08-23-99 Community & economic Development

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ontatCtta leport Community and Economic Development Committee 414 ti)C Common (Council of tlic titt of out n4: The August 23, 1999 meeting of the Community 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: Coleman, Varner, Aranowski, Kelly, Sniadecki, and King; John Byorni, Mike Beitzinger, Ann Kolata, John Fredlake, Greg Jurgonski, Debra Turner,Harry Lacy,Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 99-85 which is a three(3) year real property tax abatement request for the property located at 418 West Jefferson, Inc. Mike Beitzinger reviewed his August 6, 1999 report(copy attached) which noted that the petitioner is proposing to be the real estate holding comonay and woul be leasing the property to Schmanski & Company, CPA's, a public accounting firm. They would renovate 5,900 square feet which would include a new roof, new heating units, new carpeting and office fixtures. Total cost of improvements is $ 230,000. The company would be moving from Edison Lakes in Mishawaka to downtown South Bend. The report concludes that the project meets the qualifications for the requested 3-year abatement. Mr. Fredlake noted that the tax abatement is necessary for the transaction to take place. He assured Council Member King that the subject property would be improved and enhanced. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sniadecki that Bill No. 99-85 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 99-86 which is a five (5) year residential tax abatemeht request for Debra Turner. Mr. Beitzinger reviewed his August 13, 1999 report (copy attached) which noted that the petitioner is proposing to build a new home at 1005 Queen Street. The property was acquired at a tax sale and is not currently serviced by city utilities. The home would be two story, with three(3) bedrooms and a full basement for a total cost of$77,000. Mr. Beizinger provided a map and pictures of the subject property for the Committee to review. Mrs. Turner noted that sewer and water services are needed before construction of the home can take place. Council Member Aranowski stated that they are doing their best to address the utilities issue as soon as possible. He said that Mrs. Turner and her husband would be a welcome addition to the Keller Park neighborhood.