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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-23-89 Human Resources & Economic Development Qat ntttre Report HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT COMMITTEE WD I t Common U an- ettn p23 -198 meeting of the Human Resources Y g rces and Economic Development ' Committee was called to order by it Chair Person Council Member Steve Luecke at 3 :50 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Niezgodski, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Luecke, Soderberg, . Voorde, Tom Zakrzewski, Coleman, and Duda; Beth Leonard, Tim Hartzer, Hedy Robinson, Ted Leverman, Doug Carpenter, Chris Madden, Chris Mateo, Ken Fedder, Kevin Hughes, Gerald Parsons, Ann Kolata, Howard Dukes, Isaiah Jackson, Steve Thompson, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Luecke requested a presentation on Bill No. 2-89 which would appropriate $50,000.00 from the United - States . Department of Housing and Urban Development's Secretary's Discretionary Fund for the purpose of assisting in the expansion* of the LaSalle Park District Council Child Care Facility. He also noted that Resolution No. 89-16 which would authorize the Mayor to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban Development an application for the Secretary's Discretionary Fund under Title I of the Housing and Community ,Development Act of 1974 for the LaSalle Park . District Council Child Care Facility Expansion Project would also be discussed at the same time. • Beth Leonard noted that the funds were obtained with the assistance of Congressman Hiler's Office and that there was a public meeting before the CAC last Wednesday which recommended favorably on both issues. Council Member Luecke noted that this was the first time that the discretionary funds were given to the City of South Bend. Beth Leonard also noted that the overall purpose would be to increase the day care capacity at LaSalle. The Council Attorney noted that since the Resolution should be acted upon first, that there would be a suspension of rules requested to act upon Resolution No. 89-16 before the Council hear Bill No. 2-89 at the regular meeting of the Council this evening. Following further discussion Council Member Puzzello made a motion seconded by Council Member Slavinskas that Bill No. 2-89 and Resolution No. 89-16 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mr. Ted Leverman then reviewed Resolution No. 89-15 which would authorize the Mayor to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban Development an application for the rental rehabilitation program and for the South Bend Public Housing Authority to submit an application for Section 8 Housing Human Resources and Economic Development Committee 2-23-89 Page 2 Subsidy. He noted that the maximum rehabilitation of rental units permitted were $8,500.00 for a three bedroom unit, $7 , 500. 00 for a two bedroom unit and $6,500. 00 for a one bedroom unit. Council Member Luecke noted that a public hearing held last week before CAC recommended favorably on the Resolution. Following further discussion Council Member Coleman made a motion seconded by Council Member Slavinskas that Resolution No. 89-15 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Resolution No. 89-14 which would designate certain areas within the City bounded by Cedar Street on the North, Eddy Street on the East, vacated Hull Street on the South, and Frances Street on the West, an economic revitilization area for purposes of a three year property tax abatement for Lafayette Square. Hedy Robinson reviewed the report from the Department of Economic Development. She noted that a 21-unit condo ownership project was proposed entitled "Lafayette Square Townhouses" . She noted that it does not fall within an economic development target area. Mr. Chris Mateo and Mr. Tim Hartzer then showed the cite plan in an area photo of the area in question. Council Member Luecke noted that the Council vacated that portion of Hull Street approximately 45 days ago. Mr. Mateo noted that a two bedroom would have 1, 040 square feet and a three bedroom would have 1,260 square feet. The architecture would be a two story "row house type concept" in the mid to low $60,000 range. Council Member Puzzello noted that this is an older neighborhood which has a mix of commercial and residential. She was very supportive of the concept. Council Member Soderberg stated that this proposal would be taking a marginal neighborhood and with the project and proper marketing it would definitely be a plus. Council Member Luecke voiced favorable comments and believe that the residential character would be a definite plus to the area. It was also noted that the tax abatement would be passed on since it would be owner occupied. Mr. Hartzer noted that a variance is currently pending before the Board of Zoning Appeals with the hearing set for Thursday. He noted that he had met with the principals and did not see any problems with regard to the pending petition. Following further discussion Council Member Coleman made a motion seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Resolution No. 89-14 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Human Resources and Economic Development Committee 2-23-89 Page 3 The Committee then reviewed Resolution No. 89-13 which would designate the property known as Lot 5.3B Point Veridian Technology Campus an economic revitilization area for a six year real property tax abatement for Test Design, Inc. Hedy Robinson reviewed the report from the Department of Economic Development. Mr. Kevin Hughes from Project Future gave a presentation and noted that several of the Council Members had toured the area in question. Council Member Luecke noted that he was a part of the tour and voiced favorable comments with regard to the proposed six year real property tax abatement. Mr. Gerald J. Parsons the President of Communications Test Design, Inc. reviewed the history since 1975. They have grown to 16 facilities with over 500 employees and are privately owned. He reviewed a brochure which detailed CTDI, Inc. and a blueprint of the proposed building. He noted that employment would include electronic technicians which would have associate degrees and non skill employees for the warehousing operation. 18 person would be hired within the year and 35 if the business takes off. Council Member Luecke noted that a number of people would be relocating from the Lombart area. It was noted that 8 families would be relocating and that the same pay scale in in effect for facilities throughout the country. Following further discussion Council Member Slavinskas made a motion seconded by Council Member Coleman that Resolution No. 89-13 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at ,4:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke, Chair Person Human Resources and Economic Development Committee SL:srk