02-14-11 Community & Economic Development

Home Browse Search

Bill No. 11-10 Chairperson Rouse asked Bob Mathia from Economic Development to report on their analysis of the petition. Bob said the petitioner had met the criteria for an 8 year real property abatement. Oliver Partners intends to invest in the purchase of 4.4 acres from the city to construct a 41,000 sq.ft.warehouse/distribution facility for nearly 2 million dolfars. The project would retain 10 jobs and create 2 more. Bob also reported that the Redevelopment commission had approved the petition. Paul Phair,from the Holladay Corporation and Don Jezeirski were present to elaborate on the nature and scope of their investment. Councilmember Henry Davis asked how this project happened. In a larger sense he asked how any pro}ect like this comes to pass. The Mayor responded saying this was the result of a long- term effort to encourage the expansion. While their was no specific ad campaign per se; the city continually works with developers. Councilmember Rouse heard a motion to recommend favorably, from Councilmember White. Councilmember Puzzello followed with a second and all affirmed. Bill No. 11-11 This resolution filed by. McCormick and Co. would reconfirm a personal property abatement granted by the Council on January 24. Since then McCormick has considered increasing their investment from $1.4 million to $8.1 million. The increase results from the possible transfer of manufacturing to South Bend from another facility. Up to 14 new jobs would be created in addition to retention of present jobs. Councilmember Puzzello asked if these would be hires from South Bend. It was reiterated that McCormick works with Work One for recruitment. Councilmember White asked when the decision to transfer would be made. The response from McCormick reps.was 2012. With that Councilmember Puzzello recommended favorably. Councilmember White seconded and all affirmed. *Preliminary Update on Enterprise Information Technology Equipment At Chairperson Rouse's request, Pat McMahon the Director of Project Future presented the update. Pat McMahon started by saying data center companies look at 3 main criteria in their site selection process. They are: 1.) Power the availability of abundant, reliable, economical electrical power. 2.) Connectivity— major data lines pass through here as well as our own local carrier— Metronet. 3.) Educate Workforce—our universities are a plus. Don Inks weighed in asking the Council to adopt a"friendly" resolution to create a welcoming climate for potential investors. (Attachment#2)