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Keeping this in mind, the Redevelopment Commission began the process of creating strategic plans for the East Bank Area of the downtown in 2007. The area was divided into two phases — Phase I & Phase II given their unique characteristics. JJR, a nationally acclaimed architecture and planning firm was commissioned to create strategic Master Plans for both the phases by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission. Phase I or East Bank Village Master Plan was completed in 2008 and includes the neighborhood that lies to the North of Jefferson Blvd in the East Bank. The boundaries of Phase II include the neighborhood known as the Howard Park Neighborhood which is an urban residential neighborhood with commercial, light industrial, residential and mixed uses. Phase II Master Plan of the East Bank Area (or the Howard Park Neighborhood Master Plan) was completed in the summer of 2009. Howard Park Neighborhood Master Plan The Howard Park Neighborhood of South Bend has the potential to become an exciting, dynamic urban neighborhood with its own unique identity. Located east of the historic Howard Park on the banks of the St. Joseph River, the neighborhood is poised for private sector investment and development of its infill properties. The Howard Park Neighborhood is bounded by Jefferson Blvd. to the north, Eddy Street to the East and the St. Joseph River to the SW. The Howard Park Neighborhood Master Plan was completed by JJR, a planning firm from Chicago, IL. The consultants used a charrette process to develop the master plan which included several focus group meetings with residents, businesses and downtown stakeholders. The resulting master plan focuses on a number of development strategies and amenities. The Catalyst for a Strategic Development Plan: The relocation of the South Bend Public Transportation Corporation (TRANSPO) facility has made approximately 10 acres of land available for development along the St. Joseph River. In addition, other non - compatible uses would offer more opportunity for infill type development in the neighborhood. Some of the considerations for a new master plan included: • Private and public sector investment in the Howard Park Neighborhood planning area had been limited for the past decade. • The river frontage and Howard Park were identified as underutilized assets of the community and could act as a catalyst for residential development projects. Along the river there was prime vacant land, currently owned by Transpo, available for immediate development consideration. • Several areas within the neighborhood were not being utilized for their highest and best use in addition to opportunities presented by several vacant and prime "in -fill" sites. • Opportunities for development within the Howard Park area were poised for success due to significant investments in the contiguous Downtown: Innovation and Ignition Park, the St. Joseph Regional Medical Site and Eddy Street Commons. • There was some positive momentum in the Howard Park neighborhood due to the construction of "in -fill" single family homes, on Notre Dame Avenue, by Weiss Homes.