06-19-2007 Commercial Corridors Spur New Business Growth

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has responded with new investment, new jobs and new vitality, particularly along Western Avenue." Speaking in front of La Rosita's, an ice-cream shop and ice-pops maker at 2909 Western Ave., Luecke was joined by members of the South Bend Common Council and representatives of each of the commercial corridor committees, who make decisions about how to allocate the resources on their gateway to South Bend's downtown. In the Western Avenue corridor, La Rosita is one of several small businesses to have used the matching grant program to improve its facade. Along with other matching grants for streetscapes, these investments have contributed to the opening and relocation of new businesses in the corridor. In the last two years, Western Avenue has seen the start of 14 new, locally owned businesses, including: Rosales Super Market, 2802 W. Western Ave. Taste of Mexico, 2637 W. Western Ave. Shoes 'N More, 2903 W. Western Ave. Grupo Oasys, 2912 W. Western Ave. La Marea, 3401 W. Western Ave. Western Avenue has received the third largest share of resources, nearly $1.6 million, behind South Gateway(Main and Michigan streets) and Lincolnway West, respectively. In 2007, the allocations are: Lincolnway West $205,000 Miami Street $225,000 Portage Avenue $180,000 South Michigan/Main streets: $190,000 Western Avenue $200,000 From $550,000 in 1999, Commercial Corridor funding has grown to $1 million annually for the last four years. Including the 2007 allocation, the city will have invested $7.75 million in the five corridors since the program began eight years ago with support from the county option income tax. Since 1999, the total corridor allocations have been: Lincolnway West: $1,673,500 Miami Street: $1,441,500 Portage Avenue: $1,031,000 South Michigan/Main streets: $2,013,500 Western Avenue: $1,590,500 "This is a wonderful example of how partnerships can help build our community," Luecke said. "The Commercial Corridor Committees' combination of experience and knowledge combined with a personal commitment to their areas has resulted in an approach tailored to the needs and built on the assets of each corridor. This could not have happened if government had tried to work alone to implement the projects." Here are the planned improvements for 2007 along each of the commercial corridors: