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C")CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK
<br /> given a standing ovation to the ordinance as it was drafted, so, I just wanted to share those
<br /> sentiments with you all today.
<br /> Matt Meersman, offices located on the 11th floor of the County-City Building, stated, I serve as
<br /> the Director of the St. Joseph River Basin Commission, and the Commission was created by the
<br /> Indiana General Assembly to address water quality issues as well as mitigating flood hazards. We
<br /> look at water resource issues of common concern all across northern Indiana and all the land that
<br /> drains into the St. Joseph River. So, this is really exciting for us to hear because we are working
<br /> with communities all the way toward Steuben County to work on local flood plain management
<br /> ordinances as well as preservation of open space, especially in the areas immediately adjacent to
<br /> the river. As we know, and it has been said, the flooding we are seeing, we are really trying to
<br /> make room for the river in a lot of ways. And that is not just from a public safety perspective but
<br /> also from an ecological perspective in terms of allowing a transition zone. We find that parks and
<br /> open spaces are really the best uses of the area immediately adjacent to the river. So, I'm really
<br /> excited about the City looking at something like this.
<br /> Kyle Copelin, 312 East Colfax Avenue, stated, I've written a statement,to be brief. As a native of
<br /> South Bend, I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the successful growth of our great
<br /> City, from multiple vantage points: citizen, architect, developer and citizen member of the
<br /> Community Investment Committee of the Common Council. I've read the proposed changes to
<br /> the Central Business District and feel they, without exception, will further advance responsible
<br /> development while promoting a safe and inviting riverfront for our community and those visiting
<br /> it. The changes are forward thinking and grounded in new urbanist planning strategies proven in
<br /> some of the most successful communities around the country. Thank you for your time.
<br /> Richard Doolittle,4100 Edison Lakes Parkway, stated, I'm with Cressey Commercial. I'm here to
<br /> talk about just one(1)portion of this new ordinance which addresses the ability to redevelop some
<br /> of our smaller architecturally significant buildings in the downtown core for one(1)or two (2) flat
<br /> living. In particular, I'm talking about the Travelmore Building which is owned by Deana
<br /> Hamilton over here. We have run into a couple of folks that want to build two (2) flats in that
<br /> beautiful building that once was the residence of the first (1st) Mayor of South Bend. I think that
<br /> is kind of fun. What goes around, comes around as they say. It might just be an opportunity, but I
<br /> think the flexibility that this ordinance provides for continued Central Business District growth
<br /> and revitalization makes all the sense in the world. I appreciate the flexibility it provides.
<br /> Frank Perri, 3617 McKinley Avenue, stated, I'm a real estate developer for Earth Designs. Our
<br /> office is soon to be downtown, as soon as a certain office space gets built. Also, I'm representing
<br /> Greater Old Holdings, an LLC that was created pretty much to do development in the CBD,on the
<br /> east side of the river. Also, Wharf Partners is finally getting the project off the ground which will
<br /> be condominiums and commercial space. Over the years, and I've been at this business now since
<br /> the mid-1980's, I've asked previous Administrations to tackle the riverfront and not turn it
<br /> backwards. I think the City has done that for many years.From a practical standpoint,I understand
<br /> the history of it and why it was done,industry and what not. But really,if you want to look at most
<br /> of the cities that have a beautiful river and, let alone a waterfront like we have and the cascading
<br /> waters of the dam,nobody has really ever taken that on. So, first(1st)of all,I'd like to compliment
<br /> the City for tackling the issue of aesthetic in the City. Also, then trying to streamline something
<br /> that is kind of confusing for developers. I've been in front of you before to talk about the problems
<br /> I've had getting things done. Primarily with the BZA a lot of times,but also the Council. I applaud
<br /> EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT
<br /> 455 County-City Building'227W Jefferson Bvld',South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.922111574.235.9173I 1D 574 235 5567 www.southbendin.gov
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