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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-04 Community & Economic Development The South Bend Common Council's Standing Committee Report from the Community and Economic Development Committee The August 9, 2004 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:30 p.m., in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer,Kelly,Puzzello,Varner, Kuspa, Coleman,Kirsits, and White; Community and Economic Development Director Sharon Kendall,Jeff Gibney,Charlotte Sobel,Terry O'Brien,City Clerk John Voorde,Phil Faccenda, Jr.,Richard Deahl,Jack Dillon,Mike Urbanski, Gladys Kopola and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly called for a presentation on Bill No. 04-87 which is a six(6)year real property tax abatement request for the property located at 211-213 West Washington Street requested for Dillingham Hill RE,LLC. Terry J. O'Brien, an Economic Development Specialist,reviewed his reported dated August 2,2004(copy attached). He noted that the petitioner plans to rehabilitate the tallest building located in downtown South Bend which will become known as"The Chase Building". Rehabilitation includes remodeling the lobby area of the hotel portion,repairing the swimming pool, making improvements to the office portion,parking areas, and elevators; and repairing and upgrading the heating, cooling, and other services. Costs to rehabilitate are estimated to be$ L2 million to $1.7 million. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a six(6)year real property tax abatement under Sec. 2-80 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing"Mixed Use Development in Central Business District". He added however that two (2)building permits were pulled on the property which the petitioner will address. The Redevelopment Commission approved the proposal at their August 6,2004 meeting. Richard Deahl an attorney with offices in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that he $1.2 million to$1.6 million investment,will be significant to theis building which is located in the heart of the city. They wish to have a 1st class hotel space and 1st class office suites. On June 21st an emergency building permit was pulled to address water coming in thru the roof which was coming into the mechanical room above the Summit Club. On the 1st floor a 2nd permit was pulled to address a safety concern where a stairwell had previously existed. Both permits were pulled to address the emergencies. The Council Attorney noted that Mr. Faccenda had contacted her over the weekend and that she had a telephone conference call with Mr.Faccenda and Mr. Deahl earlier today. She noted that she had copies of the Inspector's Report from the Building Department; namely the June 21,2004 permit for$103,000 for an emergency tear off and reroofing of the flat roof and the July 27,2004 permit for the emergency repair where the stairwell had been which had created a public safety hazard(copies attached). She stated that in light of the emergency nature, she does not believe that the pulling of these two(2)permits would disqualify the petitioner for the requested tax abatement consideration. Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting of August 9,2004 Page 1 The South Bend Common Council's Standing Committee Report from the Community and Economic Development Committee Mr. Deahl noted that his client does not have any employees. He also noted that he had representatives of the Dillingham Hill RE,LLC if any of the Council Members had any questions. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Council Member Kirsits then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman, that Bill No. 04-87 be recommended favorably to Council,noting that the two(2)permits were pulled in light of the emergency nature of the repairs. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 04-88 which is a five (5)year residential real property tax abatement request of Garden Homes By E.L. Inc. for the properties located at 1813 and 1817 North Elmer Street. Terry J. O'Brien, an Economic Development Specialist, then reviewed his report dated August 4, 2004(copy attached). He noted that the petitioner plans to have one(1)home built which would have an estimated value of$90,000. The report concluded that the petitioner qualifies for a five-year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing"Single Family Real Property Abatement". Mike Urbanski requested the Committee's approval of the abatement. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Council Member Kuspa then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman that Bill No. 04-88 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation by Jeff Gibney and Charlotte Sobel of South Bend Heritage Foundation which had been requested by Council Member Kuspa. Jeffrey V. Gibney,Executive Director of South Bend Heritage made the presentation along with Charlotte Sobel. They presented a power point presentation which highlighted the Near West Side Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative which was the recipient of the National League of Cities Howland Award in 2002. A 9-page handout was provided(copy attached) highlighting the activities which took place in this area from 1990-2000. They noted that this neighborhood revitalization presentation was given in Salt Lake City,Utah. It was noted that the Near West Side and the Northeast are the primary neighborhoods in which they work. Council Member Pfeifer and Kelly thanked them for the wonderful work they provide. Mr. Gibney stated he would be willing to offer a tour upon request. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Community and Economic Development KCF:kmf;Attachments Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting of August 9,2004 Page 2