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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-03 Community & Economic Development t � (ontmttt t Ateport Community an eronomtr Otteloinnatt (Commttt The October 27, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, White, Varner,Aranowski,King,Kirsits, and Kuspa; Michael Beitzinger, Edward L. Smith, Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, Terry Bland of the +OUt 7 Otuti Gttbunt, and Kathleen Cekanski- Farraridl Council Attorney. Council Member King noted that two (2) items scheduled for Committee review have requested that they be continued and he suggested that they be dealt with first. Council Member King noted that a letter dated October 24th from Cheryl Phipps of Community& Economic Development (copy attached) has been received requesting that Bill No. 62-03 which would approve the issuance of up to$6 million in Economic Development Revenue Bonds for the Erskine Village Project be continued until November 24, 2003. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 62-03 be continued to November 24, 2003,at the request of the Petitioner. The motion passed. Council Member King then noted that the Council received a letter dated October 24, 2003 from Donald E. Inks, Director of Economic Development, requesting that Bill No. 03-119 which would approve up to $22 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Revenue Bonds for several downtown projects, be continued until November 24, 2003. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-119 be continued to November 24, 2003,at the request of the Petitioner. The motion passed. Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-118 which is a resolution requesting a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement for Edward L. Smith for the property located at 2607 Twixwood Lane. Michael Beitzinger then reviewed the October 15, 2003 report prepared by Cheryl Phipps, Economic Development Specialist (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner, Edward L and Laura Smith proposed to build a 3,300 square foot house on 2/3's of an acre located at 2607 Twixwood Lane. The estimated value of the project is $450,000. The report concluded that the petitioner qualifies for a five-year residential tax abatement under § 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single family real property abatement. He further noted that the South Bend Penn Township Residential Real Property Tax Abatement Schedule is an estimation only in light of the fact that the actual assessed valuation has not been determined as of this date. Mr. Edward L. Smith of 1333 Fast Wayne noted that he is a residential contractor. He proposes to build the home as a spec house. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the proposed bill. Dr. Varner noted that the contractor should make sure that any concrete mail box for this property not be located in the right-of-way. r � community and hconomtc vevetopment committee vctooer Z i, LUU3 rage council member Belly noted that Mr. smut' is a neighbor or Ills and mat ne builds fine homes. council member Belly men made a motion, seconded by Dr. v arner that trill NO. U3-116 be recommended favorably to council. •1 he motion passed. council member Bing then called for a presentation on trill No. 03-12U which is a proposed resolution which would adopt a three year strategic plan and autnonze me submission to me Indiana Department of Commerce, Urban Enterprise zone Board and the Mate budget committee an application for the designation or an enterprise zone. Pam Meyer, Director of the Division of Community Development, of 1 1550 White Chapel in South Bend, Indiana 46635, made the presentation. She presented a map to the Committee (copy attached) entitled"urban Enterprise Lone or South fiend Proposed boundary. Ms. Meyer noted that the 20-year designation of the current Urban Enterprise Gone will expire on December 31, 2003. The proposed resolution would permit the city to re-apply for with a 3-year strategic plan for a new zone designation. Modifications are included which move the zone to the west. UEA has approved the designation with it moving after Council approval to the Indiana. Department of Commerce and the State Budget Committee with a hearing set for November 11, 2003. The new zone would become effective on January 1,2004. Ms. Meyer further noted than the suggestion to move the zone further west would permit the inclusion of the residential area around Ai Wright facility. People who live and work in the zone can have tax benefits, as well as benefits to the businesses. The proposed area includes the newly designated weed and seed area. There are basically two (2) programs: (1) Sample Street Business Complex(incubator);and(2) Residential Program subsidies including but not limited to subsidized day care, uniform assistance, etc. She noted that they do not know what revenues which they will be dealing with, with such revenues possibly being 50%less than current levels. Council Member King inquired whether there were any obligations which would require the city to provide revenues on an ongoing basis if there were shortfalls. Ms. Meyer stated that there is no obligation to the city. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Dr. Vanier that Bill No. 03-120 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned the meeting at 4:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karl King, Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments