07-23-01 Community & Economic Development

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QCommitttt wort: Qtommunttt anti &conceit atinzonmtut tommitttt The July 23, 2001 meeting of the Community and Economic Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:41 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: King, Varner, Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Ujdak, White, Kirsits and Kelly; Michael Beitzinger, Don Inks, Don Fozo, Jon Hunt, Gary Gilot, Terry O'Brien, Dan J. Uminski, Ms. Davis, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, and Terry Bland of the gouth gut( tribunt Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 55-01 which would amend Chapter 3, Article 3 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing "Development Design Review". Owner Rock of Community and Economic Development made the presentation. He noted that over the past ten (10) years $ 335 million of private investment has been made in the Airport Economic Development Area (AEDA). By redesignating the AEDA the existing design reviews standards established by the Redevelopment Commission would apply, due to the interim designation. Council Member Varner inquired about the guidelines currently in effect. Mr. Rock noted that the regulations were developed 8-9 years ago, and are currently under review with Council Member King involved on that project. Council Member King added that the draft guidelines are available and that the Historic Preservation Commission is currently reviewing them (a 90 day period will soon expire for such review). Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No. 55-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-65 which is a ten (10) year real property tax abatement request for the property located at 330 Fast Jefferson Boulevard requested by Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP. Mr. Beitzinger reviewed his report dated July 16, 2001 (copy attached). He noted that South Bend is the worldwide headquarters of the petitioner, with the South Bend office being one of thirteen locations. The petitioner employees over 1,600 individuals firm wide. It plans to construct a 50,000 square foot building adjacent to its current main building with a total capital investment for the project estimated to exceed $ 10.8 million, with nearly $ 7.8 million in construction costs. Eighteen(18) new permanent jobs will be created. The Petitioner is seeking a special exception for a ten (10) year real property tax abatement pursuant to § 2-84 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Section VI of the proposed Resolution sets forth the four(4) items highlighted by the petitioner for special exception treatment. Mr. Beitzinger noted that the petitioner qualifies for a three (3) year real property tax abatement outright, and therefore he has set forth the abatement effect for a 3,6, or 10 year abatement in the report. Mr. Dean Uminski made the presentation for the petitioner. He noted that between 40-45%of the training of the 11,500 persons is done in South Bend therefore bringing revenues into the city.