10-25-04 Community Relations Committee

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- • Community cJ?.dation. eommittzz Council Member Pfeifer inquired why there have been no loans, and Ms. Meyer stated she was uncertain and would check into this further. Ms. Meyer stated that the South Bend Home Improvement Program is administered by the city and does give loans. They had 22 successful REWARD clients. She noted that there is a map of the St. Casimir Neighborhood Dunham Street Model Block. Dr. Varner suggested that the taxes on the Kinyon Street property be updated. Council Member Kirsits noted that the Nancy Sulock articles in the South Bend Tribune are focusing on vacant homes and in light of the tax situation such articles may continue. He suggested that more discussion on this needs to take place. Ms. Meyer stated that the Neighborhood Strategic Planning Team is looking at this. She noted that the elderly have many questions about who pays taxes and the tax increases. Dr. Varner suggested that the city get in touch with the lady in Nancy Sulock's article who gave back all of her rental properties in light of the tax increases. He noted that some of those properties may be in the middle of a model block which may be of interest to the city. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she does not know how the tax situation is going to settle out. Perhaps housing programs will have to be re-evaluated. Mayor Luecke stated that there is more of a need than what the city can support. The city needs to make a neighborhood attractive so that there will be private investment. He noted that there will be consequences to the reassessment. Ms.Meyer stated that the Kemble property is fully leased. Council Member Pfeifer thanked Mr. Inks and Ms. Meyer for their presentations and then adjourned the committee meeting at 5:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer,Chairperson Community Relations Committee KCF:kmf Attachment Community Relations Committee October 25,2004 Page 2