HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-05 Community & Economic Development 4
Community and Economic Development Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The February 28, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Arm Puzzello at 4:30 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included: Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner,
Kuspa,Rouse,White and Kirsits; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Tedd Schaffer,Marco Mariani,
Beth Leonard, Malcolm Tuesley, Rita Kopala, Steve Arnold, City Clerk John Voorde and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the Committee members include Council Members Kuspa,
Kelly,Kirsits and herself and citizen member Martha Lewis,
Council Member Puzzello noted that the first item on the agenda was to hear a presentation from
a representative of SBL Building Company, LLP., with regard to compliance with the Statement
of Benefits Form CF-1 (copies attached). She noted that Tedd Schaffer in the Department of
Community & Economic Development had summarized this information which triggered a
presentation from the petitioner.
Malcolm Tuesley of Tuesley & Hall with their law offices being at 212 East LaSalle, South
Bend, Indiana 46601, made the presentation. He noted that the rehabilitation project involved
the conversion of the former South Bend Orthopedics offices into a more traditional multi-user
professional office building. They had originally projected the creation of seven (7) jobs, and
that they created fourteen(14)jobs. The rehabilitation cost was approximately$10,000 less than
originally projected. Mr. Tuesday stated that they appreciate all of the help and assistance
provided by this tax abatement. They are excited about being located at this site along the river.
Council Member Kelly stated that he does not see any problems with this, and thanked Mr.
Tuesley for his efforts.
In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits,Mr. Tuesley noted that two(2) law firms
are located in the building currently. Mr. Tuesley added that he grew up near the corner of
Elmer and Lincolnway and that they will do anything possible to help the city.
Council Member Puzzello thanked Mr. Tuesley for his presentation and taking the time to come
to this committee meeting.
Council Member P»zzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 12-05 which would
appropriate $155,000 within the UDAG Fund (Fund # 410) of the Department of Community
and Economic Development for the purpose of providing predevelopment costs for potential
development projects (copy attached).
Elizabeth Leonard, Director of Financial & Program Management in the Department of
Community and Economic Development made the presentation. He stated that these
miscellaneous revenues would be used for market studies, appraisals, preparation of preliminary
February 28,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-
site plans, surveys, title work, environmental studies in order to determine the feasibility of a
project in determining whether it should proceed ahead.
Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 12-05
be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Puzzello inquired if three were more pro-active measures which the Council
could take to insure federal funding. Ms. Leonard stated that currently the Congress is
considering legislation which would combine this program with 17 other programs under the
Department of Commerce instead of HUD. A letter writing campaign is under way. She will
keep the Council posted.
Council Member Dieter suggested that the Council may wish to contact Congressman Chocola's
office, and that discussions are taking place currently with NNN.
Council Member Puzzello noted that Bill No. 05-11(copy attached) which is a reconfirming
resolution for the property located at 432 S. Lafayette Street requested by Rescue, Inc. and Hope
Housing, L.P., was continued from the February 14th meeting because a presenter was not
present.
Steve Arnold, the Executive Director of Hope Rescue Mission, 432 S. Lafayette Street, noted
that the new construction will be completed by November of 2005. They are therefore asking
for a one (1) year extension on the tax abatement due to the delay in acquiring federal income
tax credits in the original petition filed in March of 2003.
In response to questions from Council Member Rouse, Mr. Arnold noted that they had to reapply
for the tax credits and as a result are approximately 12 months behind. They are currently 1/3
into the construction phase.
Dr. Varner noted that the request for the one(1)year extension is similar to the one requested by
the South Bend Tribune.
In response to questions from Council President Pfeifer Mr. Arnold stated that they are currently
full at the Michigan Street operations. Mothers and children would be house at the Lifetime
operation and Michigan Street will eventually be entirely devoted to male housing. He
confirmed that there will be 6-8 units at the Lafayette operation for father head-of-households.
Mr. Arnold stated that in their 2-year study it showed that they were turning away more mothers
with families than any other group of individuals.
Council President Pfeifer encouraged Hope Rescue to interact with businesses in their area more
and help "control your population". She stated that they are doing a "good job" but encouraged
them to be more pro-active and a leader in this area.
Council Member Rouse voiced concern that the thirty-two (32) housing units will only have one
(1)employee for this"fragile community".
Mr. Arnold state that there will be 125 beds and that they are also concerned.
February 28,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-
In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer, Mr. Arnold stated that the entire
Council would be invited to the Lafayette operation when the construction is completed.
Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council member Kelly that Bill No. 05-11
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 4:50 p.m.
•
Respec� lly submi d,
r, /l
Cou it Member Ann •i/ello, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
KCF:lcmf
Attachments
February 28,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-