25-49 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property Located at 749 Harrison Avenue

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County-City Building a > Phone 311 inside City limits 227 W Jefferson Blvd,Suite 1400 S SOUTH ik'-' Email 311@southbendin.gov South Bend,IN 46601 04 ..�1\. Website Southbendin.gov , James Mueller,Mayor is, = r' ':' U ::2r PEACE (�9 Filed in Clerk's Office x X Dec 1, 2025 1865, Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN City of South Bend Department of Community Investment December 2, 2025 Honorable Troy Warner 4th Floor, County-City Building South Bend, IN 46601 RE: Resolution Authorizing Purchase of 749 Harrison Dear Mr. Warner, Enclosed is a Resolution affirming the interest of the City of South Bend to purchase 749 Harrison which is a substantial church building and annex located at the corner of Harrison and Van Buren in the Near Northwest Neighborhood. The property has been a point of neighborhood concern due to the poor condition of the church structure. Also, in the near vicinity of the church, the City has been successful over the past five years working with multiple developers in building and constructing new housing on once vacant lots. City staff have negotiated with the current owner of the building who is a willing seller. City staff believe it would be beneficial for the City to purchase the property for two primary reasons. 1)The church sanctuary is currently a detriment to the overall Near Northwest Neighborhood. City ownership of the property will help alleviate concerns of the community. 2)The Near Northwest has seen significant infill development on multiple parcels both for the construction of affordable and workforce housing units. Adding another large property to the City's portfolio in the neighborhood will be the first step in redeveloping the site for the betterment of the entire community. The Resolution declares the Common Council's interest in the purchase of the property and authorizes the Board of Public Works to purchase the property in accordance with I.C. 36-1-10-5.