HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2025 Agenda PacketOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
BIANCA L. TIRADO, CITY CLERK
INTEGRITY | SERVICE | ACCESSIBILITY
Elivet Quijada-Navarro Matthew Neal
CHIEF OF STAFF / CHIEF DEPUTY CITY CLERK DEPUTY CITY CLERK / DIRECTOR OF POLICY
EXCELLENCE | ACCOUNTABILITY | INNOVATION | INCLUSION | EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building | 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. | South Bend, Indiana 46601 | p. 574.235.9221 | f. 574.235.9173 | www.southbendin.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
FROM: BIANCA L. TIRADO, CITY CLERK
DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025
SUBJECT: COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE
The following Common Council Committee Meetings have been scheduled for Monday, February 10,
2025:
Council Chambers
4th Floor County-City Building
227 W. Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
The Council Chambers will be Open to the Public. Members of the Public may Attend this Meeting
Virtually via Microsoft Teams Meeting app here: https://tinyurl.com/021025CC
4:00 P.M. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CHAIRPERSON, WARNER
1.Bill No. 25-09 - Confirming Resolution - Vacant Building Tax Abatement for 635
South Main Street
2.Bill No. 25-10 - Confirming Resolution - Real Property Tax Abatement for 445
North Sheridan Street
3.Bill No. 25-11 - Confirming Resolution - Personal Property Tax Abatement for 445
North Sheridan Street
4.Bill No. 25-12 - Resolution Approving a Certain Declaratory Resolution for the
River West Development Area Adopted by the South Bend Redevelopment
Commission
5.Bill No. 25-13 - Confirming Resolution - Real Property Tax Abatement for 225 and
229 South Michigan Street
4:35 P.M. ZONING & ANNEXATION CHAIRPERSON, DR. DAVIS
1.Organizational Meeting
4:40 P.M. COMMUNITY RELATIONS CHAIRPERSON, GOODEN-RODGERS
1.Organizational Meeting
EXCELLENCE | ACCOUNTABILITY | INNOVATION | INCLUSION | EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building | 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. | South Bend, Indiana 46601 | p. 574.235.9221 | f. 574.235.9173 | www.southbendin.gov
4:45 P.M. RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS CHAIRPERSON, WHITE
1. Organizational Meeting
Council President Canneth Lee has called an Informal Meeting of the Council which will commence
immediately after the adjournment of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee Meeting.
INFORMAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL PRESIDENT, C. LEE
1. Discussion of Council Agenda
2. Update and Announcements
3. Adjournment
cc: Mayor James Mueller
Committee Meeting List
Media
NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRED PERSONS
Auxiliary Aid or Other Services may be Available upon Request at No Charge.
Please give Reasonable Advance Request when Possible
1
SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL
M EETING A GENDA
Monday, February 10, 2025
7:00 P.M.
The South Bend Common Council meeting will be open to the public
at the Council Chambers on the 4th floor of the County-City Building, 227 W.
Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601
or available by way of a virtual meeting using the Microsoft Teams Meeting
App. Public access to the meeting can be granted by this Microsoft Teams Link:
https://tinyurl.com/SBCC021025
1.INVOCATION
PASTOR MARK LANTZ | CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH
2.PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3.ROLL CALL
4.REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
JANUARY 27, 2025
5.SPECIAL BUSINESS
2025 YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL SWEAR-IN CEREMONY
MAYOR JAMES MUELLER SHALL PROVIDE A STATEMENT OF FINANCES AND
A GENERAL CONDITION OF THE CITY IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS
6.REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES
7.COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
8.BILLS ON THIRD READING
9.RESOLUTIONS
BILL NO.
2
25-09 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 635 SOUTH MAIN
STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A TWO-YEAR (2) VACANT
BUILDING TAX ABATEMENT FOR STUDEBAKER ADMIN QOZB LLC
25-10 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 445 NORTH
SHERIDAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46619 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR GLC SHERIDAN, LLC
25-11 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 445 NORTH
SHERIDAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46619 AS AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE-YEAR (5)
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR GTA CONTAINERS, LLC
25-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING AN ORDER OF THE SOUTH BEND PLAN
COMMISSION APPROVING A CERTAIN DECLARATORY RESOLUTION
FOR THE RIVER WEST DEVELOPMENT AREA ADOPTED BY THE SOUTH
BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
25-13 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 225 SOUTH
MICHIGAN, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AND 229 SOUTH MICHIGAN,
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA
FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR RSPG GLOBAL CONSULTING LLC
10. BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO.
06-25 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING A PETITION OF THE
ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 411 COTTAGE GROVE AVENUE COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT NO. 1 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
07-25 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18,
3
ARTICLE 5, TO UPDATE THE PROCEDURES FOR VACATION OF PUBLIC
WAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12. NEW BUSINESS
13. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
14. ADJOURNMENT TIME: _________
Notice for Hearing and Sight Impaired Persons
Auxiliary Aid Or Other Services Are Available Upon Request At No Charge.
Please Give Reasonable Advance Request When Possible.
In the interest of providing greater public access and to promote greater transparency, the South Bend Common Council agenda has been translated
into Spanish. All agendas are available online from the Council’s website, and also in paper format in the Office of the City Clerk, 4th Floor County-City
Building. Reasonable efforts have been taken to provide an accurate translation of the text of the agenda, however, the officiate is the English
version. Any discrepancies which may be created in the translation are not binding. Such translations do not create any right or benefit, substantive or
procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the Common Council or the City of South Bend, Indiana.
2025 COMMON COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES (Rev. 02-05-2025)
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Oversees the various activities of the Department of Community Investment. This Committee reviews all
real and personal tax abatement requests and works closely with the Business Development Team.
Troy Warner, Chairperson Sherry Bolden-Simpson, Member
Karen L. White, Vice-Chairperson Citizen Member
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers., Member Citizen Member
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Oversees the various activities of the Engagement and Economic Empowerment, Neighborhood
Development, and Community Resources Teams within the City’s Department of CI and is charged with
facilitating partnerships and ongoing communications with other public and private entities operating within
the City.
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Chairperson Sheila Niezgodski, Member
Karen L. White, Vice-Chairperson Sherry Bolden-Simpson, Member
Citizen Member
COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE
Oversees the regulations governing the overall operation of the Common Council, as well as all matters of
public trust. Its duties are set forth in detail in Section 2-10.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code.
Canneth Lee, Member Troy Warner, Member
Rachel Tomas Morgan, Member
HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Oversees the various activities performed by the Fire and Police Departments, EMS, Department of Code
Enforcement, ordinance violations, and related health and public safety matters.
Rachel Tomas Morgan, Chairperson Sharon McBride, Member
Troy Warner, Vice-Chairperson Dr. Oliver Davis, Member
Sheila Niezgodski, Member Citizen Member
Citizen Member
INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE- Innovation
Oversees the various activities of the City’s Department of Innovation, which includes the Divisions of
Information Technology and 311 so that the City of South Bend remains competitive and on the cutting edge
of developments in this area. Reviewing and proposing upgrades to computer systems and web sites,
developing availability and access to GIS data and related technologies are just some of its many activities.
Rachel Tomas Morgan, Chairperson Sharon McBride, Member
Sherry Bolden-Simpson, Vice-Chairperson Citizen Member
Dr. Oliver Davis, Member Citizen Member
PARC COMMITTEE- Venues Parks and Arts (Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment)
Oversees the various activities of the Century Center, College Football Hall of Fame, Four Winds Stadium,
Morris Performing Arts Center, Studebaker National Museum, South Bend Regional Museum of Art,
Potawatomi Zoo, My SB Trails, DTSB relations, and the many recreational and leisure activities offered by
the Department of Venues Parks and Arts.
Sharon L. McBride, Chairperson Ophelia Gooden-Rogers, Member
Karen L. White, Vice- Chairperson Troy Warner, Member
Citizen Member
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Oversees the activities performed by the Department of Administration and Finance, and reviews all proposed
salaries, budgets, appropriations, and other fiscal matters, as well as personnel policies, health benefits and
related matters.
Sheila Niezgodski, Chairperson Dr. Oliver Davis, Member
Karen L. White, Vice-Chairperson Citizen Member
Rachel Tomas Morgan, Member Citizen Member
PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE
Oversees the various activities performed by the Building Department, the Department of Public Works and
related public works and property vacation issues.
Sheila Niezgodski, Chairperson Dr. Oliver Davis, Member
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Vice-Chairperson Troy Warner, Member
Citizen Member Citizen Member
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
Oversees the various activities and issues related to neighborhood development and enhancement.
Karen L. White, Chairperson Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Member
Sheila Niezgodski, Vice-Chairperson Sharon McBride, Member
Citizen Member Citizen Member
UTILITIES COMMITTEE
Oversees the activities of all enterprise entities including but not limited to the Bureau of Waterworks, Bureau
of Sewers, and all related matters.
Sherry Bolden-Simpson, Chairperson Sheila Niezgodski, Member
Dr. Oliver Davis, Vice-Chairperson Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Member
Citizen Member Citizen Member
ZONING AND ANNEXATION COMMITTEE
Oversees the activities related to the Board of Zoning Appeals, recommendations from the Area Plan
Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as all related matters addressing annexation
and zoning.
Dr. Oliver Davis, Chairperson Sharon McBride, Member
Rachel Tomas Morgan, Vice-Chairperson Karen L. White, Member
Stacey Odom, Citizen Member Troy Warner, Member
Henry Davis Jr., Citizen Member
________________
SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
Reviews the minutes prepared by the Office of the City Clerk of the regular, special, and informal meetings
of the Common Council and makes a recommendation on their approval/modification to the Council.
Troy Warner, Member Sherry Bolden-Simpson, Member
2025 COMMON COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES (Rev.02-05-2025)
CANNETH LEE, 1ST District Council Member
President
Council Rules Committee, Member
OPHELIA GOODEN-RODGERS, 2nd District Council Member
Community Relations Committee, Chairperson
Public Works & Property Vacation Committee, Vice-Chairperson
Community Investment Committee, Member PARC Committee, Member
Residential Neighborhoods Committee, Member Utilities Committee, Member
SHARON L. MCBRIDE, 3rd District Council Member
PARC Committee, Chairperson Residential Neighborhoods Committee, Member
Health & Public Safety Committee, Member Zoning & Annexation Committee, Member
Information & Technology Committee, Member
TROY WARNER, 4TH District Council Member
Chairperson, Committee of the Whole
Community Investment Committee, Chairperson Health and Public Safety, Vice-Chairperson
Council Rules Committee, Member Public Works & Property Vacation, Member
PARC Committee, Member Sub-Committee on the Minutes, Member
Zoning & Annexation Committee, Member
SHERRY BOLDEN-SIMPSON, 5TH District Council Member
Utilities Committee, Chairperson Community Relations Committee, Member
Information & Technology, Vice-Chairperson Community Investment Committee, Member
Sub-Committee on Minutes, Member
SHEILA NIEZGODSKI, 6TH District Council Member
Personnel & Finance Committee, Chairperson
Public Works & Property Vacation, Chairperson Health & Public Safety Committee, Member
Residential Neighborhoods Committee, Vice-Chairperson Community Relations Committee, Member
Utilities Committee, Member
DR. OLIVER DAVIS, AT LARGE Council Member
Zoning & Annexation Committee, Chairperson Public Works & Property Vacation Committee, Member
Utilities Committee, Vice-Chairperson Information & Technology Committee, Member
Personnel & Finance Committee, Member Health & Public Safety Committee, Member
RACHEL TOMAS MORGAN, AT LARGE Council Member
Vice-President
Health & Public Safety Committee, Chairperson Personnel & Finance Committee, Member
Information & Technology Committee, Chairperson
Zoning & Annexation Committee, Vice-Chairperson
Council Rules Committee, Member
KAREN L. WHITE, AT LARGE Council Member
Residential Neighborhoods Committee, Chairperson Personnel & Finance Committee, Vice-Chairperson
Community Investment Committee, Vice-Chairperson Zoning & Annexation Committee, Member
Community Relations Committee, Vice-Chairperson PARC Committee, Vice-Chairperson
W CITY OF SOUTH BEND
y (. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
IB65
February 5, 2025 Filed in Clerk's Office
Council Member Troy Warner
Chairperson, Community Investment Committee FEB 1116
South Bend Common Council Bianca Tirado
County-City Building, 4th Floor City Clerk,South Bend, IN
South Bend, Indiana 46601
RE: Confirming Resolution: Vacant Building Property Tax Abatement Petition for the
Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC
Dear Council Member Warner,
Please find the enclosed Confirming Resolution and Memorandum of Agreement for a vacant
building real property tax abatement for Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC, an Indiana Limited
Liability Company. The petitioner intends to stabilize the property at 635 S. Main Street by
replacing the roof and installing new windows. The building has been vacant for two decades
and was previously the headquarters of the Studebaker Corporation and then the South Bend
Community School Corporation.
The total investment for this project is $920,653 The project meets the qualifications for an two-
year(2) vacant building tax property tax abatement.
A representative from Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC, will be available to meet with the
Committee on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Should you or other Council members have questions about the report or need additional
information, please feel free to call me at (574)245-6022.
Sincerely,
Joseph Molnar
Assistant Director, Growth and Opportunity
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
14005 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Blvd. South Bend.Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9371 www.southbendin.gov
25-09
Filed in Clerk's Office
1.'3 04 2'9";5
BILL NO. 25-09 Bianca Tirado
RESOLUTION NO.City Clerk, South Bend, IN
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
635 S. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601
AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
TWO-YEAR (2) VACANT BUILDING TAX ABATEMENT FOR
Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a
Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as an Economic Revitalization
Area for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and
WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area described as:
Key Number: 71-08-12-352-001.000-026
Local Parcel Number: 018-3018-0687
Commonly Known As: 635 S MAIN ST
Legal Description: TRACT 1
be designated as an Economic Revitalization Area under the provisions of Indiana Code 6-1.1-
12.1 et seq., and South Bend Municipal Code Sections 2-76 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing
before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and
WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all
remonstrances and objections from interested persons; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic
revitalization area have been met.
WHEREAS, the Council adopted Declaratory Resolution No. 5112-25 on January 27,
2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South
Bend, Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the
area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such
designation is for vacant building tax abatement only and shall expire on December 31, 2027.
SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for
and is granted vacant building tax deduction for up to a period of two (2) years as shown by the
schedule outlined below as well as the attachment pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-17 and
further determines that the petition, the Memorandum of Agreement between the Petitioner and
the City of South Bend, and the Statement of Benefits comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the
Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6-1.1-12 et seq.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 - 75%
SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the
Common Council and approved by the Mayor.
Canneth Lee, Council President
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me, the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend, to the Mayor of the
City of South Bend, Indiana, on the day of 2025, at
o'clock .m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025,at o'clock
m.
James Mueller, Mayor
City of South Bend
Filed in Clerk's Office
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
VACANT BUILDING TAX ABATEMENT)
This Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) dated as of February 5, 2025, serves as
confirmation of a commitment by Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC (the "Applicant"), pending
February 10, 2025, public hearing,to comply with the project description,job creation and retentionandassociatedwageratesandsalaries) figures contained in its petition, Statement of Benefits, and
attachments and this Agreement.
1. Property Associated with the Abatement and Responsibilities of the Applicant. At the time of
this Agreement, the property is located at 635 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601, and has Key
Number 71-08-12-352-001.000-026. Throughout the duration of the abatement, the Applicant shall
promptly report any changes in the address or Key Number of the property receiving the abatement totheDepartmentofCommunityInvestmentandtotheOfficeoftheCityClerk. Moreover,the Applicant
also shall report any material changes or improvements made to the property subject to the abatement
including changes as the result of subdividing, replatting, or otherwise. The Applicant agrees that
failure to promptly report changes can result in a finding of noncompliance on behalf of the Applicant
under the commitments of this Agreement.
2. Commitments of City and Applicant. Subject to the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and
a Confirmatory Resolution by the South Bend Common Council(the"SBCC"),the City of South Bend,
Indiana, (the "City") commits to provide a two-year (2) vacant building tax abatement for the
Applicant,based on the Applicant's commitment set forth in its Application. The Applicant commits
to the following(the"Commitments"):
a)making total combined real property expenditures of no less than Nine Hundred and Twenty
Thousand dollars($920,000.00) for the renovation of real property at a parcel identified in Section 1
of this Agreement;
b)acting in good faith to complete the project as described in its Application.
3. Applicant's Compliance with City and State Laws. During the term of the abatement, the
Applicant shall comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the South Bend Municipal Code, entitled"Tax
Abatement Procedures," and all governing provisions of the Indiana Code. During the term of this
abatement,the City may annually request information from the Applicant concerning the nature of the
Project, the approved capital expenditure of the Project,the number of full-time permanent positions
newly created by the Project,and the average wage rates and salaries(excluding benefits&overtime)
associated with the positions,and the Applicant shall provide the City with adequate written evidence
thereof within fifteen (15) days of such request (the "Annual Survey"). The City shall utilize this
information and the information required to be filed by the Applicant in the CF-1 Compliance with the
Statement of Benefits form to verify that the Applicant has at all times complied with the Commitments
after the Commitment Date and during the duration of the abatement and for no other purpose. The
Applicant further agrees to provide the City with such additional information as requested by the City
to determine Applicant's compliance with the Commitments and with local and state requirements
within twenty(20)days following any such request.Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
1
the Applicant acknowledges that the City may be required to disclose certain documents provided by
the Applicant as required by a court order or applicable law.
4. Substantial Compliance and Rights of Termination. The City, by and through the SBCC,
reserves the right to terminate the Economic Revitalization Area designation and associated property
tax abatement deductions if it reasonably determines that the Applicant has not made reasonable efforts
to substantially comply with all the Commitments,as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement,and the
Applicant's failure to substantially comply with the Commitments was not due to factors beyond its
reasonable control,as described in Section 5 below.
5. Factors Beyond Control. As used in this Agreement, factors beyond the control of the
Applicant shall only include factors not reasonably foreseeable at the time of designation application
and submission of Statement of Benefits which are not caused by any act or omission of the Applicant,
and which materially and adversely affect the ability of the Applicant to substantially comply with this
Agreement.Applicant has the burden to communicate to the City any such factors in which it believes
is beyond its control and impacting its ability to fulfill the terms of this Agreement or any tax abatement
benefit provided to the City. The City reserves the right to investigate the factors cited by ApplicantunderthisSection5tothefullestextentpossibleandmaydenyApplicant's request upon the
completion of the City's investigation.
6. Repayment of Tax Abatement Savings. If at any time during the term of this Agreement the
Applicant shall: (a)be delinquent or in default with respect to any tax payment in St. Joseph County,
Indiana;or(b)cease operations at the facility for which the tax abatement was granted;or(c)announce
the cessation of operations at such facility, then the City may immediately terminate the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions,and upon such termination,
require Applicant to repay all of the tax abatement savings received through the date of such
termination.
7. Notice/Hearing of Termination. In the event that the City determines that the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions should be terminated or that
all or a portion of the tax abatement savings should be repaid,it will give the Applicant notice of suchdetermination, including a written statement calculating the amount due from the Applicant, and will
provide the Applicant with an opportunity to meet with the City's designated representatives to showcausewhytheabatementshouldnotbeterminatedand/or the tax savings repaid. Such notice shall
state the names of the person with whom the Applicant may meet and will provide that the Applicant
shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to arrange such meeting and to provide its
evidence concerning why the abatement termination and/or tax savings repayment should not occur.
If,after giving such notice and receiving such evidence,if any,the City determines that the abatement
termination and/or the tax repayment action is proper, the Applicant shall be provided with written
notice and a hearing before the SBCC before any final action shall be taken terminating the abatement
and/or requiring repayment of tax benefits. The Applicant shall be entitled to appeal that determination
to a St. Joseph County Superior or Circuit Court.
8. Repayment. In the event the City requires repayment of the tax abatement savings as provided
hereunder, it shall provide Applicant with a written statement calculating the amount due (the
Statement"),and Applicant shall make such repayment to the City within one hundred twenty (120)
2
days of the date of the Statement. If the Applicant does not make timely repayment,the City shall beentitledtoallreasonablecostsandattorneys' fees incurred in the enforcement of this Agreement and
the collection of the tax abatement savings required to be repaid hereunder.
9. Modification/Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the schedules attached hereto as Exhibit
A contain the entire understanding between the City and the Applicant with respect to the subject
matter hereof, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
inducements,and conditions, expressed or implied, oral,or written, except as herein contained. This
Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing signed by the City
and the Applicant. The Applicant understands that any and all filings required to be made or actions
required to be taken to initiate or maintain the abatement are solely the responsibility of the Applicant.
10. Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of the City to exercise any right,remedy,
power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single orpartialexerciseofanyright,remedy,power,or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of thesameorofanyotherright,remedy,power,or privilege with respect to any occurrence or be construed
as a waiver of such right,remedy,power,or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver
shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
11. Governing Laws of Indiana. This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity,
interpretation,performance,and enforcement shall be governed by the laws and decisions of the courts
of the State of Indiana.
12. Applicant's Consent to Jurisdiction. The Applicant hereby irrevocably consents to the
jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Indiana and of the St.Joseph County Circuit or Superior CourtinconnectionwithanyactionorproceedingarisingoutoforrelatingtothisAgreementorany
documents or instrument delivered with respect to any of the obligations hereunder, and any action
related to this Agreement shall be brought in such County and in such Court.
12. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been received when delivered by
hand or by facsimile (with confirmation by registered or certified mail) or on the third business day
following the mailing,by registered or certified mail,postage prepaid,return receipt requested,thereof,
addressed as set forth below:
If to Applicant: Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC
506 W South Street,Suite 200
South Bend,Indiana 46601
Attn: Kevin Smith
3
If to the City:City of South Bend,Indiana
227 W.Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 1400S
South Bend,Indiana 46601
Attn: Executive Director of Community
Investment
13. Assignment and Transfer Prohibited. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the City and the Applicant and their successors and assigns, except (a) that no party mayassignortransferitsrightsorobligationsunderthisAgreementwithoutthepriorwrittenconsentof
the other party hereto, in which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and (b) Applicant may
assign and transfer its rights under this Agreement to the Permitted Assign without prior written
consent. "Permitted Assign" means the affiliated single purpose entity created for purposes of
designing, constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining the project which is the subject of this
Agreement.
14. Valid and Binding Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature
appears thereon,and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. By executing
this Agreement, each person so executing affirms that he has been duly authorized to execute this
Agreement on behalf of such party and that this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation
of the party.
15. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement and of each section or other subdivision herein
are independent of and separable from each other,and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid
or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or
unenforceable in whole or in part unless this Agreement is rendered totally unenforceable thereby.
16. No Personal Liability. No official, director, officer, employee, or agent of the City shall be
charged personally by the Applicant, its employees, or its agents with any liabilities or expenses of
defense or be held personally liable to the Applicant under any term or provision of this Agreement or
because of the execution by such party of this Agreement or because of any default by such party
hereunder.
Remainder of page intentionally blank.]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
Applicant" City"
Studebaker Admin QOZB LLC City of South Bend,Indiana
By: `" 3f g
By:
Kevin Smith
Canneth Lee
Member President,South Bend Common Council
Approved as to Legal Adequacy and Form this
day of 2025. By:
Troy Warner
Counsel, South Bend Common Council Chairperson,Community InvestmentCommittee
By:
Counsel for Applicant
Erik Glavich
Department of Community Investment
By:
James Mueller
Mayor
5
EXHIBIT A
Abatement Schedule
Subject to the adoption by the SBCC of a resolution confirming the adoption of Declaratory Resolution
No. 5112-25,the property owner is qualified for and is granted a vacant building tax abatement for
a period of two (2)years as shown by the schedule outlined below.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 -75%
6
February 4, 2025
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Council Member Troy Warner
Chairperson, Community Investment Committee
South Bend Common Council
County-City Building, 4th Floor
South Bend, Indiana 46601
Filed in Clerk's Office
Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN
RE: Confirming Resolutions (2): Industrial Property Tax Abatement for GLC Sheridan, LLC
and Personal Property Abatement for GT A Containers, LLC
Dear Council Member Warner,
Please find the enclosed Confirming Resolutions and supporting information pertaining to a tax
abatement petition jointly submitted by GLC Sheridan, LLC, an Indiana Limited Liability Company
and GTA Containers, LLC, also an Indiana Limited Liability Company. This petition package
includes:
•Department of Community Investment's summary report
•Petition for abatement
•Statement of Benefits forms (SB-1 / Real Property)
•Statement of Benefits forms (SB-1 / Personal Property)
•Supporting information
The report contains the Department's findings relative to the above-mentioned petition. GLC
Sheridan, LLC, intends to expand the facility located at 445 N. Sheridan Street, which will be leased
to GTA Containers, LLC, through a triple net lease. GTA Containers has been a local employer and
manufacturer since 1988, and due to market shifts, need to expand into this new space. GLC
Sheridan, LLC, is requesting a real property tax abatement in support of the project.
GTA Containers will also need to purchase new manufacturing equipment to support this growth and
is requesting a personal property tax abatement. The total investment for this project is $11,992,250
and will generate an additional 15 FTEs with a combined annual salary of $1,040,000. The project
meets the qualifications for an eight-year (8) mixed-use development real property tax abatement,
and a five-year (5) personal property tax abatement.
A representative from GLC Sheridan, LLC, and GTA Containers, LLC will be available on Monday,
February 10, 2025. If you or other Council members have questions about the report or need
additional information, please feel free to call me at (57 4) 235-5836.
Sincerely,
,,., I
/ I 'M_, ,J IJ)J, Mark Semen erfer
Manager Business Development
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
14005 County-City Building 227W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9371 www.southbendin.gov
25-10
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO. 25-10
Bianca Tirado
RESOLUTION NO. City Clerk, South Bend, IN
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
445 N. Sheridan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46619
AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN
EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR
GLC SHERIDAN, LLC
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a
Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as an Economic Revitalization
Area for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and
WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area described as:
Key Number: 71-08-04-376-017.000-026
Local Parcel Number: 018-2193-725701
Commonly Known As: 445 N. Sheridan Street
Legal Description: 371.57 Ft On Linden Ave Beg 207 Ft W& 40 Ft N
Se Cor Sw Sec 4 37 2e
be designated as an Economic Revitalization Area under the provisions of Indiana Code 6-1.1-
12.1 et seq., and South Bend Municipal Code Sections 2-76 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing
before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and
WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all
remonstrances and objections from interested persons; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic
revitalization area have been met; and
WHEREAS, the Council adopted Declaratory Resolution No. 5113-25 on January 27,
2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South
Bend, Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the
area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such
designation is for industrial development real property tax abatement only and shall expire on
December 31, 2027.
SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for
and is granted real property tax deduction for up to a period of eight (8) years as shown by the
schedule outlined below as well as the attachment pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-17 and
further determines that the petition, the Memorandum of Agreement between the Petitioner and
the City of South Bend, and the Statement of Benefits comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the
Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6-1.1-12 et seq.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 - 90%
Year 3 - 80%
Year 4 - 70%
Year 5 - 60%
Year 6 - 50%
Year 7 -40%
Year 8 - 30%
SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the
Common Council and approved by the Mayor.
Canneth Lee, Council President
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me, the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend, to the Mayor of the
City of South Bend, Indiana, on the day of 2025, at
o'clock .m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025,at o'clock
m.
James Mueller, Mayor
City of South Bend
Filed in Clerk's Office
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT Bianca Tirado
City Clerk,South Bend, IN
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT)
This Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) dated as of January 31, 2025, serves as
confirmation of a commitment by GLC Sheridan, LLC (the "Applicant"), pending a February 10,
2025,public hearing,to comply with the project description,job creation and retention(and associated
wage rates and salaries) figures contained in its petition, Statement of Benefits, and attachments and
this Agreement.
1. Property Associated with the Abatement and Responsibilities of the Applicant. At the time of
this Agreement,the property is located at 445.N Sheridan Street, South Bend,Indiana 46619,and has
Key Number 71-08-04-376-017.000-026. Throughout the duration of the abatement, the Applicant
shall promptly report any changes in the address or Key Number of the property receiving the
abatement to the Department of Community Investment and to the Office of the City Clerk. Moreover,
the Applicant also shall report any material changes or improvements made to the property subject to
the abatement including changes as the result of subdividing, replatting, or otherwise. The Applicant
agrees that failure to promptly report changes can result in a finding of noncompliance on behalf of the
Applicant under the commitments of this Agreement.
2. Commitments of City and Applicant. Subject to the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and
a Confirmatory Resolution by the South Bend Common Council(the"SBCC"),the City of South Bend,
Indiana,(the"City")commits to provide an eight-year(8)industrial development real property tax
abatement for the Applicant, based on the Applicant's commitment set forth in its Application. The
Applicant commits to the following(the"Commitments"):
a) making total combined real property expenditures of no less than Eight Million Eight
Hundred Thousand dollars ($8,800,000.00) for the construction of a new structure totaling
approximately One Hundred Twelve Thousand Five Hundred (112,500) square feet at property
identified in Section 1 of this Agreement;
b)creating at least fifteen(15)permanent full-time jobs with a total estimated annual payroll
of at least One Million Forty Thousand dollars ($1,040,000); and
c) acting in good faith to complete the project as described in its Application.
3. Applicant's Compliance with City and State Laws. During the term of the abatement, the
Applicant shall comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the South Bend Municipal Code, entitled "Tax
Abatement Procedures," and all governing provisions of the Indiana Code. During the term of this
abatement,the City may annually request information from the Applicant concerning the nature of the
Project, the approved capital expenditure of the Project, the number of full-time permanent positions
newly created by the Project,and the average wage rates and salaries(excluding benefits &overtime)
associated with the positions, and the Applicant shall provide the City with adequate written evidence
thereof within fifteen (15) days of such request (the "Annual Survey"). The City shall utilize this
information and the information required to be filed by the Applicant in the CF-1 Compliance with the
Statement of Benefits form to verify that the Applicant has at all times complied with the Commitments
after the Commitment Date and during the duration of the abatement and for no other purpose. The
Applicant further agrees to provide the City with such additional information as requested by the City
to determine Applicant's compliance with the Commitments and with local and state requirements
within twenty (20) days following any such request. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the Applicant acknowledges that the City may be required to disclose certain documents provided by
the Applicant as required by a court order or applicable law.
4. Substantial Compliance and Rights of Termination. The City, by and through the SBCC,
reserves the right to terminate the Economic Revitalization Area designation and associated property
tax abatement deductions if it reasonably determines that the Applicant has not made reasonable efforts
to substantially comply with all the Commitments,as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement,and the
Applicant's failure to substantially comply with the Commitments was not due to factors beyond its
reasonable control,as described in Section 5 below.
5. Factors Beyond Control. As used in this Agreement, factors beyond the control of the
Applicant shall only include factors not reasonably foreseeable at the time of designation application
and submission of Statement of Benefits which are not caused by any act or omission of the Applicant,
and which materially and adversely affect the ability of the Applicant to substantially comply with this
Agreement. Applicant has the burden to communicate to the City any such factors in which it believes
is beyond its control and impacting its ability to fulfill the terms of this Agreement or any tax abatement
benefit provided to the City. The City reserves the right to investigate the factors cited by Applicant
under this Section 5 to the fullest extent possible and may deny Applicant's request upon the
completion of the City's investigation.
6. Repayment of Tax Abatement Savings. If at any time during the term of this Agreement the
Applicant shall: (a) be delinquent or in default with respect to any tax payment in St. Joseph County,
Indiana;or(b)cease operations at the facility for which the tax abatement was granted; or(c)announce
the cessation of operations at such facility, then the City may immediately terminate the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions, and upon such termination,
require Applicant to repay all of the tax abatement savings received through the date of such
termination.
7. Notice/Hearing of Termination. In the event that the City determines that the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions should be terminated or that
all or a portion of the tax abatement savings should be repaid, it will give the Applicant notice of such
determination, including a written statement calculating the amount due from the Applicant, and will
provide the Applicant with an opportunity to meet with the City's designated representatives to show
cause why the abatement should not be terminated and/or the tax savings repaid. Such notice shall
state the names of the person with whom the Applicant may meet and will provide that the Applicant
shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to arrange such meeting and to provide its
evidence concerning why the abatement termination and/or tax savings repayment should not occur.
lf,after giving such notice and receiving such evidence, if any,the City determines that the abatement
termination and/or the tax repayment action is proper, the Applicant shall be provided with written
notice and a hearing before the SBCC before any final action shall be taken terminating the abatement
and/or requiring repayment of tax benefits. The Applicant shall be entitled to appeal that determination
to a St. Joseph County Superior or Circuit Court.
2
8. Repayment. In the event the City requires repayment of the tax abatement savings as provided
hereunder, it shall provide Applicant with a written statement calculating the amount due (the
Statement"),and Applicant shall make such repayment to the City within one hundred twenty(120)
days of the date of the Statement. If the Applicant does not make timely repayment, the City shall be
entitled to all reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred in the enforcement of this Agreement and
the collection of the tax abatement savings required to be repaid hereunder.
9. Modification/Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the schedules attached hereto as Exhibit
A contain the entire understanding between the City and the Applicant with respect to the subject
matter hereof, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
inducements, and conditions, expressed or implied, oral, or written, except as herein contained. This
Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing signed by the City
and the Applicant. The Applicant understands that any and all filings required to be made or actions
required to be taken to initiate or maintain the abatement are solely the responsibility of the Applicant.
10. Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of the City to exercise any right,remedy,
power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the
same or of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to any occurrence or be construed
as a waiver of such right, remedy, power,or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver
shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
11. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been received when delivered by
hand or by facsimile (with confirmation by registered or certified mail) or on the third business day
following the mailing,by registered or certified mail,postage prepaid,return receipt requested,thereof,
addressed as set forth below:
If to Applicant: GLC Sheridan, LLC
7410 Aspect Drive, Suite 100,
Granger,Indiana 46530
Attn: Isaac Hall
If to the City: City of South Bend, Indiana
227 W.Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 1400S
South Bend, Indiana 46601
Attn: Executive Director of Community Investment
12. Governing Laws of Indiana. This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity,
interpretation,performance,and enforcement shall be governed by the laws and decisions of the courts
of the State of Indiana.
13. Applicant's Consent to Jurisdiction. The Applicant hereby irrevocably consents to the
jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Indiana and of the St.Joseph County Circuit or Superior Court
in connection with any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any
3
documents or instrument delivered with respect to any of the obligations hereunder, and any action
related to this Agreement shall be brought in such County and in such Court.
14. Assignment and Transfer Prohibited. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the City and the Applicant and their successors and assigns, except (a) that no party may
assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of
the other party hereto, in which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and (b)Applicant may
assign and transfer its rights under this Agreement to the Permitted Assign without prior written
consent. "Permitted Assign" means the affiliated single purpose entity created for purposes of
designing, constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining the project which is the subject of this
Agreement.
15. Valid and Binding Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature
appears thereon,and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. By executing
this Agreement, each person so executing affirms that he has been duly authorized to execute this
Agreement on behalf of such party and that this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation
of the party.
16. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement and of each section or other subdivision herein
are independent of and separable from each other,and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid
or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or
unenforceable in whole or in part unless this Agreement is rendered totally unenforceable thereby.
17. No Personal Liability. No official, director, officer, employee, or agent of the City shall be
charged personally by the Applicant, its employees, or its agents with any liabilities or expenses of
defense or be held personally liable to the Applicant under any term or provision of this Agreement or
because of the execution by such party of this Agreement or because of any default by such party
hereunder.
Remainder of page intentionally blank.]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
Applicant" City"
GLC Sheridan, LLC ity of South Bend, Indiana
y: 54 y:
Jeff Smoke Canneth Lee
Managing Director President, South Bend Common Council
pproved as to Legal Adequacy and Form this :y:
day of 2025. Troy Warner
Chairperson, Community Investment
Committee
ounsel, South Bend Common Council
1 i
y:
Erik Glavich
Department of Community Investment
Counsel for Applicant
J. Lag..
By:
ALA J. O:A "-, 6ta• La James Mueller
Mayor
5
EXHIBIT A
Abatement Schedule
Subject to the adoption by the SBCC of a resolution confirming the adoption of Declaratory Resolution
No. 5113-25, the property owner is qualified for and is granted an industrial real property tax
abatement for a period of eight(8)years as shown by the schedule outlined below.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 -90%
Year 3 -80%
Year 4 - 70%
Year 5 - 60%
Year 6 - 50%
Year? - 40%
Year 8 - 30%
6
February 4, 2025
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Council Member Troy Warner Chairperson, Community Investment Committee South Bend Common Council County-City Building, 4th Floor South Bend, Indiana 46601
Filed in Clerk's Office
Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN
RE: Confirming Resolutions (2): Industrial Property Tax Abatement for GLC Sheridan, LLCand Personal Property Abatement for GT A Containers, LLCDear Council Member Warner, Please find the enclosed Confirming Resolutions and supporting information pertaining to a tax abatement petition jointly submitted by GLC Sheridan, LLC, an Indiana Limited Liability Company and GTA Containers, LLC, also an Indiana Limited Liability Company. This petition package includes: •Department of Community Investment's summary report•Petition for abatement•Statement of Benefits forms (SB-1 / Real Property)•Statement of Benefits forms (SB-1 / Personal Property)•Supporting informationThe report contains the Department's findings relative to the above-mentioned petition. GLC Sheridan, LLC, intends to expand the facility located at 445 N. Sheridan Street, which will be leased to GTA Containers, LLC, through a triple net lease. GTA Containers has been a local employer and manufacturer since 1988, and due to market shifts, need to expand into this new space. GLC Sheridan, LLC, is requesting a real property tax abatement in support of the project. GTA Containers will also need to purchase new manufacturing equipment to support this growth and is requesting a personal property tax abatement. The total investment for this project is $11,992,250 and will generate an additional 15 FTEs with a combined annual salary of $1,040,000. The project meets the qualifications for an eight-year (8) mixed-use development real property tax abatement, and a five-year (5) personal property tax abatement. A representative from GLC Sheridan, LLC, and GTA Containers, LLC will be available on Monday, February 10, 2025. If you or other Council members have questions about the report or need additional information, please feel free to call me at (57 4) 235-5836. Sin.·cer�ly, •1�f�
_,i�dt •. 1, '{ Mark Bemen erfer Manager Business Development
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT
14005 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9371 www.southbendin.gov
25-11
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO. 25-11 Bianca Tirado
RESOLUTION NO. City Clerk, South Bend, IN
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
445 N. Sheridan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46619
AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
FIVE-YEAR (5) PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR
GTA Containers, LLC
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a
Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as an Economic Revitalization
Area for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and
WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area commonly known as 445 N.
Sheridan St, South Bend, Indiana 46619, and which is more particularly described as follows:
Business Personal Property
and which has Key Numbers to be assigned, be designated as an Economic Revitalization Area;
and
WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing
before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and
WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all
remonstrances and objections from interested persons;
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic
revitalization area have been met; and
WHEREAS, the Council adopted Declaratory Resolution No. 5114-25 on January 27,
2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South
Bend, Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the
area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such
designation is for personal property tax abatement only and shall expire on December 31, 2027.
SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for
and is granted personal property tax deduction for a period of five (5) years as shown below
pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-17 and further determines that the petition,the Memorandum
of Agreement between the Petitioner and the City of South Bend, and the Statement of Benefits
comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana
Code 6-1.1-12 et seq.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 - 90%
Year 3 - 80%
Year 4 - 70%
Year 5 - 60%
SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the
Common Council and approved by the Mayor.
Canneth Lee, Council President
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me, the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend, to the Mayor of the
City of South Bend, Indiana, on the day of 2025, at
o'clock .m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025,at o'clock
m.
James Mueller, Mayor
City of South Bend
Filed in Clerk's Office
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT Bianca Tired°
City Clerk,South Bend, IN
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT)
This Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) dated as January 31, 2025, serves as
confirmation of a commitment by GTA Containers, LLC (the "Applicant"), pending a February 10,
2025,public hearing,to comply with the project description,job creation,and retention(and associated
wage rates and salaries) figures contained in its petition, Statement of Benefits, and attachments and
this Agreement(Commitments).
1. Commitments of City and Applicant. Subject to the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and
a Confirmatory Resolution by the South Bend Common Council(the"SBCC"),the City of South Bend,
Indiana, (the "City") commits to provide a five-year (5) personal property tax abatement for the
Applicant, based on the Applicant's commitment set forth in its Application. The Applicant commits
to the following (the"Commitments"):
a)making a capital expenditure of no less than Two Million Three Hundred Thousand dollars
2,300,000.00) associated with the purchase and installation of manufacturing equipment to be
installed at 445 N. Sheridan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46619, and has Key Number 71-08-04-376-
017.000-026.
b) creating at least fifteen(15) permanent full-time jobs with a total estimated annual payroll
of at least One Million Forty Thousand dollars ($1,040,000.00); and
c) acting in good faith to complete the project as described in its Application.
2. Applicant's Compliance with City and State Laws. During the term of the abatement, the
Applicant shall comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the South Bend Municipal Code, entitled"Tax
Abatement Procedures," and all governing provisions of the Indiana Code. During the term of this
abatement,the City may annually request information from the Applicant concerning the nature of the
Project, the approved capital expenditure of the Project, the number of full-time permanent positions
newly created by the Project, and the average wage rates and salaries (excluding benefits &overtime)
associated with the positions,and the Applicant shall provide the City with adequate written evidence
thereof within fifteen (15) days of such request (the "Annual Survey"). The City shall utilize this
information and the information required to be filed by the Applicant in the CF-1 Compliance with the
Statement of Benefits form to verify that the Applicant has at all times complied with the Commitments
after the Commitment Date and during the duration of the abatement and for no other purpose. The
Applicant further agrees to provide the City with such additional information as requested by the City
to determine Applicant's compliance with the Commitments and with local and state requirements
within twenty(20) days following any such request. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the Applicant acknowledges that the City may be required to disclose certain documents provided by
the Applicant as required by a court order or applicable law.
3. Substantial Compliance and Rights of Termination. The City, by and through the SBCC,
reserves the right to terminate the Economic Revitalization Area designation and associated property
tax abatement deductions if it reasonably determines that the Applicant has not made reasonable efforts
to substantially comply with all the Commitments, as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the
1
Applicant's failure to substantially comply with the Commitments was not due to factors beyond its
reasonable control,as described in Section 4 below.
4. Factors Beyond Control. As used in this Agreement, factors beyond the control of the
Applicant shall only include factors not reasonably foreseeable at the time of designation application
and submission of Statement of Benefits which are not caused by any act or omission of the Applicant,
and which materially and adversely affect the ability of the Applicant to substantially comply with this
Agreement. Applicant has the burden to communicate to the City any such factors in which it believes
is beyond its control and impacting its ability to fulfill the terms of this Agreement or any tax abatement
benefit provided to the City. The City reserves the right to investigate the factors cited by Applicant
under this Section 4 to the fullest extent possible and may deny Applicant's request upon the
completion of the City's investigation.
5. Repayment of Tax Abatement Savings. If at any time during the term of this Agreement the
Applicant shall: (a)be delinquent or in default with respect to any tax payment in St. Joseph County,
Indiana;or(b)cease operations at the facility for which the tax abatement was granted;or(c)announce
the cessation of operations at such facility, then the City may immediately terminate the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions, and upon such termination,
require Applicant to repay all of the tax abatement savings received through the date of such
termination.
6. Notice/Hearing of Termination. In the event that the City determines that the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions should be terminated or that
all or a portion of the tax abatement savings should be repaid, it will give the Applicant notice of such
determination, including a written statement calculating the amount due from the Applicant, and will
provide the Applicant with an opportunity to meet with the City's designated representatives to show
cause why the abatement should not be terminated and/or the tax savings repaid. Such notice shall
state the names of the person with whom the Applicant may meet and will provide that the Applicant
shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to arrange such meeting and to provide its
evidence concerning why the abatement termination and/or tax savings repayment should not occur.
If, after giving such notice and receiving such evidence, if any,the City determines that the abatement
termination and/or the tax repayment action is proper, the Applicant shall be provided with written
notice and a hearing before the SBCC before any final action shall be taken terminating the abatement
and/or requiring repayment of tax benefits. The Applicant shall be entitled to appeal that determination
to a St. Joseph County Superior or Circuit Court.
7. Repayment. In the event the City requires repayment of the tax abatement savings as provided
hereunder, it shall provide Applicant with a written statement calculating the amount due (the
Statement"), and Applicant shall make such repayment to the City within one hundred twenty (120)
days of the date of the Statement. If the Applicant does not make timely repayment, the City shall be
entitled to all reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred in the enforcement of this Agreement and
the collection of the tax abatement savings required to be repaid hereunder.
8. Modification/Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the schedules attached hereto as Exhibit
A contain the entire understanding between the City and the Applicant with respect to the subject
matter hereof, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
2
inducements, and conditions, expressed or implied, oral, or written, except as herein contained. This
Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing signed by the City
and the Applicant. The Applicant understands that any and all filings required to be made or actions
required to be taken to initiate or maintain the abatement are solely the responsibility of the Applicant.
9. Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of the City to exercise any right,remedy,
power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the
same or of any other right,remedy,power, or privilege with respect to any occurrence or be construed
as a waiver of such right,remedy,power,or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver
shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
10. Governing Laws of Indiana. This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity,
interpretation,performance,and enforcement shall be governed by the laws and decisions of the courts
of the State of Indiana.
11. Applicant's Consent to Jurisdiction. The Applicant hereby irrevocably consents to the
jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Indiana and of the St.Joseph County Circuit or Superior Court
in connection with any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any
documents or instrument delivered with respect to any of the obligations hereunder, and any action
related to this Agreement shall be brought in such County and in such Court.
12. Notices.All notices,requests,demands,and other communications required or permitted under
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been received when delivered by hand
or by facsimile(with confirmation by registered or certified mail)or on the third business day following
the mailing,by registered or certified mail,postage prepaid,return receipt requested,thereof,addressed
as set forth below:
If to Applicant: GTA Containers, LLC
445 N. Sheridan Street,
South Bend, IN 46619
Attn: John Heffelfinger
If to the City:City of South Bend, Indiana
1227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 1400S
South Bend, Indiana 46601
Attn: Executive Director of Community
Investment
3
13. Assignment and Transfer Prohibited. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the City and the Applicant and their successors and assigns,except that no party may assign
or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other
party hereto, in which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
14. Valid and Binding Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature
appears thereon,and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. By executing
this Agreement, each person so executing affirms that he has been duly authorized to execute this
Agreement on behalf of such party and that this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation
of the party.
15. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement and of each section or other subdivision herein
are independent of and separable from each other,and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid
or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or
unenforceable in whole or in part unless this Agreement is rendered totally unenforceable thereby.
16. No Personal Liability. No official, director, officer, employee, or agent of the City shall be
charged personally by the Applicant, its employees, or its agents with any liabilities or expenses of
defense or be held personally liable to the Applicant under any term or provision of this Agreement or
because of the execution by such party of this Agreement or because of any default by such party
hereunder.
Remainder of page intentionally blank.]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
i`Applicant" City"
GTA Containers, LLC City of South Bend,Indiana
By. By: ——
Igor Popov Canneth Lee
Chief Executive Officer President, South Bend Common Council
Approved as to Legal Adequacy and Form this By:
day of 2025. Troy Warner
Chairperson,Community Investment
Committee
Counsel, South Bend Common Council
By:
Erik Glavich
Department of Community Investment
Counsel for Applicant
By:
James Mueller
Mayor
5
EXHIBIT A
Abatement Schedule
Subject to the adoption by the SBCC of a resolution confirming the adoption of Declaratory Resolution
No. 5114-25, the property owner is qualified for and is granted a personal property tax abatement
for a period of five (5)years as shown by the schedule outlined below.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 - 90%
Year 3 - 80%
Year 4 - 70%
Year 5 -60%
6
Filed in Clerk's Office
f E ., 0 5 2 _:
Bianca Tirado
Ci ty Clerk, South Bend, IN
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Councilmember Canneth Lee
President
South Bend Common Council
County-City Building, 4 th Floor
South Bend, Indiana 4660 l
February 5, 2025
Councilmember Troy Warner
Chairperson
Community Investment Committee
South Bend Common Council
County-City Building, 4th Floor
South Bend, Indiana 4660 I
RE: Bill No. 25-12-A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of
South Bend, Indiana, Approving an Order of the South Bend Plan
Commission Approving a Certain Declaratory Resolution for the River
West Development Area Adopted by the South Bend Redevelopment
Commission
Dear President Lee and Councilmember Warner,
Please find attached Bill No. 25-12, which is a resolution that would approve,
ratify, and confirm South Bend Plan Commission Resolution No. 2025-1. Bill No. 25-
12 has been filed for the Common Council's consideration pursuant to Section 16 of
r ndiana Code 36-7-14.
On January 9, 2025, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission approved
and adopted a resolution that would amend the River West Development Area for the
purpose of establishing a new allocation area to support the redevelopment of
property on the west bank of the St. Joseph River south of Jefferson Boulevard. The
new allocation area would be known as the "Riverwalk Allocation Area" and includes
the southern Crowe building and adjacent surface parking lot; the northern Crowe
building would not be included.
Indiana Code 36-7-14 also requires that the South Bend Plan Commission
approve the resolution adopted by the Redevelopment Commission. The Plan
Commission approved and adopted its resolution on January 21, 2025. The Common
1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING· 227 W. JEFFERSON BOULEVARD· SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-5898 • FAX 574/235-9892 • TTY 574/235-5567
25-12
Council must now adopt and approve the Plan Commission's resolution before the
River West Development Area can be amended. This is the purpose of Bill No. 25-12.
Tax increment revenues from the new Riverwalk Allocation Area would be
used to support—through the issuance of taxable economic development tax
increment revenue bonds—a transformative$61.5 million redevelopment project(the
Riverwalk Project) led by Indiana developer, J.C. Hart Company, Inc. The company
will demolish the existing vacant south Crowe building and construct two new multi-
family residential buildings (291 total apartments) and a 398-space parking garage.
One of the buildings will wrap the parking garage.
The full development of the Riverwalk Allocation Area with these
improvements would not proceed as planned without the contribution of tax
increment revenues to be derived from the Riverwalk Allocation Area to the project.
The City would have no payment obligations with regard to the bonds other than a
portion of the new tax increment revenues generated by the Riverwalk Project, and
the developer guarantees debt service payments for the City-issued bonds.
Pending adoption by the Common Council of Bill No. 25-12, the Department
of Community Investment would anticipate filing an ordinance to be considered by
the Common Council at an upcoming meeting that would authorize the issuance of
the bonds discussed above in support of the Riverwalk Project.
Sincerely,
Caleb Bauer
Executive Director
Department of Community Investment
CC: South Bend Redevelopment Commission
South Bend Plan Commission
J.C. Hart Company, Inc.
Sandra Kennedy, Corporation Counsel
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO. 25-12
RESOLUTION NO. Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING AN ORDER OF THE SOUTH BEND PLAN
COMMISSION APPROVING A CERTAIN DECLARATORY RESOLUTION FOR
THE RIVER WEST DEVELOPMENT AREA ADOPTED BY THE SOUTH BEND
REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission (the "Redevelopment
Commission"), the governing body of the South Bend Department of Redevelopment (the
Department")and the Redevelopment District of the City of South Bend, Indiana(the"District"),
pursuant to Indiana Code 36-7-14, as amended (the "Act"), on January 9, 2025, approved and
adopted its Resolution No. 3627 entitled "Resolution of the South Bend Redevelopment
Commission Approving Amendments to the Declaratory Resolution and the Development Plan
for the River West Development Area for the Purpose of Establishing a New Allocation Area and
Related Matters" (the"Amending Declaratory Resolution"); and
WHEREAS, the Amending Declaratory Resolution approved amendments to the
Declaratory Resolution previously adopted by the Redevelopment Commission and the
development plan (the "Plan") previously approved by the Redevelopment Commission in
connection with the establishment and subsequent amendment of the River West Development
Area (the "Area") and designation of the related allocation area (the "Allocation Area") to (i)
designate an area, presently part of the Allocation Area and described at Exhibit A of the
Amending Declaratory Resolution, as a separate allocation area to be known as the "Riverwalk
Allocation Area"(the"Riverwalk Allocation Area") and(ii)amendment of the Plan to include the
Riverwalk Allocation Area therein(clauses(i)and(ii),collectively,the"2025 Amendments"); and
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2025, the South Bend Plan Commission (the "Plan
Commission") met and adopted and approved its resolution, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit A, determining that the Amending Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments
conform to the plan of development for the City of South Bend, Indiana (the "City"), and
designated such resolution as the written order of the Plan Commission approving the Amending
Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments, as required by Section 16 of the Act(the"Plan
Commission Order"); and
WHEREAS, Section 16 of the Act prohibits the Redevelopment Commission from
proceeding until the Plan Commission Order is approved by the legislative body of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City (the"Common Council") is the legislative
body of the City and now desires to approve the Plan Commission Order in order to permit the
Redevelopment Commission to proceed with the further development of the Area as a result of the
2025 Amendments;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South
Bend, Indiana, as follows:
SECTION 1. The Plan Commission Order attached hereto is hereby approved, ratified
and confirmed in all respects.
SECTION 2. The determination that the Riverwalk Allocation Area constitutes an
economic development area under the Act is hereby approved pursuant to Section 15 of the Act.
SECTION 3. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption
by the Common Council.
PASSED,by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, this 10th day of
February, 2025.
Canneth Lee, President
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Bianca L. Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me, the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend, to the Mayor of the
City of South Bend, Indiana, on the day of 2025, at
o'clock .m.
Bianca L. Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025,at o'clock
m.
James Mueller, Mayor
City of South Bend
2
EXHIBIT A
PLAN COMMISSION RESOLUTION
DMS 45983300v1
3
Filed in Clerk's Office
FE30J
Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-1
RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
APPROVING RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION AND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE RIVER
WEST DEVELOPMENT AREA FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING
A NEW ALLOCATION AREA AND RELATED MATTERS
WHEREAS, the South Bend Plan Commission (the "Plan Commission"), is the
body charged with the duty of developing a general plan of development for the City of South
Bend, Indiana(the"City"); and
WHEREAS,the South Bend Redevelopment Commission(the"Commission"),the
governing body of the South Bend Department of Redevelopment (the "Department") and the
Redevelopment District of the City of South Bend, Indiana (the "District"), pursuant to Indiana
Code 36-7-14, as amended(the"Act"), on January 9, 2025, approved and adopted its Resolution
No. 3627 entitled "Resolution of the South Bend Redevelopment Commission Approving
Amendments to the Declaratory Resolution and the Development Plan for the River West
Development Area for the Purpose of Establishing a New Allocation Area and Related Matters"
the"Amending Declaratory Resolution"); and
WHEREAS, the Amending Declaratory Resolution approved amendments to the
Declaratory Resolution previously adopted by the Commission and the development plan (the
Plan") previously approved by the Commission in connection with the establishment and
subsequent amendment of the River West Development Area and designation of the related
Allocation Area (the"Allocation Area") to (i) designate an area, presently part of the Allocation
Area and described at Exhibit A of the Amending Declaratory Resolution,as a separate allocation
area to be known as the"Riverwalk Allocation Area"(the"Riverwalk Allocation Area") and (ii)
amendment of the Plan to include the Riverwalk Allocation Area therein (clauses (i) and (ii),
collectively,the"2025 Amendments"); and
WHEREAS, the Plan Commission desires to approve the Amending Declaratory
Resolution and the 2025 Amendments;and
WHEREAS,the Commission has submitted the Amending Declaratory Resolution
to the Plan Commission for approval pursuant to the provisions of the Act, which Amending
Declaratory Resolution is attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof;and
WHEREAS, the Plan Commission has reviewed the Amending Declaratory
Resolution and the 2025 Amendments described in the Amending Declaratory Resolution and has
determined that they conform to the plan of development for the City,and now desires to approve
the Amending Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments described therein and,pursuant
to Section 16 of the Act, the Plan Commission desires to issue its written order approving the
Amending Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments described therein:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the South Bend Plan Commission, as
follows:
1. Pursuant to Section 16 of the Act, the Plan Commission hereby finds and
determines that the Amending Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments described in the
Amending Declaratory Resolution conform to the plan of the development of the City.
2. The Amending Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments
described in the Amending Declaratory Resolution are in all respects approved, ratified and
confirmed.
3. This Resolution hereby constitutes the written order of the Plan
Commission approving the Amending Declaratory Resolution and the 2025 Amendments
described in the Amending Declaratory Resolution pursuant to Section 16 of the Act.
4. The Secretary of the Plan Commission is hereby directed to file copies of
the Amending Declaratory Resolution with the minutes of this public meeting.
5. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect after its adoption by the Plan
Commission.
PASSED, ISSUED AND APPROVED by the South Bend Plan Commission this
21st day of January, 2025.
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION
417,k,
P}e Idl:nt
ATTEST:
Secretary
2 -
Filed in Cle rk's Office
Bianca Tirado CITY OF SOUTH BEND
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
February 4, 2025
Council Member Troy Warner
Chairperson, Community Investment Committee
South Bend Common Council
County-City Building, 4th Floor
South Bend, Indiana 46601
RE: Confirming Resolution: Mixed-Use Development Real Property Tax Abatement
Petition for the RSPG Global Consulting LLC
Dear Council Member Warner,
Please find the enclosed Confirming Resolution and Memorandum of Agreement for a mixed
use development real property tax abatement for RSPG Global Consulting LLC, an Indiana
Domestic Liability Company. The petitioner plans to reactivate the vacant building known as
Center City Place. This includes restoring the historic facade, completing extensive repairs and
renovations, and filling the building with active businesses. The building has been vacant for
over a decade years, the petitioner hopes this renovation will help to drive interest in developing
other unused buildings in the immediate vicinity as well as bring more traffic to the small
businesses currently operating in the area.
The total investment for this project is $5,825,000. The project meets the qualifications for an
eight-year (8) mixed-use development real property tax abatement.
A representative from RSPG Global Consulting LLC, will be available to meet with the
Committee on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Should you or other Council members have questions about the report or need additional
information, please feel free to call me at (574) 245-6022.
Sincerely,
Joseph Molnar
Assistant Director, Growth and Opportunity
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
14005 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9371 www.southbendin.gov
25-13
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO. 25-13
Bianca Tirado
RESOLUTION NO. City Clerk, South Bend, IN
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
225 S. Michigan, South Bend, Indiana 46601
AND
229 S. Michigan, South Bend, Indiana 46601
AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN
EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR
RSPG Global Consulting LLC
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a
Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as an Economic Revitalization
Area for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and
WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area described as:
Key Number: 71-08-12-157-010.000-026
Local Parcel Number: 018-3007-0248
Commonly Known As: 229 S. Michigan Street
Legal Description: 24'S SIDE LOT 287 O P SO BEND
Key Number: 71-08-12-157-009.000-026
Local Parcel Number: 018-3007-0247
Commonly Known As: 225 S. Michigan Street
Legal Description: 42'North Side Except 5 3/8 North Side Lot 287 Op
South Bend
be designated as an Economic Revitalization Area under the provisions of Indiana Code 6-1.1-
12.1 et seq., and South Bend Municipal Code Sections 2-76 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing
before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and
WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all
remonstrances and objections from interested persons; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic
revitalization area have been met; and
WHEREAS, the Council adopted Declaratory Resolution No. 5107-25 on January 13,
2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South
Bend, Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the
area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such
designation is for mixed-use development real property tax abatement only and shall expire on
December 31, 2027.
SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for
and is granted real property tax deduction for up to a period of eight (8) years as shown by the
schedule outlined below as well as the attachment pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-17 and
further determines that the petition, the Memorandum of Agreement between the Petitioner and
the City of South Bend, and the Statement of Benefits comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the
Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6-1.1-12 et seq.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 - 95%
Year3 - 95%
Year 4 - 90%
Year 5 - 80%
Year 6 - 80%
Year 7—60%
Year 8 —50%
SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the
Common Council and approved by the Mayor.
Canneth Lee, Council President
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me, the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend, to the Mayor of the
City of South Bend, Indiana, on the day of 2025, at
o'clock .m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025, at o'clock
m.
