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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-10 Redevelopment Commission Minutes SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING April 9, 2010 10:00 a.m. 227 West Jefferson Boulevard Presiding: Marcia I. Jones, President South Bend, Indiana 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Ms. Marcia Jones, President Ms. Nancy King, Secretary Mr. Greg Downes Mr. Donald Alford Members Absent: Dr. David Varner, Vice President Ms. Stephanie Spivey Legal Counsel: Mr. Charles S. Leone, Esq. Mr. Lawrence Meteiver, Esq. Redevelopment Staff: Mr. Robert Mathia, Economic Development Specialist Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary Mr. Bill Schalliol, Economic Development Specialist Mr. David Relos, Economic Development Specialist Ms. Debrah Jennings, Property Manager Others Present: Mr. Jeff Gibney, Executive Director Mr. Tom Price, Mayor’s Office Mr. Patrick Strickler Blue Waters Group Ms. Heather Short-Davis, Blue Waters Group Ms. Christine Tembo, Blue Waters Group Ms. Elizabeth Leonard, Community Development Mr. John March, Community Development Ms. Rita Kopala Mr. Jeff Parrott, South Bend Tribune Mr. Mark Peterson, WSBT Ms. Ingrid Mathias Mr. Arthur Gray Ms. Sarah Brady Mr. Terry Wruble Ms. Debra Wruble Mr. Warren Ward Dimpna Naval Joventino Naval Angelito Naval South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Friday, March 19, 2010. CM Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms. OMMISSION APPROVED THE INUTES OF THE RMF,M19, EGULAR EETING OF RIDAY ARCH King and unanimously carried, the Commission 2010 approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Friday, March 19, 2010. 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Redevelopment Commission Claims submitted April 9, 2010 for approval. 324 AIRPORT AEDA Indiana Michigan Power 7.00 501 Wenger St. SPRK SYS/Johnson Blvd Witt Appraisal Services, Inc. 1,000.00 RC Marketing Srvc for Ignition Pk Michaels Appraisal Service 1,000.00 Transpo Site Environmental Inspection Richard Bros., Inc 95,304.00 Demolition of Former WM Property Wightman Petrie 34,578.00 William & Lafayette Traffic Analysis Holladay Corp WNIT Façade 338,680.00 420 FUND TIF DISTRICT-SBCDA GENERAL Indiana Michigan Power 172.27 237 N Michigan Rose Pest Solution LaSalle Hotel 93.00 Lakota Group Inc 2,478.55 Planning & Strategy Development for Ignition Pk Populous Master Planning for Coveleski Neighborhood 5,500.00 DHA Survey 5,682.50 True Value LaSalle Hotel Management Fee 30.83 CB Richard Ellis LaSalle Hotel Management Fee 1,242.44 DTSB Downtown Beautification Program Streetscape 34,375.00 Schindler LaSalle Building Elevator 150.00 Jerome E. Michaels, MAI Appraisal Vacant Land - East Bk 1,275.00 Ralph D. Lauver Appraisal 122 S Nile Ave. 950.00 Phifer Environmental Services, LLC Engineering Services 3,000.00 Populous Professional Services Coveleski Stadium 51,849.02 Wightman Petrie Monroe & Main Site Design 720.00 454 AIRPORT URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE Project Impact 145,833.00 Project Impact $ 819,224.61 2 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS (CONT.) Mr. Downes pointed out a claim that appeared to be on the list two times under different development areas. It was clarified that that was a duplicate and belonged under only the Airport Economic Development Area. C Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms. King OMMISSION APPROVED AS CORRECTED THE CA9,2010, LAIMS SUBMITTED PRIL AND and unanimously carried, the Commission approved as ORDERED THE CHECKS TO BE RELEASED corrected the Claims submitted April 9, 2010, and ordered checks to be released. 4. COMMUNICATIONS TC There were no Communications. HERE WERE NO OMMUNICATIONS 5. OLD BUSINESS TOB There was no Old Business. HERE WAS NO LD USINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Public Hearing (1) Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2663, an Additional Appropriation Resolution of the City of South Bend Redevelopment Commission (South Bend Central Development Area) Ms. Jones noted that due to errors in publication of the Notice of Hearing for both Resolution No. 2663 and Resolution No. 2664 the public hearings on each will be opened to hear anyone who wishes to speak, then continued until April 23 so that proper notice can be made. Mr. Mathia noted that Public Hearing file is complete, containing a copy of Resolution No. 2661 determining to make the appropriation and setting the public hearing 3 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 on Resolution No. 2663; a copy of the Notice of Hearing; a copy of Resolution No. 2663, the subject of the public hearing; an affidavit from Carol Smith, Advertising Director of the South Bend Tribune, that the Notice of Hearing was published in that newspaper on March 26, 2010; an affidavit from Richard Andrysiak, Classified Manager of the Tri- County News, that the Notice of Hearing was published in that newspaper on March 26, 2010. Ms. Leonard noted that Resolution No. 2663 will appropriate an additional $399,000 to make a payment on the Century Center bonds. The city will receive funds from the Hotel-Motel Tax Board to make that payment. The city is just a pass-through, but does need to appropriate the funds if they go through its books. PHRN.2663 Ms. Jones opened the public hearing on UBLIC EARING ON ESOLUTION O Resolution No. 2663 for anyone who wished to speak. There was no one who wished to speak at this time. The public hearing was continued until 10:00 a.m., April 23, 2010. (2) Approval of Resolution No. 2663 ARN.2663 Approval of Resolution No. 2663 is PPROVAL OF ESOLUTION O IS 10:00..,A23,2010 CONTINUED UNTIL AM PRIL continued until 10:00 a.m., April 23, 2010. (3) Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2664, a resolution of the South Bend Redevelopment Commission appropriating monies from the Redevelopment General Fund (Fund 433) for the purpose of paying for certain expenses incurred by the Redevelopment Commission. Mr. Mathia noted that Public Hearing file is 4 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 complete, containing a copy of Resolution No. 2662 determining to make the appropriation and setting the public hearing on Resolution No. 2664; a copy of the Notice of Hearing; a copy of Resolution No. 2664, the subject of the public hearing; an affidavit from Carol Smith, Advertising Director of the South Bend Tribune, that the Notice of Hearing was published in that newspaper on March 26, 2010; an affidavit from Richard Andrysiak, Classified Manager of the Tri- County News, that the Notice of Hearing was published in that newspaper on March 26, 2010. Ms. Leonard noted that Resolution No. 2664 would reappropriate $15,000 from the Redevelopment General Fund to pay for certain expenses incurred by the Redevelopment Commission, primarily legal expenses that may come up throughout the year. PHRN.2664 Ms. Jones opened the public hearing on UBLIC EARING ON ESOLUTION O Resolution No. 2664 for anyone who wished to speak. There was no one who wished to speak at this time. The public hearing was continued until 10:00 a.m., April 23, 2010. (4) Approval of Resolution No. 2664 ARN.2664 Approval of Resolution No. 2664 is PPROVAL OF ESOLUTION O IS 10:00..,A23,2010 CONTINUED UNTIL AM PRIL continued until 10:00 a.m., April 23, 2010. (5) Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2666 confirming a resolution amending the development plan for the South Bend Central Development Area and adding one or more parcels to the List of Parcels to be Acquired. Mr. Mathia noted that the public hearing file 5 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 is complete, containing a copy of declaratory Resolution No. 2655 amending the development plan for the South Bend Central Development Area; a copy of the Area Plan Commission’s Resolution No. 208-10 approving the declaratory resolution; a copy of the South Bend Common Council’s Resolution No. 4020-10 approving the Area Plan Commission’s Resolution No. 208-10; a copy of the Notice of Hearing; a copy of Resolution No. 2666; and affidavits from the advertising directors of the South Bend Tribune and the Tri-County News confirming that the Notice of Hearing was published in those newspapers on March 26, 2010; a statement from Bill Schalliol that on March 31, 2010 affected property owners and neighborhood associations were sent the Notice of Hearing. The mail was checked prior to this meeting and as of 10:00 a.m., there were no written remonstrances to Resolution No. 2666. Mr. Schalliol noted that Resolution No. 2666 would add nine parcels to the South Bend Central Development Area List of Properties to be Acquired. The properties are all part of 122 S. Niles Ave., the former Troegger Sheet Metal property. PHRN.2666 Ms. Jones opened the public hearing for UBLIC EARING ON ESOLUTION O whoever wished to speak regarding Resolution No. 2666. There was no one who wished to speak. Ms. Jones