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REGULAR MEETINGNOVEMBER 23, 2009 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />their Corporate Office space that was needed. He reiterated that Ziolkowski Construction <br />has been in business within the City of South Bend for over three decades and this <br />particular property will bring out the character of Ziolkowski Construction. He noted that <br />this property will be good for the employees as well as a wonder place for the clients that <br />do business with Ziolkowski Construction. He urged the Council’s favorable <br />consideration. <br /> <br />th <br />Mr. Bill Schalliol, Department of Community & Economic Development, 12 Floor <br />County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, advised that <br />this property is located in the Airport TIF District; he stated that it was the original Busk <br />Brothers property. He stated that it was build in the mid 1990’s but he was not sure if it <br />was build before it was included in the Airport Economic Development area or after. So <br />it may or may not be being assessed as a part of the AEDA. He stated that is something <br />that he would have to check into. He stated that the property has been vacate for some <br />time and paying very minimal property tax. He stated that he believes that this is <br />probably one of the best locations for this type of business because the outdoor storage is <br />located between the backs of two buildings, so it is screened as best as can be. The City <br />on June 5, 2009 bought eighteen parcels currently owned by Ziolkowski and the current <br />property tax bill is $30,858.00. So to go from the $30,000 to $75,000 in property tax is a <br />huge increase in tax revenue. He stated that the City got involved in purchasing the <br />Ziolkowski paint shop as part of the relocation of the TRANSPO project located on <br />Lafayette and Broadway. As Ignition Park grew its boundaries the City found the need to <br />buy the rest of the Ziolkowski’s properties. He stated that they appreciate Ziolkowski <br />wanting to stay inside the corporate city limits of South Bend. Mr. Schalliol urged the <br />Council’s favorable consideration. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis asked Mr. Schalliol how much Redevelopment paid for the <br />Ziolkowski properties. <br /> <br />Mr. Schalliol stated that the total between acquisition and relocation was approximately <br />$1.8 million. <br /> <br />Mayor Luecke also responded to Councilmember Henry Davis’s question. He stated that <br />the $1.8 million dollars wasn’t spent to generate the $75,000 in taxes it was part of the <br />plan to clear land for development of Ignition Park, so that the expectation that they <br />would have would be additional significant development on that site. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kirsits stated that he received two letters of support for this bill. The <br />first letter is from Daniel P. Ryan, President Ryan’s Fire Protection and the second one is <br />from Larry Shoemaker, President Precision Millwork &Plastics stating that at one time <br />they did oppose this Special Exception but because of the changes made by Ziolkowski <br />Construction now support this bill. Councilmember Kirsits stated that he will file the <br />letters with the Office of the City Clerk. <br /> <br />Mr. Jerry Niezgodski, 2930 Bonds Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this <br />bill. Mr. Niezgodski urged the Council to pass this Special Exception favorably. He <br />stated that after hearing discussion in Committee this afternoon the neighbors directly <br />north of this property has some concerns about granting this special exception, but <br />looking at the revised site plan with added berm and trees that Ziolkowski is going to <br />plant it seems that the petitioner has taken note of the concerns from the various <br />businesses and residents and have made a good faith effort to make this a win win for <br />everybody. He stated that he would hate to see South Bend lose a business like <br />Ziolkowski to another city or the county. He stated that what everyone has to remember <br />that this wasn’t Ziolkowski’s idea; the City wanted their property in Ignition Park and <br />were forced to move. Ziolkowski wanted to stay in South Bend and are making an effort <br />and the City needs to be a little more accommodating and in this case because there are <br />400 plus jobs at stake and they are renovating the property to make it more aesthetic for <br />the area. He hoped that the Council sees their good faith effort and their willingness and <br />desire to stay in South Bend and vote favorably on this resolution. <br /> <br /> 12 <br /> <br />