04-27-53 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

873 7TH. 1953 Mr. Erler wants more home rule. He seems to distrust the Federal government which he and rest of us created* The Federal government does not build the houses. Private builders do, after competitive bidding. His saying that housing projects were administered poorly because'it was political was just like the women who disagreed with his zoning decision and yelled from the balcony that it was "politics "g She was expressing the same lack of confidence in him as he expressed in the men in Washington. Was either performance worthy of our democracy? He accused the Federal government of paying 3% instead of the 10f of the shelter rent which the law calls for, and of building unsuitable structures. Life Magazines in the October 27, 1952 issue did not condemn those 15- story buildings as unsuited to life in a crowded city where vertical living is a necessity The state and city felt that it was worth what it cost them. All this is in the hands of the local governing body, and if there is mismanagement, it is because the city has failed in its responsibility to hire the proper director, whose duty it is to enforce the regulations set up by law. It was unfair for Mr. Erler to speak for the whole Council, especially since he was sitting in the Chair and he was not authorized to present their views. As a matter of fact, the 10f shelter rent is not only paid promptly, as a rule, but it is at least equal to, if not greater than what the city collected in taxes from the shacks that occupied the area before reclamation began. It may be true that business enterprises on the same ground might pay more, but at what a cost to the conscience of a city whose progress depends on the welfare of the people who live in it. Mr. Erler was upset by the possibility that indigent and low income families might live as decently as a middle class family Should that not be a source of pride to a city? The director of the Benton Harbor project was proud of the educational job they were doing. They were teaching people who did not know how to use modern plumbing and appliances; they were inspecting the homes regularly and helping these people to understand responsibility for the things they found in their new surroundings. There are always a few who will never improve themselves. But to use these few as the excuse to deprive the many who yearn for a decent home in which to bring up their children is to make a mockery of the purpose for which government was created. A housing project in Maggiets Court could be the source of great pride to our city, and a potential force for good. All we can hope for in this matter is that you Council members will open your.minds and study the facts. Weigh them against the prejudices and pressures of self - interested groups,'and you will surely decide that action is needed. If projects have succeeded elsewhere, the one we have started here has as good a chance for success. In closing, I would like to quote Mr. Place, who said to one realtor, "Until you see this through your heart, you won't; understand." With your minds aware of facts, and your hearts full of understanding for those who are in desperate need of decent living conditions, we will surely find you leading the community to the solution of this problem. Sincerely yours, (Mrs* A.M,) Rose R. Shulman Councilman Niezgodski made a motion that the communication be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Bestle seconded the motion._ Motion carried. PETITION Gentlemen: We, the undersigned property owners, petition your honorable body to enforce load limit on W Indiana Ave. f rom So. Olive St, to Prairie Ave. (126 Signatures) Councilman Korpal made a motion that the petition be referred to the Board of Public Works tp enforce load limit on W. Indiana Ave• from So. Olive St. to Prairie Ave. and report back to the Council. Councilman Pinter seconded the motion. Motion carried. PETITION TO: The Honorable Members of the Common Council of the City of South Bend The undersigned respectfully petition the Common' Council of the City of South Bend, as follows 1. To re -zone the following described real estate located in the City of South Bend, County of St. Joseph and State of Indiana, to -wit: Beginning at a point 280.7 feet east, and 232 feet south of the northwest corner of the east one -half of the northeast quarter of Section Four, Towaship"Thirty -seven North, Range two east ;thence east on a line parallel to and 232 feet south of the north line of said section four, 148.14 feet; thence south parallel with the east line of the west half of the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of said section four, a distance of 317.42 feet to the center line of Lincoln way (Lincoln Trail); thence Northwesterly along the center line of said Lincoln Way 160 feet; thence North a distance of 250991 feet to the place of beginning, from Class A Residential District and Class A Height and Area District, to Class C Commercial District and Class D Height and Area District. 2. To re -zone the following described real estate located in the City of South Bend, County,of St. Joseph and State of Indiana, to -wit: A parcel of land bounded by a line running as follows: beginning at a point on the north line of Section 4, Township 37 north, range 2 east, 280.7 feet east of the northwest corner of the east half of the northeast quarter of said section 4; thence continuing east along the north line of said section 4, 148.14 feet; thence south parallel with the east line of the west half of the northwest quarter of the north- east quarter of said section 4, a distance of 232 feet; thence west on a line parallel to and 232 feet south of the north line of section 4, a distance of 148.14 feet; thenoe north a distance of 232 feet to the place of beginnings from Class A Residential District and Class A Height and Area District, to Class D Light Industrial District and Class E Height and Area District.