closed the public hearing for whatever action the Commission wished to take. (6) Approval of Resolution No. 2666 Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by CRN.2666 OMMISSION APPROVED ESOLUTION O CONFIRMING A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the SB DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE OUTH END Commission approved Resolution No. 2666 CDA ENTRAL EVELOPMENT REA AND ADDING 6 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 LP confirming a resolution amending the ONE OR MORE PARCELS TO THE IST OF ARCELS A TO BE CQUIRED development plan for the South Bend Central Development Area and adding one or more parcels to the List of Parcels to be Acquired. (7) Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2667 confirming a resolution amending the Development Plan for the South Side Development Area and adding one or more parcels to the List of Parcels to be Acquired. Mr. Mathia noted that the public hearing file is complete, containing a copy of Resolution No. 2658 amending the Development Plan of the South Side Development Area; a copy of the Area Plan Commission’s Resolution No. 209-10 approving the declaratory resolution; a copy of the South Bend Common Council’s Resolution No. 4021-10 approving the Area Plan Commission’s Resolution No. 209-10; a copy of the Notice of Hearing; a copy of Resolution No. 2667; and affidavits from the advertising directors of the South Bend Tribune and the Tri-County News confirming that the Notice of Hearing was published in those newspapers on March 26, 2010; a statement from Bill Schalliol that on March 31, 2010 affected property owners and neighborhood associations were sent the Notice of Hearing. The mail was checked prior to this meeting and as of 10:00 a.m., there were four written remonstrances to Resolution No. 2667. Mr. Schalliol noted that Resolution 2667 would add six (6) properties to the acquisition list for the South Side Development Area. These properties are part of the site area proposed for the Erskine Plaza drainage pond project. The process to add these properties to the Acquisition List 7 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 began with a declaratory resolution by the Redevelopment Commission, which was approved by the Area Plan Commission, then the Common Council and has returned to the Commission for a public hearing and action. The parcels in question are adjacent to the Erskine Plaza shopping area. Two of the properties are presently owned by the city, one is privately owned and is used as a shortcut connector to the western end of the western most pond from the shopping center on out. Three residential properties are proposed to be added to the acquisition list. The pond project is directly related to the present and future planning objectives for the Southside Development Area. The pond project will improve the drainage situation, not only in the immediate Miami and Ireland intersection, but also downstream. The development of the new pond system will create a new taxable development site on the Southside for future commercial development. The pond project itself was part of the discussion in the confirming resolution documents that was approved by this body, Area Plan and the Commission when the Southside Development Area was established. Drainage in this area has long been a concern. PHRN.2667 Ms. Jones opened the public hearing for UBLIC EARING ON ESOLUTION O anyone who wished to be heard concerning Resolution No. 2667. Mr. Warren Ward , 751 W. Ewing Ave.: When Christian Center Church was built, I worked for the company that installed cisterns to take care of all the water in the parking lot area of Christian Center. Why can’t they, when it’s not raining, pump water out of existing ponds into pipes in the regular 8 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 streets that would handle the water when it is raining? That’s my first question. Why don’t they put cisterns like they did at Christian Center in the parking lot. The second question is, the water is already there. Wouldn’t it be a lot cheaper to install pumps when it is not raining to empty those ponds into the current drainage system of the streets like Miami? Where is this water coming from that is going into those ponds? Mr. Schalliol: The water comes from the bypass, from Erskine Plaza and Erskine Village, Broadmoor Plaza, the road networks (Miami and Ireland) and from the Scottsdale neighborhood. Some actually comes from south of the bypass into this area. The water collects in the first pond and some of it is suppose to percolate into the ground there before it overflows into the second pond. There is overflow into the combined storm sewer network, something the city is actively working citywide to correct. The city installed a sensor that shuts the drain off when it gets too wet. The problem is, both of the ponds need to be rehabbed and reconfigured. That will be part of the central pond initiative. We have worked with the church to disconnect a lot of its water from its water network. Part of the flooding that happens on the golf course is a direct result of the church and some of the overflow into this area. We are trying to reconfigure this whole network to better accommodate all the water for the whole area. Another condition that makes these ponds necessary is the planned improvements to the bypass, as part of the U.S. 31 project. There will be an expansion of the roadway as far back as Miami, so we will need to be able to account for additional water coming off the 9 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 bypass into this network. Mr. Ward : My main question is, when it is not raining, so all the drain pipes are empty, why can’t rather than the overflow shutoff, which is a good thing, why don’t they pump the ponds out. Do you really need the two ponds? Mr. Schalliol : We actually do need two ponds, we actually need a bigger second pond. Because of the amount of water that is generated in this network we need more retention than we have now. We have looked at pumps and pumping the water down to the existing retention area back behind the shopping center of Ironwood and Ireland, but you would be pumping water up hill to pump it downhill to pump it into a pond, so that doesn’t work. The problem is we don’t have a lot of positive discharges other than the combined storm sewer network which we are not allowed to be pumping into. Mr. Ward : When they put the Ireland Road railroad overpass in,they had monstrous pumps pumping water out. So they don’t have a pump that’s sufficiently … Mr. Schalliol : They do, but the cost to install a pump to pump water uphill, and then maintenance costs, there are all sorts of issues. Mr. Ward : Do you have a dollar amount? Mr. Schalliol : Not with me today, but it is a very expensive process. Mr. Ward : Is it a quarter of a million dollars? 10 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 Mr. Schalliol : Yes, because it would require lead pipe, putting in pumps, long term maintenance, so yes. Mr. Ward : How much would you spend on buying the properties they’re suggesting to buy? Mr. Schalliol : We don’t have a dollar amount total yet, but maybe in the neighborhood of $450,000 to $500,000, by the time you do the ponds and all. But you have different long term expenses with ponds than you do with pumps and pipes. Mr. Ward : So are they considering buying up all the properties on Fellows Street and taking the overflow off the bypass to Ireland Road? Mr. Schalliol : That’s a whole separate project. I don’t know what will happen with the full extent of Fellows Street project will be. Ms. Sarah Brady : I am representing myself and my husband, Terry Brady, who has work responsibilities, and my son, 713 Hawbaker Street. We purchased our home just over four years ago and have lived there from the day we received the keys. When we were looking for a home there were several factors that went into our decision to purchase this particular home on Hawbaker. First and most important, it was easily within our budget with both of us working, but more importantly, we knew that it would still be within our budget when the time would come for me to leave work and start a family and only have one income. Secondly, the size of the house and yard were a huge plus to us. We knew we would have room to grow both 11 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 inside the house with a family and outside the house with a big garden. The third important reason we chose our home, and that’s the reason I am here to talk about, is the neighborhood and location. When we first looked at the house we thought, how cool is this! Within walking distance to Menard’s and Martin’s, yet tucked away on a nice little street with other houses. We quickly got to know our neighbors, most of whom are here today, and even though there aren’t many of them, we enjoy the sense of community that we do have with them. There were many times that