03-26-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 2012 RESOLUTION NO. 4163-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ENCOURAGING A RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ALONG THE BEAUTIFUL ST. JOSEPH RIVER Whereas, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources depicts the above- referenced map on their website about the St. Joseph River at http://www.in.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4479.htm ; and Whereas, this website describes the historical significance of the St. Joseph River going back to 1669 when the French explorer, LaSalle, navigated the river from Lake Michigan to what is now known as the City of South Bend; and discusses the many recreational activities such as boating, fishing and “just experiencing the river”; and Whereas,in 2004, the Indiana General Assembly enacted Public Law No. 72- 2004 which sets forth regulations for “municipal riverfront development projects”; and Whereas, since that Indiana state law took effect, many Indiana communities such as Columbus, Kokomo, Highland and Madison – just to name a few, have created Riverfront Redevelopment Districts which qualified for the required permits after having demonstrated that the proposed municipal riverfront development project area meets the criteria addressing having at least one (1) boundary on the side of a river; that the premises would be properly located from the river; that the permit premises are within an economic development area, a redevelopment project area, or an urban renewal area; and that part of the funding for the project would be funded by city or state monies; and Whereas, in light of the fact that Indiana Code § 7.1-3-20-16.1 (c) requires the boundaries of the municipal riverfront development project to be specifically designated by the Common Council, it is important to have input from the legislative branch of the City South Bend involved in the planning stage so that the Council has the opportunity to have input in developing positive and vibrant visions for a riverfront development can move forward. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South , Bend, Indiana as follows: Section I. The Common Council believes that the City of South Bend, Indiana, should move forward in exercising its authority on an Indiana State Law which has been on the books since 2004, so that a Riverfront Redevelopment District is created along the beautiful and majestic St. Joseph River which flows through out city. Section II. The Common Council believes that the vision for such a Riverfront Redevelopment District should, in addition to addressing the state law requirements which encompass preparing detailed maps, project boundaries, and all of the other criteria; that the process should be as transparent and open so that the Common Council, the City Administration and the residents and business owners have their voices heard. As development of the proposed Riverfront Redevelopment District’s overall plan, goals and objectives are created, discussions should also focus on:  Specific priorities and measureable outcomes  Funding sources  Implementation Timetables  Outreach and promotional activities which would engage our entire South Bend community on this exciting riverfront project. 33