06-13-08 Redevelopment Commission Minutes

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South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Meeting -June 13, 2008 7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.) Mr. King noted that Mr. Wolfson was complaining about the fact that the resolution isn't posted on the Web site for public review. That is a legitimate complaint. Mr. King felt there needed to be some education done. On the face of it, it may look like the reason for doing this is to find a way to subsidize development in Portage Prairie. But what isn't realized is that by having Portage Prairie in the AEDA, we're going to get to capture the tax increment from anything developed in Portage Prairie and end up with a much bigger TIF pot. Mr. Inks agreed. He noted that the existing AEDA has experienced about $SOOM in growth since it was declared. Portage Prairie is almost an identical $SOOM project on 450,000 acres. It has tremendous growth and revenue potential for the AEDA. Ms. Jones noted that that is all the more important since we realize that it will be difficult to get a lot of commercial and retail in the LaSalle Square area, but there are other things we can do. However, those things are not taxable. Those projects will not be adding to TIF. We will need taxable development to fund those infrastructure improvements. Mr. Inks noted that Resolution No. 2456 will be on the city's Web site by the end of today. Mr. Inks also reported that staff will begin putting the entire Commission packet of agenda items on the Web site, beginning with the June 25 meeting. Mr. Blake stated that he thinks Mr. Wolfson's concern is urban sprawl, and that is a valid concern. Mr. Wolfson is not in need of educating in that regard. If he has concerns, they are worth paying attention to. Mr. Blake noted that Mr. Wolfson may call some meetings for public discussion of this issue before the June 25 meeting. 23