6B(4) Staff report on Coveleski Stadium improvements

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Jewish I-Federation OF ST.JOSEPH VALLEY Dear Members of the Redevelopment Commission, president I Ina Rosenberg executive vice president I Debra Barton Grant October 28, 2111 C) The purpose of this letter is to indicate the strong support of the Jewish Federa cii of St. Joseph Valley and the Michiana Jewish Historical Society for the necessary funding regarding the reuse and repurposing of the B'nai Yisrael also called the Sons of Israel or the William Street Synagogue, located at 416 South William Street in South Bend, Indiana. As the Synagogue becomes the new entryway and box office for the South Bend Silverhawks and the Coveleski Stadium, the Jewish community is deeply interested in remaining a part of the researcl:, development, and planning process pertaining to the future of this historic Jewish landmark. The William Street Synagogue was built in 1901 by the Jewish Community of Sou ti-, Bend. We are looking forward to seeing how the City of South Bend and the South Bend Silverhawks will incorporate the deep - rooted history of immigration, hard work, and charity dollars which ultimately led to the creation of this synagogue once our Jewish community became successful and organized enough to do so. While it was disheartening to learn that the William Street Synagogue would not eventually serve as a site for a Museum of the Impact of different Religious Groups on our Region or a gallery for historic archival artifacts, for example, we are still extremely appreciative of the fact that it will remain in its original location with its original orientation while being used in a respectful way with new purpose. It is our desire to keep the Synagogue in pristine condition so it can remain an historical landmark for Jewish life in South Bend while making a new, positive impact in our community. With our combined efforts as a strong and vibrant Jewish community and our innovative and reliable City officials, staff, and volunteers, it is our hope that this historically significant building will continue to positively impact the city of South Bend and that its architectural beauty will be inspiring to many and appreciated by all. The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley and the Michiana Jewish Historical Society on behalf of the Jewish community of South Bend hopes to continue to be included in the renovation of this synagogue and appreciates the opportunity to tell the story of this building and the impact that the Jewish community has had in South Bend. Respectfully, Debra Barto rant, Executive Vice President Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley 3202 Shalom Way • South Bend, IN 46615 2955 • phone 574.233.1164 • fax 574.288.4103 ^ www.thejewishfed.org