HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-12 Community & Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MARCH 26, 2012
Committee Members Present:
Henry Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Members:
Patricia Crowley
Other Council Members Present:
Tim Scott, Val Schey, Dr. Varner, Derek Dieter, Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter
Others Present:
Kevin Allen, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Bill Schalliol, Aaron Perri, Mark Lyons, Mike
Divita, Christa Nayder
Agenda: Bill No. 12 -27 — Amend South Bend Central Redevelopment Area
Bill No. 12 -26 — Encourage Riverfront Redevelopment Area
Bill No. 10 -12 — Amend Code Tax Abatement Reports
Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., opened the hearing with a full committee and one of two
citizen members present to hear three bills on the agenda.
The first Bill No. 12 -27 is a request for the Council to accept an amendment to the
Central Redevelopment Area. This proposed boundary change was presented by Bill
Schalliol from Redevelopment which initiated the request. Using a handout, Bill
described the addition as part of the former Gates Chevy dealership property on Western
Avenue near downtown. Citizen Member Pat Crowley asked if the property the city
proposed to acquire met EPA standards. Mr. Schalliol said this was not a concern.
Henry Davis vigorously stated the city did not appear to have an overall strategy or
development plan for the area. He said it appeared the city was making it up as it went
and was "too quick" to acquire parcels, taking them off the tax rolls with no apparent
plan for their use. Schalliol said the city needed to take advantage of opportunities as
they are presented. Subsequently Councilmember Gavin Ferlic motioned the bill be
forwarded favorably. Dr. Ferlic seconded and all except Councilmember Henry Davis
supported.
The next bill, 12 -06, also sponsored by the city would encourage the establishment of a
Riverfront Development District. Aaron Perri, the Director of Downtown South Bend
explained the need for and benefits of focusing on riverfront development. Henry Davis,
a long -time proponent of a strategic plan cited the success of similar plans in other
Indiana communities. Aaron Perri acknowledged and welcomed Henry's advocacy.
Henry urged the plan should be formed through collaboration and participation.
Councilmember Karen White motioned favorably. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic
seconded an all affirmed.
The final item on the agenda was Bill No. 10 -12 which would streamline and simplify the
reporting process for companies that received tax abatement. The crux of the matter was
figuring a way to see clearly whether abatement recipients were meeting their promised
criteria when they applied for abatement. A simplified, transparent, understandable
report would allow the Council to measure the effectiveness of abatement. Currently
businesses are required to file two cumbersome reports at less than convenient times for
them to comply. Don Inks, Director, Economic Development proposed consolidating the
reports into more meaningful measures. A win, win result for both the Council and
businesses. After further discussion Councilmember White motioned for a favorable
recommendation. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded and all concurred.
Before adjourning Chairperson Henry Davis announced he was going to set meetings of
the Community & Economic Development Committee to begin the process of
establishing development priorities.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time,
Councilmember Henry Davis adjourned the meeting at 4:54 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community & Economic Development Committee