09 -This bill initiated by John Byorni, Director, Area Plan Commission, would combine the City of South Bend's BZA with the county BZA to form the Area Board of Zoning Appeals encompassing all of St. Joe County except the City of Mishawaka. Byorni making the case explained that by having one BZA, filing dates, and meeting dates could be combined so as to provide a better more understandable process for the staff and the public. Having given the background and rationale Byorni was open to questions. Councilmember Varner asked if there was any downside. Both Byorni and Chuck Bulot of the Building Department said there was no downside to consolidation.