07-2009 Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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TH4A i EN D MAYOR STEP &N !. LurckE Letter from the Mayor Dear Friends and Neighbors, As new housing emerges in the Northeast Neighborhood near the University of Notre Dame, there is a telling statistic: the single largest category of new homebuyers consists of people who are moving into South Bend after previously buying in suburban locations. Frequently, we hear from people who've settled outside of South Bend that they were unaware of the benefits and quality of life within the city at the time they were looking to buy a home. Feeling somewhat remote in locations distant from work and other activities, they are seeking to trade isolated backyard decks for inviting front porches. For nearly a year, the City of South Bend has been working in partnership with people on the front lines of the housing market to make sure they are fully equipped to let prospective homebuyers know these features. Through a residential marketing initiative, the City has taken a more active role in promoting market -rate residential neighborhoods. We've hired Sue Solmos, a real- estate agent with national recognition for public- private efforts in Indianapolis, to market city neighborhoods, especially near- downtown residential areas. As part of this initiative, 20 area Realtors participated in a series of eight classes about South Bend's history, quality of life and civic amenities in an inaugural Real Estate Certification Class. Participants visited our Museum Campus, toured neighborhoods and economic development projects, and received an inside look at South Bend's landmark amenities. Graduates of the program will be recognized as South Bend - certified realtors, well - versed about the City's offerings and neighborhoods. The program proved so popular that two more classes are being added. In addition, builders, mortgage brokers, banks, hotels, higher - educational institutions and the business community have expressed interest in participating in similar training experiences. We are especially grateful to our partners in this initiative, who include the Greater South Bend Mishawaka Board of Realtors, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Northern Indiana, the University of Notre Dame, and the Northern Indiana Center for History. Along with the certification effort, Solmos is working directly with neighborhood groups in promoting their assets more broadly. A recent report by Forbes indicated that South Bend is the sixth most affordable metropolitan area in the nation. At a time when many Americans cannot afford to own a home, we want to put out the welcome mat to demonstrate the great value of housing in South Bend. When people understand the diverse housing options this city offers, it will help South Bend continue to be a community of choice. Sincerely, A� 6er�_ Mayor Steve THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Art Beat 2009 Cease the Grease Green Tips Fridays by the Fountain Parks & Recreation Concerts • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • to • • Art in the Heart . \'`�` • • of South Bend ''►."��— • • • The Art Beat Steering Committee is • • now accepting applications for participation • in downtown South Bend's Art Beat to be • held on September 26, 2009 from 10 AM to • • 6 PM. Artists living in the following • • counties are eligible for participation: • St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte, Marshall and • Starke counties in Indiana, and Berrien and • • Cass counties in Michigan. • • A few changes have been instituted in the artist application process for 2009. A • • $10 non - refundable application processing • • fee is required for submitting an application • this year. There is however no booth fee for • the event. Artists are responsible for • • bringing their own tables, chairs and tents. • Also new is the online application for • • Visual Artists, who will be able to submit • their information including samples of • • work via the internet. Performing artists • and culinary artists will submit their • applications as in the past. Application • • forms can be found online at: • • ArtBeatSouthBend.org. Application deadline is August 3, 2009. • • Now in its seventh year, Art Beat • • features over 500 individual and group • artisans and performers, and draws over • 7,000 visitors. The streets and sidewalks of • • downtown South Bend are transformed into • • a live interactive gallery as artists, dancers, • musicians, actors, poets and culinary artists • display and perform their talents. For more • • information, visit ArtBeatSouthBend.org or • call 574-282-1110. • Vsit Our Website at www SoutliBendIN.gov!