Neighbors fight proposed student housing project in South Bendby Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)
Marty McKiernan points to the area where a proposed student housing development called "Legacy Village" would be built, west of Ironwood Road between Douglas and State Road 23. McKiernan, whose mother has lived in the area for 50 years, and many other neighbors are against the project. (WSBT photo) SOUTH BEND — Marty McKiernan was on a mission Monday, delivering fliers that ask neighbors to join him in keeping things quiet in the serene, wooded neighborhood where he grew up. His mother has lived there for fifty years. Multimedia Related Content“I’d hate to lose it,” said McKiernan. He’s concerned about a proposed housing project targeted at Notre Dame students that would bring new homes, students, and traffic to the area near George Street and McErlain, west of Ironwood Road between Douglas and State Road 23. The Illinois developer calls it “Legacy Village.” “The roads are not ready for such a development,” said McKiernan. Rev. Neil Ryan of the nearby Little Flower Church told the South Bend Tribune this week, “It’s a crime scene waiting to happen.” They are neighbors concerned about traffic, noise and safety. They plan on attending a hearing Tuesday night before the St. Joseph County Council to voice their opinions. The developer and his lawyer will also be there. Stephen Studor, who represents developer Robert Cimala, said his client has addressed every concern and has been more than willing to work with neighbors. “This is a good project,” said Studor, adding that the 10 houses would be built with all brick exterior and take up less space than a single family home. “These homes would be two football fields away from the nearest residence,” said Studor. “This is a $3 million-$4 million project that would generate $70,000-$80,000 a year in taxes for the county. Right now, it’s vacant land.” Studor said the proposal has also been scaled back from the original 13 houses for 100 students to ten homes for 60 students and none will have balconies. Still, the McKiernan family isn’t convinced. “I’m extremely concerned how it would change this neighborhood,” said Marty McKiernan. “We’re trying to push for the developer to consider more appropriate locations nearer to campus.” Friday, Jul 11 at 8:38 PM Taxes wrote ...Wow O found out that Little Flowers last tax assessment was over 3 million dollars...and they pay ZERO taxes on it. If the Reverand is so concerned about the suppossedly dangerous roads behind his church, why doesn't the church offer to pay taxes for a few years to pay for improvements? The answer...he dopesn't care at all about the neiborhood...he has some strange, deep dislike for ND students I think. Friday, Jul 11 at 3:33 PM your right wrote ...I drove to the scene of the photo with Mr. McKiernan in it...to see where this developement really is. There is a street off of Douglas called Willis that passes 1 house going to the site. And there is a Street off Ironwood called Eugene that passes 1 or 2 houses to get to the site. This area is between Twychenham, Douglas, and Ironwood, and these folks can't see the writing on the wall? That area is certainly going to change, and I have to agree that alot of the houses there could benifit! Friday, Jul 11 at 3:12 PM Taxes wrote ...Did anyone see the tribune today? County department heads are getting orders to drop budgets by 8% to make up for less revenue. This is why the county needs tax-paying projects like Legacy Village. People should be glad to get rid of some trees instead of paying when the county comes up with new taxes and fees to make up for budget issues! Thursday, Jul 10 at 10:48 PM Wonderful Religious Figure wrote ...QUOTE FROM ARTICLE: Rev. Neil Ryan of the nearby Little Flower Church told the South Bend Tribune this week, “It’s a crime scene waiting to happen.” **** I hope more students, parents of students, and ND faculty members start to speak up, because it is startling to me to hear a Reverand speak this way about ND students. Way to welcome people into your fold there Reverand. Jesus didn't care who lived around the temple...instead he welcomed them to join him in worship. Thursday, Jul 10 at 10:39 PM You guys crack me up wrote ...I love how people who don't have a dime to buy land to save the trees tell everyone else what to do with their land. This is not ND land, nor do the trees belong to the neighborhood. The area is zoned for offices but no one wanted to build offices off the main Ironwood frontage. SO this guy decided it would be nice to have a small village between the comercial offices on Ironwood and the residential areas to the west. These are not cheesy condos for sale.It is an apartment complex for students Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:20 PM Comedy Tour wrote ...Hey all you from outside the area who feel bad for the locals living behind Little Flower Church...go take a tour of the streets behind the Church. Most of those streets would be a good "Tour of Homes for Code Enforcement." My Mother-in-law drove around back their expecting a nice little neighborhood....instead she said that there were several decent homes sprinkled amongst primarily dumpy houses. Seriously, check the tax records, 30-75K assessed is the majority. It's embarrasing. Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:13 PM Reality Check wrote ...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, I am begging some of you people to stop bringing up trees and ND when talking about this development. ND has ZERO to do with it...ZERO. And the current owner can cut down each and every tree if he desires...never having to ask for anyones approval. Why people think they can complain and the trees will stay is beyond me. The seller shoulod cut the things down just so people stop thinking this development not passing will save the trees...it won't! Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:43 PM Benjamin wrote ...There's nothing you can do. The country belongs to the money handlers, the bankers. Did anyone in this neighborhood vote for Ralph Nader, or bother to notice what was happening in the world around them and try to organize to do something about it before it got worse? Or did they just say, "I got mine"? Did you just assume that it was impossible for anyone to ever take it away from you? How much sympathy can I have? Tuesday, Jul 8 at 2:13 PM Leo- Granger wrote ...Even though the developer says these will be "first class" residences, just wait until one student has a party. Usually about 50 show up, Rich or not, the ND kids will party, and soon the neighborhood will have their houses for sale trying to get away from all the partying. Even "nice" residences get run down by people who don't care enough to take care of their place, and if the ND students can't take care of a dorm room, they will not take care of a "upscale" apartment Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:48 PM anon L wrote ...I agree with Bobbie! There is enough housing for students, why cut down more trees? Where are the animals going to go? And P.S. Notre Dame can kiss my ---! Get the heck off your high horse ND! Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:14 PM Bret wrote ...In response to 4:19 Bobbie- Everytime someone wants to build or expand in this city, people complain. If our early settlers had worried about where the animals would live, and not built towns, than we would have a beautiful country with no one here to enjoy it. And do you honestly believe that the parents that will be buying these housing units would be willing to spend as much money on a renovated, formerly abandoned building? I would believe not. Stop fighting expansion!!! Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...South Bend needs all the help it can get. If someone still wants to invest money here, by god let them! murder/rape/job cuts are the only headlines I see anymore and any outside investment/development would be a step in a different direction. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:41 AM Corey wrote ...I think it's funny how they are concerned about traffic...10 houses seriously? Like a little repaving can't fix the issue. Notre Dame is vital to this town and the people of South Bend act like they would have it better without them. New development is good development right now, no matter the terms. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:17 AM Erick wrote ...This is a Catholic University and it is very rich. They can do anything they want. However, what about the poor little gramdmas that lived in the area for years... what is gona happen to them? Ask the Pope, he is old enough to know that old people need space and they dont want to move all the time. Their place is set and do not need annoyances. The pope is happy where he is... why not ask him if wealthy Notre Dame could happe compassion on the elderly? Honor thy Mother and Father says God.. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:15 AM Change happens. wrote ...The university is expanding, with right of first refusal on most of the property around the university. A private developer is now planning to build housing for the students(read:their parents will buy the residences)and the area keeps growing. Now, as I understand it, Doesn't ND/SMC want the students to live on campus, not off campus? Well, progress does come at a cost. Besides, the number one draw of ND is football, and the hassles of the home games now outweigh the fun of an ND home game. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:08 AM John T. wrote ...We can complain all we want. Teh city and the common consil are going to do wgat they want and move on to the the next project. Look at the wheel tax. It was suppose to be a short fix and it's to stay FOREVER. We don't count. So a few trades men end up with a job during the new build. When the shopping centers are sitting empty what do we do then. Look around alot og growth but the same old chain stores. And Martins supermarket has forgotten it's roots. The are now the new BOX store in town. Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:32 AM relax people wrote ...take a look around folks, there are numerous tradesmen working in our community due to ND's growth. In other areas in this country there is little to 0 activity. Folks need to relax or better yet why don't those opposed rehab some of the areas of town hmmmm? Monday, Jul 7 at 10:34 PM Ben wrote ...Why don't they add housing to that huge lot where Twickingham closed off? Right across from Lehey Drive by Frank Eck? Monday, Jul 7 at 9:23 PM Brian wrote ...Seriously, people in this area are very unappreciative of Notre Dame's positive influence. This area would be total crap if it weren't for Notre Dame. Besides, this is a private contractor. One thing I do agree with though, is that the roads in that area can't handle large development. Douglas in that area is frustratingly crowded at times. Monday, Jul 7 at 8:26 PM Karen wrote ...Can't you people read. This is a private developer...NOT N.D. The deveoper bought the property....regardless of whether you are for it or against it make your decision based on the facts. Monday, Jul 7 at 7:53 PM anon wrote ...What N. D. wants N. D. gets. Less property taxes for st. joe county. Monday, Jul 7 at 7:32 PM Steve wrote ...i think the project should go ahead. The developer has listened to concerns and scaled it back. Notre Dame is good for the area. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:54 PM K wrote ...I get so sick and tired of hearing about ND taking over the land. Yes, it brings in revenue, but I have to agree with others...use the existing buildings that are out there, sitting empty., I'm sure SBend would give great tax breaks to ND if they would fix up the old places. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:46 PM anon wrote ...How about building on the old golf course. There is already an access point off of 933. How many golf courses does it really need? I think it would make more building on that land than what it makes at that course. Especially if its going to upset the surrounding community. If ND truely is a Catholic school, then why not try and show how it values the lives and peace of others. Leave that neighborhood alone and let the people have thier peace. It would be the Christian thing to do. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:12 PM Trebor wrote ...Without Notre Dame, South Bend would be a ghost town. How do you think such a poorly ran town has survived all these years. Monday, Jul 7 at 6:05 PM try this wrote ...What about putting new student housing development in the parking fields just north of campus. That land is only used 7 days of the year and I'm sure the revenue benefit would be a lot higher (even at $20 per car). Monday, Jul 7 at 5:45 PM Shirley wrote ...This town would be nothing without Notre Dame, Saint Mary's, and Holy Cross. How would these houses be a 'crime scene waiting to happen?' Last time I checked most of the students at these schools are not criminals and provide a lot for this community. Monday, Jul 7 at 5:37 PM Jake wrote ...It's called progress, people, and without it we stagnate and die. You don't want them to develop that land, buy it from them. Otherwise shush up you got no more right to tell them what they can do than I do telling you to paint your house bright orange. With yellow trim. And paint big flowers all over it. Hippies. Monday, Jul 7 at 5:18 PM Y not wrote ...Why not add more housing to Eddy Commons or whatever that new developement is called. That way the housing is right with the stores. Or that practice field / parking lot across the street on Edison. Monday, Jul 7 at 5:18 PM Joe wrote ...Why dont we just drop the name of south bend and name the town notre Dame.Thats thier plan anyways to own everything and not pay a cent in taxes. Monday, Jul 7 at 4:38 PM Chris wrote ...I agree wih 4:19 Bobbie. Fix up the abandoned buildings that are out there. We are losing enough green space. I am not a tree hugger but I live in the city and have deer in my yard. They have no place to go. Some developer is just out to make money and move on with no thought whatsover to what is left behind. There are new condos east of the campus, keep the campus ruckus at the campus. Monday, Jul 7 at 4:19 PM Bobbie wrote ...More trees cut down.....where are the "critters" going to call home. There is enough housing for students. Why can't they fix up the abandoned buildings we have and make that student housing. This is getting to be ridiculous. I vote against the project! Monday, Jul 7 at 4:17 PM Get Real wrote ...What Notre Dame wants Notre Dame gets, so save your money, instead of fighting them, move !! Add a commentMost Popular |
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Friday, Jul 11 at 10:30 PM Taxes and trees wrote ...
Rev. Ryan said this development should have to pay for road widening...yet his church sits on about 7-8 acres I think...and pays no taxes? Did they widen any roads when they built the church? Did people object to their clearing trees when they built Little Flower? Funny that the Church doesn't want traffic to flow onto Ironwood...so it's the Reverand who is pushing problems onto the Neighbors, not the developers. I agree..it seems the Church is hiding a dislike for ND students in excuses.