South Bend committee forwards annexation and rezoning for 138-unit Willis/Dunn development

The Zoning and Annexation Committee recommended forwarding an annexation and rezoning petition for seven parcels at the southeast corner of Willis Avenue and Dunn Road to the full council, clearing a key procedural hurdle for a proposed 138-unit condominium development.

Tim Staub, zoning specialist, told the committee the annexation area is about 4.9 acres, contiguous to the city and consistent with the city plan. He said a portion of Willis Avenue and Dunn Road right-of-way would become city property, and the annexation area would join the 4th Council District and be served by specified police and fire beats.

Petitioner Mike Dansch presented the developers' concept: five multi-unit buildings arranged as stacked-flats with about 138 condominium units, covered parking and landscaping. Dansch said the developer will be responsible for site improvements required by the city's engineering department, including upgrading lift stations and increasing water-line capacity from six to eight inches. He estimated the combined project and infrastructure costs "probably over $110,000,000, 135,000,000" and said construction could begin in spring if approvals and engineering proceed.

Council members pressed for safety measures near the nearby University of Notre Dame student routes and asked about sidewalks, lighting and the hill approaching Martin's supermarket; the developer said sidewalks, shielded lighting and streets brought to city standards are part of the required final site plan and that some lift-station work could exceed a half-million dollars.

Planning staff presented the fiscal plan and said no city capital improvements are planned beyond the standard requirements; the developer's obligations for site work would proceed through commercial plan review and Board of Public Works approvals.

Committee members voted by roll call to forward Bill 45-25 (annexation and rezoning) to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the measure will appear on the 7 p.m. council agenda.