06-23-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 23, 2008 s/Timothy A. Rouse Member of the Common Council Councilmember Puzzello, Chairperson, PARC, Committee reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. th Mr. Jitin Kain, Community & Economic Development, 12 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation on this bill. Mr. Kain advised that he is please to submit this resolution to the Common Council to approve and adopt the East Bank Village Master Plan Phase 1. He stated that the East Bank Village Master Plan – Phase 1 will be amended to the South Bend Central Development Area (SBDA Plan which currently has three sub areas, one of which is the East Bank Neighborhood, In order to accomplish this, a declaratory resolution was passed by the Redevelopment Commission on June 13, 2008, Following this, the Area Plan Commission approved the Master Plan on June 17, 2008. Upon Common Council’s approval, the Plan will be sent back to the Redevelopment Commission for a confirmation resolution. The East Bank Village neighborhood currently lacks a market – driven strategic plan. The East Race and the St. Joseph River are underutilized assets and can act as catalysts. Prime vacant land is also available along both the East Race and the St. Joseph River. The re-use of under utilized buildings and infill sites offer redevelopment opportunities. Given this, the City initiated a process with the assistance of JJR Group and Holladay Properties to develop a Master Plan for the area. The East Bank Village neighborhood has the potential to become a strong, vibrant, urban neighborhood with an exciting mix of live-play uses that will be attractive to recent college graduates, young couples, retires and the technology and arts communities. The new East Bank Village Master Plan – Phase 1 will help accomplish the goal and provide guidance to the public and private sectors on the future development of the East Bank Village area. Mr. Kain filed with the Office of the City Clerk a copy of the East Bank Village Master Plan Phase 1. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Kathy Reddy White, owner Circa Arts, 528 E. Colfax, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in favor of the East Bank Village Master Plan. She stated that the East Bank plays a vital role in the development of downtown South Bend. She urged the Council’s favorable approval. Betty Sweeney, owner KCA on the Run & Buttons & Bows Boutique, 710 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, advised that the East Bank Village Master Plan is a great plan and that it has been seen as a good thing by all the residents of the East Bank. Mrs. Sweeney encouraged the Council to adopt this Resolution. Donald Scheffmeyer, 300 S. St. Louis Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, owner, Parkview Atrium, stated that this has been a long process by the Howard Park Neighborhood Association. He stated that he is solidly behind the East Bank Village Master Plan Phase I . He stated that this project contains exactly what was project for the East Bank area years ago. The area is mainly boutiques, retail, and restaurants. He stated that this is an exciting time for the East Bank area. He urged the Council’s to vote in favor of this Resolution. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution, Councilmember Dieter made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. 35