05-23-05 Community & Economic Development

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estimated at $235,500. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single family real property abatement. Charlotte Sobel of the South Bend Heritage Foundation with offices located at 803 Lincolnway West in South Bend made the formal presentation. She noted that this is the 2nd year of the relationship with the Foundation and Habitat, noting that Women's Build and a consortium of churches have been involved in the past. Permission has been granted to used HOME subsidies and as a result more detail for the homes will result. She then circulated two (2) photos (copies attached) of the proposed construction. Ms. Sobel noted that the construction is adjacent to an Historic District. The new homes will replace two(2) structures which had burned. Council President Pfeifer stated that this is a great project and suggested that 2-story homes be considered. Ms. Sobel noted that Habitat does not build 2-story homes. She added that often disabled persons are involved who need the one-stories. She further noted that the Foundation has partnered with Garden Homes who have constructed 2-story homes and as a result 23 new families are now home owners in the city. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-64 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-65 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request of South Bend Heritage Foundation for 715 and 717 Hill Street. Mr. Schaffer,review his report dated May 17, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner is acting as the agent for Madison Center which is the owner of the lots in question. The two (2) lots will be combined so that a single-family home may be constructed by Garden Homes. The total project cost is $105,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single family real property abatement. Charlotte Sobel of the South Bend Heritage Foundation with offices located at 803 Lincolnway West in South Bend made the formal presentation. She noted that the home will be in the 4th Councilmanic District. She noted that Council Member Rouse sits on the Madison Board. Madison has purchased a number of homes on Hill Street and have offered qualified employees to purchase them. This is a good example of organizations coming together for the good of the neighborhood. In response to a question from Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Ms. Sobel stated that there will be a$20,000 mortgage subsidy for this transaction. Council Member Kuspa inquired what would happen if the employee is fired or eliminated. Ms. Sobel stated that that would not affect the purchase. She added that currently Madison does not plan to buy any more land. May 25,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-