05-29-12 Community & Economic Development Committee

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necessary. These residents included Gloria Norris, Whitney White, Claudia Welch, Viola Sims, Ray Thompson, Marylin DeShaw, and Channel a student from Navarre Middle School. Henry Davis summed up his comments saying improvements were at least 10 years overdue. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to recommend favorably to full Council, seconded by Gavin Ferlic and supported by all. The next item on the agenda Bill No. 12 -46 is a request from the Community & Economic Development Department of the City who filed for Mr. Hollingsworth, asking the Council to waive a late filing for abatement benefits previously granted to Mr. Hollingsworth. These real property abatements for phases I and II of the Prairie Avenue Apts. require the receipt to file for benefits annually on a date specific. Mr. Hollingsworth said he had filed it on time with the appropriate city staffer who is no longer with the City. Acknowledging possible red -tape culpability the City was appealing for Mr. Hollingsworth. After brief discussion, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic moved to forward favorably. Councilmember Karen White seconded and all supported. Bill No. 12 -49 would begin discussion regarding the appropriateness of bringing a portion of Lincoln way West, namely from Bendy east to William, into the Airport Economic Development Area. Historic Lincolnway West has long been a main arterial into South Bend from Chicago and later the airport. Decades of disinvestment in the corridor due to a multitude of factors have resulted in a less than appealing pathway to downtown. Adding the corridor to the AEDC might provide the investment capital needed to infuse economic activity. Councilmember White counseled a judicious approach. Councilmember's Scott, Schey and Dieter all supported a careful approach. Councilmember Henry Davis stated the development of both Lincolnway West and Western needed to be a priority. Councilmember Scott agreed and advocated investment into adjacent neighborhoods. During the public comment portion Henry Davis, Sr., underlined the need for public investment using the donut hole analogy resulting from fringe investment policy over years and years. Gloria Norris, Viola Sims, Linda Wolfson and Marylin DeShaw, all spoke to a coordinated corridor neighborhood effort. Ultimately, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic moved to support the bill. Councilmember White seconded and all affirmed. Under miscellaneous matters, Dr. Fred Ferlic provided copies of a recent article in the Wall St. Journal concerning using natural gas in commercial fleets. (A copy is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., adjourned the meeting at 4:36 p.m.