03-26-18 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 know your record. I would like to say you do, and have done, outstanding work for the youth in our community. Additionally, the fact that DePaul Academy has had such terrific success thusfar is great. If this is a landing spot for students that have already gone through that strong program, that says something. In my opinion, all of these things I've mentioned, I want this in my neighborhood. I'm delighted to support you toni ht and going forward. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, Being the cold-hearted pragmatist that I am when I first looked at the building,I said, `Yeah,that makes perfect sense to find a use such as this to reuse it.' That isn't going to be enough as I have received the emails and phone calls we received that were in opposition. You brought forth and presented a program and have created some great expectations. If this is granted this evening, and I'm prepared to support you in that, my fondest wish is that you are able to live up to these expectations so that these young men get that extended second chance. I hope you will take in good faith the request from the Council that there be representation from the community on the Advisory Board. I think that is a good idea and it sounds like you are willing to accept that and include it. I think all those things aside, we found a good use for a building that was sitting vacant. We found a good program to fill it and I wish you well. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, One (1) of the speakers toni ht talked about the 80s music and Michael Jackson had been referenced. Michael sang a song about change the world and make this a better place. You have really helped to change South Bend. Having a social work background,we understand this kind of a population.We understand it so well I think the challenge is getting that across to some of the neighbors. I think this will make it a better place.As the young men spoke, I was thinking about Michael Jackson's song Man in the Mirror. When those young men look at themselves in the mirror and they see that jacket on they have worked so hard for, it says something about them. I understand people's opposition to this. I hope these young men remember this night. We celebrated the Riley Basketball team and we also need to celebrate these young men too. It's not easy coming before Council. Therefore, my vote in support is just as easy as A, B, C. Councilmember John Voorde stated, I can't say anything more articulate than or as comprehensive as what my colleague Councilmember Jo M. Broden uttered earlier. I support everything that she said. The only thing I could add, maybe, is I've known River Park for a long time. I know people that taught at Nuner, I know people that live there, and it is a unique community that can almost stand alone. It certainly has its challenges. It is a blue-collar community with moderately priced homes and it is a challenge to keep all that together. I think this will strengthen the community. There are many reasons to support this as have been expressed by others. I would just like to add it is good for River Park and it is good for South Bend. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, Thank you to everybody that came out here to speak today and thank you in advance for being a good neighbor. I will be supporting this. Councilmember Karen White stated, I would like to first thank Councilmember McBride for her comments. Clearly, being the 3rd District representative, she's heard and received feedback from both those in support and in opposition. The unknown is a real concern that should not be taken lightly, especially by those neighbors that live very closely to the proposed sight. I would encourage that the Advisory Board be established very quickly and should include Councilmember McBride,representatives from the business community but most importantly,representatives from those who live in the community. I would like to have feedback. In order to have my support, the Advisory Board must be established as soon as possible, and within the first three, (3) six, (6) and nine (9)months,have a report. Just because people were not here and did not speak in opposition, does not mean that there is no opposition. I don't know why they were not here. Also, I think it is important to continue these conversations. These are my concerns I have and I need the comfort level that the Advisory Board be established and that it is reflective of those who will be greatly impacted. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, Tonight is about risk management. We are making a decision on a neighborhood, your entity and these young men's lives. That has to go with respect to those in opposition and I respect Councilmember McBride's and White's comments as well as all the Council member's comments on this. What we are doing right now is looking at risk management. Everyone that spoke in favor toni ht is responsible in mitigating this risk management. We are 23