HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-12 Residential Neighborhoods CommitteeRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
APRIL 16, 2012
Committee Members Present:
Tim Scott, Karen White, Dr. Ferlic
Citizen Members: Jen Tindell, Ken Bradford
Other Council Members Present:
Henry Davis, Jr., Gavin Ferlic
Others Present:
Pam Meyer, Kevin Allen, Gary Gilot, Cather Toppel, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Kyle
Chamberlin
Agenda:, Residential Neighborhoods "Kick -Off'
Tim Scott, Chairperson of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee, with a quorum
present opened the hearing he billed as a "kick off." He explained the purpose was to set
an agenda reflecting the challenges facing South Bend's neighborhoods. By reviewing
current approaches, evaluating new ideas, reviewing "best practices" from other cities,
and assigning priorities tangible progress hopefully would result. Basically Tim hopes to
identify concerns and set a map for addressing them.
Tim opened discussion by listing six points. Number one was the need to review the
nuisance ordinance. It is strong enough? Who enforces it? What are the costs of
enforcement? How cold costs be recovered? Everyone weighed in on this one. Dr.
Ferlic advocated a tougher coordinated enforcement approach with improved
communication among city departments and the Council. Basically a who's doing what,
when, where and how can "teeth" be put in the nuisance ordinance Citizen member Jen
Tindelll said slumlords need to be targeted. Henry Davis felt an increased police
presence in the neighborhoods would help. He suggested a good start would be a review
of the quality of life ordinance already on the books. Ken Bradford wondered if other
cities had success in attaching similar problems. Jen Tindell added her feelings that
banks who own many vacant houses need to be brought to bear in maintaining property
they own. Gary Gilot cautioned against a tough negative enforcement approach that
might increase abandonment of properties. He proposed using a carrot as well as a stick!
Moving on to number 2 on the list for discussion, Tim asked Pam Meyer, Director of
Community Development to prepare a report listing how federal funds have been used in
the past. Perhaps new approaches would result in more bang for the buck. Pam said she
could report where we've been, where we are, and what we try to accomplish with the
money available to us.
The idea of formulating a new strategic approach let to the third item on Tim's list, the
role of the Council in vacant and abandoned housing problems. Both Tim and Catherine
Toppel spoke to the Mayor's Task Force currently studying the problem. Both serve on
the task force and are encouraged by its make -up, mission, and hard work. A report is
due this summer. Toppel went on to say her NCE budget has $500,000 for demolition
with $100,000 already expended this year. Demolitions currently cost approximately
$6,000 per property. Dr. Ferlic and Kyle Chamberlin both wondered how the costs could
be lowered. Toppel estimated demolition costs of $3,300 per unit could possibly be
achieved if we did the work "in house." She added that $4,000,000 was needed to
address all the properties on the demo list. Kyle Chamberlin said the city ought to
develop a strategy for rehabbing homes, noting over 1200 homes on the possible to rehab
list. Again, Jeri Tindell said banks have a responsibility to keep up properties they so
typically let deteriorate. Henry Davis suggested modeling a Boston model which has had
success refinancing foreclosures aimed at keeping people in homes.
Number four on the list was the future of the Marquette School building. Specifically the
Rev. Williams proposal for a Senior Center and the need to get a handle on a financial
plan if the proposal is to move forward.
This fifth item on the discussion topic list was a simple mention by Tim that he would
ask Diane Hess at NRC for an update on neighborhood issues from their perspective.
The last time on the list was the current perspective on a landlord registration bill that has
been under consideration for some years. Dr. Ferlic expressed some frustration with the
pace of progress saying unless there is a financial incentive tied to rehabbing homes; the
private sector will not participate so perhaps one could be created through a
public /private partnership. Getting back to a landlord registration bill. Catherine Toppel
said the goals to be accomplished need to be considered before a registration requirement
is considered. Kyle Chamberlin said costs of enforcement and administration needs to be
enumerated.
With a short wrap -up and promise to follow through Tim adjourned the meeting at 6:08
p.m.
tfully Submitted,
Tim Scott, Chairperson
Residential Neighborhoods Committee