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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-09-98 Community & Economic Development COMM MU Z eport: Community and Economic Development Committee 10 the Common Council of the Citg of foutb aentr: The November 9, 1998 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member Rod Sniadecki at 4:40 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, Varner, Ujdak, Sniadecki, Hosinski and Coleman; Nancy Van Scoyk, Eugenia Schwartz, Robert Hunt, Don Fozo, Bruce Bancroft, Jean Troutman Poole, John Freidline, Fred Haines, Ted Fodey,Michael Urbanski and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Vice-Chairperson Sniadecki began the meeting by introducing the new citizen member of the Committee, Jean Troutman Poole. Jean noted that she works at IUSB in the Labor Studies Division. The Committee members welcomed her. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 98-159 which is a five (5) year residential tax abatement request on behalf of G&M Properties for the properties located at 2101, 2107, 2111, 2114, 2117, 2122, 2123, 2204, 2205, 2210, 2213, 2214, 2219, 2222, 2225, 2226, 2231, 2232,2238 South Meade Street and 5045 and 5051 West Colfax Street. Nancy E. Van Scoyk, Economic Development Specialist, then reviewed the Community and Economic Development report dated November 4, 1998 (copy attached) which concluded that the project meets the qualifications for a five-year residential tax abatement designation. She noted that Garden Homes development has a projected cost between $ 1,365,000 and $ 1,470,000. Michael Urbanski stated that 9 of the 19 sites have been sold. He also noted that the City is close to completing the street in the area. Following discussion, Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Jean Troutman Poole,that Bill No. 98-159 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The next item on the agenda was the discussion of Memorial Hospital's tax abatement (John Freidline). Council President Coleman stated that he requested that this item be placed on the agenda. Mr. Fred Haines,the attorney for Mr. Freidline,the owner of Mar-Main Apartments,then addressed the Committee. Mr. Haines stated that prior to the hospital's development on Navarre Street that discussions took place with regard to a buffer and landscaping. An agreement was reached and therefore, Mr. Freidline did not appear before the Council when the project came before the Council for action. Mr. Haines stated that the hospital now plans to move the building 10 feet closer on the east and 13 feet closer on the north. Mr.Haines stated that this is not what was agreed to and that it would negatively impact the residents living in the 70-unit apartment complex of his clients. He further added that noise, lighting and exhaust problems would result. He further noted that Memorial Hospital has informed them that an underground vault awned by AEP has been located,but that it is not on his client's property. Memorial does not wish to pay for its relocation. Mr. Community and Economic Development November 9, 1998 Page 2 Haines concluded his remarks with stating that he believes that their changes should be considered by the Council in light of the tax abatement granted for the project. Mr. Bruce Bancroft,the attorney for Memorial Hospital then addressed the Committee. He stated that he believes that the proposed changes have nothing to do with the tax abatement. He noted that the proposed location and buffering was discussed as part of the proposed site plan when the request for a partial vacation of Navarre Street was discussed. He noted that the I&M vault is under the sidewalk and is 20' x 10'x 7' and would cost between $250,000 to$350,000 to relocate it. He noted that the revised proposal meets all setback regulations and that the City Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on the request at its November 19, 1998 meeting at 3:30 p.m. He concluded that the former Nursing Building was closer than the proposed revised locations. The Building Commissioner, Don Fozo, showed the proposed site plan (both old and . I In response to a question raised by Council President Coleman,Mr. Fozo noted that new po q the figures are as follows: Original Newly Proposed 46' Northline 32.59' Northline ! 61'East side 51.49' East side The newly proposed figures would thus reduce the green space. Council Member Pfeifer questioned how this would effect sunlight. Mr. Fozo stated he could not comment on that. Mr.Fozo noted that Assistant Chief Bret Prawat was at the site and determined that emergency equipment could operate in the area in light of the newly i proposed figures. Mr. Haines stated that the former Nursing Building was a narrow building and not on the scale of the new building proposed for the site. He added that this is a big project which they did not agree to and believes that the mistake should not be corrected by hurting his client and tenants when they were never at fault. President Coleman stated that he believes there is "clear linkage"to the tax abatement on the project. Jean Troutman Poole questioned what the cost of the trees would be as part of the buffer. Mr.Bancroft did not have that figure. Mr. Ted Fodey of Memorial Hospital stated that it was his understanding that the project would be shut down for 3-4 months if the vault would have to be relocated. Mr. Haines concluded that "due diligence" was not done by Memorial Hospital and that they should correct their own mistakes. His client would not have waived his rights if the newly proposed figures were given to him originally. , Community and Economic Development November 9, 1998 Page 23 The Council Attorney suggested that all of this information be provided to Council Member Kelly when he returns for his review and input. Vice-Chairperson Sniadecki concluded the meeting by stating that the Committee would follow the actions of the BZA on this matter also. There being no further business to come before the Committee,the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rod Sniadecki, Vice-Chairperson Community and Economic Development Attachments •