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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING –November 25, 2024 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />agreement. Mr. Molar explained the timeline and steps that were taken <br />to date. In June, 2025, the RDC issued a request for two (2) parcels <br />and the RFP stipulated that the bidder could bid on one (1) or both, <br />had clear submission requirements, clear evaluation criteria as well as <br />clear deadlines for submissions. On August 22nd, all bids were <br />received and opened which were four (4) in total. On October 10th., <br />staff publicly presented their recommendation for negotiations to <br />proceed with Stoic Beverages which most successfully met the criteria <br />of the proposal. The Redevelopment Commission approved the staff <br />recommendation and directed staff to negotiate with Stoic Distilling Co. <br />Stoic was also chosen due to their experience, financial responsibility, <br />purchase price, and consistency with the River West development <br />plan. <br /> <br />Tiernan Kane, Unity LLC, presented a second proposal. Alejandro <br />Saucedo, Howard Tuthill, Jamey Haigh, Tina Patton, and Matt Barrett <br />spoke against the purchase agreement. Brian Connolly, Jesse <br />Sensenig, Nathan Klein, Abram Christianson, and Jonathan Boulos <br />spoke in favor of the purchase agreement. <br /> <br />Commissioner Eli Wax asked if Stoic has intentions to apply for a tax <br />abatement and David Michael stated that they do not. Commissioner <br />Relos asked about a family-focused atmosphere and Rex Weaver <br />stated that the outdoor area will be family-friendly. Secretary Sallie <br />asked about the timeline and completion of the renovations and Mr. <br />Weaver stated that they had started cleaning up the landscaping and <br />doing everything permitted with the limited access agreement. Mr. <br />Weaver explained that 18 months is the goal. Commissioner Eli Wax <br />asked Mr. Kane why they submitted this second proposal with a similar <br />establishment when the first proposal was for a mix of residential and <br />commercial development and stated that an occupant in that location <br />would hinder the development. Mr. Kane stated that they requested <br />communications with the city, and it appears that the preference would <br />be for a distillery in that location and Mr. Kane wanted to ensure that it <br />is done in the right way. Commissioner Wax asked if Unity LLC had <br />agreements with the private parcels that they do not own at the site, <br />and Mr. Kane stated that they did not have agreements. Commissioner <br />Shaw asked how long Rue 152 has been in business and Mr. Weaver <br />stated 5 ½ years. Commissioner Shaw also asked about fundraisers <br />and community involvement and Mr. Weaver stated that they have <br />participated in fundraisers for suicide prevention and the Boy & Girls <br />club in the past, however, are open to whatever the area/community <br />needs. <br /> <br />President Troy Warner addressed Unity LLC that the housing dialog <br />will continue but for this RFP, we will stay with the first staff