James Mueller, Mayor
City of South Bend
Filed in Clerk's Office
3 0 5 2 JL3
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
MIXED-USE REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT)
This Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) dated as of February 9, 2025, serves as
confirmation of a commitment by RSPG Global Consulting LLC ("RSPG Global Consulting") and
Ben Miller or His Assigns ("Ben Miller") (each an "Applicant" and collectively the "Applicants"),
pending a February 10, 2025,public hearing, to comply with the project description,job creation and
retention (and associated wage rates and salaries) figures contained in its petition, Statement of
Benefits, and attachments and this Agreement.
1. Property Associated with the Abatement and Responsibilities of the Applicants. At the time
of this Agreement,the property is located at 225,227,and 229 S.Michigan Street,South Bend,Indiana
46601, and has Key Numbers 71-08-12-157-009.000-026 and 71-08-12-157-010.000-026.
Throughout the duration of the abatement, the Applicants shall promptly report any changes in the
address or Key Number of the property receiving the abatement to the Department of Community
Investment and to the Office of the City Clerk. Moreover,the Applicants also shall report any material
changes or improvements made to the property subject to the abatement including changes as the result
of subdividing,replatting,or otherwise. The Applicants agree that failure to promptly report changes
can result in a finding of noncompliance on behalf of the Applicants under the commitments of this
Agreement.
2. Commitments of City and Applicants. Subject to the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and
a Confirmatory Resolution by the South Bend Common Council(the"SBCC"),the City of South Bend,
Indiana, (the"City") commits to provide an eight-year (8) mixed-use real property tax abatement
for the Applicants,based on the Applicants' commitment set forth in its Application. The Applicants
commit to completing the following(the"Commitments"):
a) making total combined real property expenditures of no less than Four Million dollars
4,000,000.00) for the renovation of an existing structure totaling approximately Thirty-Eight
Thousand(38,000) square feet at property identified in Section 1 of this Agreement;
b) creating at least eleven (11) permanent full-time jobs with a total estimated annual
payroll of at least Eight Hundred Thousand and Eight Hundred dollars ($800,800.00) as outlined
in its Application; and
c) acting in good faith to complete the project as described in its Application.
3. Applicants' Compliance with City and State Laws. During the term of the abatement, the
Applicants shall comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the South Bend Municipal Code, entitled"Tax
Abatement Procedures," and all governing provisions of the Indiana Code. During the term of this
abatement, the City may annually request information from the Applicants concerning the nature of
the Project, the approved capital expenditure of the Project, the number of full-time permanent
positions newly created by the Project, and the average wage rates and salaries (excluding benefits&
overtime)associated with the positions,and the Applicants shall provide the City with adequate written
evidence thereof within fifteen(15)days of such request(the"Annual Survey"). The City shall utilize
1
this information and the information required to be filed by the Applicants in the CF-1 Compliance
with the Statement of Benefits form to verify that the Applicants have at all times complied with the
Commitments after the Commitment Date and during the duration of the abatement and for no other
purpose. The Applicants further agree to provide the City with such additional information as
requested by the City to determine the Applicants' compliance with the Commitments and with local
and state requirements within twenty(20)days following any such request. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, the Applicants acknowledge that the City may be required to disclose certain
documents provided by the Applicants as required by a court order or applicable law.
4. Substantial Compliance and Rights of Termination. The City, by and through the SBCC,
reserves the right to terminate the Economic Revitalization Area designation and associated property
tax abatement deductions if it reasonably determines that the Applicants have not made reasonable
efforts to substantially comply with all the Commitments, as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement,
and the Applicants' failure to substantially comply with the Commitments was not due to factors
beyond its reasonable control, as described in Section 5 below.
5. Factors Beyond Control. As used in this Agreement, factors beyond the control of the
Applicants shall only include factors not reasonably foreseeable at the time of designation application
and submission of Statement of Benefits which are not caused by any act or omission of the Applicants,
and which materially and adversely affect the ability of the Applicants to substantially comply with
this Agreement. The Applicants has the burden to communicate to the City any such factors in which
it believes is beyond its control and impacting its ability to fulfill the terms of this Agreement or any
tax abatement benefit provided to the City. The City reserves the right to investigate the factors cited
by the Applicants under this Section 5 to the fullest extent possible and may deny the Applicants'
request upon the completion of the City's investigation.
6. Repayment of Tax Abatement Savings. If at any time during the term of this Agreement the
Applicants shall: (a)be delinquent or in default with respect to any tax payment in St. Joseph County,
Indiana;or(b)cease operations at the facility for which the tax abatement was granted;or(c)announce
the cessation of operations at such facility, then the City may immediately terminate the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions, and upon such termination,
require the Applicants to repay all of the tax abatement savings received through the date of such
termination.
7. Notice/Hearing of Termination. In the event that the City determines that the Economic
Revitalization Area designation and associated tax abatement deductions should be terminated or that
all or a portion of the tax abatement savings should be repaid,it will give the Applicants notice of such
determination,including a written statement calculating the amount due from the Applicants,and will
provide the Applicants with an opportunity to meet with the City's designated representatives to show
cause why the abatement should not be terminated and/or the tax savings repaid. Such notice shall
state the names of the person with whom the Applicants may meet and will provide that the Applicants
shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to arrange such meeting and to provide its
evidence concerning why the abatement termination and/or tax savings repayment should not occur.
If,after giving such notice and receiving such evidence, if any,the City determines that the abatement
termination and/or the tax repayment action is proper, the Applicants shall be provided with written
notice and a hearing before the SBCC before any final action shall be taken terminating the abatement
2
and/or requiring repayment of tax benefits. The Applicants shall be entitled to appeal that
determination to a St. Joseph County Superior or Circuit Court.
8. Repayment. In the event the City requires repayment of the tax abatement savings as provided
hereunder, it shall provide the Applicants with a written statement calculating the amount due (the
Statement"), and the Applicants shall make such repayment to the City within one hundred twenty
120)days of the date of the Statement. If the Applicants do not make timely repayment,the City shall
be entitled to all reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred in the enforcement of this Agreement
and the collection of the tax abatement savings required to be repaid hereunder.
9. Modification/Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the schedules attached hereto as Exhibit
A contain the entire understanding between the City and the Applicants with respect to the subject
matter hereof, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
inducements, and conditions, expressed or implied, oral, or written, except as herein contained. This
Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing signed by the City
and the Applicants. The Applicants understand that any and all filings required to be made or actions
required to be taken to initiate or maintain the abatement are solely the responsibility of the Applicants.
10. Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of the City to exercise any right,remedy,
power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any right, remedy,power, or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the
same or of any other right,remedy,power,or privilege with respect to any occurrence or be construed
as a waiver of such right,remedy,power,or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver
shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
11. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been received when delivered by
hand or by facsimile (with confirmation by registered or certified mail) or on the third business day
following the mailing,by registered or certified mail,postage prepaid,return receipt requested,thereof,
addressed as set forth below:
If to Applicant: RSPG Global Consulting LLC
1650 South Bend Avenue
South Bend, IN 46617
Attn: Dawn Martin
If to Applicant: Ben Miller
1311 Sunnymede Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
If to the City: City of South Bend,Indiana
227 W.Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 1400S
South Bend, Indiana 46601
Attn: Executive Director of Community Investment
3
12. Governing Laws of Indiana. This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity,
interpretation,performance,and enforcement shall be governed by the laws and decisions of the courts
of the State of Indiana.
13. Applicants' Consent to Jurisdiction. The Applicants hereby irrevocably consents to the
jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Indiana and of the St.Joseph County Circuit or Superior Court
in connection with any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any
documents or instrument delivered with respect to any of the obligations hereunder, and any action
related to this Agreement shall be brought in such County and in such Court.
14. Assignment and Transfer Prohibited. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the City and the Applicants and their successors and assigns,except that no party may assign
or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other
party hereto, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Applicants may,without prior written consent:(a)assign and transfer their rights under this Agreement
in accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement and (b) assign and transfer their rights under this
Agreement to the Permitted Assign. "Permitted Assign" means the affiliated single purpose entity
created for purposes of designing,constructing,owning, operating, and maintaining the project which
is the subject of this Agreement.
15. Purchase Agreement Between Applicants for Property Associated with Abatement. The
Applicants entered into a certain Purchase Agreement for Commercial-Industrial Real Estate dated
effective June 3,2024("Purchase Agreement"),under which Ben Miller or his assigns will acquire the
property described in Section 1 of this Agreement from RSPG Global Consulting, including all
buildings and permanent improvements and fixtures, together with all privileges, easements and
appurtenances pertaining thereto including any right,title,and interest in and to adjacent streets,alleys,
rights-of-way,leases, rents, security deposits, licenses and permits with respect to the property, trade
name,and warranties or guarantees relating to the property onsite the day of payoff. Upon the transfer
of the property as contemplated in the Purchase Agreement, RSPG Global Consulting's rights and
obligations under this Agreement will also transfer to Ben Miller or his assigns.
16. Valid and Binding Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature
appears thereon,and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. By executing
this Agreement, each person so executing affirms that he has been duly authorized to execute this
Agreement on behalf of such party and that this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation
of the party.
17. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement and of each section or other subdivision herein
are independent of and separable from each other,and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid
or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or
unenforceable in whole or in part unless this Agreement is rendered totally unenforceable thereby.
18. No Personal Liability. No official, director, officer, employee, or agent of the City shall be
charged personally by the Applicants, its employees, or its agents with any liabilities or expenses of
defense or be held personally liable to the Applicants under any term or provision of this Agreement
4
or because of the execution by such party of this Agreement or because of any default by such party
hereunder.
Remainder of page intentionally blank.'
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
Applicants" City"
RSPG Global Consulting LLC City of South Bend,Indiana
By: By:
Dawn Martin Canneth Lee
Registered Agent President, South Bend Common Council
Ben Miller or His Assigns
By:
By: Troy Warner
Chairperson,Community Investment
Ben Miller Committee
Approved as to Legal Adequacy and Form this
day of 2025. By:
Erik Glavich
Counsel, South Bend Common Council Department of Community Investment
By:
James Mueller
Counsel for Applicants Mayor
6
EXHIBIT A
Abatement Schedule
Subject to the adoption by the SBCC of a resolution confirming the adoption of Declaratory Resolution
No. 5107-25, the property owner is qualified for and is granted a mixed use development real
property tax abatement for a period of eight(8)years as shown by the schedule outlined below.
Year 1 - 100%
Year 2 -95%
Year 3 -95%
Year 4- 90%
Year 5 - 80%
Year 6- 80%
Year 7—60%
Year 8-50%
7
City of South Bend
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
February 4, 2025
Honorable Dr. Oliver Davis
4th Floor, County-City Building
South Bend, IN 46601
RE: Special Exception at 411 Cottage Grove Ave.
Dear Committee Chair Dr. Davis:
Filed in Clerk's Office
')
Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Br.nrl. lN
Enclosed is an Ordinance for the proposed Special Exception at the above referenced location.
Please include the attached Ordinance on the Council agenda for first reading at your February 10,
2025i Council meeting and set it for public hearing at your March 10, 2025, Council meeting. The
petition is tentatively scheduled for public hearing at the March 3, 2025, South Bend Board of
Zoning Appeals meeting. The staff report and recommendation of the South Bend Board of Zoning
Appeals will be forwarded to the Office of the City Clerk by noon on the Wednesday following the
public hearing.
The petitioner provided the following to describe the proposed project:
A Special Exception to allow for the use of a duplex
The full petition is attached for your reference. Changes may occur between the filing and the public
hearing. Any substantial changes will be identified at the Council meeting.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.
Sincerely,
Kari Myers
Zoning Specialist
CC: Bob Palmer
County-City Building I 227 W. Jefferson I South Bend, IN 46601 I 574-235-7627 I www.southbendin.gov/zoning
06-25
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO. 06-25
Bianca Tirado
ORDINANCE NO. City Clerk, South Bend, IN
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA,APPROVING A PETITION OF THE ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 411 COTTAGE GROVE AVENUE
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 1 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
Request a Special Exception to allow for a two unit dwelling
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend,
Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. The Common Council has provided notice of the hearing on the Petition
from the Advisory Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Indiana Code Section 5-14-1.5-5,
requesting that a Special Exception be granted for property located at:
411 Cottage Grove Ave, South Bend, IN 46616. 018-1030-1340
In order to permit a two unit dwelling.
