05-22-95 Community & Economic Development

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Committee Report Community and Economic Development May 22, 1995 Page 2 In response to a question raised by Council Member Slavinskas it was noted that parcels were counted by tax key numbers as a basis of the 35%rate. It was also noted that the frontage requirements for parcels would be at a minimum of 60 feet. Council Member Coleman noted that there are several nonfunctioning parcels since they do not meet the 60 foot requirement. Council Member Puzzello questioned why there no other areas being recommended me and Mike Beitzinger i zzi noted that he, the Council Attorney, g Ma t o Y at this time. Mr. g reviewed at least 5 to 6 othe r potential Ma p s an d are recommending the largest st areas which meet all criteria. Council Member Luecke noted that individual lots can still be considered. Mr. Mike Urbanski suggested enlarging the proposed area and spoke in favor of the Bill.He showed a map to the Committee of the Homeland Subdivision where he currently has 40 lots with 65 being buildable at the 60 foot frontage requirement. Three homes are currently blighted and he would like to positively address this area.He noted that there are Indiana housing monies available if an income of$26, 000.00 or less is in the household. He noted that the proposed area which he is suggesting has a 67.8% vacancy rate and only one permit for building has been issued in 8 years. He further noted that the area in question is within a TIFF Area has 50% availability for water and sewer with 50% only having sewer available. He noted that all homes would have full basements with some having garages. He noted that he is working with Redevelopment in the Engineering Department. Council Member Zakrzewski stated that he would be receptive to enlarging the proposed area. Mary Booth spoke in favor of the project. She noted that she is excited about the concept and had a hand-out (copy attached) from BL Builders. She noted that this is an incentive for both builders and homeowners. She currently works for Bob Luann and she hopes that the momentum for the project is not lost. Mr. Bob Luann then spoke to the Committee. He noted that to often that taxes are so high that it does not allow people to live within the city.He noted that homes within the Emmerson Forest Subdivision would sell much higher if outside of the city limits. Roy Yoder noted that 25 lots are available if the Council would move forward. Barry Adams of Greater South Bend Development, noted that he was part of pilot program approximately 2 years ago where the maximum housing cost was $60,000.00. With the tax abatement he was able to receive matching grants for funding purposes. Sue Hodgeson,the Citizen Member of the Committee noted that as an employee of Society Bank that she sees real estate taxes being a critical item when reviewing mortgage requests.