05-2008 Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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so MAl' 2009 Letter from the Mayor Dear Friends and Neighbors, April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. During the season's nice weather, there will be a groundswell of groundbreakings in South Bend. The city will record its best year ever for private invest- ment in 2008. It already has begun. We're moving forward with a groundbreaking year — and a year of THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Friday's by the Fountain Summer in South Bend Green Tips United Way's Programs Online Bill Pay Hall of Fame Events Digital TV Switch groundbreakings — because decades of planning and public - private partnerships have laid the groundwork for new investment. Here's just a sample of construction activity beginning in 2008: ♦ Eddy Street Commons — a $200 million mixed -use development, the region's largest single development in decades. It includes two hotels, more than 20 stores and restaurants, office space as well as hundreds of town homes, apartments and condominiums. ♦ Innovation Park — South Bend's first state - certified technology park with two sites: a campus launch pad along Edison Road and a larger satellite booster site in the Studebaker Corridor. ♦ Courtyard by Marriott downtown — This new hotel will be built atop a 210 -car parking garage at St. Joseph and Jefferson. ♦ All- American Plaza — Restoration of the historic 83- year -old structure at Michigan and Washington streets is part of a $9 million project, including an addition with new retail, offices, condominiums, parking and a rooftop green space. ♦ New stores in Erskine Commons and Erskine Village ♦ Civil Rights Heritage Center — Sponsored by IU South Bend, the renovation of the City Natatorium will change a symbol of segregation into a place of celebration. We are moving forward in 2008, and we will continue to move forward in 2009 because we have more plans al- ready in the works: ♦ Downtown — WNIT -TV is moving into downtown with a high -tech fagade that will forever change the face of a key downtown intersection. And restoration of the former Studebaker Administration building will create a home for new high -tech businesses. ♦ East Bank — New amenities at Howard Park, new housing near downtown and green development along the riverfront will shape a new identity for this downtown neighborhood. ♦ Coveleski District — As the city secures available properties around the ballpark, community -based plans will give shape to new private development at the south end of downtown. ♦ LaSalle Square — Community vision will bring real hopes for change, including a family practice center and a new senior housing development. ♦ Blackthorn — Grubb & Ellisl Cressy & Everett will expand marketing to fully develop available properties in Blackthorn. As you enjoy the May flowers, give thanks to those who had the foresight to plant them. May it also remind you that we are planning ahead so South Bend will bloom and keep moving forward. Sincerely, Mayor Steve