HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A1 Resolution No. 3673 (Authorizing DCI Staff for Certain Acts - Lafayette Building) - Signed1
RESOLUTION NO. 3673
A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING CERTAIN EMERGENCY ACTIONS
RELATING TO THE LAFAYETTE BUILDING
WHEREAS, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”) is the
governing body of the City of South Bend Department of Redevelopment established under the
Redevelopment of Cities and Towns Act of 1953, as amended, being I.C. 36-7-14-1 et seq. (the
“Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Commission is authorized under I.C. 36-7-14-12.2 to acquire, hold, use,
and dispose of real property and to clear real property acquired for redevelopment purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Commission owns certain property within the boundaries of the City of
South Bend (the “City”), including the Lafayette Building, located at 115 S. Lafayette Boulevard,
and more particularly described in Exhibit A (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners have the authority under the Act to adopt such rules and
bylaws as they consider necessary for the proper conduct of their proceedings and the carrying out
of their duties and the safeguarding of money and property placed in their custody; and
WHEREAS, on June 8, 2026, a catastrophic fire occurred at the Property, which resulted in
significant damage and potentially creating structural instability and other unsafe conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Commission recognizes that the Property is an important and historically
significant structure within the City, but finds that immediate action may be necessary to protect
public health, safety, and welfare and to prevent further damage or risk to persons or property; and
WHEREAS, the Commission further finds that the actions authorized herein are consistent
with the Commission’s powers under Indiana Code 36-7-14 and fall within the capital expenditure
and professional services categories identified in the Commission’s 2026 Redevelopment
Commission Spending Plan, including site improvements, real property improvements, and
professional services; and
WHEREAS, I.C. 36-7-14-8 provides that redevelopment commission funds must be
disbursed only after allowance and approval by the Commission, but allows the Commission to
authorize certain disbursements prior to approval by resolution;
WHEREAS, the Commission now desires to expressly authorize certain limited actions to
be taken on its behalf in order to respond promptly and without delay to the unsafe conditions affecting
the Property, while preserving the Commission’s oversight of expenditures and ensuring that any such
actions are undertaken only as necessary to protect public health and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission
as follows:
1. The Executive Director of Community Investment and such staff as designated by
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the Executive Director (collectively, the “Authorized Representatives”) are hereby
authorized to take such actions as are reasonably necessary to address unsafe
conditions affecting the Property, including, but not limited to restricting access,
securing and stabilizing the Property, obtaining assessments, and coordinating with
appropriate governmental authorities.
2.To the extent practicable and consistent with public safety, the Authorized
Representatives shall seek to preserve or stabilize the structure. If necessary to
address an imminent threat to public health or safety, they may undertake the
clearing of the Property, including removal of structures or improvements, based on
determinations by appropriate officials or qualified professionals, including the Fire
Department, Building Commissioner, or a licensed structural engineer.
3.The Commission authorizes the use of redevelopment commission funds for the
purposes described herein, including professional services, stabilization, site work,
clearing and removal activities, and other costs reasonably necessary to address
unsafe conditions. The authorization provided herein includes the use of funds
previously appropriated or allocated by the Commission for the Property, which may
be expended in accordance with such prior authorization. To the extent expenditures
exceed previously appropriated or allocated amounts, the Commission further
authorizes the use of such additional funds as may be reasonably necessary to address
the unsafe conditions described herein.
4.Pursuant to IC 36-7-14-8, the Treasurer is authorized to make disbursements
necessary to carry out the actions authorized herein prior to the Commission’s
allowance and approval, provided that all such disbursements shall be presented to
the Commission at its next regular meeting for allowance and approval.
5.This authorization remains effective only while unsafe conditions exist, unless
modified or rescinded by the Commission.
6.This Resolution shall be in full force and effect after its adoption.
ADOPTED at a meeting of the South Bend Redevelopment Commission held on June 11,
2026.
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
David Relos, President
ATTEST:
Eli Wax, Secretary
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Exhibit A
Description of the Lafayette Building Property
Tax ID No. 018-3009-0288
Parcel Key No. 71-08-12-151-003.000-026
Legal Description: Lot 393 Ex 60'W End O P So Bend
Commonly known as: 115 S. Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46601
Tax ID No. 018-3009-0289
Parcel Key No. 71-08-12-151-004.000-026
Legal Description: 42 1/2' N Side Lot 394 Op South Bend
Commonly known as: 117-119 S. Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46601