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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-12 Redevelopment Commission Minutes.docx SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING September 13, 2012 9:30 a.m. 227 West Jefferson Boulevard Presiding: Marcia I. Jones, President South Bend, Indiana 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Ms. Marcia Jones, President Dr. David Varner, Vice President Mr. Donald Alford Sr., Secretary Mr. Greg Downes Mr. Henry Davis Mr. John Stancati Legal Counsel: Mr. Lawrence Meteiver, Esq. Redevelopment Staff Mr. Don Inks, Director Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary Mr. Bill Schalliol, Economic Development Specialist Mr. David Relos, Economic Development Specialist Others Present: Mr. Scott Ford, Executive Director Mr. Gerry McKillip Ms. Cindy Holderbaum Mr. Conrad Damian Ms. Linda Wolfson Ms. Mo Miller Mr. David Hodges Mr. Jack Welter Mr. Matt Heckman Ms. Kala Heckman Ms. Lynne Hancock Ms. Ann Hanover Mr. Matt Hanover Mr. Adam Detwiler Mr. Larry Fisher Mr. Matthew Dyer Mr. Kevin Smith, Union Station Mr. Mark Peterson, WNDU Mr. Kevin Allen, South Bend Tribune Mr. Jack Walters, Indiana Rotomolding, Inc. Mr. Bill Knight, Christopher B. Burke Engineering Mr. Josh Corwin, Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ms. Mari Chamberlin, Christopher B. Burke Engineering South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 1. ROLL CALL (CONT.) Mr. Richard Nussbaum Mr. Mark Peterson, WNDU-TV WNDU cameraman WSBT cameraman 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes of the Special Meeting of Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission SPECIAL MEETING OF TUESDAY,AUGUST 28, approved the Minutes of the Special Meeting of 2012. Tuesday, August 28, 2012. B. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, August 30, 2012. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY,AUGUST approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of 30,2012. Thursday, August 30, 2012. 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Redevelopment Commission Claims submitted September 13, 2012 for approval. 324 AIRPORT AEDA Lang, Feeney &Associates, $ 2,075.00 Survey for AW Drive &Taylor/Taylor & Chapin Selge Construction 142,898.72 Ignition Park Ph 1A Faegre Baker Daniels 12,515.00 Legal Services Indiana Dept of 6,049.64 Remediation Agreement Environmental Mgmt Dakota Worldwide Corp 4,700.35 Market Analysis Grocery Store Schuell Fence 1,120.00 Facility for So. Bend Animal Control Shelter Fence Indiana Michigan Power 64,141.53 Install AFS-Alternate Feed Service for 600 West Stull DHA 2,575.00 Survey Ignition Pk Ziolkowski Construction, 10,131.75 GWS VRP & Soil Gas Smp Lang, Feeney &Associates, 1,350.00 Replat of Bosch Site 1/2 Down to Begin Work DTSB 22,500.00 Beautification Program 2 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS (CONT.) 324 AIRPORT AEDA Metropolitan Title 10,265.00 6840 Nimtz Meridian Title 23,401.18 1502 S Kendall Vaturi ZVI 420 FUND TIF DISTRICT-SBCDA GENERAL Abonmarche 1,100.00 Niles Ave Right of Way DTSB 22,500.00 Beautification Program Rose Pest Solutions 103.00 Pest Control 422 TIF DISTRICT WEST WASHINGTON Gibson-Lewis, LLC 169,078.47 Hansel Center Renovations ARC 98.40 PPC Bond Prints 426 FUND SOUTH BEND CENTRAL MEDICAL DISTRICT Rieth-Riley Construction 155,934.81 Memorial Hospital Streetscape Improvement Holladay Construction 67,500.00 Memorial Hospital Facade Tri-County News 58.67 Notice to Bidders ARC 98.40 Copies/Binding-Printing Indiana Michigan Power 51,148.88 Relocation Agreement 400 Block North Michigan St $ 720,096.52 Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Alford COMMISSION APPROVED THE CLAIMS and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the SUBMITTED SEPTEMBER 13,2012,AND ORDERED Claims submitted September 13, 2012, and ordered THE CHECKS TO BE RELEASED checks to be released. 4. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Inks noted that there were several communications, most of which pertained to the Fellows Street Project. He asked that those be deferred until Item 6.F.(1). There was no objection and those Communications will be addressed later. Mr. Inks noted that the Commission also received an e- mail Communication from Sarah McKibben regarding the use of the Hill and Colfax lot the Commission owns: 3 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 4. COMMUNICATIONS (CONT.) Dear Ms. doness: I am writing to voice my support for a development/redevelopment solution for the empty lot at Hill and Colfax streets, NOT a parking lot for St. Joseph's school. The many innovative businesses in that area have been trying for years to get that lot developed. Rather than stick something ugly there in a spot that could help anchor, grow and beautify the lovely batch of small businesses in the area, why not seek a different parking solution? The businesses in the East Bank have a proven track record of attracting people to the area. Let them find an appealing solution. Don't take such a visible,prominent and potentially lucrative piece of real estate and waste it with cars. I know we can find a workable solution. Heck,people even PARK ON THE STREET where I come from and it doesn't hurt anyone. But if that's not acceptable, well, I'm sure that a good solution can be found It's not the only place where parking can be created. If we had a more dense city, we would never tolerate parking lots across the landscape, but would strive to tuck them away here and there, behind buildings and away from prime retail real estate. I feel so strongly about this that I wrote as soon as I heard about this plan. Sarah McKibben, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Irish Language and Literature Notre Dame 5. OLD BUSINESS There was no Old Business. THERE WAS No OLD BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Receipt of Bids (1) Receipt of Bids for disposition of 402 S. Lafayette Blvd. 4 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Receipt of Bids (1) continued... There was one envelope received related to 402 S. Lafayette Blvd. Ms. Phipps opened the envelope containing the following letter: Dear Members of the Redevelopment Commission: Wightman Petrie would like to express our interest in the property located at 402 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, that was advertised for potential bids due at 9:30 a.m., September 13, 2012. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot submit a bid that would meet the minimum required bid of$82,500. It is our feeling that the advertised minimum bid amount exceeds the true value of the vacant property located at 402 S. Lafayette Blvd. As you maybe aware, our offices are currently located at 412 S. Lafayette Blvd. adjacent to the subject property to the south. We have in the past expressed interest in utilizing the vacant parcel for future expansion of our current operations, as well as moving our main entrance to the north side of our building. It would be our intention that our proposed improvements would go hand-in-hand with the improvements that have already taken place across Western Avenue at Coveleski Stadium thus incorporating the look and feel of the Cove Park redevelopment area. Our firm has had positive past experience with the Commission in the purchase of our 5 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Receipt of Bids (1) continued... existing facility in 2007. At the time we purchased our building, we immediately reinvested a substantial amount of money to improve the building and moved our operations within. Since that time, we have continued to invest in our existing property and have tried to work in close concert with the goals of the Redevelopment Commission for the area now know as Cove Park. It would be our request of the Commission to work with us to find an equitable solution to the development of 402 S. Lafayette Blvd that meets with both our goals and the City of South Bend's goals for the area in and around Western Avenue and Lafayette Blvd. David M. Rafinski Vice President Wightman Petrie Mr. Inks noted that this is a non-responsive bid. The 30-day clock is now running after which the Commission may consider a bid that does not meet the specifications. Mr. Varner commented that he would like to work with Whiteman Petrie to reach an equitable solution for both parties. (2) Receipt of Bids for disposition of 1527 S. Kemble St. There was one envelope received related to 1527 S. Kemble. Ms. Phipps opened the envelope containing the following bid: 6 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Receipt of Bids (2) continued... Offering price: $1,000 Reason for purchase of property, Phase 1, We are looking to expand our building due to the increase in demand for our Drum Dryers. Phase I includes the