HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-95 Community & Economic Development Qtommtttes *oat:
Community and Economic Development Committee
110 the 4COMIttOn Council of nit City of 0outb %W O.:
The September 11, 1995 meeting of the Community and Economic Development
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:55
P.M. in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski,
Washington, Coleman,Puzzello,Luecke, and Ladewski; Bill Eagan Citizen Member,Tim
Costello,Mike Beitzinger,Beth Leonard,Don Porter,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Ili The first item on the agenda was was to review Bill No. 46-95 which would
appropriate $130, 000.00 from the Community Income Funds for the purpose of
continuing the Northwest Revolving Loan Program. Beth Leonard made the presentation.
She noted that this allows the near Northwest Neighborhood Association to continue to
make loans. She also noted that the monies are drawn down on an add needed basis.
Council member Luecke applauded the transfer which allows more direct control of the
monies and the program. It was further noted that monies of this type are not allowed to
earn interest.
Following discussion, Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by
Citizen Member William Eagan that Bill No.46-95 be recommended favorably to Council.
The motion passed.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 47-95 which would transfer $50, 000.00
among various accounts within the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Beth Leonard made the presentation. She noted that REWARD which stands for "Real
Effort Wins Affordable Residential Dwellings" needs additional funding and that the
transfer would allow this.
Following discussion, Council Member Zakrzewski made a motion, seconded by
Council Member Puzzello that bill No. 47-95 be recommended favorably to Council. The
motion passed.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke regarding the
appropriations for 1996, it was noted that the incentive plan must be published by
September 29, 1995. Thereafter,a 30 day public commitment period would take place with
the final action being required during the month of October. The exact amount of monies is
uncertain in light of Congress not taking formal action in this area to date.
The Committee then reviewed Resolution No. 95-70 which would designate the
property commonly known as 5316 Western Ave. and Economic Revitalization Area for
purposes of a 3 year Real Property Tax Abatement for Veldman's Crossing Inc.
Mr. Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the report dated August 31, 1995 (copy
attached) which concluded that the proposed abatement meets all of the criteria set forth in
the South Bend Municipal Code.
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Committee Report
Community and Economic Development
September 11, 1995
Page 2
Council Member Zakrzewski noted that he has known the petitioner for several
years and that he provides a fine service in the sixth district. It was noted in response to a
question raised, that the facility would be closed for one month in order to make the
renovations. The petitioner hopes to be operational again by December 1, 1995.
Council Member Kelly also spoke in favor of the proposed abatement, and noted
that he has also known the petitioner and that he runs a fine operation.
In response to several questions raised by Mr. Eagan, Mr. Costello noted that tax
abatement is critical to staying competitive and would be an integral part to providing
continued employment in the area.
Council Member Kelly noted that employment is a key factor with regard to tax
abatement considerations. Council Member Zakrzewski noted that a direct competitor
across the street recently received tax abatement from the Common Council.
Following discussion, Council Member Zakrzewski made a motion, seconded by
Council Member Puzzello that Resolution No. 95-70 be recommended favorably to
Council.The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was
adjourned at 5:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development
Attachments
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