HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-03 Community & Economic Development E -
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The September 22, 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 Aranowski, Varner, Coleman, Kelly, King,
Pfeifer, and Kuspa, Michael Beitzinger, John Axelberg, Kurt Krueggel, Joseph Saviano, Michael
Danch, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member King noted that the members of the Committee included Council Members
Kuspa, Varner,Kelly and himself.
Council Member King stated that the Council received a letter dated September 18th requesting that
Bill No. 62-03 be continued until the October 13th Council meeting, noting that this Bill deals with
the Erskine Village Project.
Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill
No. 62-03 be continued until October 13th,at the request of the petitioner. The motion passed.
Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03 which is a five (5) year
personal property tax abatement request for General Sheet Metal Works, Inc., for the property
located at 1902 South Main Street.
Michael Beitzinger then reviewed Cheryl Phipps report dated September 16, 2003 (copy attached).
He noted that the petitioner is the manufacturer of fabricated metal
l� products for lawn&garden and
the towing equipment industries. They plan to purchase equipment which will enable the company
to maintain their position as a leading manufacturer in this area, with the proposed equipment
costing $1,026,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a five (5)
year personal property tax abatement under Section 2-84.2 of the South Bend Municipal Code
addressing tangible personal property tax abatement.
Mr. John Axel berg made the presentation for General Sheet Metal Works, Inc. He noted that they
are moving on schedule for the rehabilitation of the building, adding that the big green tower is
gone and that the building has been re-roofed. They have painted the interior and the exterior will
be addressed next year.
Council Member King inquired how a company balances such a large investment in equipment
with the potential to create ten(10) new permanent jobs.
Mr. Axelberg stated that the process is not scientific, however they do have a history of added
lasers into production. They have estimated that six (6) press brake operators and two laster
operators will be needed which will generate some additional "down stream" work. He noted that
they must also factor in the demand for the product.
There was no one from the public to speak in favor or in opposition to the Bill.
Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill
No. 03-105 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-106 which is a five (5) year
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Community and Economic Development Committee
September 22, 2003
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personal property tax abatement request for Joseph Saviano for the properties located at 1814,
.41. 1818, 1821, 1822, 1825, 1826, 1829 and 1830 South Philippa Street and 2302, 2306, 2310 and
I4 2314 Delaware Street.
ii Michael Beitinger then reviewed his report dated September 17, 2003 (copy attached). He noted
that the petitioner plans to build twelve (12) single family homes. The petitioner has contracted
with Classic Builders, with each home being 800-1,000 square feet with an estimated value of
Ai $75,000 for a total project cost of$900,000.00. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the
qualifications for a five (5) year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend
,-* Municipal Code addressing single family real property tax abatement.
Joseph Saviano w
�� p was available for questions.
Council Member King noted that a short time ago Mr. Saviano was here with a similar request,and
inquired how he came to his decision for such a development.
Oki Mr. Saviano stated that he saw what Garden Homes has constructed and that he will have a total of
28 homes built, which people can afford.
Council Member King stated that Garden Homes built homes between 1 200 to 1 500 square feet,
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and inquired if there is a market for a home which is proposed to be between 800 and 1,000 square
j N feet.
1 i Mr. Saviano stated he believes there is a market. He added in response to a question from Dr.
Varner that the larger homes would be built on the corner lots.
lThere was no one from the public speaking in favor or in opposition to the Bill.
Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member
I
I Kuspa that Bill No. 03-106 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
,
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned
I 11 the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
I t.1:1 Council Member Karl King, Chairperson
1' M Community qud Economic Development Committee
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