02-09-04 Community & Economic Development

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�.omniunit\ and i ononue De%eiopnrent Conn nee i ebruar) 9, 2004 Page 2 addressing multi-family residential developments. Mr. O'Brien noted that this is the first real property tax abatement request being brought under the new tax abatement regulations. He noted that under the regulations there is a base abatement for three (3) years and that extra consideration has been given based on the proposed size of the project,wages and benefits. The Council Attorney inquired whether the report would be updated on page 2, 9 2, since the zoning issue is also before the Council this evening. Mr. O'Brien stated that he would correct the report. Mr. Richard K. Berstein of Dayton, Ohio then made the presentation. He noted that the petitioner has constructed more than 9,000 apartment units and various types of housing. Representative photographs were then circulated to the Committee. He noted that originally 146 units were proposed which have been downsized to 120 units. They plan to utilize the Indiana State Tax Credit Program for affordable housing. Apartments would be available for persons with incomes between$24,000 to $39,000 with minimum rent between$400 to$450.00. In response to a question from Council President White, Mr. Berstein stated that they are working with the Planning Department with regard to Linden Avenue. Dr. Varner inquired what percentage of the property would be developed. Mr. Myers stated that he would address that during the zoning presentation on the Bill related to zoning. At this point, the Council Attorney suggested that the Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting be opened so that the zoning matter could be addressed prior to the tax abatement request. (See February 9,2004 Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting minutes). In light of the zoning matter being requested to be withdrawn, Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman that at the request of the petitioner that it be recommended that Bill No. 04-25 be struck from the Council agenda. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Jitin Kain and Larry Magliozzi provided an update on City Plan. They provided a copy of"Phase 1:Community Outreach--A Vision for South Bend-- February 1, 2004"prepared by Capraro Consulting(copy attached). They noted that a series of community meetings would take place in February and it was suggested that each Council Member attend two(2) of these meetings. Dr. Varner requested a copy of the tape of the last speaker. Mr. Jitin Kain stated it would take 2-3 weeks to edit the tape and that copies would be made available to the Council and also in the public library and public access television. Council Member Dieter requested that it also be made available on CD. Mr. Andrew J. Nemeth then passed out his business card(copy attached). He voiced concern over his understanding that the Economic Development Department was possibly"pulling the plug"on a development on the south side of the city which would have 1/2 million square feet for retail and between 500-1,000 jobs.