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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRedevelopment Commission Agenda & Packet 07.10.25 South Bend Redevelopment Commission 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana Agenda Regular Meeting, July 10, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. BPW Conference Room 13th Floor or https://tinyurl.com/RDC-2025-2T Link to Recording: https://tinyurl.com/RDC-Meeting-Recordings 1. Roll Call • Troy Warner, President – (Council) January 2025 to December 2025 • Dave Relos, Vice President – (Mayor) January 2025 to December 2025 • Eli Wax, Secretary – (Mayor) February 2025 to December 2025 • Gillian Shaw, Commissioner – (Mayor) January 2025 to December 2025 • Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner – (Council) February 2025 to December 2025 • Marcus Ellison, Non-Voting Advisor – (School Board) February 2025 to December 2026 2. Approval of Minutes A. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 26, 2025 3. Approval of Claims A. Claims Allowance June 24, 2025 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business A. River West Development Area 1. Staff Recommendation (Main Street Housing RFP) 2. Budget Request (Infrastructure Work at Riverfront West Grant Appropriation) 3. Budget Request (Appropriation for Residential Infrastructure Fund Loan) B. Redevelopment General Fund (a.k.a. Pokagon Fund) 1. Budget Request (La Casa Commissary Kitchen) C. Administrative 1. Closings Update 2. Updates on Development Projects 6. Progress Reports A. Tax Abatement B. Common Council C. Other 7. Next Commission Meeting Thursday, July 24, 2025, 9:30 a.m. at BPW Conference Room 13th Floor CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES June 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. BPW Conference Room, 13th Floor, County-City Building https://tinyurl.com/RDC-2025-4T The South Bend Redevelopment Commission was called to order at 9:30 a.m. Vice President David Relos presiding. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: David Relos, Vice President Gillian Shaw, Commissioner Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner Marcus Ellison, Non-Voting Advisor Members Absent: Troy Warner, President Eli Wax, Secretary Legal Staff: Sandra Kennedy, Corporation Council - Virtual Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City Attorney - Virtual Redevelopment Staff: Caleb Bauer, Exec. Director, DCI Sarah Schaefer, Deputy Director, DCI - Virtual Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, DCI Joseph Molnar, Asst. Dir. of Growth and Opp., DCI Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, DCI Leslie Biek, Engineering Others Present: Greg Swiercz, South Bend Tribune Matt Barrett, 110 S. Niles Ave. John Kim, Resident CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 2 2. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, June 12, 2025 Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, second by Ophelia Gooden- Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the regular meeting of June 12, 2025. B. Approval of Minutes of the Executive Session of Thursday, June 12, 2025 Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, second by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the executive session of June 12, 2025. 3. Approval of Claims A. Claims Allowances June 10, 2025 Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval second by Marcus Ellison, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the claims allowances of June 10, 2025. 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business A. River West Development Area 1. Budget Request (Rebuilding Our Streets 2025) Leslie Biek, Engineering, presented a budget request for $1.5 million and explained that this is an additional request, however, River West now has the funds available for the 2025 Rebuilding Our Streets project. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if we have competitive bids for paving and Ms. Biek stated that we will be able to pave all the roads that need paving as well as milling down farther to extend the life of the roads. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on June 26, 2025. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 3 2. Fourth Amendment to Purchase Agreement (The Monreaux) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented this Amendment to extend the timeline for the former Fat Daddy’s site purchase agreement and would extend the contingency date to September 30, 2025. On July 14, 2022, the Commission approved a Purchase Agreement with Devereaux Peters for the sale of the site designated for a Low- Income Housing Tax Credit Project. The project received tax credit allocation during the Fall 2023 cycle with a minimum investment of $17.7 million and an RDC commitment of $3.3 million for fifty-seven (57) units. Subsequently, on November 25, 2024, the Commission approved a Third Amendment to the Purchase Agreement, extending the contingency deadline to June 30, 2025. As The Monreaux, LLC prepares for closing, they have been working to obtain an updated environmental report for the property through a firm selected by their lender. However, the report has been delayed. This Fourth Amendment accounts for the additional time required to complete the environmental review, which is the final document needed to proceed with the property closing. Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Amendment as presented on June 26, 2025. B. River East Development Area 1. Request for Proposals – Northside Blvd. & Louise St. (Former YMCA Northside Blvd.) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented that in 2024, the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) acquired the former YMCA property located at Northside Blvd. and Louise St. as part of a broader agreement to establish a fully operational YMCA in downtown South Bend. Since the acquisition, all existing structures on the site have been cleared, and the property is now ready for redevelopment. The attached Request for Proposals (RFP) invites developers to submit proposals for the site’s redevelopment. The property spans nearly six (6) acres and is situated along the St. Joseph River, in close proximity to key cultural and recreational amenities such as the South Bend Farmers Market, Market District shops, and the riverwalk leading to Howard Park and downtown South Bend. