11-10-14 Redevelopment Commission Minutes

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South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting November 10, 2014 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Public Hearings (5) continued... Ms. Patricia G. Smith: I just have some questions and a comment. The curbs that are along Prast Blvd., the U- shaped curbs that were just put in, I saw on there that they are proposing some more. Those are obstructive. In the winter time they put some orange sticks in so the snow plows don't run over them. That's not good planning. So, I hope you don't make any more streets like that. Then, you said this is going to take seven to eight years? Mr. Ford: No. Of the projects that have already been assigned, as they come online and grow to their full size, they'll lead to about $5M more tax revenue in seven to eight years. But, if approved today, this is moving forward right now. Ms. Smith: I see that you are proposing new lights? I hope that they are brighter than the ones that we have now. Looking pretty is good, but lighter would be better. I'm in a high crime area and it really could benefit from being lit up a little bit more. Then, I have some property on Lincolnway and Cushing. What kind of houses are you going to put over there? Mr. Ford: We are not developers, per se. We're not putting houses in there. Let's go back to the slide on that. I also want to point out the city will be launching its lamppost program in 2015. It's a cost share, like maybe for $200, they'll put a lamp post in front of your property which helps light the streets, in addition to other street lighting. Ms. Smith: Will that be 50/50? Mr. Ford: Yes. And I'll be happy to go through your property, specifically, on the West Side Plan after this hearing. You'll see here that we're looking at more mixed - use /commercial things here, and then infill housing in between. We haven't specified what type of housing. It will be what makes sense for market conditions. Ms. Jones asked Mr. Ford to speak to the 24 homes that will be built by South Bend Mutual Homes. Mr. Ford: South Bend Mutual Homes, here (pointing to the map), they are going to be putting in twenty -four co -op houses. They are working with South Bend Heritage Foundation, Bridges Out of Poverty, a number of other partners, to create a co -op model where part of the residents' rent goes toward common maintenance, but they also have classes to help the renters improve their own home economics, as well as how to maintain the property. So they get an economic education as well as social support while they get a good place to live. Those will be single family detached houses. 13