2015 Annual Report - Residential Neighborhoods

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.TN, ,- 2015 - 1,1 Residential Neighborhoods Committee Kan. _ Annual Report November 23, 2015 As Chairperson of the South Bend Common Council's Residential Neighborhoods Committee, I am pleased to present this Annual Report. It is filed pursuant to the requirements which apply to all of the Council's Standing Committees which are set forth in § 2-10 (i) (6) of the South Bend Municipal Code for this committee in particular. This year the individuals serving on the Residential Neighborhoods Committee included: Council Member Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson Council Member Karen L. White,Vice-Chairperson Council Member Gavin Ferlic, Member Council Member Dr. Fred Ferlic, Member The Residential Neighborhoods Committee is charged with "overseeing the various activities...and issues related to neighborhood development and enhancement" per the City Code. The "Residential Neighborhood Organizational Meeting" was held on February 9, 2014. Some of the items discussed included: • A review of the 2014 Annual Report of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee filed by last year's Chairperson, Council Member at Large Karen L. White • The success of the six (6) "Hitting the Pavement" Walking Tours of neighborhoods located throughout the city which were held in conjunction with the Council's Health and Public Safety Committee last year. The "valuable insights and comments" from neighbors and business owners along each walked were found to be very informative. • Quality of life concerns with the need for a greater emphasis on residential neighborhoods. It was noted that there is a growing need for the City Administration to be more pro-active and to utilize the many opportunities which technology offers. Improving all venues of communications so that better updates would be provided to the District Council Members of issues/concerns in their Districts. Improving dialogue and seeking input/suggestions from the entire Council, Council Standing Committees and neighborhood groups/associations was also seen as a priority. During the year, the Committee called meetings to discuss the City's "Vacant & Abandoned Properties Initiative",with inquires focusing on what will be the next step once the goal is achieved to turn properties back into being sustainable and viable elements of each neighborhood.