South Bend zoning committee advances four special exceptions to add two-unit homes in Lincoln Park, Kennedy Park and nearby blocks

The Zoning and Annexation Committee voted unanimously to send four special-exception requests to the committee of the whole with favorable recommendations, advancing infill or conversion projects that city staff said align with Comprehensive Plan objective H1.1.

Tim Stab, zoning specialist for the City of South Bend, introduced the first application, Bill 17-26, for 812 Oak Street and described the project's plan to build a pre-approved stacked duplex on a parcel that has been vacant for more than 15 years. "The use of a two-unit dwelling is consistent with objective H1.1 from the city's comprehensive plan," Stab said, and the Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval.

The applicant, Jose Guara, said he owns the lot and that the duplex is intended to provide affordable rental housing in the neighborhood. "I own this lot in 812 Oak Street and the intention is to build a duplex . . . to bring affordable rental for the community in the area," Guara said.

The committee then considered Bill 23-26 for 2525 Veteran (listed as Bertrren in the staff presentation). Cynthia Men, representing Homie LLC, said the project uses the city's pre-approved plans and is intended to create affordable two-family housing to respond to increasing rental demand. Committee members asked whether the plan relies on the city's pre-approved design; Men confirmed it does.

Bill 24-26 (1110 North Huey Street) would convert an existing single-family house into two units by adding a rear extension and creating a basement unit. Owner Dr. Consuela Hopkins told the committee the house had been a neighborhood nuisance and that converting it to a duplex was necessary to make the financing viable. "We are finally able to secure the financing to purchase it and in order to make it make sense for us financially, we do need to make it into a duplex," Hopkins said.

Bill 25-26 would permit townhouse-style two-unit homes at 505 and 507 Blaine Street. Petitioner Bennett Benman, for Affordable Home Matters Indiana, described each unit as about 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, said units will be sold separately, and said at least one unit per building will be targeted to buyers at or below 80% of area median income. "At least one of these will be for buyers under 80% of the median income," Benman said.

On each item the committee opened the public hearing; no members of the public registered in favor or opposition. Each bill was moved, seconded and advanced by roll-call vote with all present members recorded in favor.

The committee record shows staff and the BZA recommended favorable action for each project; votes were recorded as unanimous by the members present. The items will return at the committee of the whole for consideration as scheduled on the evening agenda.

What happens next: each bill will appear before the larger council committee at the scheduled evening meeting for further consideration and final action.