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January 16, 1978 Page 4 Mr. Joseph Cloud, dated January 12, 1978. This letter was also sent to Mr. Gantz, the City Council members, Mayor Nemeth, to Mr. Oxian, and to Kathy Cekanski, Council attorney. Mr. Parent mentioned that he did not included the whole letter but only the initial request for the statement. Ms. Kopczynski took the floor and said that the approval of the letter is saying in essence that the Commission agrees that the buildings might or might not have historical or architectural significance and by submit- ting the National Register nomination already voted that the Commission believes in the historical and architectural significance of these build- ings. She said to support the entire letter is to go contrary to which it was originally stated. She also wanted clarification on the redevel- opment list of buildings. Mr. Nemeth clarified the issue by saying the amendment made by the Re- development Commission confirmed by them in October, 1977, not only in- cluded all the properties in the two blocks bound by Main, Jefferson, St. Joe and Washington, excluding the Derkson garage and Sherland Building and the Odd Fellows Building. It also included the old Wymans property, the American Bank Building and the Oliver Building. He stressed that of the three buildings in question, the Oliver Building is definitely on the list. Mr. Nimtz then spoke as the president of the Redevelopment Commission. He said at the tire the acquisition list was to be amended, the Odd Fellows oBuilding was put on because it would be part of the parking area for Century Mall. The Oliver Theatre Building and the American Bank Building were also included because of an inquiry from a developer who wanted the old Wyman's property in order to have an opening on Main Street. After a discussion, the Redevelopment Commission deleted the Odd Fellows Building because it was felt the parking problem could be solved without takiing this build- ing although they have not satisfied HUD to that effect. The Oliver Theatre Building and the American Bank Building were left on the acquisi- tion list, but these two buildings are not involved with Century Mall. Mayor Nemeth concurred Mr. Nimt's statements. Mr. Wasielewski then said it is iortant to know whether these buildings may or may not be eligible as landmarks or districts. Although the Com- mission is a leader in establishing landmarks and districts in the City and County, it does not have the authority to do so other than recommend that either to the City Council, the County Council or the Federal Govern- ment, in this case, the National Register. He said the state has to get involved as well as the Federal Government. He concurred with the Mayor that the Century Mall has an effect on these buildings and if it is limited to the Century Mall, he sees no problem in that respect. Mr. Richard Dombrowski, vice president of the Common Council, then took the floor and likewise urged the Commission to adopt the January 12th letter which the South Bend Common Council voted on. • Mr. P�=.rent then again clarifed the matter of the letters. He stressed that there is no statement in the original letter that said anything