HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-08 Community and Economic DevelopmentCOMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OCTOBER 27, 2008
Committee Members Present: Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson; Ann Puzzello; Henry Davis, Vice
Chairperson; M. Catherine Andres, Citizen Member; Mark Smith, Citizen Member
Other Council Present: Timothy A. Rouse; David Varner; AI "Buddy" Kirsits; Tom LaFountain
Others .Present: Martha Lewis; Ann Kolata; Marti Wolfson; Dale Devon; Mayor Stephen Luecke;
Chuck Leone; Gary Gilot; Don Inks; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Jamie Loo; Derek Spier
BILL N0.08-94 -ABATEMENT FOR LAFAYETTE FALLS PHASE IV
At Chairperson Dieter's request, Bob Matia of Community & Economic Development described
the request by Kendall-Weiss for 5 year residential abatement. The project encompasses 29.1
acres with room for 98 homes. Over the five year period $652,581 would be abated~and
$189,895 in taxes would be paid. A detailed report from C&ED is attached. Derek Spier from
Abonmarche was present to answer questions.
On a motion by Councilmember Puzzello to send favorably followed by a second from mark
Smith, Citizen Member, the bill received favorable support. Henry David voting nay explained
misgivings about the need of an incentive to develop the property. With past sales good were we
giving incentives that were not really needed? If that be the case the City was giving away too
much.
BILL NO.08-95 TAX ABATEMENT FOR 1019 NOTRE DAME AVENUE
At the Chair's request, Bob Mathia from C&ED described the project and rveiwed the
departments findings. The proposed single-family home costing $350,000 would generate over
$2200 in taxes over the five year period, abating over $24,000. The C&ED report is attached.
Dale Devon, the builder, was present to answer questions. President Rouse asked if the lot was
in a TIF District. It is.
Citizen Members M. Catherine Andres and Mark Smith motioned to send favorable. All
supported except Henry Davis.
BILL NO. 08-97 -APPROVE APPLICATION FOR AN EPA BROWNFIELD ASSESSMENT
GRANT
Senior Redevelopment Specialist Ann Kolata explained the city's application fora $200,000 grant
to continue the site testing funded by earlier grants. Mark Smith motioned and Henry Davis
seconded followed by unanimous support to send to Council favorably.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bob Mathia asked the Council if they would consider granting a special exception fora $1.5
million dollar flex building located at Bendix & Lathrop. The special exception was needed in that
the North American Industry Classification System code for uses did not fall under qualified uses.
This issue let to a lengthy discussion initiated by Tim Rouse asking whether abatement is in the
best interest of the city. He emphasized the need to assess the effects of HEA 1001 on revenue
forecasts ultimately begging the question, does abatement work? Having recently attended
workshops focusing on the need for acots/benefit analysis when considering abatement, Rouse
called for a review of the criteria for abatement in the current ordinance. Seeing abatement as
but one tool for development its use should be designed to benefit South Bend first.
Councilmember Varner defended the current abatement standards recounting what when into the
current bills design. Rouse countered, saying we faced a new paradigm requiring a responsible
review of who pays taxes and the effect of abatement on them. M. Catherine Andres echoing
support for Rouse's rationale suggested acost/benefit analysis as well.. Councilmember Kirsits
added we need to be cognizant of what others are doing so that we can create a competitive
edge in development.
Closing discussion Chairperson Dieter saw consensus to direct Bob Mathia to proceed.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Chairperson Dieter, adjourned
the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~ 1~
Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson
Community & Economic Development Committee