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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2A Redevelopment Commission Minutes 10.24.24 - Signed CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES October 24, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. BPW Conference Room, 13th Floor, County-City Building https://tinyurl.com/RDC-Meeting-4T The South Bend Redevelopment Commission was called to order at 9:30 a.m. President Troy Warner presiding. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Troy Warner, President David Relos, Vice President Vivian Sallie, Secretary Members Absent: Eli Wax, Commissioner Leslie, Wesley, Commissioner Legal Staff: Danielle Campbell Weiss, Asst. City Attorney Sandra Kennedy, Corporation Council - Virtual Redevelopment Staff: Caleb Bauer, Exec. Director, DCI Sarah Schaefer, Deputy Director, DCI Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, DCI Joseph Molnar, Asst. Dir. of Growth and Opp., DCI Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, DCI Tim Corcoran, Chief Planner, DCI Chris Dressel, Senior Planner, DCI Laura Hensley, Board Secretary, DCI Others Present: Jitin Kain, Assistant Director of Public Works Murray Miller, 23698 Western Ave. Daniel Hochstetter, WNDU Mark Peterson, WNDU Tina Patton, Cross Community Inc. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 2 Dee Johnson, Peak Consulting Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Councilwoman Co.-City Bldg. Barbara Dale, Sustainability Thomas Gryp, Virtual 2. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes of the Executive Session of September 12, 2024 Upon a motion by Vivian Sallie for approval, second by Troy Warner, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the executive session meeting of September 12, 2024. B. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 10, 2024 Upon a motion by Vivian Sallie for approval, second by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the regular meeting of October 10, 2024. 3. Approval of Claims A. Claims Allowances 10.8.2024 B. Claims Allowances 10.15.2024 Upon a motion by David Relos for approval second by Troy Warner, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the claims allowances of October 24, 2024. 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business A. River West Development Area 1. Budget Request (SB Chocolate Dinosaur Museum Traffic Impact Study) Charlotte Brach, Senior Engineer, presented a budget request for $14,000 for a traffic analysis. The initial traffic impact study with Hanson stated that the signal was warranted and INDOT asked for an additional study done at the 4-way interchange at the Olive Rd. intersection. Dee Johnson asked if nearby businesses will be impacted. Ms. Brach stated that Engineering is looking at this and will CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 3 be addressed with the analysis and no timeframe is established yet. INDOT would also need to be approved, and more follow-ups will be presented in the future. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the budget request as presented on October 24, 2024. 2. Lease Agreement (Main/Wayne Parking Garage & SB Bike Garage Inc.) Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented a lease agreement for the Main/Wayne Parking Garage retail space at 119 W. Wayne St. The agreement will be with the South Bend Bike Garage, a nonprofit organization currently located at old St. Joe High School building and their mission is to “get more people on bikes”. The term of the agreement is an 18-month term without rent, an option to renew the lease after the first term for two (2) years and rent will be negotiated at that time. They will operate the garage out of this 1,680 square foot space. The floor plan and photos were shared with the Commission. Commissioner Relos asked about the specific location of the space and Ms. Michaels explained it is the smaller (eastern) portion. Karen Hahn, Board Member for the Bike Garage stated that all of the volunteers receive no compensation, and they will be losing their current location. They give away free bikes to kids and rely on donations. They provide an “earn a bike program” as well as an elementary school program to help kids learn to ride and a junior mechanic program. Commissioner Sallie asked if they had plans to renovate and Ms. Hahn stated they have plans to paint the ceiling, floors and possibly murals. Commissioner Relos asked about utilities since the space has been vacant for decades and Ms. Michaels stated that would need to be investigated as well as the restrooms. Commissioner Sallie asked about insurance. Ms. Hahn stated that they currently have insurance and Danielle Campbell Weiss, Assistant City Attorney, stated that this is also a term of the lease agreement. Commissioner Warner asked if the approved budget request from the October 10th meeting for the attached parking garage had additional portions for the larger western space. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, explained that the elevators are being looked at for repairs, and the basement space and the larger space would be good to eventually occupy. He stated that this space is not very marketable in its current condition and the bike garage is a good way to activate this retail space. Commissioner Relos commended Karen Hahn for her community service. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 4 Upon a motion by Vivian Sallie for approval, seconded by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the lease agreement as presented on October 24, 2024. 