I would walk down to visit the Pickfords, who lived at the house on the corner, what will be acquired in the time line. Before the Wrubles moved in to where they live, which is right next to where the Pickfords live, the Blackfords lived there, they were a young family like us and it was really fun visiting each others houses and chatting about kids and housework, and things that neighbors talk about. In fact, even though the Blackfords moved to Indy, I still keep in contact with them. When the Wrubles moved in, we quickly got to know them and there are many occasions, in fact, just one the other night, when it was still warm out. We were out walking and would stop and chat, just like neighbors do. Our son, Benjamin, gets a kick out of seeing Sockey’s mommy and daddy. They have a dog named Sockey, and my son just loves him. When we went on vacation a few months ago, they came to our home, and got our mail and papers for us without us even asking them to do that. It’s a neighbor thing to do. And the Keszeis, the next property that is going to be acquired, he always got a kick walking around our back yard looking for golf balls. We always got a lot of them because of the course. Apparently not a lot of 12 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 people know how to golf in South Bend because we get a ton of golf balls. Arthur Gray lives right across from us, and we have gotten to know him as well. We always find ourselves just in each other’s yards, just as neighbors do. My point with all of these little examples about our neighborhood is this is what makes a neighborhood. My husband and I have some concerns about the plans involving our neighborhood. First, let me be clear about one thing, I am not here to raise a big stink. I am not here to be difficult or make a bunch of demands. I am just here to give you a perspective about this project you may not have thought about. All I ask is, that as I briefly go over my concerns, you listen with an open mind and heart and try to put yourselves in the shoes of my husband and myself and our son. The first concern we have is the loss of community within our neighborhood that is going to take place. Albeit a small community, it is still a community. Mr. Arthur Gray and ourselves will be the only people left living on Hawbaker Street. To us, that greatly reduces one of the top reasons we bought the house in the first place. If these ponds had already been in place when we looked at the house we never, ever would have purchased the property. Our fear is having to try to sell our house in the future. I would find it hard to believe someone would purchase a residence that is surrounded by commercial things, where a little neighborhood once stood. We have a fear selling commercially would not work either because it is going to be too small of a parcel for businesses to then want. As you can see it would only be only us and possibly the residence next to us, which is the church. The second concern is the value of our 13 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 property changing. Although none knows for certain how this would play out we feel that our value would decrease based on having these ponds directly across from us. We are also dealing with our bank about flood insurance issues. Depending on how this plays out and how it gets zoned our bank has let us know that flood insurance may be required for us. We did check with our insurance agent and this would cost us to the point that we would no longer be able to afford our home. We are also concerned about what this could do to our tax rate. This is something I’ve not yet looked into, however, it is just a concern of ours that taxes could possibly go up with the new development of the area. The third concern that we have is crime and loitering. We already have a small problem with crime in the area. The bank has a situation that it gets robbed frequently, and there have been some other robberies in the area. We feel that taking away these houses is just going to create more places for criminals to seek cover in and hide out. We also have a problem with the homeless in the area. They often sleep in the cemetery, and the cemetery is located directly behind us. This is going to draw more of that type of thing because we are going to have another area that is not residential, but just kind of…area. The fourth concern that we have is the upkeep of the new pond area. The amount of trash that comes down Hawbaker from the parking lot is just unbelievable, a large amount. We are constantly picking up wrappers, plastic bags, bank receipts, McDonald’s cups, etc. As of now, we have everyone working together to try to keep our street clean. A big fear is once these houses are gone there is going to be no one to pick 14 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 up all the trash and it is going to look like a dump rather quickly. Would you want to live next to some like what you see? Did you see my pictures? That is a lot of trash that collects and we have that same type of thing on Hawbaker because there are residences there right now we are all in our yards picking the stuff up. I know there is a lot of talk about different design options for aesthetic purposes with the pond, but once again we feel like it is a lose-lose for us. If there is a big fence or trees lining the perimeter, trash is going to collect similar to the fence that I have provided the pictures of. On the other hand, if it is made more like a pond with no fence, every day I am going to live in fear of my toddler who has no fear of water, wandering over there and possibly something terrible happening. As you can see from the pictures, our property is not far off from where this is going in. I did take a couple of pictures from our front porch so you can see it is really close proximity to us. We would have never chosen to live next to or in close proximity to water. We also know the City fully intends to keep up the appearance of the pond, but let’s face it, times are tight and if things down the road have to get cut, maintenance on a pond is going to be cut over police or fire or schools. And then, what would we be left to look at or deal with? I know Bill had stated what those ponds were for, the maintenance has been let go, and that’s why part of the reason why they are in the situation that they’re in now, so yeah, maybe one or two years they’re going to be up kept, but I am thinking three or four years down the road, are they going to then look like what the ponds look like now. The fifth and final concern I have regarding 15 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 these ponds is the stagnant water. I did take a picture, you can see the slime on top of it. I think this is prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. My husband and I are an athletic family and we frequently take walks in the summer. We had to stop walking next to the fencing of the current ponds because the mosquitoes are so bad over there in the summer. You can’t even walk by it. They are horrible. I have a slight paranoia of the West Nile. Two years ago my father contracted it, fortunately he survived but it was a long road of recovery. I know this could happen anywhere at any time, living directly across from a pond is going to increase our chances, if not just the West Nile, the annoyance of a large influx of mosquitoes every where. This would not be enjoyable to deal with while we are trying to have a grill out on our patio or just be in our yard playing. In conclusion, I would like to provide a possible solution for the dilemma the Brady household is facing. I have spoken with Bill Schalliol earlier this week and his suggestion and recommendation was to ask you, the City, to add our property to the acquisition list to acquire our residence in addition to the others you are seeking. Less than a year ago, the City was interested in our property and we were actually under contract to sell, and then things fell through on the City’s end. It was a big disappointment to us because we really did not want to have to live next to these ponds. While not looking to take advantage of the City, we are not asking for any more money, nor do we want to stop this project. We would be willing to go under contract for the same selling amount offered to us last year. We understand, for South Bend to continue to grow and reach its fullest potential, changes have to happen. We are 16 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 just asking you guys to set aside the pens and paper of this project and look at the human aspect. If you were in our shoes, how would you feel and how would you want the City to treat you? We have tried to be as understanding and reasonable throughout this entire process, we just ask that the City be as understanding towards us as we have been with you guys. I thank you for taking the time to listen to our concerns and just ask that you think about the Brady household