SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – The South Bend Common Council held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the city’s 5-year housing plan.
Some council members had concerns about the plan and wanted to see if Mayor James Mueller’s office is doing enough.
The council wanted to know if any progress is being made and if COVID impacted the goals, strategies and objectives.
“The City of South Bend and the residents deserve a plan that’s going to produce tangible outcomes for housing,” said South Bend Common Council Member Henry Davis Jr.
They also asked how the administration is handling affordable housing developments, which, they said, is a big concern right now.
“The City of South Bend has been a recipient of Federal Funding times two…that money can go to affordable housing. Just like what they’re doing in Michigan City and East Chicago,” said Davis.
The Community Investment Department explained how the housing process works.
Furthermore, the city helps by providing city-owned land projects.
They also allow additional housing types and flexibility in neighborhoods; and provide tax-abatements, tax credits and housing counseling.
The city also highlighted some specific projects they have worked on, like improvements made to Miami Hills and Oliver Apartments.
“Those projects do not even touch the magnitude, the issue that is in front of us,” said Davis.
During public comments, residents made the following statements:
“Housing is a human right.”
“We have a serious responsibility.”
“There needs to be more direction in this 5-year plan.”
“I think what you presented today was very helpful to know what this plan is and what it is not,” said South Bend Common Council Member Rachel Tomas Morgan.
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