Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – September,26, 2024 <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />Commission approved the budget request as presented on September <br />26, 2024. <br /> <br />B. River East Development Area <br /> <br />1. Budget Request (Northside Old YMCA Demolition) <br /> <br />Zach Hurst, Senior Engineer, Public Works presented a budget <br />request of $500,000 to augment the August 8th allotment of $1.25 <br />million, which would provide a total budget of $1.75 million for the <br />demolition of the former YMCA. Mr. Hurst explained that he <br />underestimated the cost due to technical challenges which includes <br />11,000 square feet of sub-basement with a deep pool area that would <br />require an estimated 1000 truckloads of fill to match surrounding <br />grades. <br /> <br />Commissioner Eli Wax asked if there is a possibility of rehabbing the <br />building. Mr. Hurst stated that the building is damaged beyond repair <br />due to vandalism. Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and <br />Opportunity confirmed that it is a hazard to the public even with the city <br />doing everything possible to secure the building. Mr. Wax asked to <br />give a ballpark estimate of the cost to rehab the YMCA and staff stated <br />$7 million however, the layout of the building with large atrium space <br />would not be conducive to rehab. <br /> <br />Secretary Vivian Sallie asked of the possibility of getting additional bids <br />and Mr. Hurst didn’t think that would save any money. Mr. Matt Barrett <br />asked what responsibility the property owners have and can there be <br />better enforcement. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community <br />Investment stated that our team enforces unsafe Indiana building laws <br />that involve citation, and that can also involve board ups that are then <br />billed to a property owner. He explained that the challenge at this site <br />are the many entry points to this building, and some have been welded <br />shut and reentry continues to occur. Ms. Tina Patton asked if M/WBE <br />contractors are being used for this project and Mr. Hurst stated that <br />demolition projects require trucking companies, and he would check <br />with staff but anticipate they would be used. <br /> <br />Commissioner Leslie Wesley asked why the city doesn’t tear down <br />other historic buildings with damage. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director <br />of Community Investment stated the city doesn’t have the resources to <br />demolish every building and we prioritize buildings that first pose a risk <br />to public safety and/or may collapse onto neighboring properties or into <br />the city right-of-way. Mr. Bauer stated that we also look at the <br />redevelopment aspect of the site for future use. Mr. Bauer also <br />explained that with historic buildings, we prefer to revitalize and