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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
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<br />Councilmember Dieter made a motion to accept the substitute bill as amended. Councilmember
<br />Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
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<br />This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
<br />opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
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<br />Rev. Greg Brown, 1238 Diamond Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill.
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<br />Glenda Rae Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill.
<br />She stated that she has lived in South Bend since 1966, and seen all the changes that the
<br />neighborhoods have gone through. She stated that there needs to be a better plan than the 1,000
<br />homes in a 1,000 days. She stated that there needs to be more of a comprehensive plan.
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<br />Dave Heckel, Vacant Properties Specialists, Elgin, Illinois, stated that there needs to be more
<br />focus on securing vacant properties until a determination is made to either demolish or rehab.
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<br />Katie Lee, 16405 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the city needs more
<br />residential homes. She urged the Council to seek a more solid plan.
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<br />Ray Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that the city is moving too
<br />fast. He stated that a more comprehensive plan is needed.
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<br />Dave Stickle, 1302 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the homes could be
<br />rehabilitated for Veterans.
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<br />Regina Williams-Preston, 838 N. Elmer, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. She
<br />urged the Council to pass this bill and focus more on rehabilitation than demolition and provide a
<br />process that will result in an economic plan for the neighborhood.
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<br />Kinsie Brown, 330 W. Colfax, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in favor of the four (4)
<br />amendments.
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<br />Faith Slaughter, 330 W. Colfax, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in favor of this bill. She
<br />would like to see the homes rehabilitated using local contractors such as her.
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<br />There was no one else present wishing to speak to the Council in favor of or in opposition to this
<br />bill.
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<br />Councilmember Scott advised that he is not in support of this bill.
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<br />Councilmember Schey stated that she believes in transparency and accountability, however, she
<br />does not agree with the newly added amendments.
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<br />Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic stated that people want action taken on vacant and abandoned
<br />blight now. He asked who would pay for a rehab focused plan, the banks, the City, private
<br />investors? He stated that such a focus was too expensive to be practical.
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<br />Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated that this bill would need to seek state and federal funding.
<br />He stated that there are good ideas in the bill, however, it needs funding.
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<br />Councilmember White thanked Councilmember Davis for his hard work.
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<br />Councilmember Schey made a motion to remove paragraph (e). Councilmember Oliver Davis
<br />seconded the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay
<br />(Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.) Additionally, Councilmember Schey made a motion for
<br />favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis
<br />seconded the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote of five (5) ayes and four (4) nays
<br />(Councilmember’s Dr. Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, Scott and Dieter.)
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