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Committee backs Scott Street rezoning to clear path for six townhomes
Summary
The committee unanimously forwarded Bill 27‑26, authorizing rezoning of five Scott Street parcels from U1 to U2 so the City can transfer them to the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association for development of two three‑unit townhome buildings (six units) aimed at low‑ to moderate‑income buyers.
The Residential Neighborhood Committee voted to send Bill 27‑26 to the committee of the whole with a favorable recommendation after presentations from City staff and the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association’s executive director.
"This is Bill number 27‑26: a petition by the owner of 604, 606, 616, 618, and 620 Scott Street to rezone these properties from Urban Neighborhood 1 to Urban Neighborhood 2," Mark Dostrito, zoning specialist with the City of Southbend, told the committee. He said the City currently owns the U1 parcels and plans to transfer them to the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association for development of two groups of three townhomes.
Kathy Shu, executive director of the Near Northwest Neighborhood, described the proposed project as two triplex buildings that would be sold as individual units to low‑ and moderate‑income buyers. "This land is currently owned by the city of Southbend, the redevelopment commission, and we've requested that it be transferred to the NN, sold to the NNN for this development proposed," she said. Shu said the group plans to apply for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis funds in June and expects an announcement in November; if funded, construction could begin in spring 2027 with completion possible in 2028.
Committee members asked about precedent projects, design, parking and ownership arrangements. Shu said the organization has built duplexes and a fourplex product previously and that the current design is intended to appear like a single, cohesive house with separate yards for each unit. On parking, the petitioner noted street parking, alley access and potential off‑alley parking pads; single‑car garages would be included only if the project budget allows. On long‑term maintenance, the petitioner said party‑wall and roof‑maintenance arrangements may require additional legal or covenant work.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. A committee member moved to forward the bill with a favorable recommendation; the motion passed on a roll call that recorded affirmative votes from the committee, and the bill will be considered by the full Common Council.
Next steps: Bill 27‑26 will advance to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association plans to submit its funding application in June and expects a decision in November.