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 4 The RFP outlines submission requirements, project criteria, and the evaluation process. While the preferred use for the site is middle- density housing—such as small-scale apartments and townhomes— other proposals compatible with the existing zoning will also be considered. Mr. Molnar also gave details of the process, and all proposals will be due by September 10, 2025. Vice President Relos asked about taking into consideration the water table and flood events in the future and Mr. Molnar stated that this would accommodate that as well as provide, built-in drainage to not go any further into the site. Commissioner Shaw asked if there has been interest in the site and Mr. Molnar stated that there was. John Kim, a resident, asked about the number of market rate units and Mr. Molnar stated that it would be up to the developer. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Request as presented on June 26, 2025. 2. Request for Proposals – 403 E. Madison St. (Former Singer Sewing Manufacturing Building) Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, presented that in April 2025, the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) acquired the historic Singer Manufacturing Building located at 403 E. Madison Street. Constructed in 1868, it stands as one of South Bend’s oldest surviving commercial structures. Originally built as a factory for the Singer Sewing Company, the building was later converted into office space during the 1960s and 1970s. RDC staff view this property as a key redevelopment opportunity for the East Bank neighborhood and a chance to revitalize an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage. The Request for Proposals (RFP) invites developers to submit plans that include a full rehabilitation of the building while retaining the existing childcare tenant space. The structure encompasses approximately 60,000 square feet and sits on 3.39 acres along the St. Joseph River. The RFP outlines submission requirements, project expectations, evaluation criteria, and the review process. While the RFP encourages proposals aligned with the Downtown DT zoning district, it remains open to a variety of compatible uses. Mr. Molnar also gave details of the process and the pedestrian bridge, and all proposals will be due by October 8, 2025. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if a developer wanted to purchase the property without the East Bank Learning Center what CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 5 would the process be? Mr. Molnar stated that the Learning Center would need 12 months’ notice per terms of the lease and the RDC feels this is a high-quality childcare center and would like to continue the partnership. Commissioner Shaw asked if the RFP describes the preservation of bricks, windows and the historic nature of the building. Mr. Molnar stated that it does address these details. Commissioner Shaw also asked about environmental issues on the site and Mr. Molnar advised that it will be part of the due diligence process and is clear for residential development. Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Request as presented on June 26, 2025. 6. Progress Reports A. Tax Abatement Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, stated that the Common Council recently approved two (2) declaratory resolutions. The first pertains to the former Studebaker truck plant located on Chippewa Avenue, behind Chippewa Bowl. The current property owner plans to invest approximately $11 million to rehabilitate the rear portion of the facility. This area includes roughly 50 small concrete structures— originally constructed during World War II for testing aircraft engines—that are no longer usable or leasable. The proposed investment includes demolition of these structures, environmental remediation, and upgrades such as new loading docks to make the space functional and leasable. The Council approved an eight-year real property tax abatement to support this redevelopment effort. The second resolution supports a project by KCG, a developer known for pursuing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. KCG is planning a new development at 2020 S. Main Street, for which the Council approved a ten-year tax abatement. This action demonstrates the City’s commitment to supporting the project as KCG seeks tax credit allocation. The Council also approved the necessary rezoning for the site at the same meeting. During the discussion, Vice President Relos noted that the Studebaker site sits near the headwaters of Bowman Creek and has a history of environmental contamination due to its former use for jet engine testing. While the full extent of remediation is not yet known, the current focus is on clearing the small structures and activating the rear of the building. The site is considered a hidden gem with significant storage capacity, and it was mentioned that Studebaker Auto Parts had previously relocated CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 6 inventory to this area. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers was also recognized for having worked and retired from that building. B. Common Council C. Other Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, gave updates for the progress of the Liberty Tour and the eighty-eight (88) apartments are nearly completed. Mr. Bauer also addressed the Momentum project asked about earlier in the meeting and advised that it is soft open with a full opening later next month. Joseph Molnar gave an update regarding properties. The RDC has entered into a purchase agreement with Allen Edwin Homes to build sixteen (16) units near N. Marion St. and has closed on that property. The RDC also will close next week with the Real America project as well the Advantix project. 