from a human perspective and not just the pen and paper of it. Thank you. Mr. Patrick Keszei : My parents own the house currently at 722 E. Hawbaker. I am representing myself, my parents, my brother- in-law and my sister. I would like to summarize everything before I start. This pond would cause a great deal of pollution and danger to the area. The pond over there is extremely nasty and dirty and the City has demonstrated that they really are negligent in caring for that area. There is a school next to that area and this would be harmful to the students. Would you ant your kids going to a school that is located next to a sewage dump? It will decrease the value of all of the businesses and the surrounding area residents. It will create a polluted environment. It will cause my parents a great deal of cost and anguish. We were not notified until two and a half weeks ago that this was a City project. We were earlier notified by Chris Davey of Grubb and Ellis that they wanted to purchase the property and there was no representation that it would be purchased by the City. Basically, I believe this was poor planning by the City and they should have the pond located elsewhere, in another location that will be more suitable rather than in a beautiful residential area. I 17 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 think what we have to do is weigh the cost of putting in this new pond verse the pumps. I know the gentleman over here said that he didn’t know what the pumps cost or didn’t have any numbers. I think it is a good idea that you get the numbers and calculate those numbers so we can have an accurate calculation. What I would like to do now is read the letter from my sister first. “I’m writing to protest Resolution No. 2667. It came to me as a shock when I read the letter received by my parents, Emery and Marian Keszei, from the City on March 26, 2010. This was the first time that my parents, through me, had learned that the City was interested in buying my parent’s home and adjoining lot. I really wanted to be present at this meeting but having spring break vacation plans with my family. Also, the City planning committee scheduled the meeting for April 9, which was only two weeks from when my parents received the letter from the City because we were previously misrepresented by Chris Davey. I wonder why we were given such short notice and why was it scheduled during the school’s spring break. I called the City Planning office to request a continuance but was informed by David that there was no such thing as a continuance in these matters. I was told that these meetings are set by the City Council and cannot be changed, so I am very disappointed that it was scheduled during spring break, and only two weeks notice was given to us before a meeting was set, which will potentially take my parents’ home away from them. It was very short notice. (My parents did receive the letter some time ago from Cressy and Everett, through me, Pat Keszei, the realty agent that said they were interested in buying the property, but it was 18 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 never disclosed that they working on behalf of the City. We just thought that Cressy and Everett wanted the property for development purposes and I personally told them that the property was not for sale.) Since my parents have no intention of moving, we ignored the letter. We didn’t hear any more until March 26 when a letter from the City arrived. Mr. Keszei : My parents are 86 and 88, soon to be 87 and 89. They built their home in 1958. Andrew Toth, a prominent architect, designed and built my parents’ home. It was a beautiful, fully brick, unique home. You will not find another in South Bend. My parents love their home and they love the area. They have been over there for fifty years. My Dad has a garden there and I’ve maintained it. They want to remain there until their passing dates. I feel that the City has not planned well. They allowed Erskine Plaza to be built in the area, large stores such as Mernard’s and Martin’s grocery store are part of the Erskine Plaza. They allowed them to put in a huge parking lot, no wonder there is no place for the water to go. The City’s poor planning should not constitute the destruction of my parents’ home in order to put in a retention pond. The City should look for another location for the retention pond, one which will not ruin a residential area. It would appear to me that it would be a good idea to place it more near to the bypass rather than a residential area. The City wants the retention pond to be in a residential area. There are homes with children in the area. The River of Life Church and school are in this area. The school playground is very close to my parents’ property. This would be a dangerous situation if a child were to wander off. Even a fence would not prevent an adventurous child from getting into the 19 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 retention area. Retention areas are smelly and insect infected. Just like the City has demonstrated their negligence in having what I call a sewage dump. It would ruin the property values of the area residents. It seems that the City doesn’t care about the small, residential owners. In conclusion, I hope and pray that the City will reconsider their plan and find a more suitable location, one which is not a residential area or at least consider the idea of the pumps. The demolition of my parents’ home and the installation of a retention pond would negatively affect everyone in the neighborhood. No one wants to live to a retention area. Mr. Keszei : This is from my brother-in-law, Tom Callahan. “On March 26, they were given notice, which was only two and a half weeks notice, which was not ample notice. The Keszeis received no communication from the City or any of its representatives about the City’s intention prior to March 26, 2010. The Keszeis received a letter from a private developer about obtaining their property but that communiqué never mentioned that the City of South Bend was involved in any way. The communiqué led the Keszeis to believe that the property was very valuable. The private developer contacted the Keszeis’ son (me Patrick) about the property and informed him, as opposed to Emery and Marian Keszei, who are the owners, about the City of South Bend’s plan. The private developer never indicated to Patrick that he might be acting on behalf of the City of South Bend. At this point, Emery and Marian Keszei had no reason to believe that anyone ever attempted to contact them about the City of South Bend’s plan, prior to receiving this letter dated March 26, 2010. Consequently, at this 20 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 point, since there has been no effective communication, the Keszeis are left to attempt to determine what is transpiring and ask questions. Nearby property owners, both residential and businesses, have not been notified that the private property that they currently own might soon be adjacent to a retention pond. (I personally went to Mutual Bank and the Dental office, Fitness USA, they have no communication from the City of South Bend. I feel that is very negligent and unjustified. Why not notify everybody that’s going to be in the area? Why are these people, who clearly have an interest being excluded at this point? That fact that every Emery and Marian Keszei have lived there since 1958, 52 years, should not be dismissed as irrelevant. They acquired two lots, built on this property and landscaped it, and enhanced the image of South Bend long before others did the same. They have paid their property taxes much longer than others who have just recently developed their properties. It appears to them that since they don’t pay much property taxes as private developers in the area, their property has been chosen to be converted. Compared to the Keszeis’ 52 years in the area, Erskine Village and Erskine Plaza, these other people are new comers. When the village and plaza were built the developers failed to acquire the amount of property necessary to support the use they chose for their property they developed. They apparently did not obtain or develop enough property for water to run off. Since they have not received any communication other than the afore-mentioned notice, the Keszeis assumed that public funds would be used to obtain their property instead of the developer’s funds, thereby increasing citizen’s taxes, as well as the developer’s profit. In addition, the Keszeis daughter, 21 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 Judy, was informed that the City would employ two appraisers to determine the value of their property. While the City may view this as a service to its residents, the later may view it as self serving. The Keszeis are concerned that if they can’t change the City’s plan they will be forced to accept whatever the City’s hired appraisers say the property is worth, where it should be