Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-88 Human Resources & Economic Development (Qummtttte Report I HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IJu tit QJ ui*u an Council of tie ettg of Etpid1 ?knit The December 7, 1988 meeting of the Human Resources and . Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chair Person Council Member Steve Luecke at 4: 00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Slavinskas, Duda, Puzzello, and Coleman; Mr. Paul Joray, Mr. Paul Kochanowski, Mr. Richard Doyle, Mr. James Roemer, Mr. Carter Wolfe, Mr. John Peck, members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Luecke noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Bill No. 117-88 addressing .the creation of an Automated Transit District. He then introduced the committee members, namely Council Members Slavinskas, Duda, and himself. Mr. Richard Doyle then gave a presentation on the Automated Transit District utilizing an overhead projector. He noted that his interest in this area of transportation and the problems of transportation began in 1963 . He has studied . various types of transportation systems, parking garages, financing, and related issues. Mr. Doyle noted that the issue is whether we are focusing upon Michiana or South Bend. He noted that recently that Father Malloy of the University of Notre Dame has focused one of his many goals upon Notre Dame and South Bend becoming intrical parts complimenting one another. He then briefly surveyed the downtown developments, strip developments, and mall developments and the various transportation systems throughout. He made an analogy to an elevator system where no fee is charged to use the system. He noted that often planning is frustrated by the use of a car. He then focused upon the West German Cabin Taxi System which operates in a series of groups as oppossed to a wheel and spoke concept. He noted that the City of San Francisco recently paid over one hundred million dollars in rebuilding the street car system. He also noted that the monorail system is in effect in the City of Seattle. He then focused upon site value taxation. Mr. Doyle noted that the overall goal is to have "intensive development of real estate" . He then briefly reviewed downtown development and the proposed development of the Studebaker Corridor. He saw stage one as utilizing the Transwestern Building as a parking garage and other possible buildings providing approximately 1, 300 parking spaces. Stage two would be the utilization of a cabin taxi system whereby between 5, 000 to 6, 000 spaces would be utilized. Mr. John Peck of IUSB voiced support of the concept and stated that he believes that further studies should go forward at this time. Mr. Doyle noted that he envisions the preparation of two routes namely one which would provide all day service and the other which would provide service four hours per day during peak times. He then showed a map incorporating approximately 945 parcels which would have a yearly average accessment of $582 . 00. Mr. Doyle then briefly highlighted some of the state law involved in the area of the Automated Transit District. He stated that appointments to a commission would be necessary as well as economic studies and additional legislative changes at the state level. Council Member Luecke thanked Mr. Doyle for his "grand vision" with regard to an Automated Transit District and system. He stated that he believes that the Council should review the need for such a system by addressing the following concerns: 1. Concentration on the downtown of South Bend, 2 . Who are the people who benefit (land owners) , and 3 . The need to tax to pay for the system while giving incentives for intensive development of land. Council Member Luecke then questioned whether the creation of a district is necessary before the study is completed. The committee members then continued with many questions on the Automated Transit District. Following further discussion and review, the meeting was adjourned at 6: 30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Luecke, Chairman Human Resources and Economic Development Committee