05-09-60 Council Meeting Minutes

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I want to re- submit my personal premise, and many of you as Councilmen agree with me, that public housing can be put to its best use by replaing substandard dwellings - - -and providing at reasonable rental charge the kind of housing and environment that helps to preserve human dignity -- -and at the same time reduces costly city service necessities that are inherent in a concentration of sub - standard dwelling facilities. The local housing authority has asked for urgent action on this Resolution to forestall the possibility of South Bend losing the 350 units allocated by the Home Housing Finance Authority. I talked with Third District Congressman John Brademas, as well as Indiana Seantors Homer Capehart and Vance Hartke by Long distance telephone today. Senator Hartke, in his return call, assured me that lack of favorable action tonight would not mean a forfeit of this allocation. Senator Capehart also confirmed this position, as did Congressman Brademas. All three of these Indiana legislators have assured me of their utmost effort to keep South Bend on the HHFA eligibility list for housing units when a suitable site is determined. Since the playland park site is not a sub - standard dwelling area, but on the contrary, is a suitable commercial property site and /or a most desirable river frontage site, it would be my wish and that of a majority of your Council men that the local Housing Authority re- evaluate its site possibilities and give additional consideration to alternate locations, particularly where there might exist a concentration of sub - standard dwellings. We are sure that the funds invested in low rent housing which helps to rebuild deteriorated areas will be wisely spent. A two- fold purpose is .served in doing this: the cost of municipal services is reduced by eliminating these run down areas and a better citizen will grow out of the rebuilt environment provided in living quarters which have a measure of decency and dignity. I would therefore hope that the South Bend Housing Authority would withdraw the existing Resolution and would in the near future submit a new Resolution proposing another site than the one appearing in this present Resolution, preferably an expansion of the presently under construction Plaza Court project. Mr. William E. Voor, Attorney for the.Housing Authority, respectfully requests permission to withdraw the Resolution. Councilman Lehman stated that althouth the Resolution was signed by President Kroll, he would like to make a motion to withdraw the Resolution. Councilman Kroll stated that he had no objection. Councilman Coleman seconded the motion. Motion carried. Resolution withdrawn. Councilman Glass made a motion for a five minute recess. Councilman Lehman seconded the motion. Motion carried. Recess granted at 8:34.PM. The meeting was reconvened at 8 :42. P.M. Councilman Allen asked permission to speak on the Resolution even though it had been withdrawn. Permission granted. Mr. Henry Sucher, Director of Urban Renewal, appeared before the Council to explain the difference between Public Housing and Urban Renewal. Councilman Lehman stated that Mr. Sucher had met with the Councilmen at a previous meeting to discuss Urban Renewal and the Council was satisfied with the report. Councilman Muszynski made a motion that the verbal report of Mr. Sucher be accepted. Councilman Lehman seconded the motion. Motion carried. Councilman Lehman moved that the Council meet with the Housing Authority as soon as possible to discuss a new site for Public Housing. Councilman Glass seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY South Bend Common Council South Bend, Indiana To the Common Council: Gentlemen: May 9, 1960 In regard to your Directives dated April 27, 1960, I wish to relate the following action taken: The petition containing 37 signatures asking the Street Department to take action regarding the water situation in the alley between Miner, Sorin, Jacob Streets to Twyckenham was referred to the Street Department with a written answer requested. In regard to the air conditioning and the renovating of the Council Chambers, I will be present to answer any questions from the Councilmen later on in this meeting. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Anthony J. Sabo Anthony J. Sabo, Clerk BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY AJS:ES Councilman Lehman .made a motion that the report be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Krueper seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORT OF TRAFFIC ENGINEER Members of South Bend Common Council South Bend, Indiana Gentlemen: May 9, 1960 At the request of the City Council, on a motion by Councilman Muszynski on April 11, 1960, a petition was forwarded to the State Highway Department reference signalization of Mayflower and Sample Street intersection, This petition was reviewed by the State Highway Department and I received the following information from Mr. Ed. Davis, Assistant Engineer of Traffic at the LaPorte District: 1. That a recommendation had been made to Indianapolis that speed limit be reduced to 40 miles per hour on Mayflower Road - this has been done and signs posted. 2. That a red flasher light be installed. No action has been taken on this recommendation. 3. That in June another survey will be made and counts taken and that they will recommend that traffic signals be installed, rather than a flasher. I will keep in contact with the State Highway Department and will report back to the Council on any further action, especially after the June survey has been taken. Respectfully submitted, CFH /f /s/ Clem F. Hazinski, Traffic Engineer