HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-12 Community & Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MAY 29, 2012
3:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Karen White, Gain Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Members Present: Patricia Crowley
Other Council Member's Present: Tim Scott; Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner,
Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter
Other's Present: Navarre Middle School Students (16), Phil St. Clair, Pete Agostino,
Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Kevin Allen, Gloria Norris, Whitney White, Claudia Welch,
Vida Sims, Ray Thompson, Marylin DeShaw, Linda Wolfson, Jessie Davis, Henry Davis,
Sr. Kathy Hahn
Agenda: Bill No. 12 -48 — Requesting Belleville & Kennedy Parks receive more funding
Bill No. 12 -46 — Waiving Late Filing of Deduction Application for Equipment
at 2630 Prairie Avenue
Bill No. 12 -49 — Discuss Adding Portion of Lincolnway West to Airport
Economic Development Area
Community and Economic Development Committee Chair Henry Davis called the
meeting to order to consideration of Bill No. 12 -48. This bill asks the City for more
recreational equipment and programs especially for youth during the summer at Kennedy
& Belleville Parks. Henry and co- sponsor Oliver Davis were reacting to Tribune articles
and subsequent calls from constituents taking exception to splitting insurance settlement
money resulting from vandalism in Belleville Park with Howard park. The S. B. Kiwanis
Club originally donated equipment to Belleville Park which was later destroyed by
vandals. The City said the equipment could be replaced at a cost less than the insurance
settlement. The Kiwanians asked if the balance could be put toward their next project for
the City in Howard Park. Children from Navarre Middle School and other residents felt
all the money should stay in their parks. Henry Davis suggested an inventory of
equipment in the parks as well as a 5 year capital plan was needed.
Phil St. Clair, Parks Director was called to respond. Phil used a handout (on file in the
Office of the City Clerk) listing an inventory of parks city -wide and maps of those in the
2 °d & 6t' Districts in particular. Phil said the Park Department spreads resources over 51
facilities city -wide and has always done short and long -range capital planning. He also
said the Park Department has not used a Park Bond for funding in over 30 years. Henry
and Oliver both maintained the west -side of town was being shortchanged.
Turning to comments from the public, the Council heard from seven area residents
around Kennedy or Belleville who all said more playground and picnic equipment was
necessary. These residents included Gloria Norris, Whitney White, Claudia Welch, Viola
Sims, Ray Thompson, Marylin DeShaw, and Channel a student from Navarre Middle
School.
Henry Davis summed up his comments saying improvements were at least 10 years
overdue. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to recommend favorably to full
Council, seconded by Gavin Ferlic and supported by all.
The next item on the agenda Bill No. 12 -46 is a request from the Community &
Economic Development Department of the City who filed for Mr. Hollingsworth, asking
the Council to waive a late filing for abatement benefits previously granted to Mr.
Hollingsworth. These real property abatements for phases I and II of the Prairie Avenue
Apts. require the receipt to file for benefits annually on a date specific. Mr.
Hollingsworth said he had filed it on time with the appropriate city staffer who is no
longer with the City. Acknowledging possible red -tape culpability the City was
appealing for Mr. Hollingsworth.
After brief discussion, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic moved to forward favorably.
Councilmember Karen White seconded and all supported.
Bill No. 12 -49 would begin discussion regarding the appropriateness of bringing a
portion of Lincoln way West, namely from Bendy east to William, into the Airport
Economic Development Area. Historic Lincolnway West has long been a main arterial
into South Bend from Chicago and later the airport. Decades of disinvestment in the
corridor due to a multitude of factors have resulted in a less than appealing pathway to
downtown. Adding the corridor to the AEDC might provide the investment capital
needed to infuse economic activity. Councilmember White counseled a judicious
approach. Councilmember's Scott, Schey and Dieter all supported a careful approach.
Councilmember Henry Davis stated the development of both Lincolnway West and
Western needed to be a priority. Councilmember Scott agreed and advocated investment
into adjacent neighborhoods.
During the public comment portion Henry Davis, Sr., underlined the need for public
investment using the donut hole analogy resulting from fringe investment policy over
years and years. Gloria Norris, Viola Sims, Linda Wolfson and Marylin DeShaw, all
spoke to a coordinated corridor neighborhood effort.
Ultimately, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic moved to support the bill. Councilmember
White seconded and all affirmed.
Under miscellaneous matters, Dr. Fred Ferlic provided copies of a recent article in the
Wall St. Journal concerning using natural gas in commercial fleets. (A copy is on file in
the Office of the City Clerk.)
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson
Henry Davis, Jr., adjourned the meeting at 4:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry kvis, Jr., airperson
Community & Economic Development Committee