02-28-05 Community & Economic Development

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site plans, surveys, title work, environmental studies in order to determine the feasibility of a project in determining whether it should proceed ahead. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 12-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello inquired if three were more pro-active measures which the Council could take to insure federal funding. Ms. Leonard stated that currently the Congress is considering legislation which would combine this program with 17 other programs under the Department of Commerce instead of HUD. A letter writing campaign is under way. She will keep the Council posted. Council Member Dieter suggested that the Council may wish to contact Congressman Chocola's office, and that discussions are taking place currently with NNN. Council Member Puzzello noted that Bill No. 05-11(copy attached) which is a reconfirming resolution for the property located at 432 S. Lafayette Street requested by Rescue, Inc. and Hope Housing, L.P., was continued from the February 14th meeting because a presenter was not present. Steve Arnold, the Executive Director of Hope Rescue Mission, 432 S. Lafayette Street, noted that the new construction will be completed by November of 2005. They are therefore asking for a one (1) year extension on the tax abatement due to the delay in acquiring federal income tax credits in the original petition filed in March of 2003. In response to questions from Council Member Rouse, Mr. Arnold noted that they had to reapply for the tax credits and as a result are approximately 12 months behind. They are currently 1/3 into the construction phase. Dr. Varner noted that the request for the one(1)year extension is similar to the one requested by the South Bend Tribune. In response to questions from Council President Pfeifer Mr. Arnold stated that they are currently full at the Michigan Street operations. Mothers and children would be house at the Lifetime operation and Michigan Street will eventually be entirely devoted to male housing. He confirmed that there will be 6-8 units at the Lafayette operation for father head-of-households. Mr. Arnold stated that in their 2-year study it showed that they were turning away more mothers with families than any other group of individuals. Council President Pfeifer encouraged Hope Rescue to interact with businesses in their area more and help "control your population". She stated that they are doing a "good job" but encouraged them to be more pro-active and a leader in this area. Council Member Rouse voiced concern that the thirty-two (32) housing units will only have one (1)employee for this"fragile community". Mr. Arnold state that there will be 125 beds and that they are also concerned. February 28,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-