3. Second Amendment (Tree Nursery Agreement) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth & Opportunity, presented a second amendment agreement. In 2017 the RDC and Parks Board established a scattered lot urban tree nursery program near Lincoln Park neighborhood. Currently new locations are needed and for economic reasons, one site would be a better use of resources. This amendment would discontinue the scattered sites and move trees without taking them prematurely and will plant and maintain the new urban tree nursery program and assume all expenses and fees related to the nursery. Mr. Molnar presented an aerial view of the proposed site called the Half Moon lot in Ignition Park. Barbara Dale, Project Manager with the Office of Sustainability stated she worked on the USDA US Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry grant that the city received for $1.87 million to expand our Urban Tree nursery program. Ms. Dale recommends changing the scope of the original agreement to condense and improve the efficiency of the program. Tina Patton wanted to clarify, are the trees being taken away from disadvantaged areas. Mr. Molnar stated that in the past, the trees were planted on vacant lots and now they will be consolidated to one place to allow for housing development and trees could be available and planted in these areas and low urban tree canopy neighborhoods. Ms. Dale confirmed that they are not taken away from disadvantaged areas. Caleb Bauer stated that, the goal is, instead of growing the trees in small lots all over the city and then having people go and eventually move them off those lots, we're consolidating the young trees into one area. Once they're at a maturity level, they can be made available to residents as part of Venues, Parks and Arts tree program or as part of the USDA program, making trees more broadly available to residents. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the second amendment as presented on October 24, 2024. 4. Budget Request (Continental Divide Trail) Tim Corcoran, Chief Planner, presented a budget request for $150,000 to support a joint County-City initiative. This professional service will explore the feasibility of a shared use trail on the West side of South Bend called the Continental Divide Trail. Commissioner Relos asked CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 5 where this is being proposed and Mr. Corcoran explained, it is West of the South Bend Dinosaur Museum running North and South near the chain of lakes. Mr. Corcoran explained the County will be funding $300,000 and the City $150,000. Commissioner Warner asked about the breakdown of funding and Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment stated that not knowing the exact route of the trail, the primary location is in the county and will potentially run into the city limits. Commissioner Warner asked if the state would help with funding and Mr. Bauer stated that there will be higher levels of government involvement just like the Coal Line Trail. There could be various networking points from Potato Creek to New Carlisle in the future. Dee Johnson asked to clarify, what the $150,000 if for? Mr. Bauer said, to work on a viable route for the potential trail system and its impact on properties, seeking service providers, and providing the request for proposals documents. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the budget request as presented on October 24, 2024. 5. Resolution No. 3614 (SBCSC Bendix Site) President Troy Warner proposed items 5A5-7 be presented together. The Commissioners agreed. Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth & Opportunity, presented Resolution No. 3614, Bid Specifications, and the Notice of Intended Disposition for the 5-acre Lot 2 on Bendix Dr. Staff pledged to bring the lot forward for disposition if another site was selected. The old Cleveland Rd. site was approved at the October 10th meeting. Per state law, the minimum bid is $277,750 (average of two appraisals), bids due November 25, 2024, emphasis placed on compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, and self-storage facilities, car washes, and/or gas stations will not be considered. Commissioner Sallie asked if there had been any interest in the property and Mr. Molnar stated there were interested parties in the beginning and the city would reach out to those individuals first. Tina Patton asked how individuals would know about the disposition and if local contractors would be contacted. Mr. Molnar explained the bid specification packets will be placed on the city website as well as an ad that will be posted in the South Bend Tribune per state ordinance and all interested parties have the same opportunity. Councilwoman Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers asked where the location was, and Mr. Molnar stated that it’s on Bendix Drive and it’s South of Nimz Parkway and North of the South Bend School Systems bus depot and is zoned high industrial. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 6 Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Resolution as presented on October 24, 2024. 6. Bid Specifications (SBCSC Bendix Site) Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the bid specifications as presented on October 24, 2024. 7. Notice of Intended Disposition (SBCSC Bendix Site) Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the notice of intended disposition as presented on October 24, 2024. 8. Budget Request (City Hall & Leighton Renovations) includes REDA, SSDA & RERDA Jitin Kain, Deputy Director of Public Works, presented the budget request for $900,000 for the renovations of the former South Bend school corporation building to become the new city hall which will include full upgrades of the elevator, mechanicals, plumbing, electrical, and office spaces. $330,000 will be reimbursed back to the Commission after the last quarter’s appropriations in December. Troy Warner asked about the bids process and Mr. Kain explained that the bids have gone out and we expect to receive an award in approximately two weeks and hope to begin work in November 2024. Completion should take approximately nine months. Commissioner Relos asked about the Leighton portion and Mr. Kain stated that there will be an annex where future other city offices can be located. Commissioner Sallie asked about all of the city workers being at one location and Caleb Bauer stated the there is more consolidation with city hall than currently exist today. Commissioner Relos asked about municipal utilities and Mr. Kain stated that there will be a one-stop- shop for residents at the new city hall and the bulk of public interests will now be in one location with parking in the parking garage as well as on the street. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Troy Warner, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the budget request as presented on October 24, 2024. 9. Resolution No. 3615 & Purchase Agreement (Elwood Shopping Plaza) CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 7 Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, requests approval for Resolution No. 3615 for a property acquisition for the Elwood Shopping Plaza at 1302 Elwood Ave. an 8.6-acre site, currently zoned as NC-Neighborhood Center. The proposed purchase price will be $1,400,000. Appraisals have been completed and the average is $907,000. The site is East of the Drewrys Brewery site where there is active cleanup work going on now. Mr. Bauer explained that, we are currently seeking federal funding through the EPA Community Change grant for the full redevelopment of the Drewrys site and if we were awarded that funding, that could provide up to $20 million for the redevelopment of that site. Mr. Bauer explains that the format of the request is an assignment and assumption. The Redevelopment Commission will be assigned a purchase agreement between Blair Adams Ret and Elwood Shopping Center LLC. Mr. Tom Gryp is affiliated with Blair Adams Ret and has negotiated with the owners and brought the agreement to the Redevelopment Commission to become the purchaser and would reimburse the earnest cost of $25,000. Mr. Bauer showed a conceptual plan for what the site might look like in the future, new affordable housing, revitalized Muessel Grove Park and a reimagined Elwood Shopping Plaza. Tom Gryp stated that his actions have nothing to do with the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and it is his personal passion to help the city reclaim this corner. He stated that ever since the Martin family sold this property to the Spiegel company, he has been trying to get it back in the hands of local control. His hope is to get the signed agreement soon and to sign it over to the city at cost. Mr. Gryp is excited for this development as it will improve this corner as well as Portage Ave. going North and be the trigger that breathes life into that area. Commissioner Relos asked if the grant would include this area. Mr. Bauer stated that the potential grant award will focus primarily on the Drewry site, however, will set up other potential funding and other grant opportunities for Phase II of the Elwood Shopping Plaza piece. Mr. Relos also inquired about housing and that was confirmed. Commissioner Warner suggested that the retail portion may lend itself to the Lilly Endowment grant. Mr. Bauer also stated that the total site is about 28-acres not including Muessel Park with a potential of 130-140 housing units as part of the EPA grant. Tina Patton suggested a church and grocery store in the conceptual plans to support the future housing and community. Mr. Bauer agreed that all support services such as grocery store, childcare, mental health assistance, health care and those types of amenities would be a priority. Commissioner Warner asked about a possible fit for the United Way Center and Mr. Bauer stated it could be possible. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 8 Upon a motion by Vivian Sallie for approval, seconded by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the property acquisition as presented on October 24, 2024. 10. Resolution No.3611 (Amending TIF District) Chris Dressel, Senior Planner presented the amended 2024 TIF District Adjustments request with all of the sites suggested by the Commission at the last meeting with one extra. Mr. Dressel explained with an illustration of each area and all of the added parcels. Mr. Dressel stated that we are able to stay on the timeline proposed. Commissioner Warner asked to give a brief explanation of what TIF expansion looks like for residents. Tim Corcoran, Chief Planner, explained that the expansion of TIF Districts allows the city to use redevelopment funds to support infrastructure projects, redevelopment of properties such as parks, fire department, etc. This does not change the tax base of the properties. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Resolution as presented on October 24, 2024. B. River East Development Area 1. Resolution No.3612 (Amending TIF District) Upon a motion by Vivian Sallie for approval, seconded by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Resolution as presented on October 24, 2024. C. South Side Development Area 1. Resolution No.3613 (Amending TIF District) Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Vivian Sallie, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Resolution as presented on October 24, 2024. 6. Progress Reports A. Tax Abatement Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth & Opportunity, presented three (3) tax abatements. At the October 14th Common Council meeting, CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 24 , 2024 9 the Council adopted a confirming resolution which grants an 8-year tax abatement for Property Bros. LLC and supports the next phase of the legacy project. The Council also adopted 2 declaratory resolutions, the first being 10-year mixed use property tax abatement with Historic Hearthstone LLC for the property at 321 W. Wayne St, the estimated private investment for that project is $10.5 million for office space. The Council also approved a 9-year hotel motel, real property tax abatement for AST111 Corporation, which is the owner of the DoubleTree Hotel on Martin Luther King Drive. The owners would like to begin a $9.2 million renovation of that hotel, and they hope to begin that in February. At the next council meeting, DCI staff will present confirming resolutions for Hearthstone LLC and AST111 Corp. B.Common Council None C.Other None 7.Next Commission Meeting Thursday, November 14, 2024, 9:30 a.m. 8.Adjournment Thursday, October 24, 2024, 10:45 a.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ Vivan G. Sallie, Secretary Troy Warner, President