04-23-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 23 1973 REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED (CONTINUED) 7. That it is hereby found and determined that the Urban Renewal Plan for the Urban Renewal Area gives due consideration to the provision of adequate park and recreational areas and facilities, as may be desirable for neighborhood improvement, with special consideration for the health, safety, and welfare of children residing in the general vicinity of the site covered by the Plan. 8. That it is hereby found and determined that the program for the proper relocation of individuals and families displaced in carrying out the Project in decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings in conformity with accpetable standards is feasible and can be reasonably and timely effected to permit the proper prosecution and completion of the Project; and such dwellings or dwelling units available or to be made available to such displaced individuals and families are at least equal in number to the individuals and families, are not generally less desirable in regard to public facilities and utilities and public commercial facilities than the dwellings of the displaced individuals and families in the Project area, are available at rents or prices within the financial means of the individuals and families, and are reasonably accessible to their place of employment. 9. That in order to implement and facilitate the effectuation of the Urban Renewal Plan hereby approved, it is found and determined that certain official action must be taken by this Body with reference, among things to changes in zoning, the vacating and removal of streets, alleys, and other public ways, the establishment of new street patterns, the location and relocation of sewer and water mains and other public facilities and other public action and accordingly, this Body hereby (a) pledges its cooperation in helping to carry out such Urban Renewal Plan; (b) requests the various officials, depart- ments, boards, and agencies of the Locality having administrative responsibilities in the premises likewise to cooperate to such end and to exercise their respective functions and powers in a manner consistent with said Urban Renewal Plan; and (c) stands ready to consider and take appropriate action upon proposals and measures designed to effectuate said Urban Renewal Plan. All contracts under this Urban Renewal Plan shall be subject to approval by the Common Council. 10. That additional financial assistance under the provisions of Title I of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, is necessary to enable the land in the Project area to be renewed in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan for the Project area and, accordingly, the filing by the Local Public Agency of an application or applications for such financial assistance under said Title I is hereby approved. 11. That this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Common Council of the City of South Bend and approval by the Mayor. Passed April 23, 1973, as amended. s/ Roger 0. Parent Member of the Common Council A public hearing was held on the resolution at this time. Mr. Charles Lennon, Director of the Department of Redevelopment, indicated that the resolution concerns two areas in South Bend, one being the Model Cities neighborhood and the other being the Southeast neighborhood. He indicated that the Department of Housing and Urban Development had given tentative approval and authority to proceed with the plan for the first year. He proceeded to designate the areas on maps he pre- sented to the Council members. He mentioned that Mr. Conrad Damian would be representing the Model Cities area and Mr. Edward Dunn would be representing the Southeast neighborhood. He indicated that the proposed development in the Model Cities area would be a multi- service fire station, and the proposed development in the southeast area would be the building of homes for the elderly. He briefly explained the problems encountered in receiving the award. He indicated that the city received notice that, by May 1, the plan had to be submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also mentioned that the Redevelopment Commission was holding a public hearing on the plan on April 30. He requested that the Council consider the plan in order that it could be submitted and the money made available. He indicated that the land use as out- lined was what he was recommending at this time, and he mentioned that this was a concern since the fire survey has not been completed at this time. Because of this, no recommendation can be made by the Police and Fire Chiefs. He also indicated that a great deal of consideration and research had been given the plan, and the redevelopment Commission felt the proposal before the Council was the best solution. He indicated that this was not to be referred to as a community center as indicated in the newspaper. As far as construction of the fire station, Mr. Lennon indicated that four possible sites were considered and all possibilities were looked into. The Fire Chief was contacted about the location. He concluded that members of the Redevelopment staff were present to answer any questions the Council and citizens had on the subject. Mrs. Frederick Mutzl, President of the St. Joseph County Fair Tax Association, asked how many people would have to be relocated from both areas. Mr. Lennon indicated that there were 37 building dwellings in the Southeast area and 31 dwellings in the Model Cities area. Mrs. Mutzl asked how many people would have to be relocated, and Mr. Lennon clarified his previous answer by indicating that there were 37 families in the Southeast area and 31 families in the Model Cities area. Mrs. Mutzl asked if the people in the Southeast area had ever received any loans or grants for repairs to roofs, etc. She indicated that many people did not know what was to happen to their property. Mr. Lennon indicated that this was to be the first such grant money received. Mrs. Mutzl felt it was unfair to leave these people "out on a limb" for such a long time. She asked how much control the Council had over the South Bend Housing Authority. Council President Nemeth indicated that the Mayor makes certain appointments to the Authority. Mr. Lennon indicated that the housing in the Southeast side was by a private developer. He mentioned that they would absorb the cost of con- struction and be responsible for leasing and renting. Mrs. Mutzl asked if this project would be subsidized by federal money as indicated in the newspaper, and Mr. Lennon answered that it would not be. Mrs. Mutzl asked how much time had been allowed the Council in reviewing the plan, and Mr. Lennon indicated that the plans had been prepared by guidelines and he had spoken previously to the Council on the matter. Mrs. Mutzl asked how close the school would be, and Mr. Lennon indicated that it would be right down the street. Mrs. Mutzl asked how much this would cost in the future if the Council approved the resolution. She felt there was a rush being put on the Council for action at the meeting with not enough time previously given the Council for considera- tion of the matter. Mr. Lennon briefly spoke on the matching funds and gave a breakdown of the project. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, felt that