HomeMy WebLinkAbout3B South Bend EDC re Potawatomi Zoo Project ReportREPORT OF THE SOUTH BEND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CONCERNING
THE PROPOSED FINANCING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FACILITIES FOR THE POTAWATOMI ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.
The South Bend Economic Development Commission (the “Commission”) proposes to
recommend to the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana (the “City”), that it provide
the proceeds of certain economic development revenue bonds to the Potawatomi Zoological
Society, Inc., an Indiana non-profit corporation (the “Corporation”), for the financing of certain
economic development facilities in the City.
In connection therewith, the Commission hereby reports as follows:
A. The proposed economic development facilities consist of the Project set
forth in Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “Project”).
B. The Commission estimates there are no public works or services, including
public ways, schools, water, sewer, street lights and fire protection, which will be made
necessary or desirable by the Project, because any such works or services already exist or
will be provided by the Corporation or other parties.
C. The Commission estimates that the total costs of the Project for which
funding is not otherwise available will not exceed Six Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($6,500,000).
D. The Commission estimates that the Project will result in the retention of at
least 38 full-time jobs and up to 90 seasonal jobs in the City at the Zoo, having an aggregate
payroll and benefits of approximately $2,546,507 per year and that the Project will result
in the improvement of the Zoo as a vital cultural and recreational community asset in the
City.
E. The Commission has determined that the Project does not result in any
adverse competitive effects and will only improve opportunities for continued economic
development in the City.
Adopted this 22nd day of November, 2021.
President, South Bend Economic
Development Commission
ATTEST:
Secretary, South Bend Economic
Development Commission
Exhibit A
The Project consists of the construction, renovation, equipping, furnishing and improving
of the Potawatomi Zoo, located at 500 South Greenlawn Avenue within the City (the “Zoo”),
including, without limitation, all or any portion of the following: (i) the renovation, construction
and equipping of a new lion habitat to include a new rock façade, new fencing and a new visitor
viewing area; (ii) the construction, equipping and furnishing a new concession and dining facility
in the North American portion of the Zoo, permitting visitors to view a newly constructed black
bear habitat which will permit the introduction of a new species for the Zoo; (iii) replacement of
the existing corporate and family picnic area with a new covered pavilion along with a new kitchen
area and new fencing, pathways and storage areas; (iv) renovation of the North American animal
habitats to meet modern Zoo standards including without limitation the construction and equipping
of a new holding barn in the center and the installation of new fencing and habitat esthetics; and
(v) the construction and equipping of a new Tiger habitat to meet current accreditation standards
for zoos which will include the construction of a new, modern habitat within a portion of
Potawatomi Park land not currently being utilized by the Zoo.
DMS 21352434v2