06-06-2011 Bill 27-11: Investments for South Bend’s future

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lighting in a couple of historic districts and to restore the popular lamppost program in which costs are shared between the City and the private property owner. • $60,000 for utility relocation resulting from the State of Indiana's relocation of U.S. 31. • $50,000 for infrastructure repairs to support pylons for the Riverwalk in the downtown area. • $40,000 for the replacement of an inadequate and worn water pump at Elbel Golf Course. 3. Quality of Life enhancements —$2.2 million—Less than one-fourth of the proposed project expenses would either enhance an existing park facility or support the development of a new facility. • $1.2 million would help renovate and rehabilitate the existing Ella Morris/Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories at Potawatomi Park. The funds will support adding a new heating system and improving the energy-efficiency of the existing facility as well as adding new restrooms and a potting area to make the facility more user-friendly. The existing growing houses would be removed and replaced with an accessible parking area. These improvements would help make the facility more economically viable. • $1 million would provide initial funds for planning and property acquisition for the proposed Miracle Park. This is the first phase of an initiative, which would create handicapped-accessible recreational opportunities for youth with special needs. South Bend Parks and Recreation Department is working with private groups that are examining a site near Olive Road and Nimtz Parkway on the City's northwest side. In addition to facilities serving people with disabilities, the park could also provide functionality for many groups, creating space for baseball, basketball, track and other recreation options, including soccer. "Some would suggest that threat of continued global recession means that no new spending, no matter how worthy it seems, should be approved. To them, I would ask a simple question, `When is it time to invest in the future of South Bend?"'Luecke said. "The time to act is now."