CED Annexation Policy Plan 1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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f. Environmental Safeguards Long-term health and safety hazards relative to groundwater pollution and the protection of water supply are legitimate issues for the entire community. The recent situations centered around the Amoco Tank Farm in Granger and the hazardous waste site in the vicinity of S.R. 23 and Mayflower Road are graphic examples of the sensitivity of the area's groundwater cycle. Development that occurs without City utilities requires the use of septic systems and individual wells. Municipal and community -owned wellhead protection programs are already being considered, and the current proliferation of private septic systems and wells are going to be a concern in any successful program. Private central water distribution systems are expensive to establish and maintain. South Bend's existing sewer and water systems can provide the opportunity for efficient central utility service, thereby providing a needed and readily available urban -type services. g. Economic Homogeneity Economic ties between South Bend and the fringe areas are strong. It is estimated that 12,000 people work in downtown South Bend. The central business district remains a strong influence in office development, continuing to attract a large percentage of the County's professional workforce. The Airport 2010 Plan provides South Bend with an alternative resource to compete for the placement of industry and jobs within the City limits. h. Social Association Because of their proximity to the City, residents of areas under consid- eration for annexation have strong social ties to South Bend and benefit from a variety of City services and amenities which are municipally financed. South Bend is the focus of the community's arts, entertainment and convention activities. Century Center, the East Race and current renovations to the Morris Civic Auditorium and Palais Royale provide the one -of -a -kind type of facilities that can be enjoyed by the entire population of St. Joseph County. Cite residents bear the major burden of renovation ad maintenance costs that these facilities require, yet these facilities are all available to non -city residents without having to contribute a proportionate share of the cost. 5. The Advantage of Annexation A City's ability to attract and retain business and residents is based in part on the City's ability to exert control over its environment. South Bend should periodically evaluate areas immediately adjacent to the City boundary where 8