HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-23-05 Community & Economic Development Community and Economic Development Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The May 23, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 3:50 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, Charlotte Sobel, Rita Kopala, , Brad
Poulan, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development
Sharon Kendall, Tedd Schaffer, John Sellers, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Beth Leonard,
Scott Jessup, Craig Brummell, Don Inks, Sean Peterson, Ken Fedder, 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. 27-05 which would appropriate
$385,416 of HUD funds and Urban Development's Shelter Plus Care Grant Program monies
within Fund# 212.
John Sellers of the Community and Economic Development Department made the presentation.
He noted the funds would provide housing and services to seriously physically and mentally ill
individuals. Madison Center's Gateway Apartments and their Madison Apartments and the Aids
Ministries/Aids Assist would receive the funds as indicated in the Bill.
Dr. Varner that this is basically a pass thru appropriation.
Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 27-05
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 28-05 which would
authorize the city to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2005 for the MDC
South Bend,LLC Project.
Attorneys Sean Peterson and Ken Fedder made the presentation. Mr. Peterson stated that last
year the Council adopted an inducement resolution. The project would keep 88 jobs in our
community. The project would be owned by the Michiana Regional Airport for the construction
of a 48,750 square foot building. This basically is"conduit funding" where NO tax revenues and
where the city would NOT be open to any liability.
Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 28-05
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-62 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request of Scott and Janet Jessup for 902 Notre Dame
Avenue.
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Mr. Tedd Schaffer, an Economic Development Specialist, review his report dated May 17, 2005
(copy attached). He noted that the petitioner plans to construct a 3,700 square foot home which
will have an approximate value of$450,000. He noted that the area is in a TIF area and is near
the Northeast Development Area. 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.
Scott Jessup of 405 Peashway Street made the formal presentation. He noted that he picked this
site over places in Granger. He is looking to build a home for his wife and four(4) children. He
noted that he works at Notre Dame and wants to be part of this project.
Council Member Puzzello welcomed Mr. Jessup to the 4th District.
Council Member Kelly stated that the development is super and enhances the neighborhood; he
then made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Martha Lewis that Bill No. 05-62 be
recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-63 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request of Craig A. and Marta R. Brummell for 914 Notre
Dame Avenue.
Mr. Schaffer,review his report dated May 17, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner
plans to construct a 2,500 square foot home which will have an approximate value of$300,000.
He noted that the area is in a TIF area and is near the Northeast Development Area. 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.
Craig A. Brummell of 52440 Wynbrooke Drive in Granger made the formal presentation. He
noted that his wife is originally from South Bend and living in the city is their priority. He
believes this is a great program.
Council Member Puzzello welcomed Mr. Brummel and his family to the 4th District.
In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, Mr. Brummell stated that he works in
the IT area at Notre Dame.
Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill No. 05-63
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-64 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request of South Bend Heritage Foundation for 1227
West Colfax Avenue, 1008 West Jefferson Boulevard and 1015 West Jefferson Boulevard.
Mr. Schaffer, review his report dated May 17, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner
plans sell the lots to Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County. Habitat will construct three (3)
new homes ranging in size from 1,000 square feet to 1,200 square feet. The total project cost is
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estimated at $235,500. 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.
Charlotte Sobel of the South Bend Heritage Foundation with offices located at 803 Lincolnway
West in South Bend made the formal presentation. She noted that this is the 2nd year of the
relationship with the Foundation and Habitat, noting that Women's Build and a consortium of
churches have been involved in the past. Permission has been granted to used HOME subsidies
and as a result more detail for the homes will result. She then circulated two (2) photos (copies
attached) of the proposed construction. Ms. Sobel noted that the construction is adjacent to an
Historic District. The new homes will replace two(2) structures which had burned.
Council President Pfeifer stated that this is a great project and suggested that 2-story homes be
considered.
Ms. Sobel noted that Habitat does not build 2-story homes. She added that often disabled
persons are involved who need the one-stories. She further noted that the Foundation has
partnered with Garden Homes who have constructed 2-story homes and as a result 23 new
families are now home owners in the city.
Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-64
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-65 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request of South Bend Heritage Foundation for 715 and
717 Hill Street.
Mr. Schaffer,review his report dated May 17, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner
is acting as the agent for Madison Center which is the owner of the lots in question. The two (2)
lots will be combined so that a single-family home may be constructed by Garden Homes. The
total project cost is $105,000. 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.
Charlotte Sobel of the South Bend Heritage Foundation with offices located at 803 Lincolnway
West in South Bend made the formal presentation. She noted that the home will be in the 4th
Councilmanic District. She noted that Council Member Rouse sits on the Madison Board.
Madison has purchased a number of homes on Hill Street and have offered qualified employees
to purchase them. This is a good example of organizations coming together for the good of the
neighborhood.
In response to a question from Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Ms. Sobel stated that there will be
a$20,000 mortgage subsidy for this transaction.
Council Member Kuspa inquired what would happen if the employee is fired or eliminated. Ms.
Sobel stated that that would not affect the purchase. She added that currently Madison does not
plan to buy any more land.
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Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-65
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under miscellaneous business,Dr. Varner noted that Laura Guy of DTSB, Inc. has responded to
his latest letter and he will see that the Council gets a copy. He suggested that this topic be
discussed perhaps at a future committee meeting.
Council Member Rouse noted that he attended his first DTSB, Inc. meeting.
Council Member Puzzle then passed out a draft brochure on tax abatement prepared by the
Council Attorney. She welcomed any input which the Committee might have for the final
version.
Council Member Dieter noted that he recently received a letter from Rick Walls of the CFHF
which he will share with the Council. He also noted that he received further communication
that only 25% of the noise ordinance tickets is being collected. He then inquired about the
Texas company doing the market survey.
Executive Director of the Community & Economic Development Department stated that Pam
Meter brought down a packet of material for each Council Member. She noted that there
website is listed in the brochure. She stated if there are Council Members who did not receive
the material that she would see that it is sent down.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello
adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.
Res s ectfully submitt
y ember Ann P/yo, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
KCF:kmf
Attachments
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