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Committee advances Bill 2826 to full council to vacate 3.7-foot right-of-way for housing
Summary
A South Bend City Council committee voted unanimously to advance Bill 2826, which would vacate 3.7 feet of right-of-way to enlarge a lot to 70 feet of frontage so two new dwelling units can be built; the public hearing drew no speakers and the bill will be heard by the full council at 7:00 p.m.
An informal committee of the South Bend City Council voted to advance Bill 2826 to the committee of the whole with a favorable recommendation, approving a motion and a roll-call vote that recorded four affirmative votes.
Chris Gaduskey of Abon Marsh Consultants, who said he represents landowners David and Jennifer Ludwig and prospective buyers Andy Seigert, told the committee the petition requests the vacation of 3.7 feet of public right-of-way so the lot frontage would meet the zoning district's maximum lot-width requirement at 70 feet and allow the owners to remove one dwelling and build two new dwelling units. "This is a request for vacation of 3.7 feet. It would make the lot 70 ft on the road frontage," Gaduskey said, noting staff had issued a positive report and that maps and drawings were included in the petition.
Builder Craig Tillman of Capstone Design Plus Build said the proposed houses would match neighborhood character and stressed the project would realign sidewalks on Napoleon Avenue to remove an existing offset. "I'd very much like to see the sidewalks line up," Tillman said, arguing the change would improve aesthetics and pedestrian safety. He and the presenter also said the reconstruction would address ADA access issues; they stated the current sidewalks were not ADA-compliant and that the planned work would make entrances ADA-compliant if the project proceeds.
Owner David Ludwig and prospective homeowner Andy Seigert spoke in favor of the project, saying they were excited about moving closer to the Notre Dame area and supported the proposed lot enlargement.
The committee opened a public hearing and recorded that no members of the public, in person or online, registered in favor or opposition. After closing the public hearing, a committee member moved to send Bill 2826 to the committee of the whole with a favorable recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved on a roll-call vote with four "I" votes. The clerk announced the bill will be heard at 7:00 p.m.
The committee noted staff recommendations regarding sidewalk improvements and an ADA ramp that will be addressed during reconstruction if the vacation is approved. No formal amendments or public opposition were recorded during the meeting.
