Laserfiche WebLink
South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting -October 20, 2006 <br />6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br />E. Airport Economic Development Area <br />continue ... <br />make improvements to the LaSalle Square <br />Shopping Plaza and five other properties. <br />Staff is prepared at this time to present the <br />results of its investigation. <br />Mr. VVitwer summarized the findings. The <br />area asked to be included into the Airport <br />Economic Development Area is comprised of <br />three not for profit organizations making up <br />about 90% of the land area. There are four <br />for-profit businesses in the study area, and <br />one vacant building. <br />In talking with former retailers from LaSalle <br />Square, and to local retailers, it was found <br />that shifts in retail markets to the Portage <br />Cleveland area and to Western Avenue and <br />further south were the cause of businesses <br />locating out of the area. This, along with <br />other factors, is an indication that retail uses <br />will be hard to bring back. <br />In 2001 the City paid a consultant to do a <br />study on the LaSalle Square area. That <br />report's analysis and recommendations are <br />consistent with what the staff determined <br />caused the shift in development that has <br />occurred in the area. <br />The three non-profit organizations in LaSalle <br />Square are all part of the community, and <br />have chosen this location as a home for their <br />operations. <br />The Airport Economic Development Area <br />could be expanded to include LaSalle Square, <br />18 <br />