Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-03 Community & Economic Development (tont1t1tttt .port Qtontmunttjj anb. ( onumtt atiozlopitorat Commits t AMENDED The February 24, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Coleman, Kirsits, Aranowski, King, Kuspa and White; Citizen Member Isabelle Gonzalez, Michael Beitzinger, Marco Mariani, Bruce Yerry, Ann Mannix, Andy Laurent, Terry Bland of the 'out Netts iGr tt=Ct' and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King began the meeting noting the absence of Jon R.Hunt, Executive Director, and stating that "he will be missed a great deal..." Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-22 which is a ten(10) year real property tax abatement request for Rescue, Inc. and Hope Housing L.P. For the property located at 432 S. Lafayette Street. Michael Beitzinger, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, reviewed his report dated February 18, 2003 (copy attached). He noted that Rescue, Inc. is the owner of the property where the former Ries Furniture store was located. They plan to completely renovate the building so that it will become a new shelter for families and be known as the "Family Life Center". Part of the building will be leased to Hope Housing L.P. which will own thirty-four(34) units which will be dedicated to transitional housing. The limited partnership would then be entitled to receive funding through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Real property taxes will be the responsibility of Hope Housing and the abatement will be on that portion of the building. The current assessed valuation of the real property is estimated to be$111,300;and after the rehabilitation the market value is estimated to be $5,300,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a ten (10) year real property tax abatement under § 2-77 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing"Multi-Family Real Property Tax Abatement". Mr. Bruce W. Yerry, Executive Director of Hope Rescue Mission, then made a presentation and provided a 8-page handout to the Committee (copy attached). He noted that the Family Life Center will be separate from the men's center on Michigan Street. He then reviewed a series of preliminary floor plans prepared by The Troyer Group. Mr. Yerry stated that the present parking lot would become a garden and playground area with screening to the street on the west. There will be a small cafe on the first floor. The lower level will be the educational areas and will house the home management resources and the New Beginnings Program. The 2nd floor will have the transit living space with the north section dedicated to single women with families; the 3rd floor north will have living quarters for male head of households and the 3rd floor south will have housing for single women with children; and the 4th floor north will have housing for single women. Council President White inquired about the areas designated for smoking. Mr. Yerry noted that all areas will meet OSHA regulations. Council Member Kirsits inquired about sprinkling. Mr. Yerry stated that the facility would have sprinklers throughout with remodeling to begin in March 2003. Dr. Varner inquired about the not-for-profit status and the need for tax abatement. Ann Mannix Community and Economic Development Committee February 24, 2003 Page 2 presented a 1-page handout(copy attached) which detailed how the Family Life Center which will be owned by Rescue, Inc will leave the thirty-four (34) transitional apartments to Hope Housing, L.P. With Hope Housing L.P. Being responsible for real property taxes. She added that the Ice Miller law firm development the overall tax strategy for the entities; and that tax credits in the amount of$1.7 million have been applied for on the project. Mr. Beitzinger noted that he discussed this arrangement with Mr. John Lentz in the County Auditor's Office and it was found to be acceptable. Council Member Kuspa noted that the corner where the playground is proposed is a high traffic area. Mr.Yerry stated that the playground area will have fencing and that additional landscaping will be facing I afayette. No one from the public spoke in favor or against the Bill. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she is not a member of the Committee, however the proposed project will be located in the 2nd District. She commended Hope Rescue for their undertaking. She noted that she took a tour of the facility approximately one year ago, and is most excited about the transitional apartments and all of the programs which will be offered to the residents. Following discussion, Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 03-22 be recommended favorably to Council. Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-23 which is a proposed resolution which would authorize the Mayor to submit an application for a Brownfields Site Assessment Grant. Economic Development Specialist Andy Laurent made the presentation. He noted that the resolution would authorize Mayor Luecke to submit the application to the Indiana Development Finance Authority. If awarded the funds would be used to conduct environmental assessment services at the former South Bend Stamping property. He noted that the maximum grant amount is $50,000 which may entitle the City to receive another$200,000. Council Member King noted that the proposed Resolution just addresses the submission of the application and if it is awarded there would be an appropriation ordinance later. Mr. Laurent stated that that was correct. Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-22 be recommended favorably to Council. Under unfinished business, Council Member King requested that Committee minutes of February 10th be amended to reflect that he adjourned the meeting. Council Member King then adjourned the meeting at 5:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karl King, Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments