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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 12, 2010
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<br />LaSalle Square has ever been contacted or involved in any of the discussions on LaSalle
<br />Square.
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<br />Mr. Niezgodski stated that Pastor Frazier and Pastor Miller own all the “sea of asphalt” or
<br />parking lot at LaSalle Square. He stated that the Senior Living Center that was to be
<br />located at LaSalle Square has fallen through. However, he would still like to get all the
<br />stakeholders together to continue discussion regarding LaSalle Square.
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<br />Mr. Brooks, 1820 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is with the
<br />Practical Christianity Ministries, a place where ex-offenders can learn to be re-oriented
<br />back into the working environment. He invited the Council to their Open House on
<br />Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 12-8 p.m.
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<br />Jim Frick, 61500 Ironwood Drive, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding the Practical
<br />Christianity Ministries (PCM). He stated that PCM’s is proposing a South East
<br />Neighborhood Revitalization Program: He stated that to guarantee success they need
<br />three diverse groups to participate in this program: The City of South Bend needs to
<br />supply the start up costs. The South Gateway Association will supply the financial over
<br />site and member businesses will supply professional services such as accounting (they
<br />would provide monthly financial statements), insurance, real estate acquisition and sale.
<br />Practical Christianity Ministries will supply the labor and professional construction
<br />expertise. He stated that the target area is Broadway to Ewing, and Michigan St. to
<br />Miami St. and want to start first in the 100, 200, 300 blocks of Calvert, Milton, Dayton,
<br />and Dubail Streets. This neighborhood has been infected with gangs, prostitutes, and
<br />drug dealers for many years. He stated that they have a step by step plan to address each
<br />problem that now exists. There goals are to provide housing and vocational training for
<br />their clients, help revitalize the neighborhood and provide a productive tax revenue
<br />source for the City of South Bend. He stated that they need a $500,000 grant, $200,000
<br />for 2010, another $200,000 for 2011, and the final $100,000 in 2012. He stated that they
<br />should be self sufficient after the initial investment in three years or less. The grant will
<br />be used for construction projects only. He emphasized that not one penny will be used to
<br />fund salaries of the ministry. He stated that hourly wages will be paid out of this fund.
<br />The first $100,000 will be used to clean up and control the 100 block of E. Milton Street.
<br />He stated that 1. Purchase 115 E. Milton Street for approximately $50,000. This property
<br />houses wild boy’s street gang. The house is currently for sale. They will make this
<br />house into their home for 90 days for their clients. They will live there free for 90 days
<br />after release from prison. In return they will work free for the ministry and attend classes
<br />in the evening during this period of time. 2. After 90 days, those individuals that have
<br />the desire, ability and enthusiasm to work in our construction company will be paid and
<br />further trained to rehab and build new homes. Their income will increase with their
<br />ability. He stated that it is their desire to have their clients eventually become home
<br />owners in the neighborhood. 3. He stated that they want to purchase, then rehab or
<br />demolish the next three vacant homes on this block. Every home will be totally redone
<br />(mechanicals, roof, siding, doors, windows, everything) be energy efficient and should
<br />sell for low to mid forties. 4. He stated that they must take control of the neighborhood
<br />block by block. No tolerance for criminal activity. All of their homes sold to owner
<br />occupants only. They can help quality homeowners in this neighborhood with repairs
<br />like Christmas in April. He stated that they will build new homes on vacant lots supplied
<br />to us by the city. They already have a design in mind that would sell for under $60,000
<br />(1600 sq. ft., two story, three bedroom, one & half baths, living room, dining room,
<br />kitchen, full basement, front porch) a little more money with a two stall garage. He
<br />stated prices need to be initially as inexpensive as possible to create demand for this area.
<br />6. South Gateway Association businesses will be given the opportunity to bid on the
<br />plumbing, heating electrical, and foundation work on projects. 7. They would like to
<br />build a model home at 1816 S. Michigan Street. The cost of building this model will not
<br />come from the grant. They will raise the money from a different source. Mr. Frick stated
<br />that after they finish the 100 block of Milton Street they will target an adjacent block to
<br />control and revitalize with the next $100,000. Once they get 10 or so houses finished, the
<br />criminal activity reduced, and media attention on what they are accomplishing, other
<br />contractors may want to participate in this neighborhood. They will gradually increase
<br />their profits as the neighborhood improves and the property values stabilize. They do not
<br />believe tax abatements are necessary to sell the homes.
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