lot at 1527 S. Kemble Avenue, South Bend, Indiana (#018-8053- 2138). In this phase we would like to add an addition of 1,500 square feet on to the building. We currently have approximately 3,000 square feet and this addition would allow us to increase the size of our welding area. This new area will free up the space for machining and fabricating work area. The increase in demand for our drum dryers has caused us to have to outsource some of our fabricating due to the lack of workable area in our current building. The Phase I of our addition will allow us to keep production in our shop while keeping our cost lower. Phase I will also allow us to hire additional employees. See Phase I drawing. Thank you, Michael Vance Mr. Meteiver asked the Commission to adopt a motion to refer this to the Community & 7 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Receipt of Bids (2) continued... Economic Development staff for review. Upon a motion by Mr. Varner, seconded by COMMISSION REFERRED THE BID TO STAFF AND Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the LEGAL FOR REVIEW Commission referred the bid to staff and legal for review. (3) Receipt of Bids for disposition of 1017 W. Indiana Ave. There was one envelope received related to 1017 W. Indiana. Ms. Phipps opened the envelope containing the following bid: Offering price: $1,000 Reason for purchase of property, Phase 2, After the completion of Phase 1, we would like to add an additional area to the west side of our building. Phase 2 includes the lot at 1017 West Indiana Avenue, South Bend, Indiana (#018-8053-2134). This Phase will be approximately 1,500 square feet. Phase 2 will be our new processing lab. Currently, we run our tests for our customers in another location in another state. We would like to run these tests in our own facility. Having a lab on site will let us run test more often and in our building. This expansion will save us money on traveling to the current testing lab and lost 8 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Receipt of Bids (3) continued... time of being away from the plant. The expansion of Phase 2 will allow us the opportunity to hire additional people. See Phase 2 drawing. Thank you, Michael Vance Upon a motion by Mr. Davis, seconded by COMMISSION REFERRED THE BID FOR 1017 W. Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the INDIANA TO STAFF AND LEGAL FOR REVIEW Commission referred the bid for 1017 W. Indiana to staff and legal for review. B. Tax Abatements (1) Resolution No. 3074 approving an application for real property tax deduction for property located at 3300 N. Kenmore in the Airport Economic Development Area. (Indiana Rotomolding) Mr. Relos noted that Indiana Rotomolding, Inc. is a custom plastic processor utilizing the rotational molding process to manufacture yellow crash barrels for highway safety, along with a wide variety of other small and large hollow products which are shipped up to 800 miles away. The petitioner would like to construct a 25,000 square foot building, which will enable the expansion of their manufacturing facility to accommodate orders from a large new customer. The estimated dollar value of the project will create twenty new permanent, full-time jobs with annual payroll of at least $900,000. The 9 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) B. Tax Abatements (1) continued... project will maintain 70 existing permanent, full-time jobs with an annual payroll of $2,500,000. Information about construction related activities is not yet known, but will be available prior to the Common Council's date for granting a confirming resolution. The company will qualify for a three-to four-year real property abatement. Total taxes to be abated during a four-year abatement period are estimated at $10,044. Total taxes to be paid during a four-year abatement period are estimated at $291,483. Total taxes to be abated during a three-year abatement are estimated at $7,995. Total taxes to be paid during a three-year abatement are estimated at $218,150. Indiana Rotomolding was granted one previous, four-year abatement in 2007. Since this property is located within the Airport Economic Development Area, Commission approval is required. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION No.3074 Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR REAL Commission approved Resolution No. 3074 PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3300 N.KENMORE IN THE AIRPORT approving an application for real property tax ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA(INDIANA deduction for property located at 3300 N. ROTOMOLDING). Kenmore in the Airport Economic Development Area.(Indiana Rotomolding) 10 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) C. South Bend Central Development Area (1) Resolution No. 3076 approving and authorizing the execution of an Addendum to the Master Agency Agreement with the Board of Public Works (DTSB Curb & Sidewalk Repair) Mr. Schalliol noted that the curb and sidewalk repair project will provide $16,000 for the repair at two downtown locations. The first repair project is at the southwest corner of Michigan and Wayne Street in front of the new location of Ciao's Restaurant. The are several sections of broken brick banding and a couple curb sections that need to be replaced before the area is safe for patron activity in front of the restaurant area. The second repair project is on Wayne Street immediately west of the Wayne and St. Joseph Street Garage in front of The Library bar. DTSB and the city have been working with the property owner on facade upgrades and the repair work will repair some broken walk sections, remove a driveway approach, and repair damaged GFI receptacle units in the tree grates. The timeline for this work is to open quotes with the Board of Public Works on September 25 and have the work completed in October. Staff requests approval of Resolution No. 3076 and the Addendum To Master Agency Agreement for the DTSB Curb & Sidewalk Repair Project. Ms. Jones noted that when the city did the 11 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) C. South Bend Central Development Area (1) continued... water repair in front of the Blarney Stone bar on Wayne Street the Commission requested that the owner do something to improve the appearance of the unsightly garage door. Mr. Schalliol responded that the business has been awarded a facade grant from DTSB to repair the brick around upper windows and replace the garage door with a glass one. The brick work above is being done first, but replacement of the garage door is planned after the curb and sidewalk replacement eliminates garage approach. Ms. Jones additionally wanted the owner to de-clutter the front foyer area and clean up the glass display area. Mr. Schalliol said he would convey that message. Mr. Davis asked how long the project will take. Mr. Schalliol responded two weeks. Mr. Davis asked if there would be accommodations made for on-street parking during construction. Mr. Schalliol replied they will certainly work on the parking issue. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION No.3076 Mr. Davis and unanimously carried, the APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION Commission approved Resolution No. 3076 OF AN ADDENDUM TO THE MASTER AGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF PUBLIC approving and authorizing the execution of WORKS(DTSB CURB&SIDEWALK REPAIR). an Addendum to the Master Agency Agreement with the Board of Public Works (DTSB Curb & Sidewalk Repair). (2) Budget Adjustment for VA Clinic project at 333 West Western Ave. 12 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) C. South Bend Central Development Area (2) continued... Mr. Schalliol noted that over the past several months, staff has been working to close out the Veterans Center project located at 333 West Western Avenue. There are a variety of items that need to be addressed on the site and staff is requesting a budget adjustment to pay for some property management and maintenance issues. The original budget for the project $481,000. As the project was closed out with the Board of Public Works, the project ended up with an additional $10,152 in expenses related to some drainage repair, some walkway/sidewalk extensions for better site and mobility access and some additional work that AEP had to do related to the relocation of a power line through the site. Staff is also requesting an additional $2,200 for some specialized survey and design work provided by Wightman Petrie related to the reconfiguration of the drainage and sidewalk issues. Staff requests a total budget amount of $12,712 to close out the VA project. Upon a motion by Mr. Varner seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED THE BUDGET Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the ADJUSTMENT FOR VA CLINIC PROJECT AT 333 Commission approved the Budget WEST WESTERN AVE.IN THE AMOUNT OF Adjustment for VA Clinic project at 333 $12,712 West Western Ave. in the amount of $12,712. 