07-28-03 Community & Economic Development

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Qommtttee . sport Community ara (eottomte 0elopmettt °Committee The July 28, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:02 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski,Kelly,Pfeifer, King, Varner, White, Kirsits and Kuspa; Assistant Director of Economic Development Michael Beitzinger, Marco Mariani, Bill Schalliol, Robert Case, Steve Cooreman, Marsha Hillaman, Don Inks, Anne Bruneel, Terry Bland of the 0010 Ifetttr tribune and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand. Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-75 which is a request for a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement for the City of South Bend Board of Public Works for the properties commonly known as 130,530, 621,630, 636, and 726 East Broadway Street. Michael Beitzinger then reviewed his report dated July 15, 2003 (copy attached). He noted that American Home Dreams, Inc. would construct six (6) homes valued at $ 110,500 each for a total project investment of$663,000. This is the 9th time that they are before the Council requesting an abatement. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a five (5) year residential tax abatement under § 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing "Single Family Real Property Abatement". Marco Marian of Community and Economic Development made the presentation. He noted that he is the property manager for the project. He noted that the six (6) homes would be constructed on fifteen (15) lots. He noted for the record that a replat of the area has been recorded consistent with the recommendation of the Council Attorney, and then presented her with a copy of the recorded "Southeast Neighborhood,Broadway&Marietta Replat"(copy attached). No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Council President White inquired about the number of homes which American Home Dreams, Inc. Mr. Mariani stated that they constructed 55 homes prior to this petition. Dr. Varner inquired whether all of the homes are sold. Mr. Mariani stated that one (1) is currently in foreclosure but will be worked out,with all others being sold. Council Member Pfeifer stated that the neighborhood park is"adorable". Mr. Mariani stated that a ball diamond will be added with today being the"soft opening"for the park with the grand opening being scheduled for August. Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-75 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member King noted that the Council should have received a letter dated July 24, 2003 from Michael Beitzinger noting that Bill No. 03-76 needs to go before the Redevelopment Commission prior to coming before the Council. Accordingly, he requested that the Bill be continued until August 11th. Council Member Kuspa then made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner, that Bill No. 03-76 be Community and Economic Development Committee