01-16-2007 Mayor Touts Success of Residential and Commercial Corridor Improvement Matching Grants

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2 The Commercial Corridor Fagade Improvement Matching Grant Program has had a profound impact on each of the major City corridors. Since 2002,businesses on Miami St., Portage Ave., Western Ave., Lincolnway West and Mishawaka Ave. have matched the City's investment of$760,000 with private investments of over $1,300,000. In 2006 alone, thirty businesses received matching grants, leading to a total public/private investment of$354,000 in corridor improvements. "We are very proud of the work that has already been done to improve the face of our city," commented Jeff Vitton, Community & Economic Development. Chris Dressel, also from Community & Economic Development, added, "We will continue to work in cooperation with City homeowners and business leaders to achieve our goal of South Bend as a vibrant commercial center and a thriving community." Mayor Luecke and Council members have also made a major push for neighborhood improvements. The Residential Enhancement Program has assisted homeowners in targeted areas make highly visible exterior improvements to their homes. In the River Park neighborhood, homeowner Ray Norris was able to install vertical steel board and batten style siding on his home, with help from a Residential Enhancement matching grant. Mr. Norris is not alone in his desire to upgrade the River Park neighborhood. Since 2002, over forty of Mr.Norris' neighbors have taken advantage of the Residential Enhancement program, investing nearly $300,000 in the River Park neighborhood. Other City neighborhoods have followed suit. The Keller Park,Westside, River Park, Rum Village, LaSalle Area, Oliver Gateway,Near Westside and Westside Extended neighborhoods have all benefited from the matching grant program. In total,the program has granted over $640,000, spurring private residents to invest over $540,000 in neighborhood enhancement since 2002. "The Residential Enhancement and Commercial Corridor Improvement programs have generated over $3.2 million dollars of investment in our neighborhoods and commercial corridors,"Mayor Luecke said. "The success of these programs represents a true partnership of government and the citizens of South Bend, working together to improve the city we live in." For further information regarding the River Park Residential Enhancement Project, home owner Ray Norris can be contacted at 288-7304. He will be available the rest of the afternoon for interviews on site. -30-