Requesting Downtown South Bend be reaffirmed as a Top Priority for Creative & Sustainable Revitalization (Chase Tower)

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RESOLUTION Bill No. 12- GO A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, REQUESTING THAT DOWNTOWN SOUTH BEND BE RE- AFFIRMED AS A TOP PRIORITY FOR CREATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE REVITALIZATION; THAT ALL POSSIBLE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES BE PURSUED, AND THAT CHASE TOWER BE ADDRESSED G►Y/" on December 7, 2010, Indiana's Lieutenant Governor announced that "Downtown South Bend, Inc." had joined the Indiana Main Street Program which "encourages the revitalization and restoration of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns" with this program being administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA); and GA" Indiana's Lieutenant Governor noted that day that "viable downtowns are crucial to the economic health of our state" and that the program is aimed to "encourage a favorable environment for businesses" focusing on a "Four Point Approach" stressing "creating new streetscapes, facilitating housing initiatives, developing commercial and mix -use projects, and strategic planning for the downtown community" ; and 6/`7cereaQ, the Indiana Main Street Program is offering Downtown Enhancement Grants to support and promote community -based planning, marketing, and restoration efforts in Indiana Main Street communities. These efforts are aimed to "improve the quality of life for residents and provide opportunities for increasing private investment and employment ". Projects which may qualify for funding include "promotional campaigns, program branding, fagade renovations or rehabilitations, and other initiatives ", with such grant applications becoming available on July 9, 2012, and will be due to OCRA on August 31, 2012, and the Common Council believes that such grant opportunities should be pursued; and Gh" in light of the May 30, 2012 announcement by representatives of the Summit Club that "South Bend's highest restaurant" located in the heart of downtown South Bend is closing its doors after more than forty (40) years of providing culinary delights from such a spectacular location; and with the continuing challenges being faced by the downtown Chase Tower which are reported to need "at least $6 million on immediate, necessary fixes on a new roof, new energy efficient windows, new elevators, an improved HVAC system and other structural repairs "; every possible opportunity should be pursued in order to assist in stepped -up, positive actions for the sustainability of our downtown. (!r VA, E_ i