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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRedevelopment Commission Minutes 03.13.25 - Signed CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES March 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. BPW Conference Room, 13th Floor, County-City Building https://tinyurl.com/RDC-2025-2T The South Bend Redevelopment Commission was called to order at 9:32 a.m. President Troy Warner presiding. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Troy Warner, President David Relos, Vice President Eli Wax, Secretary Gillian Shaw, Commissioner Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner Marcus Ellison, Member At-Large Legal Staff: Sandra Kennedy, Corporation Council Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City Attorney Redevelopment Staff: Caleb Bauer, Exec. Director, DCI Sarah Schaefer, Deputy Director, DCI Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, DCI Rosa Tomas, Director of Finance, DCI Joseph Molnar, Asst. Dir. of Growth and Opp., DCI Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, DCI Laura Hensley, Board Secretary, DCI Others Present: John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations, VPA Greg Swiercz, SB Tribune Jim Bognar, 807 W. Washington St. Victoria Garcia, 707 Shermon Ave. Karen White, Councilwoman Donny Rogers, 505 ½ W. Washington St. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 2 Matt Barrett, 110 S. Niles Ave. Roseanna Lemrow, 921 W. Washington St. Tina Patton, 707 Sherman Ave. Jessica Frye, 27453 CR 150 Rafael Morton, County Commissioner Zach Hurst, Senior Engineer Allison Doctor, Project Manager, DCI 2. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, February 27, 2025 Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, second by Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 27, 2025. B. Approval of Amended Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, January 9, 2025 Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, second by Troy Warner, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the amended minutes by adding a footnote and updating the packet of the regular meeting of January 9, 2025. C. Approval of Amended Memo for Resolution No. 3626 of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, January 9, 2025 Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, second by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the amended memo by adding a footnote and updating the packet of the regular meeting of January 9, 2025. 3. Approval of Claims A. None 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business (Item B now precedes Item A from the Agenda) A. South Side Development Area CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 3 1. Budget Request (Design of O’Brien Splash Pad & Restroom) John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations, VPA, presented the budget request for $150,000 to allow for the design and construction documents for the addition of a new public splash pad and restroom facility at O’Brien Park. Mr. Martinez explains that the O’Brien splash pad serves thousands of families as the sole splash pad on the South side of Ewing St. and was identified in the Aquatics Capital Replacement Plan for full replacement in 2025. Mr. Martinez stated that the splash pad features a mix of above ground features and ground jets, and the maintenance and expenses overtime have continued to grow. He’s hoping that this could be an opportunity to reimagine the park layout. Mr. Matinez stated that if the budget request is approved, the restroom would be able to be built within 300 feet of the pad per Indiana Pool Code and be ADA accessible and have its own water supply. Mr. Martinez explains that this park is heavily used, and the current condition does not serve the public well. Secretary Wax asked if the soft surface would be added, and Mr. Martinez stated that he was hopeful but this may not be possible due to budget restrictions. Vice-President Relos asked what the restroom would look like, and Mr. Martinez stated that it would be a prefabricated restroom similar to LaSalle park. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if there were other splash pads with the same limitations and Mr. Martinez stated that there are three (3) and they have been in budget considerations for ten years now. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, explained that we along with VPA are taking a look at a number of facility improvements and incrementally working on those and asked the Commissioners to keep in mind that the design typically is 10% of the cost of construction and this project will most likely be seen again by the RDC. Secretary Wax asked how we decide when the RDC funds a public project versus the Council’s General Fund. Mr. Bauer explained that we look at the available funds within each development area as well as future projects and the needs of the public infrastructure due to the growth in the area. Tina Patton asked if the RFP has been issued, and Mr. Martinez stated that it has not and VPA would work with DCI and Engineering on how to proceed as well as give an update on the project at a later date. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on March 13, 2025. 