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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – September 11, 2025 <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />can increase each year, helping to prevent large jumps in tax bills over <br />time. It creates a cap on annual increases over multiple years. <br /> <br />And finally, if the city ever decides to add property to the acquisition <br />list, the owners of those properties will be notified by first-class mail— <br />they’ll receive a letter explaining that their property has been added. In <br />this case, because most of the properties in the area are single-family <br />homes, we are not planning to add existing residences to the <br />acquisition list. In the future, we might consider adding vacant lots if <br />there are interested sellers, but we do not expect to include any <br />occupied homes. And again, if any property is added to the list, the <br />owner will receive a direct notification. <br /> <br />The Public Hearing was closed. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked again if residents’ taxes will go <br />up and Mr. Bauer stated that property taxes across South Bend will <br />continue to increase annually, but this TIF district’s establishment does <br />not change the tax rate or directly affect assessed property values. <br />However, as new development and improvements happen in a <br />neighborhood, they can influence property values. When property <br />values rise, it can lead to higher assessments, which may affect the <br />amount of property tax owed. <br /> <br />Also, to address a previous question about demolitions, Mr. Bauer <br />stated these are handled by Neighborhood Services and Enforcement, <br />and we currently conduct them at least once a year, with plans to <br />increase to twice annually. Properties with demolition orders are <br />placed on a priority list, and we focus first on the most severely <br />blighted or unsafe buildings. If you know of vacant property that may <br />need attention, please call 311. They can connect you with our team <br />and let you know if there’s already a case open for that property. If a <br />property is vacant and unsafe, it will likely go through the citation <br />process and eventually be added to the demolition list. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos spoke in favor of the TIF district. His experience <br />with the West Washington district, property values have increased, and <br />many improvements have been made 20 years since it was <br />established, and the neighborhood will mourn the loss soon when that <br />TIF district expires. Commissioner Ellison, Secretary Wax, and <br />President Warner all spoke in favor as well. <br /> <br />2. Resolution No. 3648 (Residential TIF Amendments to RWDA) <br />