07-28-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 28 1975 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $93,000.00 FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUND, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC PARKS PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. James Seitz, Director of the Department of Public Parks, made the presentation for the ordinance. He explained that the plans for the Southeast Side Park included four basketball courts which would be lighted, two tennis courts, excavating and grading, purchase of playground equipment, engineering and miscellaneous and construction of a shelterhouse and restroom. He stated that the suggestions for the Southeast Side Park were obtained at a meeting of the Southeast Neighborhood Project Action Committee. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, wondered to what extent the city was being obligated on an annual basis regarding maintenance of the park. Mr. Seitz indicated that, with the proposed three new parks, the parks could be maintained with the help of federal funds. He stated that one maintenance man would be needed at each park. He did not feel the maintenance costs would be very great. Mr. Dan Stoltzfus, 409 East Broadway, supported the park project for the southeast side. He suggested that the park be named the Dean Johnson Memoria: Park as had been suggested by the residents in the area. He wondered how far the plans had pro- ceeded and he asked that the plans be submitted to the residents so that they could be involved in some of the decisions. He requested that some communication be given to the residents concerning the status of the project. Mr. Seitz indicated that the plans which had been designed were being completed in- house, and he stated that Community Development funds have just become available. He indicated that the residents would be kept aware of the decision - making. Councilman Taylor felt the general public should be aware that approximately nine million dollars would be received by the city in the next three years from Community Development. He stated that the funds would be used to help stabilize neighborhoods. He stated that he supported the proposed ordinance. Council President Parent indicated that he also supported the commitment to the neighborhoods. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if there was a petition accompanying the request fo: development of the park. Mr. Seitz indicated that there was not a petition asking for the park. He stated that the Park Board had realized the need for a park in that area for many years. He felt open space for a park might bring the people back into that area. He indicated that this was a number one priority even before the King Center. Councilman Kopczynski wondered about the city'; contribution in view of the $500,000 received by the government to clear the land. Mr. Seitz indicated that the city's obligation was to purchase the land and turn it into a park. Councilman Kopczynski wondered how many people have been involved in the request for the park. Mr. Conrad Damian, 718 East Broadway, indicated that, for the past five years, the residents have been trying to bring a park into the neighborhood. He stated that approximately 750 persons have attended meetings concerning the southeast side, although he could not give a definite figure of those involved in the park project. He stated that he would estimate between 150 to 200 persons. Councilman Kopczynski wondered if the proposal for the Southeast Side Park was approved relatively easy compared to the approval for the Belleville Park which had been requested some time ago by many persons. Mr. Seitz indicated that he would not comment on that remark. Councilman Horvath indicated that the new parks were very well equipped, but he felt the older parks were not updated and equipment furnished. He felt too many parks were started and not enough attention was given to the older parks. He stressed that he was not against the construction of new parks, but he was concerned about the maintenance of the older parks. Councilman Miller indicated that the park in the Sixth District; namely, the Belleville Park, had been requested approximately three and a half years ago while the Southeast Side Park had been requested over five years ago. He felt the Southeast Side Park project was a very worthwhile project. He recommended that a park entry from Michigan Street be obtained with the purchase of the vacant filling station on Ohio Street. He also recommended that the shelterhouse include skating rental facilities onto the tennis or basketball courts. Council President Parent made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $75,000.00 FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUND, FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC PARKS PROGRAMS, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. James Seitz, Director of the Department of Public Parks, made the presentation for the ordinance. He indicated that, with the construction o the Belleville Park, the following would be included: four lighted tennis courts, two basketball courts, a volleyball court, drives and walks, trees, shrubs, etc., engineering and miscellaneous and playground equipment. He stated that, during the past year, three ball diamonds and a shelter house had been constructed. He felt, when completed, that the Belleville Park would be one of the city's finest parks. Councilman Kopczynski wondered about the potential use of the park as far as people were concerned Mr. Seitz indicated that there were about 3,000 people in the immediate area who could utilize the park, all ages included. Councilman Kopczynski wondered about the amount of people utilizing the Southeast Side Park. Mr. Seitz reminded Councilman Kopczynski that the Navarre Park was in the area and he felt there might be more children in the southeast side who would not have access to another park. Council President Parent made a motion that the ordinance be recommended favorably to the Common Council, seconded by Councilman Serge. The motion carried. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $150,000.00 FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUND, FOR (continued)