10-22-18 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING October 22, 2018 community that will be able to walk and that eliminates a lot of the barriers when it comes to transportation for jobs. Mr. Gammage continued, We talked about this being a retail business in our meeting earlier. There are examples of retail businesses that we've given tax abatements to in the last few years and if you look in the Municipal Code, it does allow tax abatements for retail. We've approved the Crooked Ewe Brewery in 2003 as well as Martin's Supermarket which is also located on that side of town in 2016. So, we have seen examples. We look at this as a revitalization area and a tax abatement impact area. So we are really looking at the opportunity to help revitalize and help support new development and job creation in that area. Vandna Patel, 10100 Pemburry Drive, Granger, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Ms. Patel stated, As Austin mentioned, he covered pretty much everything. We plan to build a 3,000 square foot Dairy Queen Grill 'N Chill. It would be, of course, a great opportunity for jobs around that area. I already have a small store in the area and the problem we run into is transportation as well as the amount of people looking for a job on that side of town. I have offered jobs to other stores but because of the transportation,they are not able to. I think the amount of questions, phone calls and text messages I get from former employees or current employees demand this. We are trying to create a place to be for families instead of just a fast food place. That is our goal and hopefully we can make that happen. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Yes, Ms. Patel. She knows my concern about my regulation requiring black walnut ice cream. I went over this with her. Council President Tim Scott stated, You are out of order, Mr. Vice President. Councilmember Oliver Davis continued, I know but I did go over this with her on Friday when I met with them. I want to thank her for coming out and Mr. Gammage for coming out. We did discuss the ice cream situation and I think we have made some negotiations on that matter. I felt very comfortable after leaving and after talking with her because we don't have that on that side of town. I think this is going to be really great. It is right across the street from the fitness area there. You can go to the fitness area,then have your ice cream, and Kroger's is right there. I think it is wonderful as it takes the holistic approach from that standpoint, so, I welcome you and thank you. Have you done any further thinking regarding the ice cream situation? Ms. Patel replied, Yes, actually, I've sent an email out to our distributor to see if they have black walnut. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, I appreciate that. I thank you. In the sixth (6th) District we will have that. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I just want to thank you for bringing this opportunity. Again, this is a nod to Community Investment as well as our wonderful business owners in recognizing the needs of that community. All of the things you are saying, again, you are really paying attention to what is going on in that neighborhood. This gives an opportunity for people to get to work by foot. This investment is right in the middle of that community who needs it so much so I just want to thank you for continuing this effort. One (1) of my favorite spots, and I've already talked to my niece, it is a five buck($5) lunch, we are there all the way. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, You've done a great job elsewhere with your other expansions and renovations. I want to acknowledge that and thank you. You have a great track record. I think what is compelling for this petition in that particular location, or even on that corridor, is what you have put forth as a willingness to spur workforce development there. In particular, the training component you have put forth in this petition is great. Certainly, I know a number of kids and high schoolers who have gone to Dairy Queen and have found that as a very good first (1St)job. I understand that is true across your other locations. You've done a great job and, again, what makes this compelling to me is that workforce component that you are trying to hit on this. That is very important in my approval. I wish you the best of luck in that. Councilmember Jake Teshka asked, So the other location you have, what is the plan with that property? 19