7. Next Commission Meeting Thursday, July 10, 2025, 9:30 a.m. at the BPW Conference Room 13th Floor 8. Adjournment Thursday, June 26, 2025, 10:15 a.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ Eli Wax, Secretary Troy Warner, President City of South Bend Department of Administration & Finance Claims Allowance Request To:South Bend Redevelopment Commission From:Kyle Willis, City Controller Date:Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Pursuant to Indiana Code 36-4-8-7, I have audited and certified the attached claims and submit them for allowance in the following amounts: GBLN-0110019 $199,921.52 GBLN-0110502 $777,676.01 GBLN-0110518 $397,823.75 Total:$1,375,421.28 _______________________________ Kyle Willis The attached claims described above were allowed in the following total amount at a public meeting on the date stated below: South Bend Redevelopment Commission By:_______________________________ Name: Date: Attest:_______________________________ Name: South Bend Redevelopment Commission 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE : 7/3/2025 FROM: Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth & Opportunity SUBJECT: Recommendation on Main Street Housing RFP Proposals Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res. * Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect. PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Staff will make a formal recommendation on the Main Street Housing RFP Proposals SPECIFICS: On January 9, 2025, the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new housing project in downtown South Bend adjacent to the Morris Performing Arts Center. All submissions were opened publicly at the May 8, 2025, RDC meeting. At that meeting, two proposals were submitted, one by Seven Diamonds and one by Flaherty & Collins. Staff have reviewed both proposals and have determined that they both met the criteria for a proper proposal as outlined in the RFP. At the July 10, 2025, RDC meeting, Staff will give an overview of the two submission and a recommendation on a path forward to the RDC. _________________________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________________Secretary Date: ____________________ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE: July 10, 2025 FROM: Caleb Bauer, DCI Executive Director SUBJECT: Riverfront West Grant Appropriation Funding Source* (circle one) River West ; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General *Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect. Specific request: $5.64M from River West Development Area Purpose of Request: Staff request appropriation of River West funds that will be reimbursed by the READI 2.0 grant award from the State of Indiana. Funds are typically reimbursed within 60 days of expenditure, but appropriated dollars are needed to award initial contract for infrastructure construction at the Riverfront West site to serve the JC Hart project and future projects. All requested funds will be reimbursed by grant dollars. INTERNAL USE ONLY: Project ID: PROJ ; Total Amount – New Project Budget Appropriation $_______________; Total Amount – Existing Project Budget Change (increase or decrease) $_______________; Funding Limits: Engineering: $_____________________; Other Prof Serv Amt $_______________; Acquisition of Land/Bldg (circle one) Amt: $___________; Street Const Amt $________________; Building Imp Amt $_________; Sewers Amt $_________; Other (specify) Amt $ ________________ _________________________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________________Secretary Date: ____________________ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION South Bend Redevelopment Commission 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE : 7/7/2025 FROM: Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth & Opportunity SUBJECT: Budget Request - Appropriation for Residential Infrastructure Fund Loan Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res. * Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect. PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Approval of Budget Request of $2,570,000 for the Residential Infrastructure Fund Loan regarding the Drewrys/Portage Elwood Sites SPECIFICS: The City of South Bend was awarded a Residential Infrastructure Fund Loan from the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) for the redevelopment of the former Drewrys and Portage Elwood Shopping Center sites to spur new residential housing development. The RDC approved Resolution No. 3637 authorized the tax increment revenue bonds which support the loan. The RIF loan funding can be used for the continued environmental remediation, installation of public utilities, and related public infrastructure improvements to support the Drewrys Site Revitalization residential housing. The closing on the loan funding is currently scheduled for July 9, 2025. This budget request appropriates the $2,570,000 from River West TIF which shall be reimbursed using the loan funding upon invoices sent to the IFA. Staff recommends approval. _________________________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________________Secretary Date: ____________________ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE: July 10, 2025 FROM: Caleb Bauer, DCI Executive Director SUBJECT: Commissary Kitchen at La Casa de Amistad Funding Source* (circle one) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General *Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect. Specific request: $267,000 from Redevelopment-Controlled Pokagon Fund Purpose of Request: Disbursement of funds to support the buildout of a community commissary kitchen in existing commercial kitchen space at La Casa de Amistad. La Casa would manage the kitchen to support startup food vendors and food truck businesses with low- cost commissary space for food prep. The development of this space will support local vendors and expand opportunities to participate in festivals and other opportunities. _________________________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________________Secretary Date: ____________________ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION