04-27-09 Community and Economic Development Committee

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r' ~~ ~C ~. ~~~~ ~~E~ t-,~ ~i111 r'~i ~~~~, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 27, 2009 Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Vice-Chairperson; Ann Puzzello; Karen White; Catherine Andres, Citizen Member Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; David Varner; Tom LaFountain; Oliver Davis; AI "Buddy" Kirsits Others Present: Pam Meyer; Larry Magliozzi; Martha Lewis; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Jamie Loo; Mayor Luecke; Catherine Fanello; Carol Davis; Kamesha Williams Agenda: Bill No. 26-09 Appropriation -Neighborhood Stabilization Program Vice-Chairperson, Henry Davis, filling in for Chairperson Tim Rouse called upon Pam Meyer the Director of Community Development to explain Bill No. 26-09. Pam allowed that these were the first dollars available to the City through the federal government's stimulus fund. The purposes of the dollars are to augment the City's efforts to revitalize failing neighborhoods. Federal guidelines dictated the dollars be used in "blighted" neighborhoods. These classified by census tracks 6, 19, and 21 located in the northwest and near west side neighborhoods were to be the focus of the City's efforts. In particular they were chosen because they had the highest incidence of abandoned, foreclosed, or about to be foreclosed properties. The Community Development Department's strategy was to contract with local non-profits to either build new homes where demo'd houses once stood or rehab houses still having good bones. Habitat for Humanity and South Bend Heritage would do the bulk of the work. All contracts for the use of funds need to be signed within 18 months of March 1, 2009. Work was to be completed over a period of three years. The contracting agencies would be allowed 10% - 12% of the contract to administer the work. Community Development would use up to 25% of the money to defray administrative costs spread over the three year program. Pending Council approval the program involving demolition, acquisition, and rehab could begin promptly. Following Pam Meyers presentation numerous questions about the mechanics of the program, the estimated impact of the program, and basic neighborhood recovery strategies for recovery and investment were asked. David Varner focused on best uses of the money. Oliver Davis focused on expected results as well as timing. Henry Davis questioned overall strategy, suggesting a greater impact would be gained by focusing efforts in one neighborhood rather than spreading efforts.