11-25-02 Community & Economic Development

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• I Committee eport Community ant ecottoutir Ot Wonting mittt 'Committee The November 25, 2002, Community and Economic Development Committee meeting was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 3:59 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly,King, Varner,White, Kirsits, Kuspa and Coleman; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Terry Miller of the Chamber of Commerce, Bill Schalliol, Department of Community and Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Jim Frick, Beth Leonard, Terry Bland of the gboltthjno tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No.. 94-02 which would establish a new capital fund to be known as the South Bend Redevelopment District Sample/Ewing Allocation Area Capital Fund(Fund#427). Elizabeth Leonard of Financial &Program Management made the presentation. She noted that the fund would receive the bond proceeds which will be disbursed for TJX development costs. Council Member King stated that this would be simply adding the fund to the chart of accounts. Ms. Leonard stated that that was correct. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 94-02 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 02-84 which would designated the South Side Development Area as blighted and would approve the order of the Area Plan Commission that the area conforms to the Plan for development. Mayor Stephen Luecke stated that there is exciting news for the south side of South Bend and for retail development in the City of South Bend. The resolution addresses tools to assist the City in allow it to move forward. Mayor Luecke stated that the city has been working closely with the South Gateway Association which encourages private/public partnerships. Mr. Bill Schalliol of the Division of Economic Development noted that the Redevelopment Commission adopted a declaratory resolution and plan on November 1, 2002. The Area Plan Commission then adopted a declaratory resolution and plan on November 19, 2002. If the Council adopts this resolution today the Redevelopment Commission will then take final action on December 20,2002. He noted that there are eight(8) criteria with regard to the state law definition of redevelopment such as age, cessation of growth, deterioration, underutilization, etc; whereas development would be taking a green field and developing it. Mayor Luecke noted that there are some environmental issues and high vacancy rates in commercial areas which meet the state law definition. Mr. Jim Frick the President of the South Gateway Association stated that they have been working hard since 1998. He thanked everyone for their support for the past five(5) years. Council President Kelly commended Mr. Frick stating that he is the driving force of the South Gateway Association and a true "doer"who has done a wonderful job.