01-12-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 12, 2009 Ms. Linda Wolfson, 809 Park Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is a member of the LaSalle Square Steering Committee. She stated that she has communicated to the Council through numerous e-mail of her support for this development. She stated that as a member of the steering committee it was a goal to solicit support from residents in that area. She stated that at their final meeting on December 20, 2008, the weather was cold, icy and she commended all the people in attendance for coming out and asking the hard questions and getting them answered. She stated that she believes that the majority of the community is in support of this development and encourage the Council to support this particular development. th Mr. Jeff Vitton, Staff Member, Community & Economic Development Department, 12 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, stated that it has been a pleasure to work with Councilmember Henry Davis and the LaSalle Square Steering Committee on this project. He believes that it has been a very transparent project and one of the beautiful aspects is getting people involved. He stated that over 70 people attended each of the public hearings on the planning process. He also commended the steering committee for organizing the local farmer’s market to set up at LaSalle Square. He noted that Beacon Heights was invited to participate in this project, the property manager was invited and was copied on all the e-mails that were circulated, but did decline to participate in the process, and wanted it on record that that olive branch was extended. Mr. Vitton stated that this development won’t be the answer to all the issues that surround this area; but it will certainly be a step in the right direction. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill. Mr. Henry L. Davis, Sr., 215 N. Sheridan Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that if history and experience have taught us anything about new development housing and the effects that it has on a neighborhood, take look at West Washington Street, when they built that compound of low income housing in that area it is depleted with no retail. They say that rooftops bring retail, those people need to drive down West Washington Street between Elm and Walnut Streets and see how depleted that area is. He stated that there were residents of Beacon Heights who attended the planning meetings, there may have not been a member of the management there, but there were residents who participated and expressed their concerns regarding the development. Mr. Davis noted that it was expressed that Beacon Heights is a high crime area. He stated that the entire City of South Bend has become a high crime area. This development is not going too attracted anymore retail than the West Washington Street Development did. This is a poor area and the residents of this area need local places to shop. Those residents are forced to take their dollars elsewhere to shop and that is just not acceptable. Mr. Davis stated that better planning needs to take place in South Bend and this project is a big mistake. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. advised that he is not for or against this project, but that it is his job to collect all the information available and ask the questions and determine nd what is best for the residents of the 2 District. He stated that he did not appreciate the way this development was presented to the steering committee. It was confusing to the residents and those who attended the planning meetings. This is where the concept of rooftops bring retail was initiated and where the confusion came from. He stated that he has a great concern of the undeveloped land at the site and would like to be reassured that soil testing has taken place and checked for any ground contamination. Councilmember Davis stated that he would like to see the stigma of the west side eliminated. He noted nd that people say that the residents of the 2 District want this or they want that; or they don’t know what they want or it is chaotic over there. He stated that the residents need to rid themselves of negative things like that and put into place measures that will arrive at measurable outcomes. Councilmember Puzzello stated that she voted against this project at the Area Plan Commission and believes that she was the sole opposition vote. She stated that she read the e-mails, listened to the phone calls, and heard the people at the committee meeting and this evening’s meeting and now realizes the majority of the residents want this project to come to fruition. Councilmember Puzzello stated that she will be voting in favor of this bill. 6