07-14-14 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 14,201 Willow Wetherall- 1741 Wall St- Although I don't live in the neighborhood, I do a lot of events for downtown in that area. What I see happening that developing the lot will create a nice mixed -use in the area. People are willing to walk if they're able to hit several destinations in one area. John- 910 Harrison Ave. - I recently accepted a position downtown, nothing would make me happier to not have a car note and be able to walk to work. George Friend- 221 E Colfax- which is part of the 6 units in the East Bank Townhomes, one of the first projects downtown. The more people we bring downtown the safer the area, the tax base will be a big plus. I'm a supportive of this project. Kathleen Pedigon -119 S 26' St- My husband and I own a piece of property around the corner from there, what better way to expand the city than to build upward, without having to extend sewer lines, and additional infrastructures. Millennia's are stating that cars are overrated. A project like this will bring in revenue downtown. Don Gates- 1031 E Jefferson- For years we have torn down buildings, for once we have someone willing to invest their own money to help this community grow. I would hate to see this wasteful. Dave Matthews- 215 E Colfax Ave- I love South Bend we need to make South Bend more lively as a resident I appreciate it if you pass this. Those wishing to speak in opposition to this bill: Terry Murphy- Chefmire- 1505 Merryville Way- I'm the secretary of the Howard Park East Bank Association along with the media contact for the association. You need to be aware that there are differences between these two neighborhood association, we have about 128 members, we brought the Jumbo Steel Butterflies to East Bank, we have a tree committee, we are both residents and businesses in our area and around since 2003. We like the combination as it is a win/win situation. We are also known for driving out the Festival as we had a problem with the gangs, we rebranded ourselves to be in partnership with the city. We are self - funded, our neighborhoods has a lot of rentals at 80 %. Ronald Decker- 123 S St. Peters St- I remember sitting on a redevelopment commission 27 years ago and the biggest issue was parking. We built a mall and parking garages, it doesn't work for the city of South Bend. In winter time, these won't work as you can't park at night when they plow. There are stipulations on this land and you need to honor those stipulations that were agreed upon in 2013. Don Chefmire- 300 S St. Louis- I own the building apartment houses, I hope to sell in the future, I would like to congratulate him. But I feel like I'm in fantasy island, $8 million and take $1 million off for retail which will probably be too much, than you have $7 million divide that by 36 units you are almost at $200,000 a unit, can you imagine the rent for that, I can't imagine the Millennia's paying that type of rent. This project will not going to work, I don't know how this will work, I don't know how he will get funding for that. I know you're not banking people, but do the math to see if this is remotely possible. How will this economically work? Rebuttal: I think we answered the questions on parking, there is not a parking issue, the additional parking with signage, have been included. There are two different associations, with one we have approval from. Along with the stipulations talked about in Council we ask you're your approval. Council President Davis- With the contract that was originally signed what is the status on that? Petitioner responded, I think that is coming up later in another bill. This is just for the rezoning, Councilmember Henry Davis- What is a Millennial I'm only 34 and I'm Generation X, how old do you have to be? Petitioner- I happen to be 70 so I don't know. Other Councilmembers responded uppers 80's. Councilmember Henry- I think Dave is investing his own money he has to sink or swim on his own, the question is how these are being abated, I don't think that is a 91