04-23-01 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee April 23, 2001 Page 3 25-member Advisory Committee was appointed by the Mayor to study the area. $ 13-$33 million is needed for clearing, environmental remediation and relocation costs. She requested the endorsement of the Council for the plan so that it would be official. To date the City has torn down 1.2 million square feet of structures with 4.3 million square feet of buildings yet to be torn down, of which 85% of the buildings are vacant. She then showed aerial photographs of the subject area. Council Member Kirsits noted that taking inner city property and making it productive again is a step in the right direction. Council Member Kirsits then made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 01-43 favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mr. Hunt noted that approximately 140 acres are involved in the Studebaker/Oliver Plow project, whereas Blackthorne is utilizing approximately 60 acres per year. Creating tax base and clearing eye sores in the inner city are important. Council President Pfeifer noted the importance of having the plan officially approved. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, it was noted that negotiations are continuing with the owners of Allied Products property and Huckins which will continue over the next several months. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-44 which is a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute documents with the US Department of HUD related to grants from the Neighborhood Initiative Program and the Economic Development Initiative Program. Mrs. Kolata made the presentation. She noted that two (2) grant applications would be submitted once the resolution is adopted. Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner that Bill No. 01-44 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 31-01 which would establish the Sample Ewing Development Area Fund No. 209 for the Studebaker/Oliver Revitalization grant monies. Mrs. Kolata made the presentation noting that the fund is necessary in order to receive the federal grant dollars. Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner that Bill No. 31-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee reviewed Bill No. 32-01 which would appropriate $ 90,000 within the UDAG Fund (Fund#410). Mr. Jon Hunt made the presentation. The funds would be used for predevelopment costs for pending development projects to cover the costs for the preparation of market studies, appraisals, preliminary site plans, surveys, and related documents. Council Member Ujdak made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner, that Bill No. 32-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.