HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-09 Community and Economic Developement Development Committee~~-}~ ~~
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4` ~ r .COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 11, 2009
Committee Members Present: Timothy Rouse, Chairperson; Henry Davis, Vice-
Chairperson; Ann Puzzello; Karen White; Catherine
Andres, Citizen Member; Steve Cooreman, Citizen
Member
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Tom LaFountain; David Varner; AI "Buddy"
Kirsits
Others Present: Mayor Luecke; Jeff Gibney; Gary Gilot; Jeff Vitton; Rita
Kopala; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand
Agenda: Bill No. 26-09 -Appropriation -Fund 212 Community Development Stabilization
Program
This bill appropriates$4,098,521 in federal dollars granted to the city for its Neighborhood
Stabilization Program. Chairperson Rouse recognized Jeff Vitton, who represented Pam Meyer
in her absence, to outline appropriation specifics. First addressed was the line item to defray
oversight and administrative costs of the NSP: South Bend's Department of Community and
Economic Development $95,000; South Bend Heritage $160,000 and Near Northwest
Neighborhood Inc. $105,000. the balance of the funds were to be divided among the Near
Northwest Neighborhood, South Bend Heritage, Habitat for Humanity and the Department of
Code Enforcement. Federal regulations for use of the money required it be spent in areas or
census tracks with the highest incidence of vacant and abandoned housing and number of
foreclosures. In South Bend, following these criteria, the efforts would focus on neighborhoods in
the near northwest and near west side. Jeff Gibney, Director of Community and Economic
Development provided a general overview of the city's strategy addressing the challenges of
rescue and re-hab in declining neighborhoods. He also stressed these problems were not unique
to our town, but reflected all across the "rust belt." Specifically, he cited an article recently
published in the SB Tribune (see attached) describing these problems all across the U.S. hitting
the Midwest "rust belt" hardest. A rather lengthy discussion followed. At issue was the scope of
the problem and the city's strategy to address the problems. Councilmember Henry Davis, most
spiritedly, questioned whether dollars were being well spent. He favored a more targeted
approach where a concentration of resources would make a more visible impact giving people
hope. He felt a concentrated approach would more likely spur outside investment capital. Jeff
Gibney defended the overall strategy.
Finally, Councilmember Puzzello motioned to send the bill favorably to Council. Catherine
Andres seconded and a majority affirmed.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Rouse
adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Timothy A. Rous hairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee