No. 2016 designating the NNDA, declaring the NNDA to be blighted, approving a development plan and conditions under which relocation payments will be made, and establishing an allocation area for purposes of TIF

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the neighborhood evidences signs of severe blight and physical deterioration. Many lots and housing units within the sub -area are vacant or abandoned. Of those with built structures, a relatively high percentage are renter - occupied. Illegal dumping and code violations are a particular problem with these properties, and deferred maintenance and disinvestment have reduced much of the housing stock beyond the scope of rehabilitation. A comprehensive redevelopment strategy is recommended for this area, as called for in the 1998 Strategic Revitalization Plan. Site assemblage, clearance and new housing construction is recommended for as much land as is practicable within the sub -area. A coordinated program led by the NNRO and South Bend Heritage staff will identify which blighted properties should be given consideration for acquisition. The City, through its Redevelopment Commission and the State statutes governing displacement for redevelopment purposes, will oversee all necessitated relocation procedures. It is the stated goal of the NNRO to ensure that no undue hardship be caused to displaced residents. A comprehensive replat of the area will facilitate new housing construction of a suitable urban density, and design guidelines that articulate the urban setting and respect the character of the surrounding neighborhood will be encouraged. It will be desirable to introduce a modest, though varied housing stock that will attract both market rate purchase as well as subsidy - eligible low- to- moderate income homebuyers. Land parcels along South Bend Avenue will be reserved to accommodate existing or future commercial development. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has planned for improvements to State Road 23 (South Bend Avenue) between Twyckenham Drive and Eddy Street, with final design specifications pending the input of neighborhood residents and City officials. It has been determined that the two - lane thoroughfare is inadequate to meet the traffic demand as it currently exists. Integral to planning for increased commercial activities at the core of the neighborhood is consideration of the impact of increased traffic on residents. The need for a more controlled, aesthetic solution to even the current level of vehicular commuting traffic has prompted City engineers and neighborhood residents to support the expansion of this length of State Road 23 to a context - sensitive, four - lane boulevard with a landscaped median. This plan would ultimately require the relocation of some houses and businesses along the expanded right of way. Final design considerations for State Road 23 should include elements that improve its safety and attractiveness for pedestrians and cyclists, including pedestrian- oriented lighting, signalized crosswalks and street furnishings. The sizable public investment in new infrastructure associated with State Road 23 will further the goals of the Development Area Plan by improving vehicular access to destination points both within and outside the Area. Connectivity of this 22