09-25-00 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 25.2000 Mr. Timothy Hernly informed the Council that he represents the owners and management of Scottsdale Mall which is Massachusetts Life Insurance Company and Cornerstone Real Estate. He reminded the Council that tax abatements were granted to Scottsdale Mall in 1992 and 1993 with the owners making a substantial investment in the mall at that time. He noted that they believe there has been a shift in preferences and demographics and because of that, despite their best efforts to replace tenants, it has proven to be difficult. He further stated that the occupancy rate continues to decline and it is at the lowest ever. A severe blow to the mall was the departure of L. S. Ayres which was the center anchor store. Mr. Hernly stated that there are matters pending regarding the change in ownership which he cannot discuss but that additional capital is needed as well as a number of new quality tenants. He noted that it is important that Scottsdale Mall remain the most vital retail center in South Bend as it has been for the past thirty (30) years. He asked the Council to support the passage of this bill. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Mayor Stephen Luecke, 1400 County -City Building, South Bend, Indiana, noted that he agrees with the sentiments conveyed and the City administration stands ready to work with Scottsdale Mall. Mr. Matt Wilken, 1526 East Calvert Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he would like to offer a note of caution that perhaps there is a reason for the decline at the Mall. He stated that perhaps consumers don't want to go there and that perhaps the northwest side would be a better place for a mall. He wanted the Council to look at this issue with a clear eye as there are market factors involved here. Councilmember Varner indicated to the Council that people say to him that they do not want to travel to Grape Road to shop. The convenience and location of Scottsdale Mall is a positive and he therefore asked for the Council's unanimous approval of this Resolution. Therefore, Councilmember Varner made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember King seconded the motion which carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2928 -00 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMENDING THE EAST SIDE LITTLE LEAGUE NINE AND TEN YEAR OLD ALL -STAR TEAM FOR WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WHEREAS, the East Side Little League Nine and Ten Year Old All -Stars won the Indiana State Championship on July 31, 2000 in Hartford City, Indiana; and WHEREAS, the Tournament began on July 7, 2000 with East Side defeating a strong Southeast team on July 13, 2000 for the District 11 Championship and from there advancing to the Sectional Tournament, and; WHEREAS, on July 21, 2000 they traveled to Elkhart County to play the District 14 Champions in a "Best of 3" Sectional Tournament and won to advance to the State Finals; and WHEREAS, the State Tournament began on July 27, 2000 with eight teams from around the State, including Fort Wayne, Evansville, Hammond, Hartford City, Martinsville, Pendleton, Indianapolis, and South Bend East Side; and WHEREAS, East Side won the State Championship game by defeating Pendleton by a score of8to3;and WHEREAS, the East Side Little League Nine and Ten Year Old All -Stars represented South Bend well by exhibiting both outstanding athletic ability and excellent sportsmanship.