02-27-12 Community & Economic Development Committee

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Mayor Pete Buttigieg said the bill before the Council was moot because the potential investor had stepped away. The Mayor went on to say several potential investors had called his office asking for information on the building. Unfortunately his office could only refer inquiries to the receiver who until recently controlled access to all information. The Mayor added that the building had recently been listed meaning information could be asked of the listing broker. The Mayor added he wanted to keep the Chase viable. He was willing to use any incentives available, local, state, or federal to partner with a legitimate qualified buyer as long as it was in the best interest of the taxpayers. He also said in that safety and code violations had been found by the SBFD and Code Enforcement he was asking the court to require the current owner to insure fixes. Councilmember Henry Davis then allowed citizen members to comment. Pat Crowley cautioned the City taking an equity position in the building which would open the potential of liability. Zach Raymond wanted to know more about the legitimacy of parties who had contacted the Mayor. The Mayor repeated that until recently when the building was listed for sale information to provide potential investors was not available. Now, inquiries can be forwarded to and evaluated by the listing broker. Councilmember Varner said if safety violations have been found that in itself is in the interest of public safety should compel the court to order the owners fix the faults. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked for a list of problems found and the Mayor said that would be provided. Councilmember Henry Davis asked if the Mayor had attempted to resurrect the initial investment proposal. The Mayor said he had not and had not been contacted by that investor. Councilmember Henry Davis summed up the discussion expressing dismay why the original investor was rebuffed and not encouraged to put a new proposal together. Councilmember Oliver Davis agreed saying a letter of appreciation/apology in this case should have been appropriate now and in the future. At that Karen White moved to accept the request to strike the bill. Gavin Ferlic seconded. All but Henry Davis, Jr., supported the strike referral to full Council. Under miscellaneous, Henry asked if Don Inks, Finance Director of the Development Office was prepared to report current city owned property currently listed for sale with whom, the listing terms, and length of listing contract. Don Inks provided a list of properties currently listed (attached.) Councilmember Schey expressed a preference for developing downtown retail.