06-28-99 Community & Economic Development

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L . Community and Economic Development Committee June 28, 1999 Page 2 Mr. Beitzinger noted that there was a significant gap in the printing of the Annual Reports due to a data base failure which has since been addressed. Council Member Kelly then noted that the Committee would review Res. No. 99-55 which is a five(5)year residential real property tax abatement request by Neighborhood Housing Services of South Bend, Inc. for the property located at 1129 and 1130 Sorin Street. Nancy Van Scoyk reviewed her report dated June 10, 1999, (copy attached) which concluded that the project meets the qualifications for a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement. Carol Bellin spoke on behalf of the petitioner. She noted that NHS proposes to build two (2) new single family houses of 1,100 square fee costing approximately $ 65,000 each. She showed before and after photographs of similar projects and provided a map of the area. She noted that prior to this program, 50% of persons in the target area were homeowners, whereas now they are close to 70%. She added that home owner education and post-purchase support are given. Council Member King voiced concern about 1,100 square foot one-story houses being placed next to the recently renovated 100 year old,two-story home located at 1131 Sorin. He stressed the need to compliment existing structures so that values would not be deterred. Council Member Pfeifer agreed with Council Member King and noted that often only one particular style is shown. Ms. Bellin noted that she was not on the selection committee for the design, however Weiss Homes provided the design which was selected. Following discussion, Council Member King make a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Res. No. 99-55 be recommended favorably to the full Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Res. No. 99-56 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement request by Exacto, Inc of South Bend for the property located at 1137 South Lafayette Boulevard. Nancy Van Scoyk reviewed her report dated June 15, 1999, (copy attached) which concluded that the project meets the qualifications for a five(5)year personal property tax abatement. Mr. Gunther W. Jordan, President of Exacto, Inc of South Bend noted that his precision machine shop manufactures precision machined parts and components for diesel fuel injector systems, turbochargers and air compressors for trucks. In order to stay competitive,the company must purchase and install new equipment at a projected cost of $760,000. Eight (8) new permanent, full-time jobs would be created the first year with a new payroll of$ 166,400, while maintaining eighty (80) permanent full-time jobs. Mr. Jordan added that 43 of his employees are minorities with eight (8) employees living in the zone. Two years ago his company was awarded the Cummings Award.