South Bend business owner gets license to operate after initial denial

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- John Lawson did what was required by both the Federal and State Government to open his South Bend Auto shop back in April of this year, but the city did not issue him a license, citing zone changes implemented in 2020.

A zoning expert decided to step in, giving Lawson the tools he needed to get the green light to open his shop.

"78 percent of the businesses that operate in South Bend are independently owned. South Bend needs to step up to the plate, and they need to be an open door, and they need to be a helping hand versus a hand of punishment for new businesses," stated Zoning Expert Eddie Hager.

ABC57 first spoke to Hager back in July, as ABC57 Investigative Reporter Kevin Warmhold looked to understand how the government can legally change zoning for an already existing auto mechanic shop.

A new business owner, John Lawson, was denied a city license after he signed a lease for an auto mechanic shop back in April, due to the city changing the zoning of the property from commercial to neighborhood center, four years ago.

ABC57 checked the county paperwork for the property of the business, and it showed that it did not reflect those changes.  

Hager helped guide Lawson on how to challenge the City's decision, finally getting a license to open his shop.

"We showed the proof through the IRS, with his taxes and with his filing with the State Secretary of State, and so the city took that under advisement, and they decided to issue the new license for Discount Muffler," stated Hager.

"When it comes to government entities, they don't make anything easy for us, and I really wish it was a lot easier. Definitely shouldn't be this hard for someone to pursue their dream," stated Lawson.

Lawson expressed how grateful he is for the support that Hager offered him.

"Extremely excited. It's been a long time coming, and I can't, can't wait to open the doors up, start earning a living again and provide a good service to the community. We couldn't have asked for a better person. He's very kind, right to the point, he got the job done," finishes Lawson.

The zoning changes that impacted Lawson on Michigan Street also apply to other businesses in the area.

Potential business owner can save time, money, and stress by reviewing zoning and researching property records before signing a lease.