valued at its best and available use such as for selling to a commercial organization. They are concerned that the City has a vested interest in keeping the amount low. It appears that the City will incur the cost of conversion by itself. It doesn’t appear that the Village plaza owners and development properties, likely the biggest cause of the water runoff, will likely benefit from the conversion the most. We have to make monetary contribution to the conversion effort, sacrificing private property for community need doesn’t need to be done lightly. The causes necessitate the need for change should be identified. Government entities and property owners responsible for those should be held accountable. The Keszeis and any private property owners should be left to simply conclude that their private property is subject to be converted for the benefit of other private property owners. Thank you for listening to my concerns. But it will just greatly harm the school, the value. I think because of the poor planning that the city should go ahead and have the pond located elsewhere, like I said, next to the bypass where it’s more of a commercial area. Because the city has done a terrible job of maintaining that area. It’s just polluted, insect infested, there’s litter everywhere. It’s just a sewage dump. Ms. Jones asked Mr. Mathia if all the 22 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 remonstrance that were written addressed publicaly and he said they were. Mr. Chris Davey : Grubb and Ellis, Cressy & Everett. I’d like to give some perspective here. We own the shopping center where Martin’s is, built it in the mid ‘80s. We don’t own the Menard’s parcel, that is owned by a group called Kimco, but it looks like it is all one center. A number of years ago, Bill (Schalliol) contacted us because they had ideas, you probably saw the pictures in the paper, maybe you remember and maybe you don’t, but they were talking about doing something like this and taking a lot of water across the street to the golf course. That is when we first got involved in talking to the City because we own that property and obviously that has an impact on us, as well. So, that’s how we got involved in this project a number of years ago. At the time it just didn’t work out. Maybe it was two years ago or a year and a half ago, Bill got back in touch with me and asked me if we would have some interest in this. We really like the idea of what they were doing here because it created some more opportunities from our perspective to develop that area where the existing ponds are. I don’t know how long those ponds have been there but they were there before we built the shopping center. So they have been there for some time. I think the City is on the right path in doing what they are doing. For Mrs. Brady and her family, I think what they will do is probably lessen the possibility of a need for flood insurance verses the other way it is now. I and my sons went out and spoke to all of the people that are here today that are impacted by this property. I tried getting in touch with the Keszei family and I don’t 23 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 think they were living there at the time, if they were, I knocked, I left business cards, and Mr. Gray told me perhaps the best thing to do was to get in touch with Mr. Keszei. Never once did I misrepresent the facts that we were doing this development. It was always the City, I explained what they were doing, they were looking to relocate the retention ponds, so I take exception to what you had to say, Mr. Keszei, because that’s not true. I personally talked to you three or four times about this project. The only reason we were involved was because we owned that shopping center and we were looking at opportunities of maybe buying from the City the excess ground to be created when they improve retention for that area. So, that’s how we got involved. If Mrs. Brady or Mr. Gray, if I’m not telling you the truth, we talked about that, so I just wanted to make that very clear. I think it is the right thing to do. I think that there has been a lot that has happened out in this area over time and things change. And as more property is developed out there you have to address these types of concerns. I am happy to see that the City has spent a lot of time, and a lot of money investigating the best way to handle this problem. I think they are on the right track so, thank you for that opportunity. Mr. Ward asked Mr. Davey if he could ask him a question and Mr. Davey agreed: Again, I was involved putting the cisterns in in the parking lot at Christian Center and if you would like to quadruple the size of the cisterns or the number of the cisterns in the Christian Center parking that would eliminate the water running down the hill. Why can’t they just put many, many cisterns 24 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 in that parking lot? That would eliminate the need for ponds altogether. Mr. Davey : I am not an engineer so I can’t answer that question. But I’ve got to believe that the City has investigated those types of opportunities. Mr. Ward : It is obviously easier to put in a pond in. You’d have to take up the asphalt, you’d have to dig a deep hole, and go down below the clay level. Thank you. Mr. Arthur Gray : I own the property immediately west of the three areas to be acquired on Hawbaker Street. Just several questions, a lot of what I have been concerned about has been dealt with by the other people that have spoken here today. One, I’d like, if there is anyone here that can give me some input on similar areas, residential areas that have been affected by retention ponds, what has been the effect on their property value? Is there anyone here that can give me input on them? Has it been negative, has it been positive? (Mr. Schalliol asked if the Commission wanted him to address that.) Mr. Gray continued: I think you have answered my question without answering it. Ms. Jones : No, I have not. The best person to answer it would be Bill or someone involved with real estate. I know there are a lot of developments that are going on… Mr. Relos : We just put in a new retention pond over by Oliver Plow and there were people who did not want to move out. They are fifteen feet away from the retention pond. We tried to acquire their properties, and they did not want to move, they wanted to stay 25 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 where they are, so I would have to believe that they felt that it wasn’t a negative impact. The pond is on Arnold. Mr. Gray : On Walnut near where Kokoku Wire used to be? Mr. Relos : It is right back of where the old Oliver factory was. Mr. Schalliol : Off of Chapin Street, where the industrial park is with the Oliver smoke stack. Mr. Gray : Were the houses are of similar value? Mr. Schalliol : No. Mr. Gray : Are they less? Mr. Schalliol : They are just different, a different area and different circumstances. Mr. Gray : Was the property valued at less than $100,000? Mr. Schalliol : We just built a big retention pond off of York Road by the York Road Fire Station surrounded by residential, surrounded by schools. We have asked some of the appraisers that we deal with to get an understanding how values might have been affected in that area and, because Mrs. Brady has asked that question, we have asked our appraisers. I don’t have a good feel there, their answer was it just depends on the situation. The pond that we built at York, the pond that we built at Oliver, they are completely different style ponds than were built back in the ‘40s and ‘50s and ‘60s, so it is considerably different nature. While it 26 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 might affect the value, it might not affect value, so we are trying to get a good answer on that. Again, it just depends upon the site. Mr. Davey : I can talk about Edison Lakes. We have built retention ponds everywhere. We have a very high water table out there and we have a lot of unfavorable slope out there so there is retention everywhere. So, it can be done and it can be done well. It hasn’t affected us thus far, and a lot of it has to do with how it is maintained. There is no doubt about that. That would be an important part of it. Mr. Gray : I have lived on that property for thirty five years. I have never, ever, in that entire time, before the area was developed or since it has been developed, experienced any degree of major water problems. Now all of a sudden this becomes a big issue. I also know that right east of Ireland and Miami we have a huge mall area out there that has been covered with cement and asphalt all over the place, yet there are no retention ponds there. I find that interesting. Now all of a sudden in this little isolated area, we have a need for movement of retention ponds to make land available for some other more useful purpose for someone. And it just strikes me as being very odd and unusual with the timing on