06-04-2007 Effort will reopen ‘windows’ on the St. Joseph River

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Working with interns, the city's Environmental Services and Geographic Information System staff in 2003 compiled a map of riverbank conditions for the entire length of the river in South Bend. The map details property usage, slope, riverbank vegetation, sewer outfalls and drainage patterns. This information provided background for staff from several city departments to collaborate in making Windows on the River possible. City staff adjusted existing priorities to allocate time to the coordinated effort, according to Gary Gilot, director of public works —one of several departments involved including Code Enforcement, Community Development, Parks and Recreation and others. The Windows on the River will not change current access to the river. "We're not making a walkway to the river,just a window," Gilot said. The city also plans to collaborate with other groups in the effort including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Transportation, Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Michiana Watershed, Friends of the River and others. For now, city officials encourage river-lovers to enjoy the view. The city also is interested in receiving suggestions and photographs from residents about favorite views from the past or recommended new windows on the river. Contact the Mayor's Office with comments or photos: (574) 235-9953, fax (574) 235-9892, or mail: 1400 County- City Building, 227 W. Jefferson, South Bend, IN 46601. Or visit the web site for more information, including before and after photos: www.SouthBendIN.gov/WindowsontheRiver Places already under consideration for additional Windows on the River include the Pinhook Park area, along the new Riverside Trail (especially at a point to view the osprey nest near Riverside Drive and Lathrop Street), Leeper Park, Lincolnway East and Northside Boulevard. In 1847, a writer observed that "in the spring and fall one can hardly look upon this beautiful stream without seeing a boat of some character, deeply laden, sailing towards its mouth," according to the 1907 History of St. Joseph County. When the new Windows on the River are opened, city officials hope that residents will find new views of a landscape that now is obscured. - 30 -