CED Annexation Policy Plan 1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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d. Administration of Surrounding Development It is in the best interest of the City to have a voice in the development and governance of adjoining neighborhoods, since it is clear that they influence City issues, and vice -versa. To effectively manage urban growth, South Bend must regulate the extent and quality of development at the fringes to ensure compatibility of developments through public input and coordination of infrastructure development. It is far more efficient and logical to have administrative and service responsibilities of like development under one jurisdiction to ensure the consistent application of administrative rule and allow for the efficient provision of services. e. Fiscal Equity Everyone within the urbanized area, if not the entire County, benefits from a flourishing central city with its vital facilities and services. These facilities and services address a large part of the quality of life issues which have a direct and positive economic development impact on the City. Unfortunately, an unfair burden of subsidization falls on only a portion of those using the facilities and services. City residents pay a dispro- portionate share for facilities and services which benefit the entire community, such as the park system and the entertainment and convention facilities. Of particular note are the use and availability of regional facilities, such as Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium, Morris Civic Auditorium, the East Race and Potawatomi Park Zoo. Many of these facilities were built under the City's bonding authority. Although open to and enjoyed by all residents of St. Joseph County, only those residents who live within the City limits bear the burden of the tax levies and the yearly maintenance of these first-class facilities. Large numbers of suburban residents utilize a significant portion of the City's resources and services on a daily basis. Those residents who commute into and work in the City use the City's streets, traffic control systems, sewer and water service, and various other public facilities. Non -city residents, while doing business in the City, also have available to them police, fire and medical response teams if required. Even those County residents who do not work within the City limits have available to them City park facilities such as tennis courts, picnic areas, ball diamonds and the City's progressive river walk system. 7