04-22-10 Community & Economic Development

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Chairperson Rouse asked about the development status of the old Oliver School site. Gibney said the proposed mixed-use plan stalled because no federal NSP dollars were awarded for the project. However, Habitat for Humanity had expressed an interest in the property for the construction of 30+ homes. Gibney said they were working with Habitat on design flexibility to add to the architectural interest of the area. The second area described was called Ignition Park West which includes some properties west of Prairie Avenue. Chairperson Rouse pointed out that Project Future has said Ignition Park's success depends upon the draw of major investment anchors. He asked what the city was doing to attract them. The Mayor said the city was working with ND to identify likely spin-offs from the research they were doing. Chairperson Rouse asked what role the Redevelopment Commission plays in the development of Ignition Park. The Mayor said the role was still developing, Gibney said the city's Economic Development Department had hired Gerri Hathaway under a 6 month contract to work with Notre Dame to develop a business plan for the park. She was researching successful approaches taken in other research parks in a collaborative effort. Councilmember Henry Davis asked if there were any definite commitments to invest in the park. The Mayor responded saying the city was working collaboratively with Notre Dame to identify and facilitate any possible research spin-offs. Councilmember Henry Davis asked what Hathaway brought to the table? i.e. track record? Expertise working with small business? Knowledge of nanotech? The Mayor said her background and linkages to ND would serve the city well. The third area described was to the east to include the Gorny Plaza area. The fourth area was a previously sought after Maplewood area which the owner 1st Source now says is available. Other desired properties have been acquired through the recent county tax sale. Murray Miller, representing the Laborer's Union Local #465 a six county area, asked what the payback of these development efforts were for the taxpayers. He wondered whether the jobs created were going to use local labor and whether the workforce would represent the diversity of the community. Councilmember Rouse asked Miller if the unions themselves represented South Bend's diversity. A brief rather contentious discussion about who qualifies for jobs and who may benefit from the development ensued.