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IL <br /> St.Joseph River Basin Commission <br /> July 8, 2019 ----_ <br /> Filed in Clerk's Office <br /> Common Council <br /> City of South Bend JUL 0 8 2019 <br /> 227 W.Jefferson Blvd.Suite 441S <br /> South Bend,IN 46601 KAREEMAH FOWLER <br /> Attn: CITY CAERK,SOUTH SEND,IN_ <br /> Clerk Kareemah Fowler <br /> Re: Support for Ordinance to Reform CBD with River Setback <br /> Dear Council Members, <br /> The St. Joseph River Basin Commission (SJRBC) was established by the Indiana General <br /> Assembly to provide a forum for the discussion,study and evaluation of water resource issues of <br /> common concern in the St. Joseph River Watershed of Lake Michigan. The Commission is <br /> composed of representatives from local government entities and the Indiana DNR. On behalf of <br /> the SJRBC,I write to express support for the City of South Bend's proposed ordinance to reform <br /> the Central Business District(CBD)uses and standards to ensure open space free from buildings <br /> and other structures in the area adjacent to the river. <br /> The SJRBC recognizes the importance of local ordinances concerning open space protection and <br /> floodplain management as critical components of improving water quality and meeting the goals <br /> of the St. Joseph River Watershed Management Plan. Buildings and other structures placed <br /> within the river corridor impede the natural flow of water, wildlife and pedestrians. Increased <br /> development and extreme weather events throughout the watershed are leading to the highest <br /> river flows our communities have ever experienced.Local ordinances that make room for the river <br /> are critical for public safety and healthy aquatic ecosystems. <br /> The SJRBC fully supports the City of South Bend's efforts to ensure that its ordinances protect <br /> open space,especially within the river corridor. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Aceit' 77-Z--1.-,----- <br /> Matt Meersman <br /> Director <br /> St.Joseph River Basin Commission <br /> St.Joseph River Basin Commission • 227 W.Jefferson Blvd. •1120 County-City Bldg. • South Bend, IN 46601 <br /> Phone: 574.287.1829 ext.800 • Fax: 574.239.4072 • E-mail: BasinDirector@macog.com <br />