09-20-12 Community & Economic - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC SEPTEMBER 20,2012 4:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic Citizen Members: Absent Other Council Present: Tim Scott Other's Present: Jitin Cain, Aaron Perri,Cecil Eastman, Susan& Bart Bennett, Glenda LaMont, Kathy Reddy White, Ralph Lampkin, Laureen Fagan, Rich Carey, Larry Piser, Dave Matthews Agenda: East Bank Village Update This call for an update on the East Bank Village was called by Councilmember Henry Davis. It was triggered by a recent proposal by St. Joseph Parish to purchase a lot across from their school for faculty staff parking. As was learned at an earlier meeting the lot in question is owned by the S. B. Redevelopment Commission. It is vacant and has been for years having been unsuccessfully marketed for development for the last four years. According to the East Bank Development Plan developed over four years ago, the lot was to be reserved for a mixed commercial/resident use. The current parking lot proposal has stirred the ire of nearby businesses that see the use as short-sighted in that they favor a more dense commercial use. Chairperson Davis began the hearing recounting the situation to date along with his concern to avoid another church/state conflict such as the recent"dollar store" fiasco. Jitin Kain,representing the City, said the City was making a conscious effort to listen to neighbors and hoped to come up with an alternate option for the parish. Aaron Perri of DTSB said the City recognizes that the highest and best use for the lot was commercial/residential development. Councilmember Tim Scott asked if the parish was "at the table"to discuss options. He also asked if the school expansion plans were previously discussed. Jitin said the parish was a party to recent discussion of alternatives. Their expansion plans nonetheless were a recent development. Turning to public input, Henry recognized Bart Bennett. Mr. Bennett suggested holding on to the EB Village Plan. Perhaps what was needed, he felt was an EBV marketing plan. Mr. Bennett also asked for parking consideration for current and future businesses. Glenda LaMont who owns a shop across the street envisioned a public private partnership to spur development. Susan Bennett, Rick Carey, and Kathy Reddy-White all agreed adding their support.