Laserfiche WebLink
South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting -December 5, 2008 <br />7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.) <br />also said what a good choice Jeff Gibney was for <br />director of Community and Economic Development. <br />Mr. Gibney has great vision for the community and <br />excellent organizational skills. <br />Mr. Blake said he intends to focus less on the bricks and <br />mortar side of the community and more on the food, <br />body, soul and spirit side, where he is most comfortable. <br />He has a heart to reach out to those who are most at risk, <br />a generation of young people without any guidance in <br />their homes. He read a passage from Isaiah which he <br />takes as his inspiration and mission. <br />Mr. Blake said that hope changes both perception and <br />perspective. Common job opportunities and economic <br />participation is common ground for economic growth. <br />It's common ground also for economic dialog. Low <br />income minority communities must become <br />economically transformed using the same market and <br />economic principles as any other community. He <br />suggested the city economic development plan must <br />include plans which promote wealth and create <br />infrastructure for the poor. The best way to eliminate <br />poverty is to increase wealth by giving a hand up. <br />Ms. Jones thanked Mr. Blake for his service and for <br />what he has taught her as well. <br />Mr. Downes echoed Ms. Jones' thoughts and said Mr. <br />Blake always contributed a refreshing perspective in <br />discussions. <br />8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING <br />The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission is NEXT COMMISSION MEET~G <br />scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:00 a. m. <br />14 <br />