2002-11 GRANTING SPECIAL PERMIT HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD USE - 447 WEST MAIN STREET

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Decatur City Plan Commission '� February 7, 2002 I� Page Nine ', Mr. Shampine asked that the parking be explained. Ms. Miller stated that the Zoning Ordinance lil would require eleven parking spaces. In checking with the Planning Advisory Service, they i suggested using net leasable space to calculate parking for$�is use which would require 4.5 � spaces. The church across the street has agreed to allow the use at 447 West Main Street to use parking in their lot. The Zoning Ordinance allows a variance in parking requirements wl�en parking is adjacent to the properly or across the street. The church wants to review the parking , every suc months. I� Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that this request was reviewed by Mr. Couter, Corporation Counsel, II and the Zoning Ordinance allows variation in the number of parking spaces required under ! Special Use Permits. This petition is a Historic Neighborhood Use and the parking variation is '�, only specific to the use and cannot have another use. With the on site parking and the on street 'I parking it is believed this property will have an abundance of parking and the variation is I appropriate. The office uses as proposed would not generate a great deal of parking. Mr. Claypool asked what was not leasable in this house. Ms. Miller stated that the kitchen, bathrooms, hallways and a very large living room are not leasable. Mrs. Washington stated that the purpose of the Historic District is being defeated as office uses with parking is an issue. She stated that many families moved out to restore a Single Family designation to the area and there were parking issues with multifamily uses. " Ms. Miller stated that the Historic Neighborhood Use maintains the historic integrity of the structure. The exterior of the subject structure looks like a single family dwelling and the interior of the structure has been maintained. Each use in the Historic Neighborhood Use is reviewed on its own merits and each reviewed very carefully. Mrs. Rhonda Glidewell,petitioner,was present and spoke for the petition stating that she and her husband have lived in Decatur for twelve years and have restored fourteen structures to single family because it is their passion to do so. Mrs. Glidewell stated that there were no shortcuts taken in the degree to restore the subject structure. Every attention was paid to detail. There is an office in the dining room and in the library of the house. Mrs. Glidewell stated that the parking pad cannot be poured until the use is approved. The parking pad would be adjacent to the garage. Currently, parking is provided on the street or across the street. Mrs. Glidewell stated that her personal residence is within 300 feet which would provide additional parking if the church agreement does not continue. She is also buying 360-362 West Prairie which is within 300 feet of the subject property. Mrs. Glidewell stated that for four or five years the entire block was slated for demolition. To restore these homes back to single family is not affordable to anyone and she stated that she and her husband may be the only residents attempting to do so to this degree.