09-25-06 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 25, 2006 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Couneil Page 3 Council President Rouse noted that in several Editorial Opinions which have been run in the South Bend Tribune the editorial staff have voiced concern about the effects such things as the closing of the greenhouses and conservatories would have on the South Bend community. President Rouse inquired whether the Schurz officials ever weighed and considered the effect of closing WSBT would have on the South Bend community. Mr. Ray stated that there would be no difference with regard to news coverage. President Rouse stressed that the "SB" in "WSBT" is significant and the announced move of the WSBT operations has already had an effect on the citizens of our community, as well as the community itself. He noted that he sees this as a moral perspective which does impact the citizens. Ms. Burdick stated that it would have been "easier to stay in South Bend"; and that they tried for ten (10) years to make it work. They tried to mitigate the downside by donating the building to WNIT, and believe that "they have been a pretty good corporate citizen". Council President Rouse stated that he was recently with Mary Pruess of WNIT and she is excited to be coming to South Bend. Council Member Kelly stated that he was at the WSBT building from the very beginning and is sorry to see this operation leaving. He wished them good luck and complimented them on their 10 pm news cast. Mr. Ray stated that the Schurz Board of Trustees made a business decision. He stated that every time they came to see the city, they met and talked and information was provided. He stated that "we are part of the community, are locally owned and committed to South Bend and the economic development of St. Joseph County". Mayor Luecke stated that the city worked very hard to meet their needs, noting that both tax abatement and TIF were discussed. They talked about creative options and ultimately the design and the timeliness of making the transaction work were the determining factors. The Mayor expressed appreciation of the efforts to have WMT locate in the downtown. Council Member Puzzello stated that she did not recall that the Tribune had difficulty with the South Bend Common Council when they petitioned for tax abatement consideration. Mr. Ray noted that the difficulty was not with the Council, but rather with Kelly Havens and members of the public.