11-26-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 26, 2001 closed. He suggested that businesses that operate after hours should be obligated to pay for additional police coverage at their own expense in order to keep the noise and the loitering down and to get the people removed from the streets after the businesses are closed. Mr. Greg Ayers, Executive Director, South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, Suite 310, Commerce Center, 401 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, asked for the Council's support of this bill. He noted that more than $300 million is collected annually by visitors coming to St. Joseph County. While there are many reasons for these visits it is important to note that a large percentage of these visitors spend time and money in the downtown South Bend area. Downtown South Bend is a destination for visitors with Century Center, Morris Performing Arts Center, Coveleski Stadium, two (2) national museums, two (2) regional museums, two (2) major hotels, four (4) bed and breakfasts, more than thirty (30) restaurants and ever increasing retail concentration, several night clubs and much more all being located within a few blocks of one another. Combined with a growing calendar of event activity for visitors and residents to enjoy, downtown South Bend has been and continues to be a primary target for panhandling activities. Mr. Ayers noted that he personally has witnessed an increase in activity when there are conventions and /or special events in the City. It is almost as if those who engage in this type of activity are tracking when these conventions and special events are occurring. When there are more people in downtown South Bend there is also an increase in the amount of panhandling activity. The South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau markets the area to potential visitors as a safe community. The activity of panhandling is both a perceived and real fear for many. Every thing that can be done must be done to diminish and eliminate this activity so the visitors and residents will feel safe in downtown South Bend. Downtown South Bend is a destination for visitors and residents alike. Their spending helps employ many. The quality of life we enjoy in South Bend is enhanced due to the presence of all of these attractions in the downtown area. Mr. Ayers asked for the Council's favorable support of this ordinance to end panhandling in the central business and entertainment area in South Bend, Indiana. Mr. Dennis Andres, Executive Director, Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 North Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that revitalization of the Morris Performing Arts Center is a public /private investment totaling between $18 and $22 million with more than half of that coming from the City. Because of this large investment, the Morris Performing Arts Center is committed to making the facility one that will serve the entire community. Its success does lie in dollars. Revenues brought in by the Morris Performing Arts Center hinge completely on a person's or patron's willingness to purchase tickets and attend events over and over again. Patrons who are confronted by panhandlers feel unsafe while attending an event and are less likely to attend events in the future thus threatening the success of the Morris Performing Arts Center. He stated that he wholeheartedly supports this ordinance. Ms. Charlotte Huddleston, Robertson's Apartments, Apartment No. 417, 211 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that she has lived in her apartment for three and one half (3 %2) years and enj oys being there but would like the Council to do something about the panhandlers. She recalled an incident involving one of her guests who was getting out of her van in front of the building along with a child in a wheelchair. While negotiating the wheelchair out of the van a panhandler came up to her and because she was so frightened she left her purse in the van because she did not want to be approached anymore after telling the person that she did not have any money. The keys were in her purse and she locked the van. When she was leaving, she discovered that she locked her keys in the van and ended up spending forty -five dollars ($45.00) for a locksmith to come out on a Saturday to open her van. She would not have been in this situation if she had not been approached by this panhandler who upset her. Ms. Huddleston also mentioned that there is a traffic nuisance on Friday and Saturday nights in her block. Orange cones block the street coming in from Wayne and Jefferson. Because she does come and go often she has experienced trouble getting back to her apartment. She noted that the residents were advised by the apartment management, through a memo, that they should come in from Wayne Street. However, because it was blocked off, she had to come into the block from Jefferson and the police officer followed them. -5-