SJVGreens Minutes
Minutes of St. Joe Valley Greens
October 12, 2005; Kathleen Petitjean, recorder
Call to Order: Kathleen Petitjean called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM, in the Molloy Room of the St. Jo. Co. Public Library downtown branch, South Bend, IN.
Members Present: Lance Howard, Kathleen Petitjean
Guests: Becky Reimbold, Jim Galvos
Guest Speaker: Bob Yapp, Community Preservation Specialist with the Norther Regional Office of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
Bob Yapp spoke informally about several issues which he sees are preventing progress in South Bend's economic development.
Pyramid Zoning
Pyramid zoning contributes to urban sprawl and the decline of inner cities. Pyramid zoning favors large residential lots and dependence on automobiles. A new approach to zoning, termed "new urbanism," reduces the amount of space needed for new developments and the reliance on vehicles. Compact communities become sustainable and zones contain a mixture of housing types and commercial space.
Lack of Rental Inspections
Rental properties are seldom inspected for health and safety (smoke detectors, intact plumbing, etc.). Mr. Yapp noted that, although there is opposition from landlords regarding rental inspections, Mayor Luecke appears to be amenable to supporting such a proposal. A well designed rental inspection regimen would reward good landlords with fewer inspections and punish bad landlords with fines and more frequent inspections. Fines would also be imposed on bad tenants.
Demolition of Older Buildings
Cities like Madison, WI, have revitalized their cities by re-habbing vacant but sound older buildings to attract companies such as software start-ups. South Bend has plans to demolish the Studebaker factory buildings. South Bend leaders at the forefront of the plans have apparently not attempted to court companies into the buildings.
Studies show that 40% of the debris in landfills is construction materials. Mr. Yapp pointed out that new construction is one of the most environmentally unsound human activities. Cities ought to be preserving buildings rather than tearing down and rebuilding. South Bend does not have a Citizens Advisory Council for TIF funding although a council is required for HUD funding.
[Editor: A good example of renovating older buildings and new urbanism in South Bend is the Madison Center campus and the Commerce Center complex, both in the East Race redevelopment area downtown. The area is zoned for commercial, residential and recreational uses. The East Race is one of the most appealing areas of South Bend.]
Closing: Kathleen adjourned the public meeting at 8:15 PM.
Next meeting: Our next regular meeting is Thursday, November 10, 7:00 PM, in the Molloy Room at the St. Joseph Co. Public Library downtown South Bend.
St. Joe Valley Greens, South Bend, IN