13 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) C. South Bend Central Development Area (3) Authorization to use TIF funds for groundwater testing at 520 S. Lafayette Blvd. Mr. Inks asked that this item be withdrawn from the agenda. There was a funding source that was picking up the major portion of the contract, and that funding source has identified the additional resources to fund the testing. Upon a motion by Mr. Varner seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED THE WITHDRAWAL OF Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the ITEM 6.C. (3) Commission approved the withdrawal of item 6.C. (3) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) Contract with AEP to provide Alternate Feed Services to Union Station Technology Center (USTC). Mr. Schalliol passed out general information about power and safety and a memo from the customer service account manager from AEP. Mr. Schalliol noted that the estimated cost for the Alternate Feed Service is $165,000, which includes the installation of a new service line and meter from a point on Chapin Street to the USTC. The lead time on equipment for this service line is mid-December and is necessary to provide an alternate power feed to the USTC. The funding for this project will come from 14 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) continued... funding allocated by Memorandum of Understanding #1 (MOU#1), approved by the Redevelopment Commission in March 2012. The purpose of the funding allotment in MOU#1 was to provide power equipment and services to upgrade facility service to a minimum 5 MW capacity. Staff requests approval of this professional service contract in the amount of$165,000. Mr. Davis noted that the new documentation provided shows concern for the increased risk of cancer. Mr. Schalliol noted that research has been inconclusive regarding health risks associated with power line placement. However, the power line that is proposed would be no different than any other power line in the general electric grid in that neighborhood. Mr. Davis said that his concern is the additional power lines along with electromagnetic fields caused by nearby trains, in combination with microwaves used in the Housing Authority apartments. this does not make reference to the trains and the power line together. Mr. Schalliol responded that the material did touch on trains, electromagnetic fields generated off of trains, and other common sources of equipment and service. A group of scientists would have to be hired to determine what the level is at the present time with the trains and the additional power. It is something that could be looked into. Mr. Davis said he preferred to have that 15 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) continued... done sooner rather than later. He asked if it were possible to hold off for two weeks to research the safety concerns. Mr. Smith reiterated that the power line is the same as other power lines through any neighborhood. He is finalizing a contract that will land 23 data centers from throughout the world to South Bend. There is currently not enough power for those. This solution is short term. Long term his goal is to build sub-stations within the Renaissance District. He does not see any potential risk from this typical power distribution. Mr. Varner asked Mr. Smith how long was "long term" and "short term." Mr. Smith responded that the fastest they build the additional sub-stations would be a year and a half to two years. He will be moving expeditiously to get those built. Mr. Varner asked if the Housing Authority has expressed concerns about the additional power line. Mr. Schalliol replied that they have expressed concerns, but their issues are with TV signals coming into the building, what the power line looks like, where it sits and whether trees need to be trimmed. Mr. Varner questioned again whether long term was two years at the most. Mr. Smith replied that power would need to be repositioned within two years to continue doing business. 16 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) continued... Mr. Downes stated that he cannot believe that South Bend is the first place in the country, or in the world, where this combination of power is present. He suggested putting the burden on AEP to come up with sufficient information. In the interest of time, to move the project along, he suggested approving the funding so the Commission is not holding the project back, but making the approval contingent upon the Commission being satisfied with the information to be provided. Mr. Davis stated that he did not believe two weeks would break the project. Mr. Smith noted that he's been working on and has landed an international company. It would be extremely challenging and he doesn't know that he could overcome it without additional power. It was unexpected on his behalf and unexpected on AEP's behalf. There is a critical time element and he thinks the city needs to be prudent but sensitive to the time reality. Mr. Davis said that he is in support of the Renaissance District project, but there are people living there. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED THE CONTRACT WITH Mr. Varner, the Commission approved the AEP TO PROVIDE ALTERNATE FEED SERVICES Contract with AEP to provide Alternate Feed TO UNION STATION TECHNOLOGY CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF$165,000,CONTINGENT UPON Services to Union Station Technology Center SATISFACTORY INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED in the amount of$165,000, contingent upon IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS REGARDING THE satisfactory information being provided in SAFETY OF THE POWER LINE BEING BROUGHT TO the next two weeks regarding the safety of THAT LOCATION the power line being brought to that location. Mr. Davis opposed. 17 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (2) Contract for Sale of Land for Private Development by and between the City of South Bend and the South Bend Redevelopment Commission and AJW South Bend Realty Corp. and the TJX Companies, Inc. (Estoppel Certificate). Mr. Meteiver explained that an estoppel certificate is requested when you have a real estate transaction and certain conditions that are attached to the property. In this case there are a number of conditions, some of which run with the land, and other conditions that bind only the current contracting party— TXJ in this particular case. In order to close the upcoming transaction, the purchaser needs to know the status of the property. We, as the contracting party to the conditions, have the best knowledge as to what the condition of the property is---what restrictions might be in violation or satisfied. We also know whether they run with the land or whether they are personal to TJX. TJX has asked us what our opinion was on each of these issues. We exercise that opinion by executing this estoppal certificate, advising them of what the status of the property is. Mr. Inks added that the bottom line is that there are no defaults on the contract that run with the land. There are issues that will remain with the original purchaser of the property. Mr. Davis asked what was the city's interest in the sale of this property, besides jobs. Mr. Inks responded that in order to get the A.J. Wright development in South Bend, the 18 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (2) continued... Redevelopment Commission acquired several properties and businesses on that site. Those were then sold to A.J. Wright, which built its facility there. The sale was through the Contract for Sale agreement. That agreement had certain requirements of A.J. Wright, including requirements of a certain building size and number of jobs. None of those particular items run with the land. Those are particular to A.J. Wright. The city has been receiving penalty payments from A. J. Wright for the lack of jobs since it closed operations. Those penalties are the responsibility of A.J. Wright and will still be due the city. The estoppel is only certifying that there are no other defaults under the contract for sale that would run with the land. So any prospective purchaser would be getting a clean title for the land. Mr. Davis wondered whether there is a prospective buyer for the property. Mr. Inks responded that it would be unusual for A.J. Wright or TJX to request this certificate without someone being interested in the property. Mr. Varner asked if there were any other costs associated with this to which Mr. Inks replied no. Mr. Davis asked what the benefit was to the City of South Bend in this matter. Mr. Inks noted that A.J. Wright has not been doing anything with the building. They are looking to sell it. A re-use is in the best interests of 19 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (2) continued... the city, putting a new business there,jobs, new machinery and equipment, all very positive for the City of South Bend. This is a normal course of business and property transactions not an infrequent request. Mr. Downes noted that the city is still receiving penalty payments from A.J. Wright and will continue to receive those in the future regardless of whether this property sells or not. There is a vacant building that is providing nothing to us. The only way that building can be sold and occupied is with this estoppels certificate. