04-09-18 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING April 9, 2018 agree with everything they have said and I will not repeat it. I was in Florida in February when it came before the Area Plan Commission and unfortunately I could not be there. But I have talked with other members who were also not there and, had we been there, it would have been enough to pass it with a favorable recommendation. I know you only have my word for that and I understand that. But, that is something that probably would have happened. I have known the Women's Care Center for over thirty (30) years when my children were in high school. I was involved with the original one (1) in Mishawaka. I have a very high regard for them. They will not protest, do not protest, and that is the truth. They are telling you the truth. That is another organization that does all that. I would, as a member of the Area Plan Commission, urge you to vote in favor of the rezone. Thank you. Anthony Douglas, 735 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN, stated, I actually was asked to assist the Women's Care Center with a Strong Fathers program and it started three (3) years ago. It is a program that actually works with first time fathers or fathers who have been mandated by the Court to come in and have some type of training. I pride myself on being a great father. I have two (2) I have raised that are doing very well and it is my biggest honor being a dad. I take my position at the Women's Care Center seriously. I talk to fathers-to-be and fathers that question whether they should go through this life being a parent, so it gives me the opportunity to share my experiences of being a father. I commend the Women's Care Center for what they provide,not just for women, but for men who are looking for a way to help guide, motivate, encourage and nurture their children. I've been doing it for about three (3) years and I will tell you that, by rule, it is required for their children to come with the father. They all come to the class and we are able to hold dialogue on whatever issue you are dealing with as a father. Our aim is to help motivate and encourage them to continue being productive and active in their child's life. I hope this bill is passed because we need to have access to the Care Center for people that live in that area. I think of so many families that will benefit from these services. From my class, we have a great time as dads. Communication is excellent, participation is awesome, I do more of the facilitating and listening and dialogue with the dads. I did ask one (1) father to come and share what the Care Center has offered him and what he has benefitted from being a strong father. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic reminded the public to please keep comments germane to the rezoning request. Melvin Palm, 17128 Ethel Avenue, South Bend, stated, I'm a resident here in South Bend. I'm a new father again after some thirty (30) years. That program has been invaluable to me and my family. We get resources and information that are invaluable to me. There are always things that I learn because I didn't have a father in my life. I have a place I can come to and talk about issues. There are so many things I have learned that benefit me as a father. I have made a lot of mistakes in the past with other children I had that I am not making now.I owe it all to Women's Care Center. Not only do they help with resources,but I learn from other classes that I didn't benefit in knowing from growing up with my parents. It is invaluable to me and my wife. We need more programs like this in South Bend. Andy Kostielney, 52860 Juniper Road, South Bend, IN, stated, I am the President of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners with offices on the 7t' floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana. I am here tonight and have sat in those chairs on more than one (1) occasion to make some tough decisions like you all are making. I appreciate the service and dedication to the work that you do. I am here in support of this rezoning because I think any time we can increase access to services to those underserved in our community, we should take every chance we get. Specific to this zoning issue, I think sometimes with zoning things, we can get tied up in the emotional aspects of things. But we have to look at this from the zoning standpoint and ask if this is a good use of the property. Does it fit with the surrounding properties? A lot of the areas there are commercial or business in nature. If they were to get expanded further out into the neighborhood it might be in a more residential area. Keeping it here will keep it closer to what is already currently being zoned. I hope you support this endeavor. Yesenia Gomez, 55158 Lexington Avenue, South Bend, stated, I really want this change because I attend those classes. I go two (2) to three (3) times a week. They help me a lot. I was a single mom and I have six (6) kids. I have attended the classes for years and I really appreciate them supporting me for many years. I want them to continue doing those classes. 13