RM 08-01-75 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. PUPLIC COMMENTS (Cont'd a The Mayor said he did not think the Plaza was going to die and referred to a meeting held at the Chamber of Commerce attended by representatives of various people interested in the Plaza in an effort to develop an overall plan to finance the costs of operating the Plaza. We have been fortunate that we have been able to use six or seven employees provided from Federal money. Mr. John R. Kagel, Executive Director of the Downtown South Bend Council, added, "So what the Mayor was talking about,:-this is something that should be planned. All of the elected officials are going to have to recognize their responsiblity." Mayor Miller further stated, "I think that also, and in line with John Kagel, the people did think about it three years ago. We went to St. Paul, Minnesota and Richmond, Indiana and both cities have an assessment district, and it was agreed we would have an assessment district. The city administration represents the citizens of South Bend and they are the people that would have to pay the bill--one way or another. I think it was always thought about as a mutual arrangement, and the city had so much responsibility. We can tell you exactly how much the city was paying for street lights prior to the River Bend Plaza. We can tell you what the increase is, but I think it is a beautiful Plaza and it has to be maintained, and I think it should be maintained by tax dollars. I really think it should be, but I think it should be cooperative." Mr. Lloyd S. Taylor said, "The one thing that the people should reflect on is the assessed valuation of the downtown property. You want the downtown to compete with the shopping centers, and somebody ought to look at the difference between the assessed valuation of the downtown property and the assessed valuation out at the shopping centers." Mr. Kagel advised there were studies made on that - -the assessed valuation of the downtown property- -the land vs. the land on the outside areas. These are civic lessons we should all become involved in. PRESENTATION TO B. L. WADE, FORMER REDEVELOPMENT ISSIONER President Nimtz advised we are gathered here this morning to honor Mr. Bob Wade, a former member of this Commission, who resigned effec- tive May 31st. "Robert, I believe I was Chairman of the Board of Trustees that selected you, and I remember talking to you about coming on to the Commission and you willingly accepted that responsibility and brought to the Commission the expertise that you had in other cities as you had moved up the ladder of your career with Sears, Roebuck & Company. You were with that expertise and knowledge, and your experience brought a great depth to the Commission in regard to the solving of various problems. You were a great asset to the Commission. We regretted seeing you leave."