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes and seconded COMMISSION APPROVED THE CONTRACT FOR by Mr. Alford, the Commission approved the SALE OF LAND FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT BY Contract for Sale of Land for Private AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND THE SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT Development by and between the City of COMMISSION AND AJW SOUTH BEND REALTY South Bend and the South Bend CORP.AND THE TJX COMPANIES,INC. Redevelopment Commission and AJW South (ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE). Bend Realty Corp. and the TJX Companies, Inc. (Estoppel Certificate). Mr. Davis opposed. E. West Washington-Chapin Development Area There was no business in the West Washington- THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE WEST Chapin Development Area. WASHINGTON-CHAPIN DEVELOPMENT UREA. 20 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) Update on Fellows Street/Ireland Road traffic plan. Mr. Schalliol noted that over the past several months, the staff of the South Bend Redevelopment Commission and various offices of the City of South Bend and staff from consulting engineering firm Christopher B. Burke LLC have been working to review and revise the Fellows Street Corridor Project that was presented to the Redevelopment Commission in the form of Resolution No. 3045 and Amendment#3 to the Master Agency Agreement in June 2012. The proposed corridor project involved the acquisition of thirty residential properties and acquisition of right of way from five residences and one business to create an upgraded roadway corridor from the intersection of Fellows and Ireland to the intersection of Chippewa and Michigan. The proposed roadway would be connected at Fellows and Ireland to a new local road connector being built by the State of Indiana which will connect the Gilmer Park neighborhood and neighborhoods south of the bypass to Ireland Road via a new bridge over the bypass. After much review over the summer, the project team developed and presented six alignment concepts labeled Alternates A, B- 1, B-2, B-3, C and D, at a special meeting of the Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday, August 28. Since that time, staff has been reviewing comments from the meeting, reviewing the alignment concepts, and 21 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... listening to post-meeting feedback from neighbors and city staff Staff has now narrowed down the alternates to two options which are being presented to the Commission today as Alternate A and Alternate C (C-1 and C-2). ALTERNATE A From the beginning of the planning and design process, the objective was to determine the most efficient way to circulate existing traffic loads and new projected traffic loads within the existing roadway network. With the current street structure, traffic coming across the new bridge will have three options of movement when it arrives at Ireland: turn left, turn right, or go straight on Fellows. While some of the traffic will turn onto Ireland Road, Alternate A assumes that a large number will continue on north on Fellows and turn on to Walter, Barbie, or Chippewa to get to Michigan or continue north on Fellows to other locations. The current traffic count on Fellows of 4,000+ cars already puts Fellows into a near- fail capacity for the roadway. The addition of the extra through traffic will cause further safety and circulation problems. The Alternate A proposal would expand the current roadway from two lanes to three lanes from Ireland to Chippewa, add a center turn lane for safer driveway access, and allow for a direct traffic movement from Fellows and Ireland to Chippewa and Michigan. Additionally, the project will 22 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... incorporate sewer separation, improvements on storm water drainage and system management, and the addition of a separated pedestrian trail and completion of the sidewalk network. The project, as proposed, will require the acquisition of 30 properties and right of way from at least six other properties. Design work would be done through streetscaping to mitigate the traffic impact on the neighborhood, and the improved pedestrian features will make it safer for people to circulate adjacent to the roadway. The project acquisition cost with this alternative is estimated at $3.2 million (based on 2012 property tax assessment with adjustment for relocation) and with a projected loss of tax revenue at $36,000 (based on 2012 tax bill value). ALTERNATE C-1 AND C-2 Alternate C uses Ireland Road as the route to Michigan Street. Upgrades to the intersection of Ireland and Fellows would be required to better accommodate forced left and right turns onto Ireland. A key element of this alternate concept is the cul-du-sac-ing of Fellows Street south of Walter Street and not allowing traffic to continue along Fellows north of the intersection. In addition to providing new turn capacity from Fellows to Ireland, work would also need to be done to improve Ireland Road to allow for the additional traffic returning south across the bridge. That would require a dedicated right 23 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... turn lane for east bound traffic and a dedicated left turn movement for west bound traffic. Additionally, a dedicated right/north turn lane would need to be constructed at the intersection of Ireland and Michigan to help move traffic. Two alternate concepts were developed for this option. Alternate C-1 is a standard intersection with additional turn lanes added to Ireland and a median added to Fellows Street north of Ireland allowing south bound traffic to turn right/west only onto Ireland. This median is necessary to aid in traffic flow by reducing the amount of light and traffic movements at the intersection. Alternate C-2 is a round-about-based intersection that would allow free-flow traffic at the intersection and would not have traffic restrictions. Because all traffic north of Walter Street would be restricted from access to Ireland Road, Alternative C requires the upgrade of the intersections of Teri, Barbie and Fellows and creates an upgraded Barbie/Fellows intersection to take advantage of the new traffic signal proposed for Michigan. This would allow two signalized access points in/out of the neighborhood and allow non- signalized access at Walter Street. Alternatives C-1 and C-2 require fewer acquisitions: likely, seven full residential and three full commercial acquisitions and at least four partial right of way acquisitions. 24 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... The number of partial right of way acquisitions would increase if sidewalks were added to Ireland Road from Michigan to Fellows on the north or St. Joseph to Fellows on the south side of Ireland. The project acquisition cost impact with this alternative is estimated at $2.5 million (based on 2012 property tax assessment and commercial estimates of value with no adjustment for relocation) and with a projected loss of tax revenue at $75,033.21 (based on 2012 tax bill value). The costs associated with relocation of the commercial businesses, and the potential costs associated with environmental remediation of the Marathon Gas Station at the corner of Ireland and Michigan could raise the acquisition cost dramatically. Alternative C presents some concerns for various city departments as it creates an isolated neighborhood with challenges for public safety services, based on the present configuration and location of public safety facilities. Additionally, while the Parks Department is supportive of the roadway improvements, there is reservation about not having multiple points of access to the O'Brien facility and removing the connectivity of the center from the intersection of Fellows and Ireland. Staff has reviewed Transpo bus routes and has requested SBCSC bus routing information. The feedback from those entities is that Alternative C would restrict current and future route options. 25 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... A final concern about Alternate C is that by selecting this option, new survey and design work will be required and that will add extra time and expense as compared to using the Alternate A alignment which is already designed and within a month of being ready to bid. It is projected that the design timeline for Alternate C could add six months to the project and between $300,000 and $335,000 to the project. Mr. Schalliol noted that the staff surveyed by e-mail and telephone the 33 property owners who would be acquired under Alternative A. The survey was sent out approximately 24 hours before this meeting. 23 responses were received, seventeen of which supported Alternate A; Five did not. FINAL RECOMMENDATION After much review, discussion, and reconsideration, the staff recommends Alternate A as the most appropriate alternative for addressing the expected increased traffic flow. Staff will work diligently to get professional service proposals prepared and presented to the Commission and Board of Works at their next scheduled meeting so that we can begin the acquisition appraisal process and begin developing relocation packages. Also, staff will continue to review ways to add traffic calming measures or design elements into the roadway to minimize the impact of the roadway and increase pedestrian and vehicular safety. While its understood that 26 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... this alternative may not meet 100% approval from all involved, we will work to accommodate schedules and other issues as best as possible to make the transition as smooth as possible. Mr. Downes asked whether the surveys were supposed to be responded to by a certain date. Mr. Schalliol replied that staff asked that all responses be returned by first thing today. Mr. Inks asked if this was intended to be an update today with no action by the Commission. Mr. Schalliol responded that it was intended to be an update, but he would like to get a sense of direction in order to know how to proceed. Mr. Downes said that he would like to have a more complete response from those surveyed. Mr. Varner noted that he doesn't think the fact that Alternative A is nearly ready to move on and would cost less than Alternative C are good reasons to select it. That should be a lesson for the future to not make administrative decisions without enough input. It's an expensive mistake to move to a 90% design without enough pubic input or Commission buy-in. He prefers Alternative C because it is least disruptive to the neighborhood and requires fewer acquisitions. 27 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... Mr. Downes noted that the City and the Redevelopment Commission can not to nothing. We were provided a variety of options, none of which we were entirely happy with. We won't please everyone but doing nothing is not an option. Mr. Davis expressed his uneasiness with the survey process. People voted for Alternative A if they want their property to be acquired. Then they will be gone and everyone else in the neighborhood has to live with the result. Mr. Davis voiced his strong opposition to the city taking properties that pay taxes off the tax roll. Mr. Davis asked if Christopher B. Burke Engineering was still being paid for its services. Mr. Schalliol replied that it is likely the city has well exceeded the current contract. If the city goes with Alternate A there will be additional contract expenses. If the choice is Alternate C there would be new contract expenses as well as survey and environmental costs. Burke Engineering would be continuing with the project. Mr. Davis noted that the cart is being pushed, and in doing so more variables are being added. This project has not been dealt with with the transparencies everyone has asked for. Mr. Davis asked how the survey was done per household. Mr. Schalliol explained that some households submitted more than one response (husband and wife). 28 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... Mr. Schalliol noted that Alternative A would result in a potential loss of tax revenue of $33,000. With Alternative C1 and C2 the lost tax revenue is estimated at $75,000, because the properties to be acquired would be businesses, which pay higher taxes. Mr. Downes asked what the next steps were and what the timeline is. Mr. Schalliol responded that once a decision is made, which path is taken, staff will begin the process of having properties appraised, putting together relocation packages, finalizing development plans and beginning acquisition. The state is well under its way with its construction project, with completion expected late fall of 2013. Mr. Downes asked if at the next Commission meeting that staff could furnish results of the survey, and whether this item can be on the agenda for final action. Mr. Inks stated that that would be the goal. Mr. Schalliol noted the correspondence regarding this project and asked that the Communications be made part of the record: 9/12/12 Dear sir, It is my understanding that the best options concerning the Fellows St. Project will be presented tomorrow. I have been told, whether true or not, that it will be option A 29 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... and C that will be presented. I was also told that I would be asked my opinion as one of the homes included for demolition in option A by today. I have heard nothing. I AM in favor of option A and option D (if it is still on the table). Option C, in my opinion, is worse than doing nothing at all!! First of all you are shutting off Fellows St. to everyone. I, myself, as well as those around me and I'm sure if asked, most of Southmore residents, do not want to go all the way to Michigan St. just to go to the grocery store, Kohls, Target, etc. This is absolutely ridiculous!! Second, the original intention of the bridge over the bypass was for emergency vehicles to be able to get from Gilmer Park/Centre Township area to the hospital quicker. Do you really think it is quicker for them if they have to wait at a stoplight coming off that bridge, turn left, go through numerous stoplights just to get to the same spot (Michigan and Chippewa)? It is dangerous to make this decision as it impacts precious time involved in saving a life. It would be much quicker to go straight on Fellows to Chippewa to Michigan and avoid traffic signals. Thirdly, I have heard, again whether true or not, that by eliminating the 3 business on the corner of Fellows and Ireland that you will be losing more tax dollars than if you demolish the 30 houses in the original plan (A). To me, Plan C does not make sense and the people that are in favor of it are not thinking things through. Those that want it that live on Chippewa because they think they will have less traffic down their street will end up 30 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... having more traffic because residents from the north will have to go down Chippewa just to go to the grocery store!! Sidney Dragon (Cindy Holderman) mcclanalalam@gmail.com Dear sir, It is my understanding that the best options concerning the Fellows St Project will be presented tomorrow. I have been told, whether true or not, that it will be option A and C that will be presented. I was also told that I would be asked my opinion as one of the homes included for demolition in option A by today. I have heard nothing. I AM in favor of option A and option D (if it is still on the table). Option C, in my opinion, is worse then doing nothing at all!! First of all you are shutting off Fellows St to everyone. I, myself, as well as those around me and I'm sure if asked, most of Southmore residents, do not want to go all the way to Michigan St. just to go to the grocery store, Kohls, Target, etc. That is absolutely ridiculous!! Second, the original intention of the bridge over the bypass was for emergency vehicles to be able to get from Gilmer Park/Centre Township area to the hospital quicker. Do you really think it is quicker for them if they have to wait at a stoplight coming off that bridge, turn left, go through numerous stoplights just to get to the same spot (Michigan and 31 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... Chippewa)? It is dangerous to make this decision as it impacts precious time involved in saving a life. It would be much quicker to go straight on Fellows to Chippewa to Michigan and avoid traffic signals. Thirdly, I have heard, again whether true or not, that by eliminating the 3 business on the corner of Fellows and Ireland that you will be losing more tax dollars than if you demolish the 30 houses in the original plan (A). To me, Plan C does not make sense and the people that are in favor of it are not thinking things through. Those that want it that live on Chippewa because they think they will have less traffic down their street will end up having more traffic because residents from the north will have to go down Chippewa just to go to the grocery store!! Please consider these points when you make your decision. Thank you. Cindy Holderbaum 9/3/12 We like option C. Thank you very much. Barb and Anthony Snodgrass 430 Teri Street, South Bend, IN 32 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... 