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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 26, 2012 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Zappia noted that they will be installing more cameras and better lighting in and outside of <br />the store to ensure the safety of the customers and employees. He stated that they will be <br />reducing the hours of operation as well as adding an off duty officer to be present. He stated that <br />Sgt. Mike Miller has been the security officer there and will continue that position. He noted <br />that he is very well known at the store, a former west side resident, and takes pride in that. Mr. <br />Zappia noted that video camera will be accessible to South Bend Police Department for review. <br />He noted that there will be a zero tolerance for loitering. <br /> <br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and <br />opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. <br /> <br />Councilmember’s Oliver Davis stated that he was disappointed that the letter that was sent out by <br />the petitioner did not get properly delivered to Ms. Gail Brodie of the LaSalle Park <br />Neighborhood Association. <br /> <br />Mr. Danch apologize for not following up on the letter. <br /> <br />The following individuals spoke in favor of the bill: <br /> <br />Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that his greatest concern was the lack of communication <br />between the petitioners and the neighborhood. He stated that he was disappointed that the letter <br />that was sent out by the petitioner did not get properly delivered to Ms. Gail Brodie of the <br />LaSalle Park Neighborhood Association. <br />Janice Hall, 1400 Block Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that her grandson got <br />shot at the store nine (9) years ago. She stated that when the store was owned by someone else. <br />She stated that when the new owners took over, she addressed the problems that she saw and <br />what made her not want to do business there. She stated that the new owners were very <br />concerned and cared about changing the way business was conducted there. She stated that she <br />was not asked by anyone to attend the meeting this evening. She stated that she heard about the <br />public hearing tonight and wanted to voice her opinion. <br /> <br />Sharon Wells, 409 S. Wellington, stated that she is in favor of the Munchie Mart, it is a nice <br />place. She stated that she is not one to come to public meetings and debate over things, but the <br />owner is a very caring person and she wanted the Council to know that. She stated that he has <br />been trying to keep the area clean, hiring security to keep from just standing around outside of <br />the building. She stated that he is trying to upgrade his business and that is a good thing for the <br />neighborhood. <br /> <br />Patricia Lister, 200 Block of Wellington, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the owners of the <br />Munchie Mart should be allowed to upgrade. She stated that the new owners have stepped up on <br />security and now she feels safe going there. <br /> <br />Barbara Dockery, 3527 Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, advised that she lives right next <br />door to the Munchie Mart. She stated that previously in the past it was such a headache there, <br />there were a tremendous amount of problems. She stated that the new owner is very caring and <br />very concerned about the safety of his patrons and neighbors. She stated that he cleaned all that <br />up and there is no loitering there anymore. She stated that other bigger stores have been allowed <br />to upgrade their stores. She stated that this is a small business who wants to expand and upgrade <br />and they should be allowed to do so. She urged the Council for their favorable consideration. <br /> <br />Mr. Jones 2625 W. Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana advised that he has lived there for <br />over 50 years and just found about the Munchie Mart wanted to expand and upgrade this past <br />Saturday. He stated that the owner Ricky is a good person. He stated that the business is an <br />asset to the community. <br /> <br />Catherine McCauley, 218 Kenmore, South Bend, Indiana, advised that she has lived there for 9 <br />years and has seen all kinds of things. She stated that she is not here as a character reference for <br />Ricky, but to talk about what kind of business man he is. She said he is a business man who say <br />an opportunity to invest in and now he wants to better his business. She stated that the city has <br />too many buildings that are boarded up all up and down Western Avenue. She stated that the <br />5 <br /> <br /> <br />