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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSM 04-03-95[4j3 SOUTH BEND REDEVELOMEW CONEWSSION SPECIAL INFORMAL MEETING April 3, 1995 7:00 p.m. Presiding: Philip J Faccenda President 1. ROLL CALL 1308 County -City Building 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, Indiana Members Present: Mr. Philip J Faccenda, President Ms. Paula N. Auburn, Vice- President Mr. Robert W. Hunt, Secretary Mr. William P. Hojnacki Members Absent: Mr. Michael Donoho Legal Counsel: Ms. Jenny Pitts Manier Redevelopment Staff: Mrs. Ann Kolata, Director Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary Mr. Gabriel Okafor, Economic Dev. Specialist Mr. John Stark, Economic Dev. Specialist Ms. Pamela Matchett, Economic Dev. Specialist Planning Staff: Mr. Marco Mariani, Planner Media: Mr. David Rumbach Others: Ms. Vicki Black, SEQL Mr. Harry Marsh, SEQL This meeting was called so that the Commission and members of the Southeast Quality of Life Neighborhood Association could discuss, informally and in greater detail, the Strategic Action Plan developed by the neighborhood association and Teska & Associates. Mrs. Kolata noted that the Action Plan has four basic section with goals outlined for each section. The four sections are: capacity- building, land use and physical environment, housing, and neighborhood security. Mr. Marsh gave an update on what has been done since the plan was presented to the Commission on April 3. SEQL held a meeting devoted to neighborhood security at which the Chief of Police and the Mayor's Assistant were present. Everyone believes achieving se OF dP*l South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Informal Meeting - April 3, 1995 neighborhood security is the key to the success of the entire plan. Although they are trying to identify Block Captains throughout the neighborhood to whom neighbors can report crime or suspicion of crime, SEQL is having difficulty getting neighborhood participation. They feel this effort will be more successful after neighbors begin to see some positive changes as a result of other efforts. The. Commission indicated their support for changes to the zoning law which would prohibit future dividing of large homes into multi - family rental units. Mrs. Kolata explained the REWARD Program and the Community Homebuyers Corporation offered through the Bureau of Housing which could enable families formerly unable to purchase a home to become home owners. Mr. Marsh indicated that another problem related to rental units is the "professional tenant" who moves from one apartment or home to another, trashing the unit and leaving the landlord with unpaid rent. SEQL would like to see some better resources offered to landlords to screen potential tenants so they don't get stuck and so these "professional tenants" can't take advantage of landlords repeatedly this way. The new park which will replace Dean Johnson Park was discussed. It has not yet been decided what types of facilities will be built into the new park; but everyone wants to be sure the new park minimizes the opportunities for crime and offers facilities the neighborhood will use. SEQL feels that the park has the potential to be the cornerstone of the neighborhood if it is developed properly. Mr. Marsh noted that shortly before being dismantled, Dean Johnson Park was beginning to be used again for good purposes. Mrs. Kolata asked what caused the change in use. Mr. Marsh felt that perhaps the timing was right for youth in the neighborhood. He also noted that the police, Family & Children's Center, and churches had scheduled organized activities there. Mr. Marian pointed out on a schematic design where the Parkview Juvenile Center site, Family & Children's Center, IVY Tech, and the new park would be. He noted that when the plan was presented to several Park Board members and other concerned parties, several participants were concerned that the new park didn't have a "theme. " The neighborhood prefers a "passive park." One "theme" that is being considered which may satisfy all parties is to connect the new park to the East Race Walkway through pedestrian paths. Ms. Auburn asked what the schedule was for constructing the park. Mrs. Kolata responded that the Commission does not have any purchase offers out for the land on which the park is to be constructed. Funds will not be available for that acquisition until after the first of the year and will depend on the amount of tax increment that is received. She noted that the IPA South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Informal Meeting - April 3, 1995 Commission has committed to spending at least what it would cost to provide a facility equal to the old Dean Johnson Park. Ms. Auburn asked what next steps need to be taken by the Commission to move the Strategic Action Plan forward. Mrs. Kolata indicated that the staff would continue to work with the neighborhood to decide what kind of amenities to include in the park. Representatives may go to other cities and observe other successful parks. The staff will also begin working toward changing the zoning in the area in accordance with the plan. The staff will also continue to develop the rules for the "house move" program. Ms. Black noted that it has been difficult to identify families to purchase the homes if they are moved. One family who would have been relocated would like to have their house moved and be relocated into that same house. The idea was suggested to use a program similar to the former Homestead Program whereby families interested in a particular house could participate in a drawing and the winner be awarded the house for $1.00. The neighborhood representatives asked what would happen to the site being prepared for IVY Tbch if that facility never received funding for that location. The neighborhood is concerned that the site not be used for a light industrial park. Mrs. Kolata responded that there is no other plan for that site except for use by IVY Tbch and that the staff would not put it to another use without the input of the neighborhood. Mrs. Kolata apologized to the neighborhood representatives for a group of Redevelopment - owned houses which have been sitting vacant and not been torn down. They homes had asbestos problems and needed to have demolition specifications written to properly dispose of the asbestos. She noted that they will begin to be torn down this week. That concluded the informal discussion of the Southeast Quality of Life Neighborhood Association Strategic Action Plan. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. wv-,Ian ,"Who , gi -3- - /L Kolata, Director