08-13-2007 After 9 months of labor, City Plan initiatives take shape

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Although shaped around a 20-year window into South Bend's future, many City Plan objectives already are being implemented. Here is an update of their status, beginning with the mayor's five State of the City directives, which—although not necessarily the top City Plan priorities —reflected concerns that merited immediate action. 1. Begin engineering plans in 2007 to complete the riverwalk system in the entire length of the city from Logan Street to Darden Road within the first five years of City Plan implementation. PROGRESS: Phase 1 of the 1.75-mile Riverside Trail between Angela and Oakwood boulevards was completed. Design work for Phase 2, which will extend the trail to the Darden Road pedestrian bridge, is under way with completion expected in fall 2008. Engineers also are examining the most effective way to achieve a contiguous route along the St. Joseph River within the city limits. 2. Establish 10 miles of bike paths annually—one major north-south and one major east- west path—in each of the next five years. PROGRESS: For 2007, the city identified 11.4 miles of striped lanes or signed paths in the spring along Ford Street, Mishawaka Avenue and Twyckenham Drive. City officials have been meeting with bicycling advocates and plan to announce anticipated routes for the remaining four years and 40 miles in the fall. 3. Reduce vacant housing by 10 percent in the next three years by developing and implementing in 2007 a series of strategies to address the negative effects of abandoned housing and to set higher standards for the maintenance of vacant lots. PROGRESS: In May, city officials unveiled a comprehensive strategy to reduce abandoned housing by 72 percent and vacant housing by 20 percent. Contracts were authorized Aug. 3 with three nonprofits that will administer a $1 home initiative with the first of 15 homes being raffled among credit-qualified homebuyers as early as October. The first demolitions of derelict abandoned houses are beginning this month. 4. Bring public resources to strategic west-side areas and spur new investment and jobs by connecting the Airport Economic Development Area TIE (tax increment financing district)to the Sample-Ewing Development Area. PROGRESS: In July, the Redevelopment Commission approved the expansion of the Airport TIF to include LaSalle Square, the Marycrest/Hurwich area and the Sample- Ewing Development Area. The city has set aside $1 million from the 2007 TIF budget for LaSalle Square and an additional $500,000 annually for three years. LaSalle Square is considered the first priority for redevelopment from TIF resources. 5. Convene community and business leaders to explore Bridges Out of Poverty as a strategy to lift families out of poverty in South Bend and St. Joseph County, recognizing the devastating and pervasive impact of poverty on individuals, families, neighborhoods and the community. PROGRESS: Growing out of a City Plan priority to provide opportunities for low- income residents, the Bridges Out of Poverty strategy has been introduced to other community groups, including all city managers, and plans are in place for introduction of the approach to the business community.