this. It doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense at all. I haven’t witnessed any water problems, yet I hear everybody voicing concern, hearing many people about all the water problems and it would be best for the area. Tell me why they didn’t need any across from Scottsdale Mall? A lot more land there, the lot was covered up where it couldn’t be drained by land. I am concerned about those things and wonder if there aren’t some things going on here that are a better 27 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 explanation of why this project is even being undertaken. And, it doesn’t leave a good taste in my mouth. Thank you. Ms. Brady : It is just more of a comment, and I don’t know what your name is. David, what you had said and what Mr. Davey had said about the ponds that they can look beautiful. I agree, I’ve seen retention ponds with curved rocks around them, and they can look beautiful. Once again, for the Brady house, it doesn’t affect those who don’t have a two year old, but for me, yes it may look beautiful and that may even increase our property value but we would not want to choose to live next to that because we are planning on having more children and I am not comfortable, I would not have ever chosen to invest in a home that is going to be so close to water. I just want to reiterate that, so that you guys understand. I’m not trying to say let’s not do this project; and yes, it could look beautiful and even if it would increase our property values, to us it would decrease the safety value. This is a major concern that we have. Mr. Relos : Oliver Plow Works was just done within the last few months, do you know where Oliver Plow is? It is right behind Underground Pipe and Value and is the newest, as far as I know, that the City has done. I suggest you just go right behind where Underground Pipe and Valve is building their new location. You can drive back there, right up to the pond and take a look at it. That would be a good example. Ms. Brady : I am just thinking for us it is a lose/lose, because it is either going to be fenced or contained in some fashion and there is going to be debris and trash that 28 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 collects. The City is not going to be able to come every day to pick it up. Or it will be open and beautiful, but a real safety hazard for our home because we are, you can see from the picture we are right there. Ms. Jones asked for those who had not had an opportunity to speak yet. Mr. Terry Wruble : Me and my wife live in the middle property that is going to be acquired. We lived there for a year and a half. I just want the board to know what kind of neighborhood it is, you know. Most of the houses, I think, were owned by the church and were fairly dilapidated. When we bought our house, it needed a lot of work. It still does. I have been doing that kind of thing for my whole life and look forward to fixing this house up. We are getting on to the age where we don’t want to do this any more, so I came to this meeting to get an answer. We have been dealing with this “we’re going to buy the house, we’re not going to buy the house” for a year now. It’s time to make a decision. This project needs to go forward or you’re going to tell us, OK. I either want you to make a decision or go away so we can get on with our lives. And that being said, I also want to say this man here said they gave people choices if they didn’t want to be acquired. The person here is willing to be acquired, under the same circumstances. She doesn’t want to live there, and I think you need to really think about that and get what she is saying. She has just as much of an argument as the people that don’t want to move as the people who do want to move. So, that’s all I have to say. Mr. Keszei : You are talking about the value of Art Gray’s property and the other 29 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 adjoining property, is anybody from the City taking a look at the care that they take of the current pond? It is ugly and polluted. I don’t see how anybody can say that his value or her value remain the same. His property would go from like $150,000 to zero. Who would want to live next to a sewage dump? It is an eyesore, it is so nasty. Mr. Ward : I do know that it is a very important thing to study. I know a person who knows a property on U.S. 31, they paid over $200,000 for it. The very first offer was less than $200,000, then they came in with eminent domain, and said you have to sell. We’ll offer you $180,000, it was way less than he paid for it. They gave an additional $5,000, and this is… Mrs. Jones : This is the State. Mr. Ward : This is State. This has nothing to do with the State? Ms. Jones : None. Mr. Ward : Eminent domain will never step in? Ms. Jones : Right. We don’t have eminent domain. The State has it for right of way for the streets and things but we don’t. Mr. Ward : The State wasn’t offering him the value—and he paid taxes for years. Ms. Jones : I am only familiar with the regulations that we … Mr. Ward : They’re offering people I’m sitting next to less money than it’s worth to…than they had offered, on the same street. 30 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 Ms. Brady : Once, again, we would be happy with the same offer that we had previously. Ms. Jo Simmons : 63151 S.R. 331. Could I just ask one more question? Somebody had mentioned that the businesses around the area hadn’t been sent letters. Why is that? Ms. Jones : First of all, procedurally, I just wanted to tell you a couple of things, for people who have never been here before. When we do the public portion, we listen to statements, and then we closed the public portion. Then we will have the Commission portion. I have lots of questions, too. We will address that in our side. That’s, procedurally, how things go. Ms. Brady : We did not receive public notice of this hearing. We got information from our neighbor. I don’t know if ours got lost in the mail? Mr. Gray : I didn’t either. Mr. Davey : I just want to say, I know the fellow that owns that, if you see Bowen Drive, that’s the road that comes off of Miami that’s right in front of Martins. There’s a little shopping center, a little small strip where Arby’s is. I know that floods. Art, you sit on high ground. As you go up Hawbaker, as you go west, that’s higher ground than what you have down here. I know that fellow has told me on a couple of occasions that water has come into his building there. So, there are problems out in that area. Another thing that is interesting, that yellow 31 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 line you see where it says, “pond remains.” Bill, is that about where that pipeline is? There’s a very high volume gas pipeline running right through there. It runs right through the retention ponds. Just be aware of that. Ms. Jones asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak regarding Resolution No. 2667. There was no one else who wished to speak. Ms. Jones closed the public hearing for whatever action the Commission wished to take. (8) Approval of Resolution No. 2667 Mr. Downes said he has many questions. Can anyone affirm for us, did we notify neighboring businesses? Mr. Schalliol responded that, based on state law, notices go to the property owners whose properties will be added to the Acquisition List and to affected registered neighborhood associations in time to be received at least ten days before the public hearing. These notices were mailed three weeks before the hearing. Mr. Downes said he heard a lot of conflicting information about how long people have known about the potential purchase of their properties. Some mentioned knowing a year ago, some said they didn’t get notice until two weeks ago. Mr. Schalliol noted that about a year and a half ago, about the time we finished the intersection of Miami and Ireland, we noticed the property at Arby’s was flooding badly, the ponds were seeing an increase in water. About that same time we put a sensor into the 32 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 storm sewer overflow. Mr. Downes asked if the question of pond capacity came up at the time the city widened the intersection. Mr. Schalliol responded that we knew when we were doing Erskine Village six years ago that we needed to address the drainage on the west side of Miami. That was about the time we looked to move the pond to the golf course. And then we thought about selling the golf course as part of a retention project. Then, we went back to the concept of putting retention ponds into the golf course. The problem with the retention needs that we have are that we need holes. We don’t need ponds with fountains, because there’s nowhere to put the water. Ponds with fountains require a more or less constant level of water. As we worked with the golf course to design a system that would allow for water to look nice, but would also allow for the overflow. In 2009 there