08-23-71 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING August 23, 1971 REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED (Continued) RESOLUTION NO. 281 -71 (Continued) 3. That the financial assistance available under Title I is needed to enable the City of South Bend Department of Redevelopment to finance the undertakings and activities pro- posed in said program and annual increment. 4. That the City of South Bend Department of Redevelopment is authorized to file an application for financial assistance to carry out the Neighborhood Development Program and the annual increment thereof. /S/ Walter M.Saymkowiak /s/ Frederick D. Craven A public hearing on this resolution was held at this time. Mr. B. Ashenfelter, Executive Direc- tor of the Redevelopment Department explained that at the end of March 1971 a resolution was passed for planning the Southeast Neighborhood development; The Model Cities development then asked for a similar resolution. This proposed resolution combining the two development programs in a joint venture would provide one million dollars in Federal-funds for the first year and a good deal more than that during the second year. He termed the new plan as a new vehicle that combines the joint rehabilitation ventures. He then introduced Mr. Glen Barbe of the Redevelop- ment Department and Mr. Michael Obringer of the Area Plan Commission to answer any questions from the Council or the audience. Mr. Obringer stated this is a City -wide program under which the first year is the Action year and the second year is the Reservation year. Miss Guthrie then questioned how many families would be relocated. It was stated that clearance and rehabi- litation would involve 36 homes in the Southeast section and 28 homes in the Model Cities area at a cost up to $15,000 maximum per home. Mr. Barbe stated this could be handled within 90 days as there are homes available. Mr. Hollis, assistant director of the Model Cities Program, said that the total fund was $1.45 million dollars and Model Cities' share would be $86,217.50 for the second year. Councilman Janet S. Allen stated she felt assurance should be given to the residents that no demolition will take place in the Model Cities program during the Action year. Mr. Barbe related none would take place during the 90 day period. Mrs. Nancy Stokes, secretary of the Project Area Commission for the Southeast Side, read the following letter directed to the Redevelopment Commission. "To: The South Bend Redevelopment Commission to The South Bend Common Council From; The Project Area Committee on the Southeast Side of South Bend, Indiana. Date: August 20, 1971 This is to give the official approval of the Project Area Committee for the applica- tion for funding of a first phase of the Neighborhood Development Program made to the Regional Office of The Department of Housing and Urban Development. This approval is made with some reservation. The Project Area Committee has been given limited opportunity to be involved in any planning for our area. Mr. Ashenfelter in a letter dated August 5, 1971 said "...this letter will certify to you that the boundary lines as shown in the application are not firm and fixed and that the boundaries can be altered during the plan portion of the first action year." The Project Area Citizens intend to be very involved in the planning and to work for their goal of maintaining a neighborhood for our citizens, not so much deciding on what is appropriate now in city planning or what is most beautiful, but what is best for the residents, the renters and home owners who are interested in our neighbor- hood as their home. We are working for maximum rehabilitation and a bare minimum of clearance. This reflects the wishes of the majority of the area residents who in two separate meetings unanimously showed their intention to remain in our community and not move out at the whim of planners. We wish to protect residents from needless heartache and loss. Our values are based on human dignity and the rights of self determination. Because we seek improvement, we give approval to the application as a bond of our intention to work together for the betterment of our neighborhood and the city of South Bend assured that we are not bound to set a plan of demolition and clearance of the area described in the submission, but to the effective use of these funds for their most creative use. The heaviest burden for determination is borne by those whose future is being directly determined. That is the role we accept. -- The Project Area Committee on the Southeast Side of South Bend, Indiana" Mr. Odell Newburn, Chairman of the Model Neighborhood Planning Agency said the agency had had high hopes for the program but the hopes has been dashed and little progress could be reported. Poor housing conditions continue to increase and, with that, health problems have increased. It was the priority to provide better housing but still the people do not have proper housing. The people do not want mass relocation. We have only the word of the Planning Director on this. We ask help from the Council for decent houses if it is decided to adopt the program. Councilman Janet S. Allen asked how much money was spent for planning. She said the Council is entitled to a report on how the money is spent in the Model Cities area. She related that residents were told, when the Model Cities Program was passed, it would be two years before any physical results were seen. She said she even saw reports showing money spent for entertainment and people need housing. Councilman Reinke agreed with Mrs. Allen's comments and said that physical results are always delayed by installation of sewer systems, etc. before residential structures can be erected. Council President Laven addressed Mr. Newburn stating that we have another item on our