03-13-17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 13.2017 this map here highlights the Riverfront District as it exists curreri today. The yellow highlighted area illustrates those properties that are currently eligible for a three (3) -way license. These licenses are $1,000. That is an annual fee primarily established to spur up a lot of development along the Riverfront. If an applicant is interested in applying for this type of license, the focus on the operation must be one (1) that emphasizes a dining entertainment and cultural arts experience, and not an alcohol - consumption experience. Ms. Scicchitano stated, Some of the factors that are evaluated: beverages must be served in a glass container, food must be consumed at a countertop or a table; it's not a smoking establishment, and it's certainly one that does not emphasize private clubs, adult entertainment venues, or night clubs. Currently in the Riverfront District, since the program originated in 2012, sixteen (16) establishments have received permits. We anticipate, throughout the next couple of years, that number growing. There are thirteen (13) active licenses right now in South Bend. If we look at the expansion area and factors that determine new, eligible properties, you can see those highlighted in red. We are able to really bring this opportunity forward for expansion. There was a reorganization and realignment of TIF boundaries i 2014, so we're able to kind of look at the current district and take advantage of some of the areas that we can, because of two (2) primary factors that dictate a Riverfront District: you have to be 1,500 feet from the St. Joseph River, and it has to be within one (1) of those TIF districts. We have seen a lot of interest in the area, primarily along the east of the Riverfront. You can see that's where the majority of some of the red lies. We have listed for you just some of those businesses and development that people have expressed interest in. Some of that newer business -70ne (1) of them would be existing businesses. Also, there's been some activity: an increase from the business quarter along Jefferson Boulevard. DTSB, as the program facilitator, does manage the process. There is a Riverfront license review committee that consists of five (5) me bers: there is a representative from the Council, from the Redevelopment Commission, from t Department of Community Investment, DTSB, and the Mayor's Office. This committee will meet, as needed, when applications are received. What the committee will do is look at ffie application materials. There will be a public meeting where they address the application. There is also a State application. There are some evaluation criteria that the review committee does go through. I did provide a graph so you can seethe trend of liquor license permitting in South Bend since the program was initiated in 2012. We anticipate three (3) applications in the current district this year, and an additional three (3) would be an expansion. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the a ove bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of this bill: Brad Emberton, 727 South Eddy Street, South Bend, IN, stated, his is the right idea at the right time. Mr. Emberton stated that the proposal is about more than rely a liquor license —it is a key to economic development. Kurt Janowsky, 828 East Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN, s ated, This is one of those rare economic development tools that don't cost anything. It is an opportunity for the City to take control over where they issue liquor licenses rather than the State. None from the public wished to speak in opposition to this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 11 7 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of Southl Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County -City building at 7:26 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with eight (8) members present. BILLS — THIRD READING M