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Community & Economic Development 6 6(�-� ypUTH secs 1200 County -City Building, 227 West Jefferson, South Bend, Indiana 46601 -1830 Phone 574/235 -9371 Fax 574/235 -9021 To: Redevelopment Commi Zn From: Bill Schalliol, AIDED Subject: Contract for Sale for . Western Avenue Date: April 4, 2012 Attached for final approval is the Contract for Sale regarding Commission -owned property located at 502 W. Western Avenue (former Harmon Auto Glass). On June 14, 2011, the Redevelopment Commission approved the bid specs, fair - market valuation ($45,000), and advertising of legal notices to begin the disposition process for this property. At the July 12th Redevelopment Commission meeting, staff reported that no conforming bids had been received and that the property would thus be able to be sold at a negotiated price. In December 2011, the Commission was presented with a letter /proposal from Monroe Circle Community Center ( "MC3 "), a non - profit entity of Entermission Inc. and serving the South Bend community, whose mission is "to encourage and help each person discover their worth for the purpose of developing a vibrant, safe and strong community with strong families." The framework for the center's activities is expressed by the acronym VALUE — V- vocational, A -art expression, L- leadership and spiritual development, U- unique heath & wellness, and E- education empowerment. MC3's plans for the Harmon glass site focus on the Vocational component of its mission and consist of multiple phases. The development plan includes the renovation of the existing building to serve as "Carpenter's Hands" center of operations to mobilize the community at -large to volunteer and /or donate for various community construction projects while mentoring and teaching basic trade skills to community residents. In November 2011, the program completed a renovation of the 747 Center for the Homeless project for homeless veterans. The Commission approved the proposal to sell the property to MC3 for the nominal amount of $10, provided that MC3 will make the improvements as proposed (and in keeping with the successful renovations of its adjoining properties). The services proposed within this site, along with the services currently offered at the MC3's existing buildings, are open to the South Bend community and are of value to our citizens. One caveat of the approval was that before a contract for sale would be approved, MC3 need to complete its own environmental due diligence. An environmental site assessment was completed for MC3 by Wightman Petrie and MC3. The results for the site were positive noting only legacy issues that exist for all properties in the near central southwest core of the downtown area. With the amount of investment and improvement occurring around the Coveleski Park area, the renovation of the Harmon Glass property and the expansion of the MC3 development will be welcome additions in the area. Staff asks Commission approval of this transaction for sale of the Harmon Glass property to the Entermission /MC3 group. What We Do Today Makes A Difference!