were eleven days of course closure at Erskine Golf Course due to flooding. For years before we put in the sensor, every time it would rain it would flood out the Twyckenham Hills neighborhood. Anybody who didn’t have proper systems would get water in their basement. This has been a long, ongoing problem. The ponds were developed years ago, before we had the 100-yr storm water requirements. They are very under-sized. Maintenance has been an issue. As we’ve explored the condition of these ponds, we’ve found some places where there is 14 ft of silt built up. Even clearing the existing ponds out would improve the situation. The existing ponds are not large enough to re-slope to get the 33 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 depth needed for adequate drainage. New, larger ponds would allow the proper sloping for good drainage. This project does call for reshaping the interior, middle pond. When we first started looking at the pond project, we had a lot of input from Menards, Martins, etc. When we were looking at putting the ponds on the golf course, we had to take the ponds out. There are ten pipes that come into the eastern edge of the existing pond. We would have had to put a whole new pipe system in, so High Street would have been closed for a long time while that was done. Just to get the water over to the golf course. There had been contact with adjacent businesses over the years as we looked at the initial design, because they wouldn’t have had Ireland Road access for a period of time. This project, as designed, wouldn’t require tearing out the street, only some basic maintenance on the pipes. Communication with them has not been necessary. Mr. Downes asked what’s been the major cause of the deterioration of the existing ponds. Mr. Schalliol responded there has been forty years of neglect. Before the improvements to the Ireland/Miami intersection, all the rain water there had been going into the combined sewers. That rain water now goes into the ponds and further taxes them. Mr. Downes asked what happened a year ago to break down negotiations with the Brady family. Mr. Schalliol responded that when staff originally started looking at this project, we looked at a way to take out both ponds and build two new ponds where the two 34 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 houses are squared out on the north side of Hawbaker. But state law requires a drainage structure to be 150 yards from a cemetery. By the time we would give the pond a 150- yard setback, the pond’s size would be too small. Also, because of the high pressured gas pipeline that runs through that area, you would have to construct two ponds, one on either side of the pipeline. That didn’t seem like the best idea. The concept of keeping the interior pond and constructing a new one south of Hawbaker developed. The properties on the north side of the street were no longer needed. Mr. Schalliol noted that the city was interested in converting the pond on Miami to a development site. Chris Davey was interested in purchasing the development site if one became available. So Mr. Davey approached home owners about purchasing their property to trade city for the Miami Street (pond) site. The city would use the Hawbaker property for a new pond. That’s how Chris Davey has been involved. Mr. Schalliol assured the Commission those conversations always made it clear that the city was involved. Mr. Alford asked if the city has a maintenance procedure for its ponds. Mr. Schalliol responded that it does. He noted that the city didn’t acquire responsibility for these ponds until about ten years ago. They were privately owned. They are tough to get to. Until the city started studying the ponds in anticipation of moving them, we didn’t know how deficient they were in their ability to drain. The water table in the south side 36’ below grade. If we can get the water to the permeable network, it will drain well. What we didn’t know until we drained them 35 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 a couple of weeks ago was that the reason they didn’t work was they were full of silt. There are some basic things we need to do to clean them up anyway. As part of the larger project, we would rebuild the interior pond and it would be built to be maintainable and to be more of an asset. It will still be a hole. It won’t be a pond with a fountain in it. But it will be a maintainable hole. Ms. King asked the difference between the capacity of the pond that we would be closing and the one to be constructed. Mr. Schalliol responded that the new pond will be deeper and wider. He didn’t know the exact difference in volume. Staff is still working on the design. To make this pond a feasible pond for this network would require all three properties. Originally staff looked at acquiring the Gray property, but its elevation is higher and wouldn’t benefit the drainage of the pond. In 2003 the city did buy a property just off the bypass on the south side of Widener Lane. It bought that property with the intention of using it for drainage from the bypass, but the route of the bypass was changed. That property doesn’t drain well. Also, we had to put a large utility pole in the middle of it to serve the mall. Ms. King asked if we might just maintain the two ponds we have and make them more effective. Mr. Schalliol responded that we would still need more drainage. Even if we sloped them properly and cleaned out the bottom. Mr. Downes said he heard mention of work to the bypass, or expansion and asked what that was about. Tell me about the feasibility 36 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 of other locations on or adjacent to… Mr. Schalliol responded The proposal with the U.S. 31 Corridor South, it’s a larger road segment. To accommodate that, it starts to flare the road out, add another lane. At Fellows St. which is the next light west, there’s a proposal for a flyover for the local traffic to come over from south to north---an overpass over the bypass that we connect those areas. As part of that there may be an opportunity to take some of this water out of this network and put a pond over there. But they aren’t far enough along in their design to know that. Ms. Jones asked if there’s no area behind Martins, going up to the … Mr. Schalliol responded that there’s a neighborhood… Ms. Jones asked if there’s no empty property. Mr. Schalliol responded that there is not. The only empty property is the one that we own that doesn’t give us enough area, it’s uphill, poor soil. Mr. Downes said he felt like he needs more information. He would like to table this item until the staff can respond to some of the unanswered questions. C Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by OMMISSION CONTINUED ITS DISCUSSION OF 6.A.(8) ITEM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Ms. King and unanimously carried, the Commission continued its discussion of item 6.A.(8) until further notice. C. South Bend Central Development Area (2) Resolution No. 2669 approving and authorizing an Addendum to the Master Agency Agreement (Coveleski Stadium Improvements Phase 1A, Project 2) 37 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 Mr. Schalliol noted that the Commission previously budgeted $1M for the Phase IA, Coveleski Park Improvements. $750,000 was authorized to be spent on Phase 1A, Project 1. By the time we have completed Phase 1A, we will have spent approximately $650,000 of that. Today’s request is to approve the use of an additional $250,000 for Project 2, restrooms, gutters, dugout improvements and sewage ejector pumps. Quotes will be opened April 12 for that project. We expect them to be approximately $170,000. We want to be able to award on those quotes. Mr. Downes asked about the timing of installation of the new nets and backstop. Mr. Schalliol noted that after the next home games, installation of the nets will start and be completed by the end of April. The wall pads installation will start during the following away stand and be completed by early May. Mr. Downes stated for the record that he is a minor investor in the Silverhawks. Legal councel has determined he does not have a conflict of interest on items related to Coveleski improvements. CRN.2669 Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by OMMISSION APPROVED ESOLUTION O A APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN DDENDUM Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the MAA TO THE ASTER GENCY GREEMENT Commission approved Resolution No. 2669 (CSIP OVELESKI TADIUM MPROVEMENTS HASE approving and authorizing an Addendum to 1A,P2) ROJECT the Master Agency Agreement (Coveleski Stadium Improvements Phase 1A, Project 2) D. Airport Economic Development Area (3) Olive Road Parcel 14 transfer to Board of Public Works. 38 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 Mr. Schalliol noted that the Olive Road project extends from Lincolnway to Nimtz Parkway, west of the airport. The Commission has owned Parcel 14 for approximately ten years. Staff would like to transfer a sliver of that to the Board of Public Works for road work right of way. C Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by OMMISSION APPROVED THE TRANSFER OF ORP14B LIVE OAD ARCEL TO THE OARD OF Ms. King and unanimously carried, the PW UBLIC ORKS Commission approved the transfer of Olive Road Parcel 14 to the Board of Public Works. B. Housing (1) Loan and Grant in connection with the South Bend Home Improvement Loan Program for property located at 1801 S. Kendall Street. (Donna M. Wright) CLG Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by OMMISSION APPROVED THE OAN AND RANT SBH IN CONNECTION WITH THE OUTH END OME Ms. King and unanimously carried, the ILP MPROVEMENT OAN ROGRAM FOR PROPERTY Commission approved the Loan and Grant in 1801S.KS.(D LOCATED AT ENDALL TREET ONNA connection with the South Bend Home M.W) RIGHT Improvement Loan Program for property located at 1801 S. Kendall Street. (Donna M. Wright) (2) Loan and Grant in connection with the South Bend Home Improvement Loan Program for property located at 1806 E. Fox Street. (Lisa D. Callahan) CLG Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by OMMISSION APPROVED THE OAN AND RANT SBH IN CONNECTION WITH THE OUTH END OME Ms. King and unanimously carried, the ILP MPROVEMENT OAN ROGRAM FOR PROPERTY Commission approved the Loan and Grant in 1806E.FS.(LD. LOCATED AT OX TREET ISA connection with the South Bend Home C) ALLAHAN Improvement Loan Program for property located at 1806 E. Fox Street. (Lisa D. Callahan) 39 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 C. South Bend Central Development Area (1) Proposal for landscaping services in the South Bend Central Development Area. (118 S. William and Southwest corner Main and Jefferson) Mr. Relos noted that staff would like to plant trees on three Commission owned vacant lots. All three are surrounded by large paved parking lots. The planting of trees would beautify the lots as well as downtown. The three lots are at 118 S. William, the southwest corner of LaSalle and William and the southwest corner of Jefferson and Main. The trees will be provided through the Park Department’s City Forester. For a total cost of $13,164. Mr. Relos asked for authorization to spend up to $14,000. Staff recommends approval. C Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by OMMISSION APPROVED THE PROPOSAL FOR SB LANDSCAPING SERVICES IN THE OUTH END Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the CDA.(118S. ENTRAL EVELOPMENT REA Commission approved the proposal for WSM ILLIAM AND OUTHWEST CORNER AIN AND landscaping services in the South Bend J) EFFERSON Central Development Area. (118 S. William and Southwest corner Main and Jefferson) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) Progress report on Phase II of the Contract with The Blue Waters Group for marketing/communication activities related to Ignition Park Mr. Price noted that the Commission has supported marketing communication efforts to enable the City of South Bend to make the most of the designation of MIND in this community by hiring Blue Waters Group to develop an image and marketing materials as well as publication of those materials across 40 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 a wide media range. A year ago Blue Waters Group report on their Phase 1 work. Today, Patrick Strickler, president of the firm, is here to give an update on Phase 2. We already have some good indications of the success we’ve had. This week the city released results of a survey conducted in 2009 and 2010 on progress we’ve seen. Nearly seven of every ten residents feel optimistic about South Bend’s economic future; more than 56% of residents are aware of Ignition Park, a jump of 16% since last year’s survey; and nearly a majority of residents say that Ignition Park is important to South Bend’s economic future. Mr. Strickler expressed his thanks and pleasure at being able to address the Commission. Mr. Strickler noted that Blue Waters Group (BWG) did not participate in the research Mr. Price just spoke of. That would not have been appropriate. BWG did not in any way influence that research. However, in his presentation Mr. Strickler intends to talk about what they think the results of that study mean. Mr. Strickler noted that it is very difficult to change public opinion. So, it is significant that 60% of the people of South Bend are optimistic for South Bend’s future. But, more importantly, Mr. Strickler has seen a sea change in leadership in South Bend. This community is really pulling together at the leadership level: Notre Dame, the City of South Bend, Project Future, etc. People around the country are taking notice of South Bend because of the way it has stepped to the table to work with Notre Dame to promote nanotechnology research. 41 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 The BWG project team has invested over 2200 hours of professional service over eight months during Phase 2 of its contract. They have distributed into the local economy income for a wide variety of vendors. They hire local vendors and people. In Phase 1 BWG built Ignition Park’s distinctive identity and began to create promotional materials and a Web site. That generated a lot of national interest, which doesn’t get seen locally. There are thousands of stories in press and on the Web about the new South Bend. In Phase 2 which began June 2009 and will wrap up about June 2010, the strategy has been to strengthen local awareness, generate more positive attitudes toward the city and its partners in these initiatives, and increased the teamwork between all the partners. A lot of people are seeing the paradigm shift from an industrial based economy to a knowledge based economy in South Bend and want to be part of it. While Ignition Park is still vacant land, a vision, an opportunity, the study showed a lot of people know about it. That is amazing. 45% of respondents in the survey understand the importance of the relationship between MIND, Notre Dame’s Innovation Park and Ignition Park. Mr. Strickler said that the South Bend ON newsletter that is distributed nationally has a very strong readership. BWG is seeing “click-through rates” to the underlying stories of 40%. That is double what is expected from similar distribution. Phase 2 has also enhanced the Ignition Park 42 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 Web site with, among other things, a new fly-through with Mayor Luecke talking. Site visits to the Ignition Park Web site increase every time South Bend ON distributes a new newsletter. (2) Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release (Allstate Insurance Company, Oliver Plow property) CC Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by OMMISSION APPROVED THE ONFIDENTIAL SAR ETTLEMENT GREEMENT AND ELEASE Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the (AIC,O LLSTATE NSURANCE OMPANY LIVER Commission approved the Confidential P) LOW PROPERTY Settlement Agreement and Release (Allstate Insurance Company, Oliver Plow property) E. West Washington-Chapin Development Area There was no business in the West Washington- Chapin Development Area. F. South Side Development Area There was no business in the South Side Development Area. G. Northeast Neighborhood Development Area There was no business in the Northeast Neighborhood Development Area. H. Douglas Road Economic Development Area There was no business in the Douglas Road Economic Development Area. 7. PROGRESS REPORTS PR There was no report. ROGRESS EPORTS 8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING 43 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting –April 9, 2010 NCM The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission is EXT OMMISSION EETING scheduled for Friday, April 23, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. 9. ADJOURNMENT A There being no further business to come before the DJOURNMENT Redevelopment Commission, Ms. King made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Downes seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION April 9, 2010 The South Bend Redevelopment Commission met in Executive Session on Friday, April 9, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting was held in Room 1200 County-City Building, 227 West Jefferson, South Bend, Indiana, for the purposes specified in I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(B). Commissioner’s Present: Marcia Jones, President; Nancy King, Secretary; Greg Downes. Others Present: Jeff Gibney, Executive Director, Community & Economic Development, Attorney Charles Leone, Attorney Lawrence Meteiver, David Relos, Ann Kolata, and Robert Mathia. The Commission certifies that no topic was discussed other than the subject matter specified in the Public Notice. The Executive Session was adjourned at 10:00 a.m. CITY OF SOUTH BEND, DEPARTMENT OF REDEVELOPMENT South Bend Redevelopment Commission 44