8/27/12 Hello, I hear that there is ANOTHER meeting scheduled for tomorrow night at the O'Brien Center. I am not sure if my husband and I will be able to attend, but I wanted it in writing that Matthew and Cindy Holderbaum of 422 E. Chippewa Ave. are in favor of the ORIGINAL alignment plan of Fellows Street onto Chippewa Ave. and the original alignment ONLY. No other alignment makes sense (especially the one down Walter St. next to the splash pad, skate park, and playground equipment) where there are many children playing. With that amount of traffic going down that street, a child is going to get hurt or worse yet, killed!! Also, I would really encourage you that when you do hear from the residents tomorrow night, that you only hear from those actually being affected. In other words, those whose houses are (or were) scheduled for acquisition. I see that someone distributed flyers (about this meeting tomorrow), AGAIN, down both sides of Chippewa when only the first 5 houses on the south side (including ours) are/were scheduled for acquisition. I also witnessed flyers being distributed on the side streets off Chippewa. So AGAIN, it will appear that many are against this ORIGINAL project when they really should not have a say in the issue. They live 2-3 blocks away from the project!! 33 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... This has turned into a real mess, especially for those of us who were planning on moving because we were told 100% without a doubt that our houses were going to be bought by the city. I hope you come to a win/win (as Mr. Davis puts it) for ALL of us and not just the handful of people that are against this ORIGINAL project. Thank you, Cindy Holderbaum 9/5/12 Hello, I am one of the home owners that was scheduled to have my house acquired by the city for the Fellows St./Chippewa Ave. project. I have been in favor of the original plan from the beginning. It is the only plan that makes sense to help with the traffic flow off of the new bridge that is in the process of being built over the bypass. That being said, there have been many that have expressed opposition to this project, including those 2 blocks away and on the side streets (those whose houses are not included in any of the plans but say they do not want to lose on street parking or have extra traffic down Chippewa). Those people have expressed interest in what is being called "Project C". As you probably know, Project C cuts off Fellows St. totally from Ireland Rd. It is ridiculous that this plan is 34 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... even under consideration for several reasons. First of all, residents like us and especially those from Southmore housing, do not want to have to go all the way to Michigan St.just to go to the grocery store or to Target, Kohls, etc. This doesn't even make sense!! Plus those complaining that there will be extra traffic if Plan A(the original plan) is implemented, will get the extra traffic, anyway, due to all those residents from the north having to go down Chippewa to get to the grocery store!! Secondly, I think we are all losing sight of why the bridge over the bypass is being built. Its original intention was to make a quicker path for emergency vehicles to go from Gilmer Park, down Fellows/Chippewa to Michigan to get to the hospital. If the emergency vehicles have to stop at a dead end coming off the bridge at Ireland Rd., turn left, maneuver through numerous traffic lights just to get to the same place (Chippewa and Michigan) imagine the precious time lost. Lastly, it is my understanding that approximately the same amount of money would be spent for both projects (because the fixing of drainage on Fellows, Barbie, Walter, Chippewa etc. still would need to be done regardless of which plan is chosen and that cost has not be figured into Project C yet). So basically the same amount of money spent, traffic flow not fixed, and you would be taking 3 businesses in Project C whose tax 35 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... dollars for outway the tax dollars brought in by the 30 houses in Project A, it doesn't make sense to me or to many others whose property is affected by this. Please reconsider Project C and go with the original plan (Project A). It is also my understanding that B and D had to be ruled out due to the fact that it tears through O'Brien Park and there are several children there daily taking classes, using the skate park, and using the splash pad and playground. Either way, Project A is the best way to go and it is best for the ENTIRE City of South Bend. Thank you for your time, Cindy Holderbaum 422 E. Chippewa Ave. mcholderbaum@datacruz.com 9/13/12 Hi! This is to advise that I enthusiastically PREFER OPTION"C." Six of my neighbors also PREFER"C." They will address their choice to you. His concern for children left in his care by the gentleman from O'Brien Center prompts the question: Would it not be advisable to restore the concrete lane divider at the Walter/Michigan intersection to discourage/prevent through traffic access to 36 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... the west end of Walter Street? Thank you for your concern! Joe Horvath Attila1923@sbcglobal.net To our leaders, Ladies and gentlemen I am writing you this letter to describe to you what I believe is one of the most important decisions the redevelopment department is going to make in 2012. I just returned from church that we go to out by the airport. We live on the south side of South Bend. Because of the MDA ride, and the fact that the bypass was closed from 12 to 3 o'clock on Sunday, September 2, 2012, we needed to drive down Ireland Road all away to Miami in order to get to our home in Miami trails. This brought to mind what is going to happen when the bypass dumps the traffic northbound on Ireland Road. I was shocked to find out the traffic on Ireland Road was backed up all the way down to the light going in the Menard's. It was barely moving. This was just a small sampling of what's going to happen if we do not do something with the Fellows Street project. You may recall that one person at the meetings stood to tell you about when they were displaced in the airport expansion project. That someone was me. My name is 37 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... Jim Goepfrich. I am the property owner at 4036 S. Fellows. As I mentioned in the meeting even though this may be very much of a problem for those residents that have to lose their houses the overall advantages to South Bend and its future is undeniably needed. The good of the few cannot outweigh the good of the whole. Let's look at what is been discussed and what some of the plans are that are being batted around now. First the original plan was to take out somewhere between 28 and 30 homes along South Fellows as well as by Chippewa. Other residents who spoke, to my knowledge, there are six individuals that do not want to use this plan because they do not want to move. So the engineering department was told to go back and look at a separate plan. But every other plan they look at requires at least three or four of the six people who were opposed to the first plan would still lose their homes!? So do we change this plan for just two or three people? Some objections have to do with the fact that we would lose the income from the property values and property taxes from those 30 homes. However the numbers do not hold with this argument. The 30 homes or so only brings in approximately $33,000 in property taxes. One commercial property, like the one that is being proposed just north or Culvers, would double the amount of property taxes the community would take in for two reasons. One commercial property brings in 38 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... more property taxes to begin with and to it would be a larger building which means the improvements would be taxed at a larger rate. So that eliminates that argument altogether. Next argument has to do with the buffer of homes between the golf course and Fellows. This argument doesn't hold any water; pardon the pun, because of the drainage water that causes problems to the homes that butt up against the golf course as it stands now. Just the fact that we will be able take care of some of the drainage problems using the original plan makes more sense than anything else I've seen so far. Also by trying to save some of these homes we have to then leave the S-curve at Chippewa in place. Now even though the argument is there hasn't been any traffic fatalities at that intersection in the last period of time, imagine when we dump all those cars that I described to you in the first paragraph which will be a regular occurrence when the bypass is dumped off on Ireland Road. Now some people argue that we just simply send people up Ireland Road and have right-hand turn on Michigan Street. Ladies and gentlemen that simply won't happen. Human nature tells us in past experience that people will simply tried to get around it by going up Fellows Street. This is been proven time and time again when we do a partial repair instead of taking care the future plan upfront. The leaders of the South Bend community 39 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... needs to look at the future and what we can expect will be needed as we grow the community. The entire job of leadership in South Bend and the surrounding community is to protect us and plan for growth. There are plenty of cities in America would love to have any growth that might take place when the recovery happens to our economy. We as a community must be ready for this growth or suffer the loss of so many other small communities that simply just accept the bare minimum. Turning to another subject, even if we decided that we wanted to simply use one of the less perfect plans, we will have a financial responsibility to those that already made plans to sell their homes to the city and/or either decided to buy other one or plan on moving into some other type of the community like a retirement situation. As I set through that meeting it was clear to me that most of the people that were in that meeting had assumed that the city was going ahead with the project and several more already made plans and the financial commitments to implement those plans. So it's very clear even if we decided we wanted to use the "cheaper plan" the City of South Bend will still have some financial responsibilities for the promises already made to those residents that have made those financial plans. On a personal note my tenant to 4036 S. Fellows has made it abundantly clear to me 40 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... that she will not stay in a construction zone with her small children. That means I will have an empty house that would not have income coming in, so there will also be a financial responsibility there if the city decides not to buy my personal property. Finding another tenant during construction and after changing the entire neighborhood would certainly change what I could charge for rent and what type of tenant I could possibly get in a neighborhood that was destroyed by this new type of construction. I would urge every leader in our South Bend community that has anything to say about this project to take seriously the fact that this project is changing people's lives. Take a lesson from the South Bend regional Airport project where they had treated most people fairly and even though the project is not developed in the full-blown finished project we expected at first for economic reasons, they did take care the people they did displaced and are now are set to be able to take care of any growth that may happen in the near and far future on the west side around the airport. Finally, I would urge you to understand that the best plan may go even further than the first plan you thought of I would urge you consider purchasing all of the houses from Chippewa South to Ireland Rd. and from the golf course west to Michigan Street to allow South Bend to develop that area as commercial property. Mishawaka has its 41 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... University Park area, what do we have? Regards, Jim Goepfrich 574-850-6659 4036 S. Fellows St. (letter) 9/12/12 Dear Mayor Buttigieg: I am distressed to see the transportation plan for South Bend that includes the widening to four lanes of Fellows Street from Ireland Road and turning into a four lane Chippewa Street to Michigan. This is a wrongheaded idea. So far the concern has been for the over forty families affected by this plan, but the truth is you should be concerned for the whole city which will be deeply affected in a very negative way. This is the absolute wrong thing to do. Such a plan is not needed. Transportation planners like to move people from place to place without regard for neighborhoods or the people who live in them. I remember a plan in the 70's to build freeways through South Bend that would have decimated several neighborhoods, including (if you can imagine it) East Jefferson Boulevard. Fortunately, the people of power had the good sense to stop it. 42 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... Now you must stop this wrongheaded idea for the people without power. When I drive through the Fellows/Chippewa neighborhood I see tidy homes (for the most part)in a viable working class neighborhood. For a city so concerned with its neighborhoods, it is unthinkable that you would destroy this one. The curve in Fellows gives this street its uniqueness, and people seem to handle it just fine. The state is already destroying much of Gilmer Park, a neighborhood outside South Bend, the city should have no part in making fewer places for working class families to live. A connection from the state's new bridge over the by-pass on Fellows to Michigan Street is not needed. Indeed, a turn onto Ireland and then to Michigan is easy to manage. Michigan Street will continue south under the by-pass. Access for out-of-towners will be unimpeded. The Fellows Street bridge users should be mainly local drivers who can easily manage either driving slowly through a nice neighborhood for the pleasant nature of it or turning onto Ireland either to access the businesses there or come up Michigan Street into town. Why must transportation planners scoot people through the city? Actually, most of the streets in and out of South Bend are not speedways. Portage Avenue is 20 miles per hour for much of its length, yet it is a major 43 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... thoroughfare. I have no problem traveling it; no one else seems to either. Pleasant Street, which I use to make my rare visits to Mishawaka, was made narrower when it was resurfaced. Miami Street is wide but only 30 mph; Ironwood was widened but never carried the anticipated traffic and remains a 30 mph street. The major corridors are sufficient to make access to South Bend from any direction easy and enjoyable. We are told that this road will have public right of way land between it and the golf course and in other areas along its route. Thant means it will have overgrown and weed infested land next to it instead of manicured lawns. One of the things that makes Erskine Golf Course pleasant is that stretch of the golf course with houses along it. And these houses and others planned for demolition are among the nicest in the neighborhood and pleasant to drive by. Reshaping the streets in the neighborhood will have a very detrimental effect beyond the homes to come down. People will be cut off from one another, the houses will be off from the platted land as it is now, and such destruction inevitably leads to further decay. When neighborhoods are cut through with major roads, patterns of neighborliness, walking, and child play are detrimentally affected. This is a strong, secure, pleasant, working class area which has not succumbed to the 44 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... many pressures on other such neighborhoods. So planners, who love to move people around, were attracted to it, I guess, as a neighborhood needing destruction. Perhaps the real reason that this is being suggested is to make a larger area for commercial development. But that area includes O'Brien Center and the skate park. It is much nicer to have them surrounded by homes and green space, but I wonder if it is secretly planned for development. Given the many remaining area along Ireland Road and around the Showplace 16 Theater, I question whether such additional space is needed. But if this is part of the plan, the public should be informed now. Beyond South Bend's need to sustain good neighborhoods like the Fellows-Chippewa area, the effect of this destruction is a continuation of the reduction in taxable real estate for the city. We need these homes on the tax roll. Look at what is happening to South Bend's tax base. St. Matthews bought a whole block of houses and built a parking lot—no more taxes on that block. IUSB has bought up some of the nicest home in River Park and built parking lots. No more taxes on those blocks. St. Joseph High School got an extra block of property beyond the former hospital land and built a parking lot. No more taxes possible from that block. (And that land would have made a great place for condos looking over the city.) Memorial Hospital is covering over much of the 45 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... entryway into the city with parking lots. No taxes on that land any more. I&M is planning to tear down houses in River Park. No more taxable income on that land. Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church is buying up parts of the southeast side—no more possibility for developing taxable income properties on that land. The "airport expansion" removed more than 100 families, and while much of the land was outside the city, that taxable income was lost to the county and many of the families displace to New Carlisle, Mishawaka and the townships to the east. Are we so eager to lose population and tax base, that we can send another 40 families away and lose that taxable income too? And for what? An unnecessary, ugly waste of money. We will be spending money to reduce the city's income in the future. These and other reasons make this plan a monumental mistake for all of South Bend, not only a terribly destructive move against the south side of our city. Conrad Damian 718 E. Broadway South Bend, Indiana 46601 9/13/12 Good Morning- Well now that we know that the plans have been narrowed down to A or C. It seems 46 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... quite clear that we need to do what the engineers presented to you more than 4 months ago. Plan A has been surveyed, planned and is ready to go. Why waste more time and money to go and do something different? Why have a new bridge lead to a dead end road? Why close off a road already used by more than 4,000 cars a day? Why force all of the people in our neighborhood out onto Michigan St to get to Ireland Rd? Seems like a recipe for more accidents and headache. It seems obvious that Fellows St needs to remain a through road and needs to be improved. The population south of Ireland Rd is growing and we need an improved road to use. Making everyone use Ireland Rd from the south would make it another Grape Rd. It would be a huge inconvenience for all living here and using these roads everyday. Please do what is the right thing for the southside an go with the original plan A. We need the park space, we need the bike path, we need the sewer and storm water systems improved and we need the Fellows/Teri/ Chippewa intersections fixed. This has created a lot of stress and anxiety for the many of us that have been in favor of this since the beginning. We had all been planning for this since the beginning of this year and for a handful of people to create such a delay for the project at the last minute was very unfair to us. Where were all the 47 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... concerns back in March??? We've been hanging in limbo now for more than 3 months! I know most of the neighbors are planning to stay in the city so please do the right thing for the southside and those who travel through it. Approve plan "A" Thanks- The Heckman Family 4224 Fellows St. (2) Resolution No. 3072 approving and authorizing the execution of an Addendum to the Master Agency Agreement with the Board of Public Works (Ireland Road Right of Way Acquisition Services). Mr. Schalliol noted that over the past several years, the City of South Bend has made plans to improve traffic circulation and pedestrian accessibility within the Erskine Hills Shopping District/Ireland Road Corridor. Many of the public infrastructure projects that have been completed on the south side, like the improvements on Michigan, the intersection of Ireland and Miami, and the reconstruction of West Ireland Road have contained as a component the construction of sidewalks and pedestrian access points. Three infrastructure projects are presently planned which require right of way acquisition. Right of way acquisition is a lot more involved than just full property acquisition as it requires specialized appraisals and review to properly cover all items of impact. The attached Addendum 48 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... includes a professional service proposal from DLZ Indiana LLC to serve as the acquisition for the Commission/Board of Public Works. The acquisition team is familiar with the south side and presently serves as right of way acquisition agents on the Main/Lafayette connector project. The cost of the proposal is $90,500, including all appraisals, title work, and all other services necessary to complete the acquisitions. A total of six total right of way acquisitions require these services: Parcel 1 —Miami Street Pedestrian Connection Broadmoor Shopping Center Parcel - East side of Miami, North of Ireland Parcel 2—Miami Street Pedestrian Connection JR Fox Jewelers Parcel - East side of Miami, North of Ireland Parcel 4—Ireland & High Intersection Improvement Fitness USA Parcel - SE corner of High and Ireland Parcel 5—Ireland & High Intersection Improvement Mutual Bank Parcel - SW corner of High and Ireland 49 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) F. South Side Development Area (1) continued... Parcel 6—Fellows Street Intersection Improvement (in conjunction with the State of Indiana) Graber Group Parcel -NW corner of Fellows and Ireland Staff requests approval of Resolution No. 3072. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION No.3072 Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION Commission approved Resolution No. 3072 OF AN ADDENDUM TO THE MASTER AGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF PUBLIC approving and authorizing the execution of WORKS(IRELAND ROAD RIGHT OF WAY an Addendum to the Master Agency ACQUISITION SERVICES). Agreement with the Board of Public Works (Ireland Road Right of Way Acquisition Services). G. Northeast Neighborhood Development Area There was no business in the Northeast THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE NORTHEAST Neighborhood Development Area. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AREA. H. Douglas Road Economic Development Area There was no business in the Douglas Road THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE DOUGLAS Economic Development Area. ROAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA. L Ratification of Services Contracts Upon a motion by Mr. Downes seconded by Mr. COMMISSION APPROVED THE RATIFICATION OF Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission SERVICES CONTRACTS ratified the services contract with Lang, Feeney & Associates for a replat of Lot 1, Bosch Minor Subdivision at a cost of$2,475. 50 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 7. PROGRESS REPORTS A. Tax Abatement Mr. Inks suggested to the Commission the idea of removing the Commission from the list of entities that need to approve tax abatements. The Indiana state law changed a year or so ago. Previously, any tax abatement in a TIF area had to go through the Redevelopment Commission for approval. That is no longer required and it would shorten the tax abatement process by two weeks to make that change. Staff would continue to keep the Commission informed of abatements that go before the Council, but would do so in Progress Reports. Mr. Meteiver asked that Commissioners express their intent in a vote today. He would then prepare a resolution for the September 27 meeting. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes seconded by Mr. COMMISSION APPROVED BYPASSING THE Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR THE TIF approved bypassing the Redevelopment TAX ABATEMENT PROCESS UPON UPCOMING RESOLUTION AT THE NEXT MEETING ON Commission for the TIF tax abatement process SEPTEMBER 27,2012. upon upcoming resolution at the next meeting on September 27, 2012. B. Other Mr. Inks noted that the Controller has asked that we go through a different budget process this year. In past years we have come forward in December with proposed TIF budgets for the following year. The administration wants all the budgets the Council must approve to be on the same schedule as the city's administrative budget. Therefore, at the next meeting, staff will be presenting resolutions establishing public hearing dates in October for 2013 for TIF bonds. 51 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—September 13, 2012 8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission is NEXT COMMISSION MEETING scheduled for Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the ADJOURNMENT Redevelopment Commission, Mr. Varner made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Downes seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 10:48 a.m. 52