HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-14 Residential NeighborhoodsRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 24.2014 2:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic (AB)
Other Council Present: Valerie Schey (AB), Dr. Fred Ferlic (AB), Dr. David Varner (AB),
Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter (AB)
Others Present: John Voorde, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand
Agenda: Organizational Meeting
The Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by Chairperson Karen White with a
quorum present to discuss goals and objectives of the Committee for 2014.
To facilitate the process, Karen provided Committee members with an outline for discussion along with
an informative piece detailing eight elements of a great neighborhood. (Attached)
Karen opened asking Tim Scott, last year's Chair to review the Committee activity in 2013. Tim
recounted four Committee meetings focusing on three major issues:
1. Vacant & Abandoned Houses.
2. Crime / Safety concerns
3. Chronic nuisance properties.
Before asking each Councilmember for their input, Karen described the overall mission of the Council
was to improve the quality of life for its residents in neighborhoods seen as the heart of the community.
She then asked Committee member Henry Davis for input.
Henry had several potentially positive suggestions. Among them was starting a rental housing
registration inspection program. He cited similar programs in Indianapolis, Kokomo and Bloomington
already in place. Henry also made suggestion for a housing TIF to encourage reinvestment in
neighborhoods. He referred to these as "promise zones ".
Tim Scott, inturn, suggested a "Light up South Bend" Program. He advocated for a complete streetlight
inventory, a rapid response to outages, and additional lights in many areas across the City to discourage
crime.
Karen added that "quality of life" issues should be paramount pledging to see that reflected through the
budget process.
Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney, suggested that vacant lots created by vacant and abandoned
housing demolitions be utilized as "pocket parking" parcels where needed to alleviate on street parking.
Karen adjourned at 3:04 P.M. after summary comments.
Respectfully Submitted,
ell
Karen White, Chairperson
Residential Neighborhood Committee