04-28-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 28, 2008 Cooreman stated that there will absolutely not be any cigarette shops, tattoo parlors, bars or other non-family friendly users allowed in the development. Mr. Cooreman stated that he will own and manage the center, unlike many retail developers and shopping areas that are owned by out-of-state corporate investors. Mr. Cooreman advised that the project will add approximately 5.4 million in additional tax base to the City of South Bend and generate additional local and state income tax. Property currently generates less than $900 in taxes. When complete the development will generate approximately $80,000- $100,000 in new taxes. There will be approximately 100 new permanent jobs created for South Bend and will support the local construction trades. The development will provide a catalyst for more residential growth northwest which lacks high end retail shopping options. Mr. Cooreman stated that this project will enhance a part of Cleveland Road that this currently blighted and seeks the Council’s favorable support in an effort to enhance South Bend and its resident’s quality of life. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Stephen C. Smith, 6605 Dockside, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a local realtor at ReMax Irish. He stated that some of the businesses that he would like to see would be a fitness work-out facility for adults and a kids health and fitness center like Monkey Business who is owned by a local member of the community; a health food store and a video rental store. These are services that he and his family utilize on a weekly basis that they have to drive twenty (20) minutes or more to take advantage of. He stated that it would be very exciting to have these kinds of uses closer to home, especially with the price of gasoline. Mr. Pat McGann, owner McGann-Hay Funeral Homes, 21275 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Mr. McGann stated that the funeral home is located immediately adjacent east of this proposed development. Mr. McGann stated that he is not speaking for or against the development but making some comments being the adjacent property owner. He stated that he was one of the first developments north of the Toll Rd. on that section of Cleveland Road in the City/County. He has seen a lot of growth in that area since and it has certainly changed the flavor of the area considerably over the years. He has had the funeral home open there since 1991. He stated that one of the things that came up in the Committee Meeting this afternoon, is the possibility of removing a section of the concrete barrier in front that was placed there when the new reconstruction of Cleveland Road when it was done a number of years ago. He stated that would be something that should be considered and the dollar amount would be minimal. He stated that there was one there previously when the metal barricades were there and he stated that from his observations that he has made on Cleveland Road that this development’s entrance may have more traffic that either one of the side streets. The bulk of traffic that will be coming to this location will really need to be considered and the library may change that too. The impact that the curb cut in the center median might have is not going to be a deterrent or a safety issue with the traffic on either street. Mr. McGann stated that the placement should be directly in the middle of the block. He stated that the front and rear entrance in the development should have a common ingress/egress access for automobiles along the front side of the property and for future potential development along backside of the property is preferred to go all the way to the Lake City Bank and have access to Lilac Road to eliminate as much traffic on the side streets as possible. He emphasized this as a good idea and stated that it has been addressed in the development proposal. Mr. McGann stated that he lives in Brendan Hills an area that was very much opposed to the development of Heritage Square and Toscana Park Development, it has not deterred from their property values, but there were six pages of commitments that were put onto to that development before it was passed in the City of Mishawaka. He stated that before he bought the property on Cleveland Road, the building that was on it sat empty for eight (8) years and no one wanted to buy it as a Residential Property to live in. Mr. McGann stated that the vacant home on this property has had problems with vandalism and he has been on Mr. Cooreman’s case to tear the home down. One of the benefits of this development will be that the property will be covered by the Department of Code Enforcement of the City of South Bend. Mr. McGann noted that if there is a 11