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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-84 Human Resources & Economic Development atnmmtttrt t urt OD fir Gomm &Iountil of thy 0I4 of ePout1j HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The April 17th meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Developmen Committee began at 5 :35 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Councilman: Serge, Braboy, Beck, • Puzzello, Taylor, Crone, Paszek, and Zakrzewski; James Seitz, Ken Fedder, Jeff Gibney, Bob Parker, Colleen Rosenfeld, Casey Posey, Pam Meyer and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Mr. Fedder then reviewed Bill No. 37--84 which would authorize the assignment of the Bath VanMele and Assoc. ,Inc . interests under the $700 ,000 E.D.C. Revenue Bond to VanMele Realty Trust. Mr. Fedder noted that this' is a restructuring of the old bond issue with a transfer of ownership. The bondholders would still have all of their securities. The bond is current in its payments and has an unpaid balance of $573,099 .73. Following discussion by the Committee Councilman Puzzello made a motion seconded by Councilman Taylor that Bill No. 37-84 go to council favorably. The motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Fedder then noted that he had received a letter from Councilmen Braboy and Beck regarding the allocation of funds for various bond issues. Mr. Fedder noted that this is a hot issue in Washington and made reference to a recent article in the National League of Cities.. , He speculated that the final verion would probably have a cap on all funds, would have several new restrictions, and have a definite date of determination. Arguments include that such bonds are a drain on the .U.S. Treasury, and the opposition sees such bonds as vehicles to create new jobs and new taxes. There have been several cities who have abused the process and are currently "blacklisted The City.of South Bend's greatest concentration is in the Industrial Park area. Mr. Fedder stated that he would send a copy of the final bill to the Council once it is .adopted. Councilman Braboy then called upon Colleen Rosenfeld to review guidelines governing community development. She noted that South Bend continues to decrease in population with 1980 showing approximately 109 , 000 persons and 1982 showing approximately 107,000 persons . A variety of options are presently being considered: concentrated efforts in small areas with a 2-3 year plan for the area, plus other project in other parts of the City. which fall within the guidelines. They are looking at blocks between 6-12 in nature which would be larger than the former demonstration blocks. There will be a concentrated effort on marketing all of the CD programs. The Committee then reviewed the map of the neighborhood revitalization area which has six smaller areas targeted within it In response to questions by Councilman Taylor, it was noted that direct mailings, pamphlets and staff time would be made available for owner-occupied and rental units. Approximately $800,000 would be earmarked for Bureau of Housing projects. Councilman Puzzello noted that in some respects it sounds similar to various NHS projects. I:t was stressed that persons must be income eligibile i.e. earning no more than 80% of the median income of. the City. /w[[ IN[[[ .0Eam .u.s$[MIM. CO. Page 2, Human Resources and Economic Development Committee Casey Posey then reviewed 'several charts with the Committee. It was noted that the population trend between 1970-1980 in the NRA averaged a 24 . 9% loss; a change of household ownership showed a 16 . 6% loss in the NRA; low and moderate income persons living in the NRA averaged 62. 5% (this is defined as follows: $14,500 for one person, $16 , 600 for two persons, and $20, 800 for four persons) loss of housing units in the NRA averaged 13. 9%; and the vacancy rate averaged 11. 04% in the NRA as opposed to 3.50% in the rest of the City. Councilman Puzzello noted that over 30 homes had been torn down due to the hospital expansion which would impact these. figures. Councilman Serge noted that fires in his district have been reduced from what they were 10 years ago. Jeff Gibney noted that there should be a higher concentrated effort on media coverage of the CD program. Councilman Braboy stated that neighborhood news letters and neighborhood newspapers should be contacted to include the programs available , She noted that the people in need should be made aware of all of these programs. There are approximately 3,500 to 4, 000 living in the six designated areas within the NRA or approximately 1, 200 households . Colleen Rosenfeld and Pam Meyer then reviewed a handout on slum and blighted areas which would not be aimed at acquisition and relocation. Three types of structures would be reviewed: residential, commercial, and industrial. The process was recommended to be approved by the Common Council with the Citizens Advisory Council making recommendations to the Board of Public Works . Councilman Serge suggested that general meetings be held in each of the areas so that the staff could explain the various programs. Councilman Puzzello expressed concern over the terminology "slum and blighted" , and Mrs. Rosenfeld stated that she would consult with Eugenia Schwartz on the matter. Mr. Gibney expressed concern that the process being proposed could be easily abused. It was noted that CD was operating under a mandate requiring that 51% of its funds be used for projects which benefit low and modern income families. Councilmen Braboy and Crone expressed several concerns over the proposal being made. Mrs. Rosenfeld noted that the procedure is not mandatory. Councilman Puzzello also expressed concern over whether the persons mosteffected would be properly heard. The Council Attorney also expressed concern over the Council being asked to set up the procedure and then the Board of Public Works being the final voice in the process, especially since there has been no communication between the Board and the Council on this matter. The Council Attorney then asked for a timetable on the proposal, and was advised that everything would be filed tomorrow. 'o11ow: ng further discussion the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Attachments-4 Eugenia Braboy, Chairman