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CITY OFSOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> project will jump start development at this intersection and offer opportunities to expand job <br /> growth in this corridor between the University of Notre Dame and downtown South Bend. Dur to <br /> the fact that construction costs are currently very high, and the very restrictive guidelines of the <br /> NNZO,that just adds additional building costs to this project. The site has also been quite difficult <br /> to develop due to its odd shape. We want to,with this project,attract startup companies so we need <br /> to keep the lease rates reasonable. We believe that this project will contribute not only to the <br /> commercial tax base, but also to the vitality of our City. For these reasons, we are asking for this <br /> tax abatement. And now I would like to introduce Pat Matthews, the developer to get into a little <br /> bit more of the details about the project, unless anyone has any questions for me. <br /> Councilmember Karen White stated, I just have one(1) question. Can you speak to, or maybe this <br /> is something for the developer but, the residential piece, and what that's going to look like? Also, <br /> as we are looking at rolling out our disparity study here shorty from the City, what are your plans <br /> to utilize minority contractors in the overall development? <br /> Mr. Patrick Matthews,52127 Fall Creek Drive, Granger, IN stated, I'll just cover a couple of bullet <br /> points, and then I'll follow up on all your questions. I'm one (1) of the project developers. This <br /> project will be a signature building, and complimentary to the Eddy Street corridor. Some <br /> highlights include twenty-eight thousand (28,000) square feet, with off street parking. Four (4) <br /> stories, two (2) residential units on the top floor. We're working with several proposed tenants. <br /> We're experiencing a high demand for office space from university-based research companies that <br /> have graduated from their incubator space in Innovation Park. This will be class A office space. It <br /> will be sufficient enough to house multiple companies with five (5) to thirty (30) employees in <br /> high tech and local university research. We expect these jobs to average sixty-five thousand dollars <br /> ($65,000) with a diverse group of employees representing the community as a whole. This is an <br /> exciting project, but there a plethora of hardships that we will encounter. The project will be <br /> difficult to build due to the unsightly, adjacent high power lines, which are not represented in this <br /> beautiful rendering. We're encountering additional construction costs due to the non-uniform <br /> shape of the parcel. It' a very tight triangle, and due to the shape of the building. Water retention <br /> will become an excessive cost due to the lot constraints. Underground utilities and easements <br /> further constrict the site and add additional time and cost to the project. Additionally, we're <br /> competing with other projects that have already received incentives from the City. This will be an <br /> owner-occupied building. This development will bring new companies and jobs to the area. By <br /> granting the tax abatement, this project will jump-start development on the southside of South <br /> Bend Ave. We will most likely be unable to proceed if we're unable to receive a tax abatement, <br /> and we appreciate your consideration. Did that answer your questions? <br /> Councilmember Karen White replied,Yes, it did answer the first part, and I appreciate that,but in <br /> terms of building the actual building, what is your commitment to using minority contractors? <br /> Mr. Matthews replied, The construction company will put out the bids to all available contractors <br /> who would like to bid on the contract. <br /> Committee Chair, Gavin Ferlic asked if there was anyone from the public wishing to speak either <br /> in favor of or against Bill No. 19-57. <br /> EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Bvld!South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov <br /> 7 <br />