12-13-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2010 economic climate. But if there was a way that they could start designating maybe a block or several stores to start enticing businesses to come back downtown South Bend as they are trying to capitalize on this opportunity rather than being here again 30 years later talking about some of the same things. He thanked everyone for their time and commitment to the area but look forward to sitting down and working at something new so they can start building instead of waiting and then 30 years later here we are again. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that he was glad to hear that the City was able to st work with 1 Source and the Marriott. He stated that so many times he has heard businesses say that it is just to hard to work with the City Administration to try work together to put a deal together and that the City is anti-business. He commended all parties involved. Councilmember Dieter commended everyone involved in making this project a success. He also noted that before this location was called the hole it was the Granada. In addition, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion. Councilmember Rouse called for un-readiness and stated that he has a problem with this project and that it is very much due to the fact that they have not explained to the public the effort that goes into redevelopment. Councilmember Rouse used Eddy Street Commons as an example and stated that it was not totally a private development. He stated that it was a partnership of a variety of private sector and government entities. Over a period of time they made what was once a blighted community. The same thing applies to this project because we are investing public dollars to be encumbered with private dollars to enhance a downtown facility that needs to be revitalized. So what he is really saying is that the Mayor has done a really great job but that he just doesn’t seem to get the message out properly that they are working hard to make a difference in the community. He stated that he heard this afternoon someone say what difference does it st make if 1 Source is in downtown South Bend or in Mishawaka, just as long as it is in the area. And, it was very well explained tonight that it is an issue of it being an anchor, a stimulator and augmenter for the downtown South Bend Redevelopment area. He commended the Mayor and his administration along with Community and Economic Development for their hard work and maybe they would have liked to see something’s happen a little differently but they didn’t but were able to work a deal that was in the best interest for all parties involved. Councilmember Rouse stated that he would be voting in favor of this bill. Councilmember Varner advised that he has been on the Council for quite some time and recalls Mr. Turner’s Chocolate Company might not be a good fit for the downtown South Bend area and that turned out not to be true. He also remembers how devastating it was when the May, Overfill, Lobber Law firm moved to Mishawaka and recently St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and WEST. He stated that he isn’t sure that this won’t stop the flight but hopes that maybe there can be a balance between the private sector and public sector, such as the Pala is Royale and the Morris Performing Arts Center. He stated that he wishes that there weren’t public funds in this bill, but also hoped that this will make a difference. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 82-10 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR THE YEAR 2010 17