2. Budget Request (Marshall Park) CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 4 John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations, VPA, presented the budget request for $315,000 to allow for repair and resurfacing of the Marshall Park tennis courts and adjacent sidewalks to address safety and liability issues. Mr. Martinez explained that a total of four (4) courts, two concrete and two asphalt that exist at the park which are in constant need of routine repair. Also, the 1,200 linear feet of sidewalk that borders the park are hazardous and have high traffic due to the proximity to Marshall school. Mr. Martinez explains that this could be an opportunity to improve the South side with basketball, tennis, pickle ball, and mixed play activities. Secretary Wax asked for clarification on the property lines and Mr. Martinez stated that when he looked at the tax records, the field area on the map was City-owned property. Commissioner Shaw asked if there would be any consideration to use different materials other than concrete and Mr. Martinez, due to the weather in Northern Indiana, this is the best investment for maintaining the multi-use courts. Vice- President Relos stated that MACOG is not always correct and there have been issues in the past with property lines. Mr. Martinez stated that we can pull the deed from the archive, and this has also been an issue with the Dr. Martin Luther King Dream Center and the school system does not consider this park their property. Commissioner Ellison asked if this would be voted on contingent upon property lines and Secretary Wax stated that there can’t be contingencies legally, it would need to be approved or denied as is. Commissioner Wax requested an update by the next meeting with verification that the City owns the parcel. President Warner explained that the Council has distributions for hazardous sidewalks in need of repair and is in favor of this project. Vice-President Relos asked if this could qualify for the Safe Routes to School project. Mr. Bauer explained that dating back to the 1960’s there has historically been confusion between parcel lines and land owned by the school corporation due to agreements that changed the use of the land, and the DCI team has frequently run into these issues, however, supports the neighborhood connectivity and improvements requested. Commissioner Shaw asked about the breakdown of the budget and Mr. Martinez stated that we have the specifications and would have the details after estimates were received within the budget. The Commissioners thanked John Martinez for his many years of service and expertise. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, the motion carried, and Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers abstained; the Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on March 13, 2025. B. River West Development Area CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 5 1. First Amendment Economic Development Agreement (J.C. Hart) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented the First Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement which provides further details regarding the scope of the RDC’s commitments as outlined in the agreement, including specifications for roadway improvements, utility relocations, and easement releases committed and identifying details of construction standards, coordination of work, other related terms, and no monetary changes or changes for J. C. Hart’s commitments. Vice-President Relos asked to give examples of these details and Mr. Molnar explained the amendment specifies which easements will be released and their location. Secretary Wax asked to clarify why this is needed and Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Assistant City Attorney, stated that the level of detail wasn’t available at the time the first agreement was originally approved due to time restraints. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Amended Agreement as presented on March 13, 2025. 2. Agreement to Suspend and Release Easement (River Glen) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented the Agreement to develop the riverwalk project, to construct and dedicate certain public roadways, sidewalks, and related improvements paid for substantially through a READI 2.0 grant from the State of Indiana. The agreement would suspend all use of the easement during development and address clear safety concerns of pedestrians or vehicular access through an active construction site and pedestrians and vehicles would still have full access to Monroe and Columbia streets. The agreement will release and relinquish the easement upon the completion of the new public roadway and sidewalks. These roadway improvements once completed will provide access to and from the River Glen Office Park. The property owner of the former River Glen Office Park is willing to: (i) suspend all use of the easement during the development of the Riverwalk Project; and (ii) release and relinquish the easement upon the roadway completion and opening. Mr. Molnar also provided a map explaining where the new roadway and sidewalks will be. Vice-President Relos asked if the City would need to buy the easement back and Mr. Molnar stated that it will be dedicated as a public right-of- way and is a part of the plan at no additional cost. Secretary Wax CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 6 asked if the City would need to go through a legal process to suspend the public right-of-way during construction and Mr. Molnar explained that the easement is held by the RDC, and we will not demand J.C. Hart give us access during the construction process. Matt Barrett asked about the green and yellow areas designated on the map and Mr. Molnar stated that the green areas are held by the Holladay Corporation and will be used as parking for the Crowe headquarters, and the yellow will potentially be a future right-of-way extending West. Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Agreement as presented on March 13, 2025. 3. Resolution No. 3631 Accepting Transfer of Real Property from BPW (Colfax Utilities Building) Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented this Resolution accepting Lot 2 of Morris Civic Minor Sub (South Bend Water Works Utility Building) located at Main and Colfax from the Board of Public Works. At their meeting on March 11, 2025, BPW approved the transfer of property. Ms. Michaels explained that since the City staff will be moving to the new City Hall leaving this building vacant, this property will be included in the scope of an active RFP for a future housing development. Vice-President Relos asked if it was part of the Main Street Housing RFP and Ms. Michaels stated that it was. Secretary Wax asked if there could be problems with staff staying there until City Hall is completed and Ms. Michaels stated that it’s currently managed by Central Services and there shouldn’t be issues when the title changes. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved Resolution No. 3631 as presented on March 13, 2025. C. West Washington Development Area 1. Budget Request (Former SB Range Demolition & Site Cleanup) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented the budget request for $1.3 million for demolition of the structure at the former South Bend Range site located at 133 Cherry St. and general site cleanup in 2025. Mr. Molnar shared a map of the area located at the edge of the Near Westside Neighborhood. In January, it was purchased through a tax sale from BPW. Mr. Molnar explained that the property had been abandoned for years and had CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 7 fallen into severe disrepair and is a concern for residents in the community. Staff have secured the site and will continue to monitor the building, however, there are significant structural issues. Secretary Wax asked if there were any potential development ideas for the site and Mr. Molnar stated that not in its current state, however, after the demolition and cleanup those conversations would likely occur. He explained the RDC does own the site just North, however, there are environmental concerns. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked about the language in the slide stating “Any remaining funds would be used to clear debris” and wouldn’t the demolition also remove the debris? Mr. Molnar stated that there is additional debris on the site that this is speaking to. Secretary Wax asked about the history of the previous owners and Mr. Molnar stated that there is an active case file. Caleb Bauer stated that the previous owners were Scorpio Properties, LLC and tax delinquency was what led to BPW taking the title due to remediating environmental concerns. Mr. Bauer explained that we are actively working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to explore the existence of any potentially responsible parties or any existing insurance policies and claims to recoup some of the costs and would not likely offset the full costs of the work. Secretary Wax pointed out that they haven’t paid taxes in at least 12- 25 years and are delinquent $146,000 and why it hadn’t been addressed earlier. Mr. Bauer explained that there was a recent bidder and putting money down to go through the redemption process, however, did not complete the process. That triggered a redemption process and delayed it coming back until the next sale which further added to the delays. Commissioner Wax asked that the City be more proactive in this process and Mr. Bauer agreed and stated that in recent years, we have been requesting properties of interest be removed from the sale and County Commissioners considering remitting those certificates to the City. Tina Patton, Jim Bognar, Roseanna Lemrow, Donny Rogers spoke in favor of the request. Matt Barrett asked if the City paid last year’s tax payment of $5,900 and Mr. Bauer stated yes, however, the property will be tax exempt going forward. Vice-President Relos also spoke in favor of the demolition and asked what this leaves for the West Washington TIF. Mr. Bauer explained that the West Washington TIF will stop drawing in June of this year. However, tax payments received this year and based on our projections and past revenues, there would probably be about $800,000 remaining in the development area when it ceases drawing any more revenue. Commissioner Shaw is in favor of the project, however, asked about the environmental hazards and remediation costs in the future. Mr. Bauer explained that there will be additional investigations on the site once the demolition has taken CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 8 place and we can have better access for testing. Secretary Wax also wanted to thank Councilwoman Karen White, other Council members and the Administration for their efforts over the years to remediate immediate concerns with this property and address the public’s health and safety. Vice-President Relos, a resident of the Near West side neighborhood for 38 years also acknowledged this community in being instrumental in setting up this TIF district as well as the first national historic district in South Bend. Commissioner Relos asked that any remaining funds go back to this neighborhood due to all of the work the residents put into saving the homes along W. Washington St. Mr. Bognar wanted to acknowledge the late Jeff Gibney, Carter Wolf, Tom & Suzanne Miller, and many others that were instrumental in supporting this neighborhood. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on March 13, 2025. 6.Progress Reports A.Tax Abatement Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, stated that The Common Council approved three (3) tax abatements, two for Penny Hill Homes, one a vacant building tax abatement and a real property tax abatement. The third is the Inwood building, a 10-year real property tax abatement that would abate the new incrementally assessed value of the building at 425 S. Michigan St. that has been vacant for 25 years. The Council also approved a confirming resolution for the new headquarters for HRP Construction, which are consolidating their operations to a new campus within the City limits in South Bend on newly annexed land on the far West side. B.Common Council President Warner announced that the Redevelopment Commission is scheduled to hold an informal training session on March 30th. Both Community Investment and the Council will participate, as there is overlapping approval required, with matters being reviewed by the RDC first before proceeding to the Council. C.Other CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 9 7.Next Commission Meeting Thursday, March 27, 2025, 9:30 a.m. BPW Conference Room 13th Floor. 8.Adjournment Thursday, March 13, 2025, 10:55 a.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ Eli Wax, Secretary Troy Warner, President