SECTION II. Following a presentation by the Petitioner, and after proper public hearing,
the Common Council hereby approves the petition of the Advisory Board of Zoning Appeals, a
copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
SECTION III. The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, hereby finds
that:
1. The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health,safety, comfort, community
moral standards, convenience, or general welfare;
2. The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of adjacent area of property
values therein;
3. The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is
located, and the land uses authorized therein;
4. The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the City of South Bend
Comprehensive Plan;
SECTION IV. Approval is subject to the Petitioner complying with the reasonable
conditions, if any, established by the Advisory Board of Zoning Appeals which are on file in the
Office of the City Clerk.
SECTION V. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage
by the Common Council and approval by the mayor, and legal publication, and full execution of
any conditions or Commitments placed upon the approval.
Canneth Lee, Council President
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me, the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend, to the Mayor of the
City of South Bend, Indiana on the day of 2025, at
o'clock . m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025, at o'clock
m.
James Mueller, Mayor
City of South Bend, Indiana
2 -
City of South Bend 227 W. Jefferson - Suite 1400S
IN 46601
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
South Bend,
zoning@southbendin.gov
Petition for Variance - Special Exception
Property Information_ XX XX11
Tax Key Number:
z34-r` 018-1030-1340
Address: 411 Cottage Groveer, South Bend, IN, 46616
Owner: VIP FLIP LLC i 1 15/ai3
Zoning: U1 Urban Neighborhood 1 Per__
Project Summary: Filed in Clerk's Office
Duplex Construction
Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
Requested Action
Special Exception/ Use Variance— complete and attach Criteria for Decision Making
Use requested: Duplex construction
Variance(s) - List variances below, complete and attach Criteria for Decision Making
Variance(s) requested:
Required Documents
Completed Application (including Criteria for Decision Making and Contact Information)
0 Site Plan drawn to scale
Filing Fee
Criteria for Decision Making
Special Exception -If applicable
A Special Exception may only be granted upon making a written determination, based upon the
evidence presented at a public hearing. Please address how the project meets the following criteria.
1)The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health,safety, comfort,
community moral standards,convenience or general welfare, because:
The construction of the duplex will facilitate the achievement of the social
objectives of Sustainable Housing Development, to guarantee the
community a healthy life and promote the well-being of all age groups.
The construction of the duplex has an efficient living space, adequate
ventilation. We will adhere to the laws, and we will ensure that our main
mission prevails, building new houses to promote the best quality of life, in
modern homes, with spaces designed for excellent coexistence.
Housing is the space par excellence where the educational and cultural
2)The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area
or property values therein, because:
It will be quite the opposite, we will be efficient in the use of the land to be
able to offer a home to 2 families.
We have a land large enough to offer value to the community
3)The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is
located and the land uses authorized therein,because:
The land is completely flat. This change does not require any type of
demolition or alteration of the ground.
It will remain residential
The use of assigned land to the plot as part of the Area Plan
4)The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive
Plan, because:
The new construction fits within the framework of the community's long-term
development strategy established through the strategic execution of the city-
approved and provided duplex plan.
It aligns with the plan's designated residential land use for the area,
promotes the desired development objectives outlined in the plan, and does
not conflict.
Criteria for Decision Making
Variance(s)-If applicable
State statutes and the Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be met before a
variance can be approved. Please address how the project meets the following criteria:
1)The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety,morals and general
welfare of the community, because:
2)The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will
not be affected in a substantially adverse manner, because:
3)The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property, because:
4)The variance granted is the minimum necessary, because:
5)The variance does not correct a hardship caused by a former or current owner of
the property, because:
Contact Information
Property owner(s)of the petition site:
Name: VIP FLIP LLC
Address: 411 Cottage Groove Ave, South bend, 46616
Name:
Address:
Name:
Address:
Contact Person:
Name: Anthony Gervasi
Address: 13396 Golden Harvest Ln, Granger IN 46530
Phone Number:
786.260.7757 /570.599.8131
VIPFLIPPING@GMAIL.COM
E-mail:
By signing this petition, the Petitioner/Property Owners of the above described Real
Estate acknowledge they are responsible for understanding and complying with the
South Bend Zoning Ordinance and any other ordinance governing the property.
Failure of staff to notify the petitioner of a requirement does not imply approval or
waiver from anything contained within the ordinance.
The undersigned authorizes the contact person listed above to represent this petition
before the South Bend Plan Commission and Common Council and to answer any and
all questions related to this petition.
Property Owper ) • natires:•
County-City Building
227 W Jefferson Blvd, Suite 1400 S
South Bend, IN 46601
James Mueller, Mayor
February 5, 2025
Mrs. Sharon McBride
City of South Bend
Department of Community Investment
President, South Bend Common Council
4th Floor County City Building
South Bend IN 46601
Phone
Email
Website
311 inside City limits
311@southbendin.gov
Southbendin.gov
Filed in Clerk's Office
Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN
Re: An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, amending
Ordinance No. Chapter 18, Article 5, of the South Bend Municipal Code
Dear President McBride:
In 2024, the South Bend Common Council passed an ordinance amending Chapter 18,
Article 5, of the South Bend Municipal Code updating procedures and reducing challenges for
property owners within the City wishing to vacate all or part of a City street, alley, or other
public place or way. Attached for filing is an amendment to the vacation process that
incorporates further refinement to the process in a proactive manner. The proposed amendment
will specifically address:
•Envelope preparation -Petitioner submits a single set of envelopes to Clerk's Office for
the public hearing notification not two (2). The second set remains the obligation of the
petitioner but only necessary if a second hearing notification occurs.
•Fee payment schedule -Payments to Engineering ($300 processing fee) and the Clerks
Office ($150 filing fee) would be paid separately at their corresponding times during the
process instead of both being paid at the Engineering processing stage. Additionally, an
overage filing fee would be paid directly to the Clerk's office to ensure a more efficient
reimbursement process.
•Notification to adjacent property owners -Reducing the required percentage of signatures
from 100% to 51 % will allow requests to move more quickly while ensuring the majority
of property owners are directly notified of a potential permanent change to their property.
•Scrivener's error
07-25
City of South Bend Community Investment
Thank you for your consideration of this substitute ordinance. Know that Chris Dressel plans to
make the presentation to the Common Council at its committee and regular meetings.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
ch Cz_, ________
Tim Corcoran
Chief Planner
Enc
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO. 07-25 r-;""Q 0 5 2025
ORDINANCE NO. Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA,AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE 5, TO UPDATE THE PROCEDURES
FOR VACATION OF PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
Chapter 18, Article 5, of the South Bend Municipal Code provides the procedures for a
property owner within the City to vacate all or part of a City street, alley, or other public place or
way. Recently, challenges have been identified in the administration of this process by Common
Council, the Clerk's Office, and City employees.
Following significant updates to these procedures in 2024,Council,the Clerk's Office, and
City employees have continued working to improve the efficiency and clarity of the alley vacation
process and ensure that residents have clear guidance when they petition the City for an alley
vacation.
The proposed amendment will update several steps in the process, including splitting the
timing of the filing payments,modifying the requirements for submitting envelopes to the Clerk's
Office, and correcting a scrivener's error in a section reference.
This ordinance amendment is necessary for the effective, efficient administration of the
City's property vacation process. This ordinance is in the best interest of the City and its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA as follows:
SECTION I. Chapter 18, Article 5, shall be amended as follows:
Sec. 18-53.8 —Request for vacation; criteria, pre-application and staff recommendation; Board of
Public Works recommendation
a) Any person interested in vacating all or part of a city street or alley or any other public
place or way within the City shall initiate the process through the Engineering Department
with a pre-application. The Engineering Department and Department of Community
Investment shall review the applicant request based on the criteria approved by the Board
of Public Works and provide a staff recommendation to the applicant.
b) Applicants with favorable staff recommendations will be so notified. The Engineering
Department will send requests with an unfavorable staff recommendation to the applicant
including suggestions for improvement. Any person wishing to continue a vacation request
with the Board of Public Works without a favorable staff recommendation, should contact
the Engineering Department.
1
c) Upon payment of a review fee in the amount of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00), the
applicant may forward their request for vacation to the Board of Public Works for the
Board's review and recommendation. After payment of the fee referenced in this Section,
the Engineering Department shall generate a radius map highlighting the area proposed for
vacation, a property description of that same area, and a list of addresses within 150 feet of
the property,including all properties within the block containing the vacation petition.The
request will be sent to all applicable City Departments for review.
d) The Board of Public Works shall review the request and provide a recommendation,
including any improvements or contingencies.The Board will include a draft ordinance for
filing with the Clerk's Office. The Board Clerk shall forward a copy of all Board
recommendations to the Clerk's Office within fourteen(14) days of Board action.
Sec. 18-53.9. - Petition for vacation; fees; ordinance to approve.
a) Within 90 days of review by the Board of Public Works, any person interested in
vacating all or part of a City street or alley or any other public place or way within the
city shall file a petition for vacation and a proposed ordinance approving said petition
with the office of the City Clerk. The Engineering Department shall review the petition
for any changes since the petition was reviewed by the Board of Public Works. Petition
requests received greater than 90 days from the date of the Board of Public Works'
recommendation will not be accepted.
b) The petition for vacation and the proposed ordinance shall be accompanied by the
following when filed:
1) One(1) set of certified, stamped, and addressed envelopes to each owner whose
property is within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the exterior boundaries of such
property proposed to be vacated including all properties within the block containing
the vacation petition. A second(2°d) set of certified, stamped, and addressed
envelopes may be required, at the expense of the petitioner, should the bill be tabled
and require another notice of public hearing.
2) A brief statement as to the reason(s) for the vacation petition, the proposed use of the
vacated property, and information provided by City staff during review, including: a
description of the property proposed to be vacated, and the names and addresses of all
owners whose property is within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the exterior
boundaries of such property proposed to be vacated, including all properties within
the block containing the vacation petition. The Petitioner shall gather signatures from
fifty-one percent(51%) of the property owners whose property lines will be affected
by the proposed vacation. If a Petitioner is unable to make contact with sufficient
property owners to meet this requirement, the requirements of this subsection may be
met by providing evidence that the Petitioner has notified any property owner whose
property lines will be affected by the proposed vacation of the proceedings under this
Article.
3) A nonrefundable filing fee in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
c) If a vacation proceeding under this Article is terminated, a subsequent vacation affecting
the same property and requesting the same relief may not be initiated for two (2) years.
2
Sec. 18-53.10. -Notice of petition.
a) The City Clerk shall refer a copy of the petition for vacation to the Engineering
Department and Department of Community Investment for review under Subsection 18-
53.9(a) of this Article.
b) The City Clerk shall give notice of the petition and of the time and place of the public
hearing as provided by State law.
Sec. 18-53.11. - Public hearing.
a) Within thirty(30) days of the filing of a petition for vacation with the City Clerk, the
Common Council shall hold a public hearing on said petition. The Council shall consider
and review all reports received from the_Department of Community Investment/
Engineering Department, and/or other city personnel with required expertise and the
Board of Public Works and shall hear remonstrances based on grounds set forth in IC 36-
7-3-13 or as otherwise set forth in I.C. 36-7-3 et seq.
b) After the hearing on the petition, the Common Council may vacate the property by
ordinance.
c) Following approval by the Common Council and the Mayor, the City Clerk shall record,
in the St. Joseph County's Recorder's office, a certified copy of the ordinance approving
the petition for vacation. The City Clerk shall provide the petitioner a certified copy.
d) The City Clerk shall then notify the Board of Public Works, the South Bend Plan
Commission, Department of Community Investment, the Engineering Department, the
Bureau of Traffic and Lighting, the Street Department, the Police Department, the Fire
Department, the County Auditor and appropriate Township Assessor's office, other
necessary City or County Departments existing at the time of the vacation with similar
responsibilities to the foregoing, and all relevant utilities or other service providers of the
vacation. Notifications shall be additionally sent to the South Bend Community School
Corporation Transportation Division if the vacation involves a public street.
e) The City Clerk shall pay all advertising and recording costs incurred by said vacation
from the one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) initially paid by the petitioner. If any
additional money is due for such advertising and recording costs over and above the one
hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) fee, the petitioner shall pay the overage to the Clerk's
Office. Upon passage of such vacation ordinance, the City Clerk shall send a certified
copy to the petitioner.
