06-13-05 Community & Economic Development

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• Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Martha Lewis that Bill No. 05-71 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-72 which is a request for a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement for Kendall-Weiss, LLP for lots numbered 225-235 of LaFayette Falls Subdivision, Section Three. Mr. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated June 2, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner plans to develop 1.1 lots of a total development which will have 266 homes. The property has already been annexed into the city limits. Each home will be stick-built by Weiss Homes, Inc. The average cost for each will be $129,048 for a total value of$1,420,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single family real property abatement. Derek Spier, a planner with Abonmarche Consultants, LLC noted that they hope to have the homes constructed by the end of this Summer. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Martha Lewis that Bill No. 05-72 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then provided copies of the revised draft of the Tax Abatement brochure to the Committee. The Council Attorney noted that it includes two (2) changes from the original draft provided to the Committee. The 1st one was suggested by Citizen Member Martha Lewis which addresses that pulling a building permit would disqualify a person from an abatement. The 2nd change includes a reference to the Indiana Administrative Code which puts the burden on the property owner to comply with all of the reporting requirements. Sharon Kendall inquired whether the brochure addresses the new state law, noting that she recently was at a conference and that no one knows how it will be implemented. The Council Attorney noted that the draft brochure only addresses the local ordinance which will not be affected by the new state law. Ms. Kendall then provided a series of updates on various developments such as a new spa, Horizon Bank; that the State Theater has filed for bankruptcy and has become a teen club for youth over 18 years of age;that there will be a new store in the old Peaberry's location; and that new RFP's have gone out for the LaSalle Hotel and the former Osco's site. She noted that there are four(4)ambassadors in the downtown. Dr. Varner noted that he thought that the Chocolate Factory was interested in leasing not purchasing the former Osco site. Ms. Kendall stated that purchasing will require a new RFP. In response to an inquiry from Council President Pfeifer, Ms. Kendall noted that most national drug store chains require a drive-thru. Ms. Kendall noted that they are working with a developer for the former Senior Kelly's site. June 13,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-