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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-11-05 Community & Econocmic Development Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The July 11, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Kuspa, White Kirsits and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Brad Poulan, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Dennis Andres, Mrs. Kopola, Bernie Feeney, Tim Hernly, Gig Young, Derek Spier, Ann-Carol Nash, Don Inks, Tedd Schaffer, City Clerk John Voorde and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the committee consists of Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Council Members Kuspa,Kelly,Kirsits and herself. Council Member Puzzello called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-81 which is a six (6)year real property tax abatement request for Manufacturing Technology, Inc. for the property located at 1702 W. Washington Street. Tedd Schaffer, an Economic Development Specialist, reviewed his report dated June 29, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner builds friction welding equipment and plans to add a 10,200 square foot addition to their current building at a cost of $600,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a six (6) year real tax abatement under Section 2-82 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing Industrial Development City Wide abatements. Attorney Timothy D. Hernly of 600 1st Source Bank Building in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that the addition is to a building that dates back to the Civil War. He then introduced the company's Controller Gig Young. Mr. Young stated that his company uses friction to join various metals together to be used in the trucking, automotive, aircraft and medical industries. They are one of three companies that are in this field. He would be happy to give a tour of the facility to the Council and added that the additional room is needed by the employees. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-81 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council President Pfeifer stated that the company is located in the 2nd District and she welcomes the expansion. Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-82 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request for Kendall-Weiss, LLP for lots numbered 1-17 of LaFayette Falls Subdivision,Phase Two. July 11,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1- Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated June 30, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner proposes a 3rd phase to this residential development which will consist of seventeen (17) lots being developed on 9.97 acres. The average home cost will be $167,647 with this phase totaling $2,850,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single-family real property abatements. Derek Spier, AICP of Abonmarche Consultants, LLC with offices located at 750 Lincoln Way East in South Bend made the formal presentation. He noted that the development is located south of Kern Road. The subdivision will have a total of 266 lots. Council Member Puzzello requested a better map in order to see where such developments would be located. Lois Steele noted that she is a local landlord and realtor and voiced concern about giving away more tax abatements. Mr. Schaffer stated that the land is currently vacant and meets the requirements. Vice-President White suggested that someone from the Community and Economic Development Department staff sit down with Mrs. Steele to which Ms. Kendall agreed. Council President Pfeifer noted that since the land is now vacant, the city will get more taxes with it being developed utilizing tax abatement as a development tool. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-82 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-83 which is a five (5)year real property tax abatement request for D &H Builders, Inc. for lot numbers la, 4, 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 29,34, 41, 42,44 and 45 of Royal Oak Estates Subdivision, Section 1. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated June 29, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner proposes to build thirteen(13) single family homes with an average cost of$200,000. The project cost is approximately$2,600,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single-family real property abatements. Bernie Feeney of Lang Feeney and Associates with offices located in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that the project is located on the south side of Jackson Road. In response to a question from Citizen Member Martha Lewis he noted that the project will have over 100 homes upon completion. Rita Kopola of Lakeville voiced concern over drainage problems in the area and inquired what ditch is involved. July 11,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2- Mr. Feeney stated that he has discussed that item with both the city and county engineers. He believes that Bowman Creek is involved which is south of Gilmore Park. He also spoke with the county surveyor and he has addressed all of their concerns. Mrs. Kopola stated she believes the Phillips Ditch is involved and stated that there are lots of water problems in that area. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 05-83 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m. Res•ectfully submitt-• � r • emb! • P"lo, Chairperson Community and Economi Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments July 11,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-