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INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TO: Catherine Hostetler, Director Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & Saint Joseph County FROM: Carl P. Littrell, PE City Engineer SUBJECT: Reaction to "First Local Landmark Designation for Brick Streets" DATE: September 17, 2010 Thank you for sending over a copy of the subject matter. I had not seen that information put together previously. It appears that the Commission staff had gone to some trouble in 1996 to prepare a case for preservation of brick street surfaces. As I remember, it elicited a promise from the then Public Works Director that brick street surfaces would be preserved on local and neighborhood collector streets. • I believe that the City has kept that promise. Brick surfaces have been preserved in the historic districts and in the neighborhoods, except for brick -paved arterials. Bricks have been restored and re-laid on portions of Madison Street and Washington Street. Curbs and brick gutters have been reset on part of Franklin Street. The remainder of the block will be reset soon. Excavations in brick surfaces whether in local historic districts, or elsewhere in the City, are restored with brick. . The City has stockpiled brick pavers to replace units broken or damaged. A large stockpile is being collected to be able to renew streets in preservation districts. As the excerpts from the South Bend Municipal Code and Prevailing Specifications for Public Works included in the landmarking documents require, all pavement repairs in brick require re -setting the bricks. The City's stockpile is available to supplement any attrition from the excavating process or due to the wear on the units. If any further information is needed, please call. cc: Gary Gilot