10-2010 Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

SOUTH, BEND OCTOBER 2010 f Letter from the Mayor National award honors South Bend leader `Gary Gilot's innovation and creativity keep South Bend, Ind., one step ahead, " according to American City & County magazine, which selected Gilot as the nation's Public Works Leader of the Year for 2010. Dear Friends and Neighbors, If you're like me, you get tired of all the negative reporting and TV ads. As an alternative, let me highlight two local government successes. First, take an evening stroll at Eddy Street Commons, which is filling up nicely with new shops and restaurants — despite the nation's worst economic conditions in a generation. As published reports recently indicated, even at 10 o'clock on weeknights, businesses are crowded with customers. This private development, supported by the University of Notre Dame, illustrates how good government can play a role in economic development. The City of South Bend helped make the $215 - million mixed -use development possible. Tax support of $35 million built the massive parking garage, constructed more than 4,200 lineal feet of streets and installed low- energy LED streetlights and other infrastructure. Second, check out the article in American City & County (www.AmericanCi!yandCounty.com) about our own Gary Gilot, who as the City's Director of Public Works oversees South Bend Utilities among other responsibilities. This national good - government publication has named Gary as the 2010 Public Works Leader of the Year for the nation based on his accom- plishments within the past year. They include: • Monitoring and control of combined sewer overflows through CSOnet, becoming the world's first city to address the environmental challenge through low -cost technology rather than rely exclusively on high -cost infrastructure. • Forming a partnership with the Notre Dame using high- performance computers to heat the greenhouse at Potawatomi Park. • Finding green solutions in public works through low- impact design in public -works projects, the creation of a Green Ribbon Commission and the development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation strategy. • Reducing winter road - maintenance costs through the use of salt brine. • Saving expenses on road work by creating an in -house concrete crew. "Gary Gilot's innovation and creativity keep South Bend, Ind., one step ahead," the magazine said. Gary has a `can-do' attitude. It's never, `It can't be done.' It's, `How can we do it?' and then, `How can we do it better?' In a nation where gov- ernment is "by the people," we have many good people like Gary who each day show the value of good government for our community. Sincerely, Mayor Steve P.S. You can keep up to date on the latest innovations and initiatives of the City of South Bend, by subscribing to our e -mail newsletter, South Bend ON, at www.SouthBendON.com THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Events Calendar Green Tips for Fall Arts Cafe Operation ReLeaf Family Justice Ctr. Bicycle Friendly City Events Calendar Morris Performing Arts Center Nov. 5 and 6— A Chorus Line Nov. 12— Rodney Carrington Nov. 13— John Mellencamp Nov. 20 -South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents "Music from the Heart" with Chu Fang Huang Center for History Nov. 5 and 12— Reconstruction: The Second Civil War (Liberty Film Series) Nov. 19 and 26— Our Spirits Don't Speak English: Indian Boarding Schools (Liberty Film Series) South Bend Civic Theater Oct. 29 -Nov 7- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde South Bend Parks and Recreation Nov. 3- Dad/Daughter, Dinner, Date, and Dance Football Friday's Block Party Every Friday night, 5 -9 PM before every Notre Dame Home football game. 100 N. Michigan St. near the College Football Hall of Fame. Admission is just $3, and kids 12 and under are free. Century Center Oct. 26 Taste of Home Cooking School Green Tips for Fall • Cooler days are coming, so make sure to caulk your windows to make your home more energy efficient. • Visit the local Farmer's Market. Nothing can beat fall produce such as apples, pumpkins, squash and more! • Repair your furnace and replace your filter. With winter around the corner, this will save you money and help the environment. • Go bike - riding! Enjoy South Bend's nearly 50 miles of bike paths around the city and the gorgeous fall weather. • Rake your leaves instead of using a blower.