09-22-08 Community and Economic Development

Home Browse Search

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SEPTEMBER 22.2008 Committee Members Present: Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson; Henry Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson; Ann Puzzello; Karen L. White; M. Catherine Andres, Citizen Member; Other Council Members Present: Tom LaFountain, David Varner, Oliver J. Davis, Timothy A. Rouse, AI "Buddy" Kirsits Others Present: Richard Deahl, Richard Brenner, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Jamie Loo, Catherine Fanello AGENDA: BILL NO. 08-83 -TAX ABATEMENT -INNOVATION PARK (REAL1 BILL N0.08-84 -TAX ABATEMENT -INNOVATION PARK (PERSONAL) Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee stated that both bill will be heard for purposes of public hearing and voted upon separately. Richard Deahl representing the Notre Dame Innovation Park described the real property abatement request. He stated the project would start with one building of 54,000 square feet costing $10 million dollars and creating at least 17 new jobs. Potentially the project is to expand to 4 buildings creating 70 jobs with a payroll approaching 4 million dollars. Deahl then outlined the persorial property abatement petition. The initial investment amounts to over a half a million dollars in equipment and potentially significantly more. Chairperson Dieter and Council Member Timothy A. Rouse both questioned the tax exempt status of the project possibly making the abatement question a mute point. Rich Deahl said the exempt status of the project could not now be known. There was a change it would receive a partial exemption or only be exempt temporarily. Citizen Member M. Catherine Andres wondered if the project would lose exemption status would the abatement automatically begin. Mayor Luecke said should that happen only the remaining abatement would be allowed. Council Member AI "Buddy" Kirsits asked about the exemption status of other parks in the state. Richard Brenner, Notre Dame, said he did not know. Mayor Luecke said Innovation Park was a great opportunity for South Bend. Passage of the abatement petitions sends a message that South Bend wants people to come here and grow here. Council Member Varner while supporting the Park questioned where the revenue stream for South Bend is from the project. He hoped Notre Dame would pledge not to ask to tax exemption status. On a motion by Council Member Karen L. White followed by Council Member Ann Puzzello's second sends these bills to the full Council with a favorable recommendation.