HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-05 Community & Economic Development Community and Economic Development Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The June 13, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:55 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Varner,
Kuspa,White and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Rita Kopala,Executive Director of the
Department of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Derek Spier, 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. 05-71 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement for Tampico Developments,LLC for lots numbered 9-28,
46-58,69-78, 80, 81 of Staffordshire Estates Subdivision, Section Two.
Mr. Tedd Schaffer, an Economic Development Specialist, reviewed his report dated June 8,
2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner plans to develop 45 lots of a total
development which will have 460 homes. The property has already been annexed into the city
limits. Each home will be stick-built by Weiss Homes, Inc. The average cost for each will be
$135,489 for a total value of $6,097,000. 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 abatement.
Derek Spier, a planner with Abonmarche Consultants, LLC with office located at 750 Lincoln
Way East in South Bend made the formal presentation. He noted that having the residential tax
abatement would help in the development of this project.
Dr. Varner noted that he recently received an email voicing concern about the information
passed on by the developers of such projects to potential home buyers. He suggested making
that part of the granting process.
The Council Attorney suggested that since this is not a requirement of the ordinance,the Council
could request each developer of a multi-home development project to file with the Office of the
City Clerk a copy of the written information which they will provide to each prospective buyer
which addressing tax abatement. She further suggested that such information must be of record
with the Clerk's Office before the Council would take action on a confirmatory resolution.
Sharon Kendall offered to have her department draft such information and work with the
developers.
In response to a question from the Council Attorney, Mr. Spier noted that the resolution before
the Council is correct and contains all of the properties which should be listed.
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Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Martha Lewis that Bill No. 05-71 be
recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-72 which is a request for a five
(5) year residential real property tax abatement for Kendall-Weiss, LLP for lots numbered
225-235 of LaFayette Falls Subdivision, Section Three.
Mr. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated June 2, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the
petitioner plans to develop 1.1 lots of a total development which will have 266 homes. The
property has already been annexed into the city limits. Each home will be stick-built by Weiss
Homes, Inc. The average cost for each will be $129,048 for a total value of$1,420,000. 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 abatement.
Derek Spier, a planner with Abonmarche Consultants, LLC noted that they hope to have the
homes constructed by the end of this Summer.
Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Martha Lewis that Bill No. 05-72 be
recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then provided copies of the revised draft of the Tax Abatement
brochure to the Committee. The Council Attorney noted that it includes two (2) changes from
the original draft provided to the Committee. The 1st one was suggested by Citizen Member
Martha Lewis which addresses that pulling a building permit would disqualify a person from an
abatement. The 2nd change includes a reference to the Indiana Administrative Code which puts
the burden on the property owner to comply with all of the reporting requirements.
Sharon Kendall inquired whether the brochure addresses the new state law, noting that she
recently was at a conference and that no one knows how it will be implemented. The Council
Attorney noted that the draft brochure only addresses the local ordinance which will not be
affected by the new state law.
Ms. Kendall then provided a series of updates on various developments such as a new spa,
Horizon Bank; that the State Theater has filed for bankruptcy and has become a teen club for
youth over 18 years of age;that there will be a new store in the old Peaberry's location; and that
new RFP's have gone out for the LaSalle Hotel and the former Osco's site. She noted that there
are four(4)ambassadors in the downtown.
Dr. Varner noted that he thought that the Chocolate Factory was interested in leasing not
purchasing the former Osco site. Ms. Kendall stated that purchasing will require a new RFP.
In response to an inquiry from Council President Pfeifer, Ms. Kendall noted that most national
drug store chains require a drive-thru. Ms. Kendall noted that they are working with a developer
for the former Senior Kelly's site.
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Council Member White noted that Ms. Kendall has provided much information, and requested
that a summary of bullet points be provided for this one and those in the future. Ms. Kendall
stated that she would.
Council Member Kuspa suggested that in light of the parking congestion at the current Farmer's
Market,that they should consider re-locating to the former K-Mart location on the west side.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Pliz7ello
adjourned the meeting at 5:17 p.m.
Res•ectfully s itted,
/
v, ci Mem s er A ello, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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Attachments
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