South Bend Common Council votes against Housing Authority resolution

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- The South Bend Common Council votes 7-2 Monday — turning down a resolution that would have expanded the development of the Monroe Circle Complex and Rabbi Shulman building to make room for more residents.

“This bill is just not ready to come before us. It was pretty clear to me when Dr. Lamberg said that this was a very pointed toward the housing authority and it was basically telling the developer what they could and could not do," said Sheila Niezgodski.

The resolution proposed by councilman Henry Davis Jr. was tabled several weeks ago — as council members and Housing Authority Director Catherine Lamberg wanted more clarification on it’s terms.

At Monday night’s meeting, Lamberg asked the council to vote against the resolution.

“The 2-week extension was given, and the work didn’t get developed so that’s really the issue. When we have the people here who this will affect say this is not going to help us in fact it might hinder us then we have to take that into consideration," said Canneth Lee, council member.

Lamberg says councilman Davis never contacted her about the resolution, but drew concerns because it asked to expand the Monroe Circle Complex and Rabbi Shulman building to non-current residents in an effort to help everyone in the city find affordable housing.

“We don’t have the ability or the resources to do that holistically for the entire city and we certainly welcome and support other developers within the city that offer affordable housing options as well," said Lamberg.

Lamberg says the progress of both buildings are still in the beginning phases, but she does intend to offer any extra units available to the general public after current residents move back in.