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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-17 Community Investment N U W TPI -Ek y 1865 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK KAREEMAH FOWLER,CITY CLERK COMMUNITY INVESTMENT MARCH 13, 2017 4:15 P.M. Committee Members Present: Regina Williams-Preston, Oliver Davis, Randy Kelly Committee Members Absent: Gavin Ferlic Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Jo M. Broden, John Voorde, Karen White Other Council Absent: Dr. David Varner Others Present: Adriana Rodriguez, Aladean DeRose, Graham Sparks Presenters: Chris Dressel, Jill Scicchitano Agenda: Bill No. 11-17—Riverfront Development Project Expansion Committee Vice Chair Regina Williams-Preston called the Community Investment meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. Committee Chair Gavin Ferlic was absent. Committee Vice Chair Williams- Preston introduced members of the committee and then turned the floor to the presenters for Bill No. 11-17. Chris Dressel, Department of Community Investment with offices on the 14th Floor of the County City Building, stated, We are here to introduce and propose the expanding of the Riverfront Project Area. 2013 was the last time it was expanded. I would like to give the floor to Jill to give the rest of the presentation. Bill No. 11-17—Riverfront Development Project Expansion Jill Scicchitano, Executive Director of Downtown South Bend(DTSB), stated, We have been administering the Riverfront application process for the past five (5) years. In 2012,the Council adopted the South Bend boundaries. One of the interesting things about the Riverfront District is that occupants are exempt from state alcohol beverage permit quotas, meaning in the Riverfront District there is no limit to the number of three (3)-way licenses issued. It also allows new restaurants located in the boundary to apply for the three (3)-way license as a tool to spur economic development. In Indiana, there are twenty-two (22)municipalities that have a Riverfront District and there are over one hundred and thirty (13 0) active licenses throughout the state. The map on the presentation outlines the boundary as it currently exists and the yellow 455 County-City Building•227 W.Jefferson Boulevard•South Bend,Indiana 46601 Phone 574-235-9221 •Fax 574-235-9173•TDD 574-235-5567•www.SouthBend[N.gov JENNIFER M.COFFMAN ALKEYNA M.ALDRIDGE JOSEPH MOLNAR CHIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK OPERATIONS properties are the properties eligible for that three-way license. The license is $1000 and is renewed annually. Applicants must focus on a dining, multicultural or entertainment experience. Beverages must be served in glass containers and food must be consumed at a table or counter. Right now there are sixteen(16) establishments that received this license in South Bend, with thirteen(13) currently active. This next map shows the proposed expansion area, as well as denotes the properties possibly affected by it. This expansion is only possible because there was a reorganization of TIF boundaries in 2014. This allowed us to look at that boundary and see where that could be impacted. There are two (2) factors that dictate the eligibility for a Riverfront license. First of all, the establishment has to be within fifteen hundred(1500) feet of the river and it also has to be within an existing TIF boundary. East of the river is receiving many inquires of interest. DTSB facilitates the program and anyone wishing to get a license has to sit in front of a local review committee of five (5) members. On that committee there is a Council appointee, someone from the Mayor' Office, a Redevelopment Commission representative, a Community Investment representative and also a DTSB representative. The applicant also has a state application process to go through as well. Committee Vice Chair Williams-Preston opened the floor to questions from the Committee or Council. Councilmember Karen White asked, Do you foresee further expansion? Ms. Scicchitano replied, It depends a lot on the business activity. The east side of the river highlights a lot of opportunity, especially in the market district. There is also a demand for new development in that area which could spur some increased activity. But this is also a good time to complement some of the enhancements that are being looked at along the riverfront. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I will say there are also two (2) small squares in the first district that this applies to. So, it's really neat to see this affect four (4) of the possible six (6) councilmanic districts. Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, What was the original rationale for this existing footprint boundary? What does the public hearing process look like? How are neighbors getting involved? Why did three (3) businesses drop out? Ms. Scicchitano replied, The existing one was dependent on the 1500 foot buffer and the TIF district, so this expansion is only possible because of the reorganization of the TIF boundaries. When the review committee sits with the applicant, it is a public meeting. It is posted and any one can come and give input. Two (2) of the three (3) businesses that dropped out, closed. The other was Linden Grill that just had to relocate and the licenses are not transferrable. They applied for a new one and were granted it. Councilmember John Voorde asked, There are restrictions for liquor licenses granted near schools or churches, would this district be exempt from that? 2 Ms. Scicchitano replied, The business owner would have to seek a variance and gain the approval of the school or church. If they do not get the approval of said school or church, they don't get the license. With no other questions from the Council, Committee Vice Chair Williams-Preston opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to this legislation. Brad Emberton, 727 S. Eddy St., stated, I am in support of this. This is the right idea at the right time. The Riverfront liquor license focuses on the right things and it's not just about the alcohol, it's only a component and it enhances the economic development. As I listened to the presentation, the only question I could come up with is why not do it? Kurt Janowsky, 828 E. Jefferson Blvd., stated, This doesn't supersede the licenses given by the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, which has regular set meetings every month, and are open to the public. This is a great economic development tool. With no other members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the legislation, Committee Vice Chair Williams-Preston turned the floor back to the committee for any further comment and main motion. Committeemember Randy Kelly made a motion to send Bill No. 11-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. This motion was seconded by Committeemember Oliver Davis and carried unanimously by a voice vote of four(4) ayes. With no other business to on the agenda, Committee Vice Chair Williams-Preston adjourned the Community Investment Committee meeting at 4:35 p.m. Respectfully S mi d, e a lliams-Presto , Vice Chairperson 3