Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-04 Community Relations Committee Community cJQEfations eommittzz The October 25, 2004 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:08 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Coleman, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, City Clerk John Voorde, Rita Kopola, Director of Economic Development Don Inks, and Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to receive updates on the Economic Development Commission and the Housing Development Corporation. Director of Economic Development Don Inks made a presentation on the Economic Development Commission. He noted that he would file his notes with the Office of the City Clerk. Council Member Kelly is on the EDC and a County Council representative is currently vacant. They typically have 1-2 projects per year usually involving bond issues. Some past projects include: Point at St. Joseph with a $14 million bond; MDC South Bend (DHL) with a $2.2 million bond, Erskine Commons with a $4 million bond for on-site improvements and Erskine Village with an$8 million bond for on-site improvements. He noted that each of these projects are significant projects in the community. Council Member Kelly noted that the EDC meets as necessary. Council Member Pfeifer inquired whether any of the appointments to EDC are political (democrat/republican). Mr. Inks stated that he was not sure but would check on this. Dr. Varner noted that he thought the Erskine projects were closer to $6 million; however Mr. Inks stated that it was$8 million but may be closer to$6 million when it is finished. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. Inks noted that the Council does not have any appointments to the BDC. She inquired about how diverse the group is to which Mr. Inks stated that they try to be inclusive. Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer then gave a presentation on the Housing Development Corporation. She noted that it was founded in 1986 and began as a 14-18 member Board. Because of quorum problems, it is now a seven (7) member board. Ms. Meyer then reviewed her handouts. They applied for a federal Home Loan Bank,however were denied. Some of the Housing Development Corporation's programs include: REWARD, Housing Counseling Program, Loan Servicing, Housing Project Development. They have not provided any loans since 1997. Community Relations Committee October 25,2004 Page 1 - • Community cJ?.dation. eommittzz Council Member Pfeifer inquired why there have been no loans, and Ms. Meyer stated she was uncertain and would check into this further. Ms. Meyer stated that the South Bend Home Improvement Program is administered by the city and does give loans. They had 22 successful REWARD clients. She noted that there is a map of the St. Casimir Neighborhood Dunham Street Model Block. Dr. Varner suggested that the taxes on the Kinyon Street property be updated. Council Member Kirsits noted that the Nancy Sulock articles in the South Bend Tribune are focusing on vacant homes and in light of the tax situation such articles may continue. He suggested that more discussion on this needs to take place. Ms. Meyer stated that the Neighborhood Strategic Planning Team is looking at this. She noted that the elderly have many questions about who pays taxes and the tax increases. Dr. Varner suggested that the city get in touch with the lady in Nancy Sulock's article who gave back all of her rental properties in light of the tax increases. He noted that some of those properties may be in the middle of a model block which may be of interest to the city. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she does not know how the tax situation is going to settle out. Perhaps housing programs will have to be re-evaluated. Mayor Luecke stated that there is more of a need than what the city can support. The city needs to make a neighborhood attractive so that there will be private investment. He noted that there will be consequences to the reassessment. Ms.Meyer stated that the Kemble property is fully leased. Council Member Pfeifer thanked Mr. Inks and Ms. Meyer for their presentations and then adjourned the committee meeting at 5:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer,Chairperson Community Relations Committee KCF:kmf Attachment Community Relations Committee October 25,2004 Page 2