Redevelopment Commission Packet 11.14.24 - Signed

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 7 Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, requests approval for Resolution No. 3615 for a property acquisition for the Elwood Shopping Plaza at 1302 Elwood Ave. an 8.6-acre site, currently zoned as NC-Neighborhood Center. The proposed purchase price will be $1,400,000. Appraisals have been completed and the average is $907,000. The site is East of the Drewrys Brewery site where there is active cleanup work going on now. Mr. Bauer explained that, we are currently seeking federal funding through the EPA Community Change grant for the full redevelopment of the Drewrys site and if we were awarded that funding, that could provide up to $20 million for the redevelopment of that site. Mr. Bauer explains that the format of the request is an assignment and assumption. The Redevelopment Commission will be assigned a purchase agreement between Blair Adams Ret and Elwood Shopping Center LLC. Mr. Tom Gryp is affiliated with Blair Adams Ret and has negotiated with the owners and brought the agreement to the Redevelopment Commission to become the purchaser and would reimburse the earnest cost of $25,000. Mr. Bauer showed a conceptual plan for what the site might look like in the future, new affordable housing, revitalized Muessel Grove Park and a reimagined Elwood Shopping Plaza. Tom Gryp stated that his actions have nothing to do with the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and it is his personal passion to help the city reclaim this corner. He stated that ever since the Martin family sold this property to the Spiegel company, he has been trying to get it back in the hands of local control. His hope is to get the signed agreement soon and to sign it over to the city at cost. Mr. Gryp is excited for this development as it will improve this corner as well as Portage Ave. going North and be the trigger that breathes life into that area. Commissioner Relos asked if the grant would include this area. Mr. Bauer stated that the potential grant award will focus primarily on the Drewry site, however, will set up other potential funding and other grant opportunities for Phase II of the Elwood Shopping Plaza piece. Mr. Relos also inquired about housing and that was confirmed. Commissioner Warner suggested that the retail portion may lend itself to the Lilly Endowment grant. Mr. Bauer also stated that the total site is about 28-acres not including Muessel Park with a potential of 130-140 housing units as part of the EPA grant. Tina Patton suggested a church and grocery store in the conceptual plans to support the future housing and community. Mr. Bauer agreed that all support services such as grocery store, childcare, mental health assistance, health care and those types of amenities would be a priority. Commissioner Warner asked about a possible fit for the United Way Center and Mr. Bauer stated it could be possible.