HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-14 Community InvestmentCOMMUNITY INVESTMENT DECEMBER 8, 2014 4:05 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Gavin Ferlic, Valerie Schey (AB), Henry Davis, Derek Dieter
Citizen Members Present: Austin Caballo (AB), Patrick Mullin
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis,
Karen White
Others Present: Mike Divita, Scott Ford, Jerry Niezgodski, Sam Centellas,
Joe Shabazz
Agenda: Bill 14 -110 Approve and Adopt the West Side Main Streets Plan
The Community Investment Committee was called to order with a quorum present to review bill 14 -110.
This bill called the West Side Main Streets Plan outlined the culmination of a long process involving
extensive neighborhood input meant to address the revitalization of Lincoln Way West, Western Avenue
and West Side Neighborhoods.
Mike Divita from the Cl Department walked the Council through the revitalization vision so often asked
for by the Council. Mike used an overhead, a copy of which is attached. All told the report is 137 pages.
The presentation prompted an immediate response both supportive and questioning from
Councilmembers.
Derek Dieter asked about the future of the City Cemetery and asked how realistic the plan was. Both
Mike Divita and Scott Ford, head of Cl, said while by necessity much in the plan was conceptual the
vision it embodied is practical and doable.
Henry Davis questioned the acquisition of so many properties which he saw as ill- advisably taking
property off the tax rolls.
Scott Ford replied that the acquisition of property along with public investment on surrounding areas
would in the long run restore and enhance adjacent property values.
During citizen comment Jerry Niezgodski supported the plan. He said much in the plan reflects public
input was flexible and long overdue. He urged the Council to honor promises made to address corridor
revitalization.
Sam Centellas Director of La Casa de Amistad also voiced strong support for the plan.
Both Joe Shabazz and Henry Davis spoke against the plan fearing it was another effort to compromise
minority neighborhoods by gentrification.
On a motion by Derek Dieter seconded by Fred Ferlic and supported by all save Henry Davis the bill was
sent to Council favorably.
Gavin Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 4:30 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson