05-04-2006 $1,000,000 For Commercial Corridor Improvements

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Streetscape Enhancement Projects • New sidewalk and curbs have been installed between Chippewa and Sample. These improvements included the restoration of tree lawn with tree plantings. Additional Programs & Accomplishments • The corridor has developed a marketing campaign, which includes creating a brochure, website development, newspaper advertisements and a series of television commercials. • South Gateway worked in conjunction with Riley High School students to produce a quarterly newsletter. • To improve safety, funding is provided for increased police presence and a series of anti- crime,violence and gang billboards. Western Ave. Matching Facade Grant Program • 15 grants with a total of$155,778 in investment: - $85,648 of private investment was leveraged by $70,131 in public funding • Eight 100% grants resulted in $178,990 of funding for businesses • Four matching security grants with a total of$15,153 in investment: - $7,569 of private investment was leveraged by $7,569 in public funding • In 2005 added wall murals to the list of eligible projects for matching grant funds. Streetscape Enhancement Projects • The committee has invested in new sidewalks, lighting and trees from Lombardy Drive to Albert Street. • Successfully completed a $50,000 landscaping project at Laurel and Western, turning a blighted parcel into an asset for the Avenue and the Iglesia Mission which owns it. • There are plans for several projects to enhance the appearance of the Corridor, East of the Walnut Street Bridge, including: - Acquisition,rehabilitation and demolition of several key buildings - Creating new park land adjacent to the bridge Marketing and promotional activities • Created a new logo for and brochure to market Western Avenue: - Western Avenue: Wealth in Diversity • Committee held its first business networking breakfast at Bill's Place Restaurant(2105 Western Avenue) • Unveiled a newly designed commercial corridor website at www.sbcorridors.org • Doubled membership on the Committee, which better reflects the varied people, neighborhoods and organizations that comprise the surrounding area. • Partnered with the South Bend Regional Museum of Art's Summer Youth Outreach Program to create a new mural at Western Avenue and Walnut Street.