06-10-02 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee June 10, 2002 Page 3 They have a partnership with a business in Gary, Indiana. The new signage for the location along the US 31 Industrial Park area will be an added benefit. Mr. VanHouten stated that tax abatement is a very important part of this venture especially for the next 3-5 years in light of the uncertainty of the market. Dr. Varner noted that there are two (2) potential expansion areas included. Mr. VanHouten stated that he wanted to have enough land to expand so that they would not become landlocked, and therefore have a potential to grow. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 02-50 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 02-51 which would rescinding Resolution No. 3090-02 which declared the real estate located at 237 North Michigan Street an economic revitalization area for purposes of a ten(10) year tax abatement for LaSalle Property Management Co.,Inc. Council Member Karl King made the presentation. Council Member King noted that the Council Attorney was requested to prepare this resolution when it was discussed at the last Committee meeting. In light of the LaSalle Property Management Co. Inc. request to withdraw their confirmatory resolution on this property, the Committee believed it was inappropriate to have a declaratory resolution on record for the project. Council Member King asked Mr. Beitzinger if the petitioner realizes that no building permits for the project could be pulled unless the petitioner filed a new petition and new declaratory and confirmatory resolutions. Mr. Beitzinger stated that he has been in contact with the Petitioner and they have been advised of these requirements, Council Member King also noted for the record that the agent for LaSalle Property Management Co., Inc. were also sent copies of the letter and proposed Bill No. 02-50 by the Council Attorney. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 02-51 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member King noted that at the last Committee meeting Mr. Beitzinger introduced Felicia Davis and noted her availability to work on tax abatement projects. Council Member King further noted that it was not Mr. Beitzinger's intention to have the Council involved in the employment of Ms. Davis, but rather wanted to make sure that there was a proper introduction of Ms. Davis to the Council. Mr. Beitzinger stated that Ms. Davis would be involved in processing tax abatement requests and would be working on the tax abatement data base. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karl King, Chairperson Community and Economic Committee KCF:kmf Attachments