HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-05 Community & Economic Development Community and Economic Development Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The February 14, 2005 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:48 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa,
White and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis,Mayor Stephen Luecke,Executive Director of
Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Economic Development Specialist
Tedd Schaffer, Rita Kopala, J. Bernard Feeney, City Clerk John Voorde, and Council Attorney
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Puzzello introduced the new citizen member of the committee,Martha Lewis.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-11 which is a reconfirming
resolution for Rescue, Inc. and Hope Housing, L.P. for the property located at 432 S. Lafayette
Street.
Economic Development Specialist Tedd Schaffer stated that Steve Arnold, the Executive
Director of Rescue, Inc. is requesting an extension of the ten (10) year real property tax
abatement which was granted when Resolution No. 3168 was adopted by the Council on March
10, 2003, in light of the 2-year designation period expiring in March. The petitioner is
requesting a 1-year extension due to the delay in acquiring the federal income tax credits. The
request falls within the Council guidelines for such extensions.
In light of a presenter not being present for the petitioner,the Committee agreed to take this Bill
up at the end of the Committee meeting.
Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-12 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request for Garden Homes by E.L.,Inc. for lots numbered
1 through 46 in the Oaks Subdivision.
Mr. Tedd Schaffer then reviewed his report dated February 7, 2005 (copy attached). He noted
that 46-acres single-family homes on twenty(20) acres,with this subdivision being located south
of Brick Road. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a 5-year
residential tax abatement under Sec. 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing
"Single Family Real Property Abatement".
Mr. J. Bernard Feeney of Lang,Feeney&Associates,Inc. with offices at 715 S. Michigan Street
in downtown South Bend, then made the formal presentation. He stated that the 46-homes will
range in price from $120,000 to $150,000. This area was recently annexed into the city limits
and all of the new homes will be stick built by Garden Homes by E.L., Inc. The remonstrance
period on the annexation ends in May and construction will begin shortly thereafter.
February 14,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-
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At the request of Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Feeney provided a "Vicinity Map" of the area
in question which showed all roads by name. Mr. Feeney added that the subdivision is 1/2 mile
east of Portage.
Council Member Dieter inquired about the taxes. Mr. Feeney stated that less than $500 is now
being paid. Without abatement taxes would be $2,380 and with the abatement taxes will be
$1,159, and that the life of each new home will far exceed the 5-year abatement period.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the members of the Committee include Council Members
Kirsits and Kelly who are both absent; and Council Member Kuspa, herself and citizen member
Martha Lewis.
Council Member Kuspa then made a motion, seconded by citizen member Lewis that Bill No.
05-12 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member Pmzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-13 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request for Place Builders, Inc., Crystal Bay Builders for
the lots numbered 1 through 71 in the Hidden Creek Subdivision.
Mr. Tedd Schaffer then reviewed his report dated February 10, 2005 (copy attached). He noted
that the developer plans to build 71-single-family homes on the south side of St. Joseph Valley
Parkway. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a 5-year
residential tax abatement under Sec. 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing
"Single Family Real Property Abatement".
Mr. J. Bernard Feeney of Lang,Feeney&Associates,Inc. with offices at 715 S. Michigan Street
in downtown South Bend,then made the formal presentation. He stated that the area in question
was recently annexed into the city limits. The 71-homes will range in price from $135,000 to
$200,000.
Dr. Varner questioned the figures set forth on the work sheet prepared by the City
Administration. Mr. Schaffer stated that a corrected sheet would be prepared and filed to reflect
accurate values.
Council Member Kuspa then made a motion, seconded by citizen member Lewis that Bill No.
05-13 be recommended favorably to Council, with a new work sheet being filed by the
Administration setting forth the correct values. The motion passed.
In light of a presenter not appearing for Bill No. 05-11, that Bill will go to the full Council
without recommendation.
Under miscellaneous business,Mayor Luecke stated that there is a new concept being looked at
by the City Staff for the land now known as Erskine Golf Course. He stated that there is no
agreement to sell this land, however they are looking at concepts which may include office and
commercial development to the south and housing to the north. Mayor Luecke added that
approximately 40 acres would be open space. He stated that he is looking forward to receiving
public input. The Mayor noted that there are many viewpoints, however they Administration
will be looking at investment opportunities while also improving park facilities.
February 14,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-
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There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello
adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m.
Res tfully submi •
ou cil Member Aim P? -11o,Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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Attachments
February 14,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-