09-14-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 Ms. Dina Harris, Indiana University South Bend, Project Director, stated that this project is a wonderful partnership between IUSB; South Bend Heritage Foundation; Temple Bethel, and the Granger Church. She stated that the churches however cannot donate money, but donate their time and talents. She stated that it is those great community efforts that make the Civil Rights Heritage Center such a wonderful project for not only the residents of the neighborhood but for the entire community. She urged the Council’s favorable consideration. Mr. Allert Brown-Gort, 230 McKenna Hall, Associate Director, Institute for Latino Studies University of Notre Dame, stated that he is in full support of this bill. He noted that the Center for Social Concerns along with Downtown Notre Dame partnered with Indiana University South Bend and the Center for History to help transform the community and engage in outreach both on and off campus. He asked the Council for their favorable consideration. Gladys Muhammad,Associate Director / Director of Colfax Campus, South Bend Heritage Foundation, 803 Linconway West, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in full support to improve the west side of South Bend. She stated that this is a quality of life and public safety issue that has been a concern of many of the residents of the West Washington Street Neighborhood. She urged the Council to vote favorably on this bill. Mr. John Hamilton, 913 W. Colfax, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a member of the Near West Side Neighborhood Association and that they are vey enthusiastic about these projects. He stated that he lives across the street from the Dunbar Corners and the Center for History. He stated that he understands that these two projects will be taken off the property tax rolls however, the argument is that they have not been generating any tax dollars while they have been sitting vacant either. He advised that the economy and real estate market is not going to support any private investment in either of the buildings. He strongly urged the passage of this bill. Ms. Maureen Bolton, 625 W. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, urged the Council to vote in favor of this bill. She stated that the neighbors are very enthusiastic to have these buildings revitalized. Mr. Christoper Nanni, Vice-President, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, 205 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana advised that the Natatorium project is a good project with many benefits to the entire community. He asked the Council for their favorable consideration. Ms. Becky Zaseck, President/CEO, Real Services of St. Joseph County, urged the Council for their favorable consideration. There was no one present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. Councilmember Kirsits asked Ms. Meyer how many units at the Dunbar Corner? Ms. Meyer stated twenty five (25). Councilmember Rouse questioned the usage of CDBG Fund in new projects instead of going to already established centers such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and Charles Black Center. Ms. Meyer advised that no applications were received for funding from the Martin Luther King Center or the Charles Black Center. Mayor Luecke advised that with the additional local option income tax, programs won’t be cut at those centers; they may just be scaled back. 7