HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-12 Community & Economic Development COMMUNITY& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUGUST 27,2012
4:10 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic,
Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Members: Zach Raymond
Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner,
Derek Dieter, Oliver Davis
Others Present: Don Inks, Tamara Nichols-Smith,Jitin Cain,
Bart Bennet, Ed Bradley, Charmaine Torma,
Glenda LaMont, Gary Gilot, Susan Bennet
Agenda: Bill No. 39-12 Riverfront Development Project
Update East Bank Village
Henry Davis, Chairperson of the Community&Economic Development committee
opened the meeting by calling Don Inks to present Bill No. 39-12. This bill was filed by
the city to slightly amend changes to the Downtown Riverfront Development Project.
These small boundary changes amount to a 4% increase in the overall size of the area.
Tamara Nichols-Smith assisted the presentation by distributing maps of the area
illustrating the changes. (A copy of the may is on File in the Office of the City Clerk)
Gavin Ferlic motioned for a favorable recommendation to full Council. Dr. Fred Ferlic
offered a second and all supported.
The second item on the agenda was a presentation of the Eat Bank Village Plan
emanating from the Economic Development Department.
This update was primarily prompted by the expansion plans for St. Joseph's Grade
School. Their construction plans require the acquisition of some additional property
nearby for faculty parking.
Jitin explained that a vacant lot owned by the Redevelopment Commission across Hill St.
from the school was on the market for sale. The school was prepared to pay market rate
for use as a parking lot. The selling of this NW corner lot prompted questions from the
Council and opposition from surrounding businesses.
Bart Bennet, speaking for the business owners, said they had hoped for a better use of the
lot than parking. Business owners see more commercial development to increase
commerce in the area. Glenda LaMont a nearby shop owner said it was short-sighted to
designate a key parcel for parking. She too advocated a more dense development.
George Macri, a nearby bakery and restaurant owner agreed and also expressed
frustration with the length of the sewer project restricting access to the business area. He
complained not only of the projects duration but also, his inability to get a completion
date.
In response Ed Bradley, a commercial realtor said the school was willing to divide the lot
reserving part for parking and part for development. Charmain Torma,representing the
parish, invited everyone to a meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the school for all
interested parties to show and discuss the school's plans. To address Marci's complaint,
Gary Gilot said he would get a target completion date for the sewer project from
engineering.
During the Council's portion, Oliver Davis expressed concern about another church/state
controversy asking the Council Attorney to monitor the situation. Karen White
questioned the adherence of the parking lot proposal to the overall East Bank Village
vision. Henry Davis also directed comments about the East Bank Village Plan and City
Plan questioning their development status or lack of it. Oliver Davis suggested the idea
of financially compensating business owners for business lost due to the sewer project be
seriously explored.
Under miscellaneous Henry asked for an update or report on the City's energy plan. It is
now scheduled for Wednesday September 12, at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry Davis, Chairperson
Community&Economic Development Committee