Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF SOUTH BEND I REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - January 23, 2025 <br />would like to complete the facility to best serve the community. Dr. <br />LaRissa Buggs stated that there is a need for mental health care and <br />as an African American clinician, she hopes to delivery that care with <br />accessing all areas of the facility. She explained that the accessibility <br />ramp from Phase I has been tremendous by making the rear of the <br />building accessible to all where the clinic entrance is located. The <br />request for the elevator would create access to the educational <br />offerings or life skills training areas. Pastor Buggs stated that the newly <br />renovated areas are beautiful however, not everyone can get to them <br />to utilize their full potential. <br />Commissioner Sallie stated that she had toured the facility and was <br />impressed with what had been accomplished. She has also talked with <br />Oaklawn Center, and they have expressed that it's been helpful to <br />have an additional facility. Commissioner Wesley also spoke in favor of <br />the development on the South Side of South Bend. Tina Patton <br />expressed enthusiasm with the project and hopes that this facility will <br />help the community overcome the stigma about mental health <br />assistants. Councilman Canneth Lee also spoke in favor of the <br />agreement and stated that this could be a great beacon of hope for our <br />community. <br />Commissioner Wax asked about the non-profit aspect verses the for - <br />profit side of the business and how many people utilize the services <br />with the increased changes before the Commission. Pastor David <br />Buggs explained that there is an event space in the building, and they <br />can charge for the use of the space. Mr. Buggs stated that there will <br />also be a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen available for individuals to <br />use soon and provide excellence for the community. Dr. Buggs <br />explained that between St. Joseph and Elkhart counties there are <br />approximately 115 people using their services and about 70 people <br />she has regular contact with. She also explained that by having the <br />elevator, they partner with Nurse Family Partnership and have a <br />difficult time getting necessary supplies to the second floor. Dr. Buggs <br />stated that the potential could be significant. <br />Upon a motion by Vivian Sallie for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, <br />the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the <br />Development Agreement as presented on January 23, 2025. <br />6. Progress Reports <br />A. Tax Abatement <br />Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented that at the <br />Common Council meeting coming up this Monday, DCI will be presenting <br />n <br />