01-12-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 12, 2009 Councilmember Henry Davis urged the developer to use local contractors. Mr. VanMeeter stated that they seek out qualified developers however; they do have budget constraints, and will do everything possible to seek out local contractors who are qualified. Councilmember Henry Davis asked if this project would be a catalyst to the area as it relates to retail. Mr. VanMeeter stated that with the prior developments that they have been involved with and in some instances it does help generate retail development by virtue of the rooftops being built, such as the senior development. However, he stated that his firm is not going to be developing retail. He stated that the project could help, but thinks that it is going to take a community effort and there are going to have to be like minded investors willing to commit dollars for new retail. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked what the official name of this development is going to be. Mr. VanMeeter advised that it will be Heritage Place at LaSalle Square. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Jerry Niezgodski, 2930 Bonds Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, advised that he is the Chairperson of the Lincolnway West Gateway Association and also a member of the LaSalle Square Steering Committee. Mr. Niezgodski stated they support this development. He questioned whether or not it would be a catalyst for retail to development. He advised that the local Farmer’s Market that was started at LaSalle Square this past summer will return this year. He stated that the market provides a vital need to the residents of the area and it is a starting place for the need for retail. He also noted that if nothing is done at LaSalle Square it will sit idle for quite a long time. He stated that if anything comes out of this it will be getting Beacon Heights cleaned up and correct the problems there. th Mayor Stephen Luecke, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, stated that he rises in support of this development and commended everyone involved in this project. He noted that partnerships go a long way and with all the hard work that has gone into rejuvenating LaSalle Square there have been victories. Some of the successes have been the petitioning of keeping the LaSalle Square Branch Library open and the expansion of that library. He stated that this development is very supportive of the plan that has been put in place for this area and believes that it will be a positive step toward further development of the LaSalle Square area. He encouraged the Council’s favorable consideration. Mr. Mark Smith, 1601 N. Fremont, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has raised eight (8) children in this neighborhood and has watched the decline over the years in that area. Abandoned houses and businesses leaving have left the LaSalle Square Shopping Area blighted. Mr. Smith stated that to see the current energy put in the neighborhood and the surrounding area is overwhelmingly exciting for him as his children continue to grow up and attend school in the area. He is hoping that this development could be the catalyst for future retail and investment in the community. Mr. Michael Guljas, 51560 Hollyhock Road, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a member of the LaSalle Square Steering Committee and works at the Michiana Regional Airport. He stated that the LaSalle Square area is the first impressions of South Bend that people get who are coming into the City. This rezoning is one of the first steps in revitalizing the area. He urged the Council to vote favorably on this bill. 5