03-28-2022 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed)

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REGULAR MEETING March 28, 2022 Council President, Sharon L. McBride, made a motion to table Bill No. 12-22 until Anril 11.2022. Vice President Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 13-22 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: ALLEY VACATION -STREET ALLEY NEAR 1101 KING STREET. Vice President Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to accept the Substitute version of Bill No. 13- 22. Councilmember Lori Hamman seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Vice President Sheila Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 13-22 was previously heard by the Public Works and Property Vacations Committee and comes forth with a favorable recommendation with the updated language to the Substitute Bill. Kory Lantz, 615 Cushing Ave., South Bend, Indiana, presented Bill No. 13-22. Councilmember Lori Hamman asked for clarification of the -ally's current condition with overgrowth. Kory Lantz responded that no one currently uses the alley because there are no garage doors or houses on the alley that require access. Clerk Dawn M. Jones indicated there was no one from the public that expressed to speak in favor of Bill No. 13-22. Citizen member Frank Mercado, 709 Juniper Place, South Bend, Indiana stated he has a rental property in that area and asked if the development of the recreational center will increase property taxes in the neighborhood. Councilmember Henry Davis responded the entire area should expect an increase in property taxes due to new infrastructure assessments; however, property owners may have the opportunity to appeal those increases. Mr. Mercado made the comment that he is concerned about trouble from the youth who will be using the new recreational facility. Informed committee of drug use around community centers such as Brown Academy and the Martin Luther King Center. Councilmember Canneth Lee responded and thanked Mr. Mercado for his input and initiated a response from Kory Lantz the petitioner. Mr. Lantz responded that the facility will be a hub for youth and families to mitigate drugs and violence. The impact of developing relationships from the facility will promote peace, safety, and hope. Previous issues have seen a decrease in the last 13 years. Mr. Lantz responded that it will be an increase in property taxes of ten dollars but will be beneficial to the community for years to come. Vacating the alley is not connected to going forth with the project. Councilmember Lee suggests that community member Mr. Mercado meet with the developers to discuss community plans. Mr. Mercado responded with his concerns about what is going to happen after the project is completed and the heavy traffic coming from Steel Warehouse. Mr. Lantz responded and assured Mr. Mercado that the ministry has spoken with Steel Warehouse and that they are on board with the development moving forward; Kory Lantz invites community members to their office to further see what projects are underway. Councilmember Lee asked for additional comments from the council. Councilmember Henry Davis responds that he supports the activities and projects of the Transformation Ministries. Seeing them through the years, he supports the efforts of teaching inner-city kids job skills and educating the neighborhood. They're doing a great service to the community by going to their facility.