02-09-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 09, 2015 Councilman Davis would the state be responsible? Petitioner the city would offer 10 years for the city taking it over. Council what was South Bends' unemployment rate in 1985? Who were our major employers at that time? Petitioner was not sure of all the statistics councilman was asking. Councilman Oliver Davis my point is that we need to pay attention to the landscape of 1985 if we are comparing this report to now and so my question is why is this a priority? Petitioner I think it is one of the ways to improve the function and the network, not only did property values increase by 30% but auto collisions declined by 60% while the crime dropped by 23 %. Safer for pedestrians and helpful to businesses and remove an obstacle to investment. Councilman $25 million is a large number for a project, what are we going to do to gain some of those dollars? Petitioner, we will be increasing $4 million over the next 5 years in increasing the way that we grow and how these projects are bid out. Councilman Oliver Davis why are we not spending this in our neighborhoods? Petitioner we are in the adjacent neighborhoods and making improvements there, this is one thing not taking precedence over it. Councilman we can't improve our population by knocking down our houses. Councilman my point is that this project is spending a large amount of money on parts of the city that doesn't necessarily need improvements when there are other neighborhoods that can use the money and benefit more greatly from it. Councilman Oliver for those that live in the far east, far south, far north, far west what should I say to them about how the money is spent? Petitioner the downtown is the heart of the city, we are one voice, and it will create more jobs, lower tax rates, and increase the quality of life throughout the city A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Wishing to speak to the council in favor of this bill: Daniel Jones 218 W Washington South Bend, states the research is compelling and I support this resolution. Greg Hockener Director of Northeast Redevelopment for Notre Dame. Number 15 main building. States the University does not reside downtown or within the city limits we think that Tiff funding is the best way to do that we support this resolution. Dan Leis, 853 George Street- States that he moved to South Bend 5 years ago witnessed a forward progressive change so I support this initiative. Jitin Kain office of Community Investment 14`h floor of this building- I'm here to read a letter in support of this initiative, in support of South Bends smart streets improving conflict points, and safer passage points highlighted by the letter as the writer James was unable to be here. Letter of support will be left on file with City Clerk. Matthew Coats 615 Portage Ave apt. B. - States I spent college career at Notre Dame, smart streets has supported my decision of feeling safe and I support the resolution. Andrew Wine 853 E Orange St. Suite E- States I'm a young professional who stayed here, I think all economic metrics that have been improved by this will help us evolve and I look to the leadership and council to invest in our community Willow Weatherval 1741 Wall Street- States I'm in support with Smart Streets Initiative. I'm active in the South Bend revitalization. I support creating social vitality in young people, what I love about downtown the gain of civic pride and ownership. I support this initiative and future development. Lex Dennis 853 E Orange Street,- States as a young professional that the progress is exciting especially in the matter of public safety I'm very supportive of this initiative John Ferrell 330 E Jefferson Blvd. — States I'm here as an employer as our biggest problems is recruiting. The smart streets program is one of the things that we are able to offer and I support this momentum. 13