04-25-05 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 25,2005 agreements with the City. Transportation analysis completed, let MACOG analyze the development traffic in computer model with and without the interchange. Consider the inclusion of the long range plan/transportation improvement program. Discussion on the interchange justification study required. Schedule dependent on right of way acquisition, all ROW now controlled by Holladay funding. INDOT only funding will not be sufficient unless major user is attracted, multiple sources will probably be required. Construction time for go ahead is less than two construction seasons. The planned growth over 10-15 year buildout period will continue to increase values and tax base. Long term source of quality sites for mixed uses. The quality and pattern of residential growth in the county is a major positive influence. Portage Prairie positions South Bend to grow value within its geographic tax base and enhances its position as regional center well into southwest Michigan. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. th Mayor Stephen Luecke, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, Indiana advised that South Bend has grown over the years, the original City of South Bend probably stretched 5 blocks in any direction from this building. It has grown and needs to continue to grow. Some people would believe that growth needs to be an either or situation, either need to grow inside the City or at the edge. He believes that growth needs to be a both/and. He stated that his administration has worked hard to redevelop old neighborhoods to redevelop commercial corridors to bring more vitality and investment to the downtown. Mayor Luecke stated that the City will continue to make those investments. He will continue to find the dollars to build housing and support the redevelopment efforts in the east and west sides of South Bend. To look for opportunities to use and reuse existing property. This summer will begin demolition on the Studebaker Stamping Plant and to open up forty (40) acres of development for new investment and new jobs in the core of the City. Those are important tasks for the City and will continue to be committed to that project. But it is also important to provide for and plan for growth at the edges of the City. Mayor Luecke stated that he supports Holladay Properties to have this land annexed into the City and be granted a PUD zoning. Mayor Luecke stated that it is good growth, it is smart growth and well planned growth, it really provides for a variety of opportunities that will bring new investment, new jobs, new residences to our city. Mayor Luecke supports Holladay Corporation, they are a quality developer, they have a good track record that we can see the kind of work that they do, the kind of businesses they attract to the parks that they have worked on in the past. This is an important step in providing for long term future growth for the City of South Bend. This area was identified in the County’s Comprehensive Plan, land use plan as an area of growth and believes that this is a good a smart way to plan for that growth. Mr. Mark Eagen, President, Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, 401 E. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana advised that he is in support of Bill 9-05. Mr. Eagen stated that our children and grandchildren need a place to grow and expand their quality of life and believes that the Portage Prairie development will bring that to South Bend. Mr. Eagen speaks highly of the Holladay Corporation as a well established developer. Mr.