HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-08 Community & Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Page #1 of 2
The April 28, 2008 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the
South Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson Derek Dieter, Community and
Economic Development Committee at 3:30 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Member's David Varner, Oliver Davis, Timothy Rouse;
Bob Mathia, David Morgan, Catherine Fannello, Derek Spier, Ann Kolata, Don Inks, Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand, John Voorde, City Clerk.
Committee Members present, Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson; Ann Puzzello, Member
BILL N0.08-36 -Tax Abatement -Tampico
Derek Dieter, Chairperson, recognized Bob Mathia from Community & Economic Development to
report on the application. Bob described Tampico's intent to develop 9.82 acres of farmland into
31 residential lots for homes ranging from 1300 to 2000 square foot to be built by Weiss Homes
at an avg. selling price of $185,000. Taxes abated during the 5 year period would be
approximately $10,200 per home with taxes paid of approximately $7,400 per home. Bob further
stated all requirements of the residential abatement request were met. Derek Spier of
Abonmarche Consultants further described the developers projected timetable.
Tim Rouse questioned whether the Council should be considering abatements given a previously
proposed moratorium until the effects of tax reform acted upon by the state legislature. Dieter
and Varner recalled there was no actual consensus for a moratorium therefore none was officially
imposed. City Controller Catherine Fanello stated the city administration was now ready to make
a presentation to Council on the ramifications of Bill 1001. This would perhaps guide future
abatement policy. The Mayor's Office was to be contacted to set an appropriate date for the
presentation. There being no quorum; no action was taken.
BILL N0.08-37 -Residential Tax Abatement request for 601 Cottage Grove and 701 S. Grant
Bob Mathia again described the petition made by Habitat for Humanity for two homes they were
building on lots donated to Habitat. Habitat would build two homes 1120 and 1360 square feet
respectively. Mathia stated 13 abatements had previously been given to Habitat. These requests
were very similar and all criteria for abatement were met.
David Hatch of Habitat said the homes would be offered to families who earn 30-55% of an
average family income. The homes would carry a $12,000 no interest loan for the buyers.
Oliver Davis asked if there would be garages.
David Hatch responded that due to lot size and available building funds only Cottage Grove
would have a garage. Again without a quorum no official recommendation was made.
BILL N0.08-38 -Tax Abatement -Request for special exception fora 2 Year Real Property tax
abatement for River Rock Inc.
Bob Mathia of Community 8~ Economic Development explained the need for a special exception
petition. He noted that state law allows a two year real property abatement for properties
experiencing vacancy for over a year. The property in question was vacant for two years. First
offered for sale @ $340,000; subsequent reductions reduced the sale price to $225,000.
According to estimates the building would generate approximately $12,900 per year in taxes after
2 years. No taxes were generated before as the building was occupied and owned by a non-
profit.
April 28, 2008 Page #2 of 2
A workforce of 10 would include 2 new jobs. David Morgan of the ad agency Force 5 which will
occupy the space was present to answer any questions.
In that Councilmember Henry Davis, CED Committee Member, was now present, a favorable
recommendation to Council was able to be given with Councilmember Ann Puzzello's motion and
Councilmember Henry Davis' second.
BILL N0.08-39 -Site assessment and site remediation grant authorization.
Ann Kolata of the Community & Economic Development Department made a request of the
Council asking authorization to apply to the Indiana Finance Authority for two grants. The first
grant in the amount of $27,319 is for environmental site assessment of 2901 S. Main formerly
Centennial Steel. The other grant not to exceed $165,000 is for environmental remediation at
Green Tech Park. Both grants are for environmental projects eligible under the state's Indiana
Brownfield's program. Councilmember Oliver Davis spoke in support of the applications. On
Councilmember Ann Puzzello's motion and Councilmember Henry Davis' second the bill received
a favorable recommendation to full Council.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
Chairperson Dieter asked Don Inks to report on compliance issues relative to post abatement
reporting by firms granted abatements subject to certain criteria. Don Inks reported A.J. Wright
was not in compliance with their promised performance criteria, namely job creation.
Originally promising 600-700 new jobs A.J. Wright was at only 313 as of April 7, 2008. Per prior
agreement, they were assessed $460.00 for each job under the promised amount. A. J. Wright
paid the city $127,000 for 2007. They anticipate as many as 460 total jobs by the end of 2008.
These terms were negotiated by the Economic Development Department without prior or
subsequent notice to the Council admitted Inks when questioned by Councilmember David
Varner. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand spoke to the need for better communication to the Council in
that the Council has surrendered no rights or control of abatement terms and conditions.
Councilmember Varner also asked where the $127,000 penalty went. Don Inks replied these
types of payments go to the TIF Fund.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairperson Derek D. Dieter
adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
espectf S mitted
Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee