04-12-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 12, 2010 Craig Bruce, 816 W. LaSalle Avenue South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding his concerns regarding the rapid decline of homes in his neighborhood. He stated that there are many vacant lots that are being used as dump sites (submitted pictures on file with the Office of the City Clerk.) He stated that homeowners in the neighborhood are having a difficult time keeping their own properties clean. He stated that at one time the neighborhood was great however, now it is on the downward spiral. Mr. Bruce stated that he is here tonight because he feels that he has exhausted all avenues. He stated that he walked within a two (2) block radius of him home and found nineteen (19) homes with code violations. He asked the Council to encourage the Department of Code Enforcement and its Director, Catherine Toppel to be more aggressive on these habitual violators. Councilmember Henry Davis questioned how Code Enforcement notifies the property owners of the violations. Councilmember Karen White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee, stated that she will conduct a meeting to address these issues. She stated that the Council needs to bring about change for the City and it’s citizens. Councilmember Varner stated that the Mayor needs to be notified also. Councilmember Kirsits noted that Bill No. 21-10 on tonight’s Council agenda under first readings is an appropriation from the Parks and Recreation Fund to employ seasonal laborers. He questioned whether or not some of that money could be used to employ people to help clean up the various neighborhoods. Michael Novak, 816 W. LaSalle Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, reiterated that his neighborhood has seen a tremendous decline in property values due to the excessive amounts of trash, debris and vacant and abandoned homes. He stated that a friend owns a bed & breakfast in the neighborhood and is losing business. He stated that they get clients to make reservations and after they drive around the neighborhood to get to the bed & breakfast they immediately want to cancel their reservations because they are too afraid to say in such a dilapidated area. Marissa Scalia, 905 W. Colfax Av., South Bend, Indiana, stated that the neighborhood has serious safety issues. She stated that she is afraid to walk at dusk because the neighborhood is not a safe environment. She asked to start with small steps and ask Code Enforcement to step up and enforce. She stated that they need to bring back various retail to the neighborhood, like a drug store or a grocery store. She stated that the area has potential and hoped that Councilmember White means what she says. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, Vice-President Oliver J. Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Oliver J. Davis, Vice- President 13