10-26-09 Community and Economic Committee

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~._ •r'G' ' `~~~•~ ~~~~~P~` COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 10-26-09 Timothy Rouse, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee called the meeting to order at 5:25 p.m. Committee Members Present: Ann Puzzello, Henry Davis, Karen L. White, Citizen Member Catherine Andres Other Councilmember's Present: David Varner, Derek Dieter, Oliver J. Davis, Tom LaFountain Other's Present: Bill Hollingsworth, Bob Mathia, Phil Byrd, Ann Kolata, Gary Gilot, Pam Meyer, Rita Kopala, Jeff Vitton, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Dale Devon, John Voorde Agenda: Bill No. 73-09 -Appropriation EPA Brownfields Bill No. 09-69 -10 Year Real Property Tax Abatement - 2630 Prairie Bill No. 09-70 - 5 Year Real Property Tax Abatement -1015 N. Frances Update Neighborhood Stabilization Project Bill No. 73-09 -EPA Grant Appropriation for Brownfield Clean-Up Committee Chair Timothy Rouse called upon Ann Kolata, Senior Planner, Economic Development Department to make the presentation. She explained the bill asks the Council to appropriate federal EPA grant dollars to two specific projects identified by the city's Economic Development Department. The first project involves asbestos removal from a Montessori school. The other for soil remediation at a former Studebaker site. Maximum eligibility per project if $200,000. Councilmember White asked how the projects were identified. Ms. Kolata said these particular projects were waiting in the wings. Otherwise she aid, it was difficult to find qualifying projects due to federal red tape. Ms. Kolata also admitted it had been 3 or 4 years since the city sought proposals for use of EPA dollars. Councilmember Rouse suggested casting a wider net in the future. On a motion by Citizen Member Catherine Andres seconded by Councilmember White and affirmed by all the bill was sent to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 09-69 -10 Year Tax Abatement for Prairie Apartments Phase II Bob Mathia from the City's Economic Development Department reported the particulars of the abatement petition. He described an 8 million dollar 96 unit multi-family housing project. This phase II would complement phase I of the 128 units already receiving similar abatement. Phase I is leased fully and there is a 40 family waiting list. Councilmember Rouse then recognized Bill Hollingsworth, Project Developer, to add to the description. Moving to the public portion of the hearing Chairperson Rouse recognized Mrs. Horton a Phase I Resident who spoke in support of the petition. Chairperson Rouse then accepted a motion from Karen White followed by Councilmember Puzzello's second and a concurring vote from all the that bill be sent to the Council favorably.