03-28-05 Community & Economic Development

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a ! Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The March 28, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, and White; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Sharon Kendall, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development; Economic Development Specialist Any Laurent, Economic Development Specialist Tedd Schaffer, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola, Director of Code Enforcement Cathy Bruecker, City Clerk John Voorde,Lisa Anderson,Peggy and Clifford Hammock, Ruth Conway and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the committee consists of Citizen Member Martha.Lewis, Council Members Kuspa,Kelly,Kirsits and herself. Council Member Puzzello called for a presentation on Bill No. 18-05 which would appropriate $650,000 of US EPA brownfield grant funds within fund no. 209 for the purpose of conducting brownfield assessment and cleanup activities. Economic Development Specialist Any Laurent made the presentation. He noted that the $650,000 would be used to cleanup a chlorinated solvent source area at the former Oliver Plow Works site. It would also be used to conduct various environmental site assessments at various locations throughout the city and establish a brownfield cleanup revolving loan fund for a citywide remediation program. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 18-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-33 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request for Clifford and Peggy Hammock for the property located at 4312 Sampson Street. Economic Development Specialist Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated March 22, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioners plan to construct a 1,600 square foot home on 1.18 acres. The project cost is $124,000. The report concluded that the petitioners meet the qualifications for a five (5) year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single-family real property abatement. Mr. Hammock stated that it is a nice property which he would like to develop. He urged the Committee to give the resolution a favorably recommendation. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-33 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. March 28,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-