Laserfiche WebLink
South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting November 10, 2014 <br />great plan. He likes the idea of merging the downtown into the east and west areas. It will <br />allow greater flexibility in allocating the resources to the various needs in the community. <br />Like many of the speakers today, he also thinks the infrastructure improvements and fagade <br />6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br />A. Public Hearings <br />(6) continued... <br />improvements may have limited value, without a more comprehensive approach on the <br />commercial corridors. Like Ms. Schey, he would like to see a capital improvement plan for <br />all the TIF areas that project out the life of those areas. <br />Mr. Varner agreed that it does not take a lot of convincing that the west side needs some <br />attention and is deserving of that attention. When that comes before the Council, the <br />response usually is that there just aren't the resources. This TIF realignment provides the <br />resources; not what everyone wants, but significant resources. This isn't a one or two -year <br />plan. The TIF districts will exist for another twenty years, so if something doesn't seem to <br />work, there is opportunity to make changes to the plan. He hopes people will continue to be <br />involved. <br />Mr. Downes noted that he came to South Bend forty years ago to make South Bend his <br />home. Over those forty years there has been talk about how to improve Western Avenue <br />and Lincolnway West. He wants to applaud Mr. Ford and his team. There have been lots of <br />plans over the years, but there have never been plans with a permanent revenue stream. <br />That is the difference between this any everything else that has been tried. <br />Ms. Jones noted that when she got her first job in 1968 it required her to drive to LaPorte <br />and her route was down Chapin and out Western. When she wanted to vary her route, she <br />would take Lincolnway home. She started to be concerned in 1968 about those two <br />corridors. She is very happy to finally see that we are actively addressing those important <br />corridors. <br />Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Inks and unanimously carried, the <br />Commission approved Resolution No. 3256 modifying and confirming a declaratory <br />resolution and amendments to the Development Plan for the Airport Economic Development <br />Area adopted by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission. <br />B. South Bend Central Development Area <br />(1) Development Agreement with South Bend Chemical (732 S. Michigan St.) <br />Ms. Heinzelman noted that South Bend Chemical is located in an area on South Michigan <br />that has had difficulty retaining businesses. These improvements would help them to not <br />only remain, but expand at their location. This Development Agreement is for the <br />Commission to invest $10,000 in a drive approach along South Michigan Street into South <br />34 <br />