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COMMUNITYAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE <br />February 25, 2007 <br />Present: <br />Councilmember Dieter, Chairperson <br />Cauncilmember Kelly, Vice-Chairperson <br />Coucilmember Puzzella <br />Councilmember White <br />Phil Panzica, Citizen Member <br />Marty Wolfson, Citizen Member <br />Bill Schalliol, Community & Economic Development <br />Phil Byrd, South Bend Heritage <br />Dan Inks, Economic Development <br />Consideration of Bill 07-37, a Tax Abatement Petition for the new downtown Trio's <br />Restaurantllazz Bar began with a positive recommendation from Bill Schalliol, from the <br />City's Economic Development Department. He introduced Herb Wilson, one of two <br />principals in the venture, who proceeded to describe what Trio's will be. It will divided <br />into three sections, a 9b seat restaurant featuring moderately priced American fare, a 93 <br />seat jazz bar, and a 110 seat banquet area. The abatement request seemed to be routinely <br />sailing through committee toward a favorable recommendation to full Council when <br />Marty Wnlfsnn interjected. He suggested a moratorium on tax abatements until the effect <br />of "circuit breaker" is known. President Rouse agreed; but expressed concern that a pre- <br />emptive suspension would send the wrong message to developers. Karen White voiced <br />concerns echoing those of President Rouse while noting the need to assess the impact of <br />any policy changes. Charlotte Pfeifer agreed. Gary Gilot, Public Works Director, <br />suggested no changes, be considered until the legislature's actions are evaluated. Marty <br />Wolfson still advocated a moratorium. Charlotte said companies applying far benefits <br />need to be aware of their responsibilities. Tim Rouse voiced concerns about fairness of <br />treatment far those in the appiicatinn pipeline. Charlotte motioned that Bill No. 07-37 get <br />a favorable recommendation. Karen seconded. All affirmed save Marty. <br />NEND Presentution: <br />Don Inks, Director, Economic Development, introduced, Phil Byrd from South Bend <br />Heritage to give the Council an update on the development in the NNE as a result of <br />partnership with Notre Dame. His presentation can be referenced in detail using his <br />handout subsequently filed with the City Clerk's office comprising a development <br />standards book. as well as 2 DVD's. A question and answer period followed the updated. <br />Charlotte Pfeifer asked who the builders were and whether the city was sensitive to <br />encouraging minority builders. The most incisive discussion was prompted by President <br />