HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-12 Community & Economic COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC SEPTEMBER 20,2012
4:00 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic
Citizen Members: Absent
Other Council Present: Tim Scott
Other's Present: Jitin Cain, Aaron Perri,Cecil Eastman, Susan& Bart Bennett, Glenda
LaMont, Kathy Reddy White, Ralph Lampkin, Laureen Fagan, Rich Carey, Larry Piser,
Dave Matthews
Agenda: East Bank Village Update
This call for an update on the East Bank Village was called by Councilmember Henry
Davis. It was triggered by a recent proposal by St. Joseph Parish to purchase a lot across
from their school for faculty staff parking. As was learned at an earlier meeting the lot in
question is owned by the S. B. Redevelopment Commission. It is vacant and has been for
years having been unsuccessfully marketed for development for the last four years.
According to the East Bank Development Plan developed over four years ago, the lot was
to be reserved for a mixed commercial/resident use. The current parking lot proposal has
stirred the ire of nearby businesses that see the use as short-sighted in that they favor a
more dense commercial use.
Chairperson Davis began the hearing recounting the situation to date along with his
concern to avoid another church/state conflict such as the recent"dollar store" fiasco.
Jitin Kain,representing the City, said the City was making a conscious effort to listen to
neighbors and hoped to come up with an alternate option for the parish. Aaron Perri of
DTSB said the City recognizes that the highest and best use for the lot was
commercial/residential development.
Councilmember Tim Scott asked if the parish was "at the table"to discuss options. He
also asked if the school expansion plans were previously discussed. Jitin said the parish
was a party to recent discussion of alternatives. Their expansion plans nonetheless were
a recent development.
Turning to public input, Henry recognized Bart Bennett. Mr. Bennett suggested holding
on to the EB Village Plan. Perhaps what was needed, he felt was an EBV marketing
plan. Mr. Bennett also asked for parking consideration for current and future businesses.
Glenda LaMont who owns a shop across the street envisioned a public private partnership
to spur development. Susan Bennett, Rick Carey, and Kathy Reddy-White all agreed
adding their support.
Henry Davis thanked everyone for their input,promised to monitor developments and
adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Community&Economic Committee
at this time, Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
Respe, ly Submitted.
ry D. is, Jr., Chairperson
�.�.mmunity&Economic Development Committee