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OF dP*l South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Informal Meeting - April 3, 1995 neighborhood security is the key to the success of the entire plan. Although they are trying to identify Block Captains throughout the neighborhood to whom neighbors can report crime or suspicion of crime, SEQL is having difficulty getting neighborhood participation. They feel this effort will be more successful after neighbors begin to see some positive changes as a result of other efforts. The. Commission indicated their support for changes to the zoning law which would prohibit future dividing of large homes into multi - family rental units. Mrs. Kolata explained the REWARD Program and the Community Homebuyers Corporation offered through the Bureau of Housing which could enable families formerly unable to purchase a home to become home owners. Mr. Marsh indicated that another problem related to rental units is the "professional tenant" who moves from one apartment or home to another, trashing the unit and leaving the landlord with unpaid rent. SEQL would like to see some better resources offered to landlords to screen potential tenants so they don't get stuck and so these "professional tenants" can't take advantage of landlords repeatedly this way. The new park which will replace Dean Johnson Park was discussed. It has not yet been decided what types of facilities will be built into the new park; but everyone wants to be sure the new park minimizes the opportunities for crime and offers facilities the neighborhood will use. SEQL feels that the park has the potential to be the cornerstone of the neighborhood if it is developed properly. Mr. Marsh noted that shortly before being dismantled, Dean Johnson Park was beginning to be used again for good purposes. Mrs. Kolata asked what caused the change in use. Mr. Marsh felt that perhaps the timing was right for youth in the neighborhood. He also noted that the police, Family & Children's Center, and churches had scheduled organized activities there. Mr. Marian pointed out on a schematic design where the Parkview Juvenile Center site, Family & Children's Center, IVY Tech, and the new park would be. He noted that when the plan was presented to several Park Board members and other concerned parties, several participants were concerned that the new park didn't have a "theme. " The neighborhood prefers a "passive park." One "theme" that is being considered which may satisfy all parties is to connect the new park to the East Race Walkway through pedestrian paths. Ms. Auburn asked what the schedule was for constructing the park. Mrs. Kolata responded that the Commission does not have any purchase offers out for the land on which the park is to be constructed. Funds will not be available for that acquisition until after the first of the year and will depend on the amount of tax increment that is received. She noted that the IPA