SECTION II. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect after adoption by the
Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
Canneth Lee, President,
South Bend Common Council
3
Attest:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana on the day of
2025, at o'clock .m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025, at o'clock_.m.
James Mueller,Mayor, City of South Bend, Indiana
4
Filed in Clerk's Office
BILL NO.07-25
ORDINANCE NO. Bianca Tirade
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA,AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE 5, TO UPDATE THE PROCEDURES
FOR VACATION OF PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
Chapter 18, Article 5, of the South Bend Municipal Code provides the procedures for a
property owner within the City to vacate all or part of a City street, alley, or other public place or
way. Recently, challenges have been identified in the administration of this process by Common
Council, the Clerk's Office, and City employees.
Following significant updates to these procedures in 2024,Council,the Clerk's Office,and
City employees have continued working to improve the efficiency and clarity of the alley vacation
process and ensure that residents have clear guidance when they petition the City for an alley
vacation.
The proposed amendment will update several steps in the process, including splitting the
timing of the filing payments,modifying the requirements for submitting envelopes to the Clerk's
Office, and correcting a scrivener's error in a section reference.
This ordinance amendment is necessary for the effective, efficient administration of the
City's property vacation process. This ordinance is in the best interest of the City and its residents.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA as follows:
SECTION I. Chapter 18, Article 5, shall be amended as follows:
Sec. 18-53.8 —Request for vacation; criteria, pre-application and staff recommendation; Board of
Public Works recommendation
a) Any person interested in vacating all or part of a city street or alley or any other public
place or way within the City shall initiate the process through the Engineering Department
with a pre-application. The Engineering Department and Department of Community
Investment shall review the applicant request based on the criteria approved by the Board
of Public Works and provide a staff recommendation to the applicant.
b) Applicants with favorable staff recommendations will be so notified. The Engineering
Department will send requests with an unfavorable staff recommendation to the applicant
including suggestions for improvement. Any person wishing to continue a vacation request
with the Board of Public Works without a favorable staff recommendation, should contact
the Engineering Department.
1
c) Upon payment of a review total fee in the amount of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00)
shall he distributed o he E„
gineering Department f r a r „f e and-One-Hundred-Fifty
Dollars ($ 50 nm sh ll be distributed to the Clerk's Offce for
publication osts, the
applicant may forward their request for vacation to the_Board of Public Works for the
Board's review and recommendation. After payment of the fee referenced in this Section,
the Engineering Department shall generate a radius map highlighting the area proposed for
vacation, a property description of that same area, and a list of addresses within 150 feet of
the property, including all properties within the block containing the vacation petition. The
request will be sent to all applicable City Departments for review.
d) The Board of Public Works shall review the request and provide a recommendation,
including any improvements or contingencies.The Board will include a draft ordinance for
filing with the Clerk's Office. The Board Clerk shall forward a copy of all Board
recommendations to the Clerk's Office within fourteen(14) days of Board action.
Sec. 18-53.9. - Petition for vacation; fees; ordinance to approve.
a) Within 90 days of review by the Board of Public Works, any person interested in
vacating all or part of a City street or alley or any other public place or way within the
city shall file a petition for vacation and a proposed ordinance approving said petition
with the office of the City Clerk. The Engineering Department shall review the petition
for any changes since the petition was reviewed by the Board of Public Works. Petition
requests received greater than 90 days from the date of the Board of Public Works'
recommendation will not be accepted.
b) The petition for vacation and the proposed ordinance shall be accompanied by the
following when filed:
1) Two (2) sets of certified, stamped, and addressed envelopes to each owner whose
ert y i ithin o
e t.u dre fifty(1 50) feet ofthe exterior boundaries of such
pro«erty
r sod t„be< cated : cl„ding all r perties within he block c ntaining
the-vacation-petition:,One(1) set of certified, stamped, and addressed envelopes to
each owner whose property is within one hundred fifty(150) feet of the exterior
boundaries of such property proposed to be vacated including all properties within the
block containing the vacation petition. A second (2nd) set of certified, stamped, and
addressed envelopes may be required, at the expense of the petitioner, should the bill
be tabled and require another notice of public hearing.
2) A brief statement as to the reason(s) for the vacation petition, the proposed use of the
vacated property, and information provided by City staff during review, including: a
description of the property proposed to be vacated, and the names and addresses of all
owners whose property is within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the exterior
boundaries of such property proposed to be vacated, including all properties within
the block containing the vacation petition. The Petitioner shall gather signatures from
eaeh fifty-one percent(51%) of the property owners whose property lines will be
affected by the proposed vacation. If a Petitioner is unable to make contact with
sufficient property owners to meet this requirement, the requirements of this
subsection may be met by providing evidence that the Petitioner has notified any
2
property owner whose property lines will be affected by the proposed vacation of the
proceedings under this Article.
3) A nonrefundable filing fee in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
c) If a vacation proceeding under this Article is terminated, a subsequent vacation affecting
the same property and requesting the same relief may not be initiated for two (2) years.
Sec. 18-53.10. -Notice of petition.
a) The City Clerk shall refer a copy of the petition for vacation to the Engineering
Department and Department of Community Investment for review under Subsection 18-
53.9$(a) of this Article.
b) The City Clerk shall give notice of the petition and of the time and place of the public
hearing as provided by State law.
Sec. 18-53.1 1. - Public hearing.
a) Within thirty (30) days of the filing of a petition for vacation with the City Clerk, the
Common Council shall hold a public hearing on said petition. The Council shall consider
and review all reports received from the Department of Community Investment/
Engineering Department, and/or other city personnel with required expertise and the
Board of Public Works and shall hear remonstrances based on grounds set forth in IC 36-
7-3-13 or as otherwise set forth in I.C. 36-7-3 et seq.
b) After the hearing on the petition, the Common Council may vacate the property by
ordinance.
c) Following approval by the Common Council and the Mayor, the City Clerk shall record,
in the St. Joseph County's Recorder's office, a certified copy of the ordinance approving
the petition for vacation. The City Clerk shall provide the petitioner a certified copy.
d) The City Clerk shall then notify the Board of Public Works, the South Bend Plan
Commission, Department of Community Investment, the Engineering Department, the
Bureau of Traffic and Lighting,the Street Department, the Police Department, the Fire
Department, the County Auditor and appropriate Township Assessor's office, other
necessary City or County Departments existing at the time of the vacation with similar
responsibilities to the foregoing, and all relevant utilities or other service providers of the
vacation. Notifications shall be additionally sent to the South Bend Community School
Corporation Transportation Division if the vacation involves a public street.
e) The City Clerk shall pay all advertising and recording costs incurred by said vacation
from the one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) initially paid by the petitioner. If any
additional money is due for such advertising and recording costs over and above the one
hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) fee, the petitioner shall pay the overage to the Clerk's
Office Upon passage of such vacation ordinance, the
City Clerk shall send a certified copy to the petitioner.
3
SECTION II. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect after adoption by the
Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
Canneth Lee, President,
South Bend Common Council
ATTEST:
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana on the day of
2025, at o'clock .m.
Bianca Tirado, City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of 2025, at o'clock_.m.
James Mueller, Mayor, City of South Bend, Indiana
4
t,
CE F. Filed in Clerk's OfficeI
FEB 0 5 2025
Bianca Tirado
r City Clerk, South Bend, IN
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
BIANCA L. TIRADO, CITY CLERK
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION PROCEDURES
OVERVIEW
The formal procedures for the vacation of public rights-of-way are contained in Article 5, §18-53.8 of
the South Bend Municipal Code. The steps below provide additional details to help the petitioner
through the process.
PROCEDURES& PROCESS
STEP 1 The Petitioner completes a Public Right of Way Vacation Pre-Application form, available
at https://southbendin.gov/board/public-works/and submits to
kmalas@southbendin.gov. City of South Bend Engineering and Department of
Community Investment staff will review the form and follow up with the petitioner for
more information or questions as needed before issuing the preliminary written
recommendation. City Staff will also explain the process and inform the petitioner of
any potential opposition to the vacation.
All requests are weighed against established criteria and staff generates a preliminary
recommendation shared with the petitioner. The petitioner will determine whether or
not to proceed with the request.There is no fee to submit a pre-application form.
STEP 2 Following preliminary review, if the petitioner wishes to continue the request, they will
submit the completed pre-application with staff comments to the Board of Public Works
BPW) on the 13th Floor of the County-City Building. A$300 non-refundable fee is due at
this time.
A radius map and list of addresses within 150 feet is generated by Engineering and the
request is typically distributed to the following departments for review and comment:
Community Investment,Engineering, Police,and Fire. Following review,the petition and
recommendation will be placed on an upcoming BPW agenda. After the BPW meeting,
an ordinance and legal description will be drafted and provided to the petitioner with
instructions for filing with the Clerk's Office along with a letter containing the BPW
recommendation.
STEP 3 The Petitioner pays a $150 nonrefundable filing fee to the Clerk's Office to file an
ordinance drafted by Legal Department. The Clerk's Office processes the vacation
request by preparing the envelopes for public hearing and the petition to Vacate Public
Rights-of-Way for signature. The Clerk's Office files the Ordinance and Petition to be
INTEGRITY I SERVICE I ACCESSIBILITY
Elivet Quijada-Navarro Matthew Neal
CHIEF OF STAFF/CHIEF DEPUTY Cm(CLERK DEPUTY CITY Ci FRK/DIRECTOR OF POLICY
EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Blvd.I South Bend,Indiana 46601 I p.574.235.9221 I f.574.235.9173 I www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTII BEND I OFFICE OF TI IE (TFY CLERK
placed on the next Common Council agenda. The Common Council meets on the 2nd
and 4th Mondays of each month.The deadline for filing agenda items for any meeting is
noon on the WEDNESDAY before the scheduled meeting. (see attached schedule)
STEP 4 Once the Alley Vacation bill is filed with the Clerk's Office, it will be placed on the next
Common Council agenda for "First Reading." The Petitioner is not required to attend
this meeting. At this time, the Common Council will set the matter for a public hearing
which will most likely be their next regular meeting.
When the ordinance is placed on the next Common Council agenda,it will be listed under
Public Hearing" and "Third Reading." The Petitioner will need to make a short
presentation at this time. Also, all persons speaking in favor of or in opposition to this
ordinance will be heard at this time.
STEP 5 On the day of the public hearing, the petitioner will be required to attend a meeting of
the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee.This Committee is composed of four
4) members of the Common Council who will review the matter and make a
recommendation to the entire Council. The Petitioner will be required to make a short
presentation outlining the reasons for the vacation request.
The Petitioner will make the same presentation at the afternoon Committee meeting
and the 7:00 p.m. Common Council meeting. The afternoon meeting will be held in the
Common Council meeting room located in the City Clerk's office on the 4th Floor of the
County-City Building. The evening meeting will be held in the Council Chambers located
in the middle of the fourth floor of the County-City Building. City staff will be present at
the hearing to offer assistance and answer questions regarding the vacation request as
needed.
STEP 6 After approval by the Common Council and the Mayor,the Ordinance will be advertised
in its entirety in the South Bend Tribune and the Mishawaka Enterprise.This publication
will take place on the FRIDAY of the week following the Council meeting. The vacation
becomes effective thirty(30)days from the date of the publication.At that time,the City
Clerk's office will certify the document and record it with the St.Joseph County Recorder.
The Petitioner will receive a certified copy, as will the St. Joseph County Auditor and
Township Assessor. Also, at this time notification of the vacation is sent to the South
Bend Departments noted above plus the South Bend Plan Commission, Board of Public
Works, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and the South Bend Community School
Corporation Transportation Division if the vacation involves a public street.
The ordinance becomes effective thirty (30) days from the date of the publication. The
City Clerk's office certifies the document and record it with the St. Joseph County
Recorder. notification of the vacation is sent to relevant city agencies.
Revised 01-27-2025)
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION 1, INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Blvd.I South Bend,Indiana 46601 I p.574.235.9221 J f.574 235.9173 1 www.southbendin.gov