Laserfiche WebLink
Informal Meeting/Working Session of the South Bend Common Council <br /> March 7, 2003 <br /> Page 4 <br /> orderly and logical growth the city will seek involuntary annexation of lands when deemed <br /> advisable. <br /> State Representative Dvorak stated that he sees the Indiana Supreme Court has having acted as a <br /> 2nd Governor and believes that there decision was overreaching. <br /> Dr. Varner suggested that the State Legislature should consider enlarging the three (3) year tax <br /> abatement period on newly annexed lands, and perhaps bring it into alignment with other tax <br /> abatement legislation periods. It was noted that South Bend is getting older and poorer and that <br /> many do not have the extra money. <br /> Council Member Coleman noted that he supports a longer phase in for tax abatement for newly <br /> annexed areas into the city. He also suggested considering a bonding mechanism which would <br /> allow a developer to pay for front end costs so that they can proceed in an orderly managed <br /> fashion. He noted that the City of South Bend is the "champion of in-fill housing"; however the <br /> problem of taxes and front end costs need to be further addressed. <br /> State Representative Mangus noted that there are some people who just do not want to be any part <br /> of South Bend. He noted that the "real answer is unigov", but he does not see that happening. <br /> Mayor Luecke noted that in the last thirty(30) years urban density outside of the city is of growing <br /> concern, noting that they still depend on the corporate city and that many areas are "getting <br /> blurred". He suggested looking at a shared tax system. <br /> Council President White thanked everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend <br /> today's working luncheon. She noted that it is going to be an exciting year. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Karen L. White, Council President <br /> South Bend Common Council <br /> KCF:kmf <br />