RM 05-15-81 - Laserfiche WebLink

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South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Me ting - May 15, 1981 6. NEW BU�INESS (continued) c. con1tinued... obsolesence, substandard buildings or other factors which have impaired values or prevent a normal de- velopment of property or use of property. Mr. Wolvas explained that the property was an old gas station and in a bad area. At the time he bought the building the City Council had no definite procedures for tax abatement. They had to go ahead with their plans and complied with everything as far as con- struction, zoning, etc. Mr. Wolvas stated that down- town South Bend needs small business and they need every bit of help they can get. Mr. Wolvas hoped the Commission would consider the fact that the City Council had no procedures and would like tax abate- Mr. McMahon explained that there has been some con- fusion between the Commission and the Council with respect to ground rules for tax abatement; however, the application process has been in place for well ov r a year. He emphasized that the improvements are very beneficial, but the staff does not feel the building qualifies for tax abatement. Ms. Auburn stated she felt this type of situation was frustrating because we have not looked at in- novative and alternative ways to finance and to support small business in the community. Also, one of the problems with the tax abatement issue is the fin ncial situation with the city right now, and the realization that what we are doing is reducing fut re income for the city. On iiotion made by Mr. Cira, seconded by Mr. Donald- son and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the staff report to not recommend tax abatement for Ale ander's Jewelry. d. Commission approval requested Executive Director to execute Proclaimer Certificate No. 2,'establishin the fair market vdlue for property to'be acquired in the Monroe - Sample Development Area. Mr. McMahon explained that the Monroe - Sample Pro - claimer No. 2 establishes values in the Monroe - Sa ole area COMMISSION RECOMMENDS TAX ABATEMENT NOT BE APPROVED FOR 322 N. MICHIGAN STREET (ALEXANDER'S JEWELRY)