HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-24-94 Human Resources & Economic Development Human Resources and Economic Development Committee
The January 24, 1994 , meeting of the Human Resources and
Economic Development Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly, at 4 : 30 p.m. in
the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke,
Washington, Kelly, Puzzello, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Duda, and
Ladewski; Ann Kolata, Tom Walls, Rich Aronson, Mike
Beitzinger, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda
was to review Resolution No. 94-5 which is a tax abatement
request for Central High School.
Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the memorandum dated January
14 , 1994 , from the Department of Community and Economic
Development. It was noted that the property in question is
located at 317 West Washington and is to be developed by the
Alexander Company. They are planning to renovate and
convert the historic Central High School into multi-family
housing so that 102 apartments would be created. Total cost
of the project will be 9 million dollars, with a fair market
value, after completion, of $3 , 500, 000. 00 . The project
would create three (3) new permanent full time jobs. He
noted that the;'petitioner qualifies for a ten (10) year real
property tax abatement under Section 2-77 (multi-family real
property tax abatement) .
Mr. Rich Aronson of the Alexander Company noted that
approvals from the state for construction should be forth-
coming very soon. A model apartment should be open in June
or July, with the project to be completed by December of
this year.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke,
it was noted that 70 percent of the apartments would be set
aside for low and moderate income families. In response to
a question raised by Council Member Kelly, it was noted that
the name of the apartments would be "Central High
Apartments"
Council Member: Washington questioned whether the auditorium
would be renovated, and was advised that it was not in the
original budget. In response to a question raised by
Council Member Duda regarding theater groups, Ann Kolata
noted that a Current study is being done by the Downtown
Entertainment District, and that they have requested
preliminary costs for the renovation of the auditorium.
Human Resources and Economic Development Committee
January 24 , 1994
Page 2
Council Member Duda noted that she is aware of a group
currently in Mishawaka that would be interested and would
consider donating up to 50 percent of its proceeds. In
response to a question raised by Council Member Ladewski, it
was noted that the Vocational Technical Building would be
renovated.
Following further discussion, Council Member Luecke made a
motion, seconded by Council Member Ladewski, that Resolution
No. 94-5 be recommended favorably to Council . The motion
passed.
The Committee then reviewed Resolution No. 94-6 which is a
tax abatement request for LA-Z-BOY. Mr. Beitzinger reviewed
the January 18 , 1994 , report from the Community and Economic
Development Department. It was noted that the petitioner is
a retail furniture operation and plans to make improvements
by replacing the roof, heating and air conditioning, and
electrical systems, as well as make substantial external
improvements for a total cost of $600, 000, 00. He further
noted that when the Central Business District is expanded,
that the petitioner would qualify for a ten (10) year real
property tax abatement and without the expansion, the
petitioner currently qualifies for a three (3) year real
property tax abatement.
Ann Kolata noted that the project is immediately outside the
current boundaries. She stated that this type of
development is being encouraged and recommends approval with
a delay of the confirmatory resolution, similar to the
Martin's request.
Mr. Tom Walls, the attorney for the petitioner, stated that
they are planning to proceed at a rapid pace with bids for
the renovation to be taken within a week. They are hoping
to begin construction by March 1st, and to complete
construction by July 1st. He further noted that the
original building was an A & P, and then later a Harold
Medow car dealership. No changes were made to any of the
improvements which are going to be done by the petitioner.
He also noted that there would be a new parking lot, and
that it would become a "Furniture Gallery" .
He also noted that the projections for the creation of seven
(7) new permanent jobs is conservative. The new facade
would be cathedral in style, and he thanked the leadership
of the Community and Economic Development Department.
Human Resources and Economic Development Committee
January 24 , 1994
Page 3
Following further discussion, a motion was properly made and
seconded that Resolution No 94-6 be recommended favorably to
Council . The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee
the meeting was adjourned a 5: 00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Roland Kelly
Chairperson Human Resources and Economic Development
Committee
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