11-15-2005 Mishawaka Avenue Beautification Efforts Moving Forward

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Mishawaka Avenue Beautification Efforts Moving ForwardPage 1of 2 st "Building a 21 Century City " Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor RELEASE FROM:FOR RELEASE: Office of the Mayor November 15, 2005 Mishawaka Avenue Beautification Efforts Moving Forward Mishawaka Avenue and the River Park Neighborhood are unveiling the initial stage of an “extreme makeover,” just in time for the holidays! Installation of new decorative street lighting and distinctive stamped concrete crosswalks continues between Ironwood Dr. and 27th St., as part of the first phase of the Mishawaka Avenue Streetscape Beautification Plan Update. This initial phase represents an investment of nearly $240,000 in what is projected to be at least a five-year, $800,000 effort. The first phases of the beautification plan update consist of the installation of decorative lighting, stamped concrete crosswalks, and new trash receptacles in the areas between Ironwood Drive and 31st Street. European-style fluted posts and four-sided glass paneled luminaries replace the existing lighting and its overhead wiring, as the new design allows for all wiring to be placed beneath the ground, giving the street a more streamlined and attractive appearance. The new poles also allow for the installation of banner and sign holders. In addition to the new lighting, integrated stamped and colored concrete pedestrian crossings are being added to provide multi-functional, stylish crossing guides, while increasing visibility and safety. The enhanced concrete will average five feet in width and be surrounded by two one-foot concrete headers. Developed in 1998 and updated in 2004, the Mishawaka Avenue Streetscape Beautification Plan is the result of a partnership between the City of South Bend’s Division of Community Development, River Park Business Association, and the River Park Neighborhood Association. Public input from River Park residents was also sought throughout the planning process, and helped to guide the final plan objectives. The plan outlines a series of improvements, including streetscape enhancements and business improvements, along Mishawaka Avenue and in the River Park Neighborhood, in the area between the Canadian National Railroad Overpass to the West and 31st Street to the East. In addition to the improvements underway as part of the Streetscape Beautification Plan, a variety of River Park businesses continue to utilize the Mishawaka Avenue Façade Improvement Grant program to update and restore the appearances of their buildings. Palmer Funeral Home at 2528 Mishawaka Ave., a long-time River Park business, is using its $10,000 grant award to restore its original facade. Work will consist of tearing down a non-original and unused carport, while removing the vinyl siding from the building’s signature columns. The Myofascial Release Clinic, which used a 2003 grant to place a new sign on its property, plans to seek future grants for façade improvements and parking expansion. The Mishawaka Ave. Façade Improvement Program was developed by the Division of Community Development in 2002 with the assistance of the River Park Business Association, as a matching grant program. The program provides up to $10,000 in matching funds per project for exterior improvements to businesses on Mishawaka Ave. The River Park Business Association (RPBA) has assisted in the funding process by encouraging well- designed improvements that respect the buildings’ location and neighboring structures, which serves to improve Mishawaka Avenue aesthetically. In addition, RPBA has contributed to the ongoing effort to improve the corridor by facilitating the installation of new banners and assisting with the annual River Park http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases_2005/111505_MishAve.htm1/13/2006