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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations, VPA, presented the budget <br />request for $315,000 to allow for repair and resurfacing of the Marshall <br />Park tennis courts and adjacent sidewalks to address safety and <br />liability issues. Mr. Martinez explained that a total of four (4) courts, two <br />concrete and two asphalt that exist at the park which are in constant <br />need of routine repair. Also, the 1,200 linear feet of sidewalk that <br />borders the park are hazardous and have high traffic due to the <br />proximity to Marshall school. Mr. Martinez explains that this could be <br />an opportunity to improve the South side with basketball, tennis, pickle <br />ball, and mixed play activities. <br /> <br />Secretary Wax asked for clarification on the property lines and Mr. <br />Martinez stated that when he looked at the tax records, the field area <br />on the map was City-owned property. Commissioner Shaw asked if <br />there would be any consideration to use different materials other than <br />concrete and Mr. Martinez, due to the weather in Northern Indiana, this <br />is the best investment for maintaining the multi-use courts. Vice- <br />President Relos stated that MACOG is not always correct and there <br />have been issues in the past with property lines. Mr. Martinez stated <br />that we can pull the deed from the archive, and this has also been an <br />issue with the Dr. Martin Luther King Dream Center and the school <br />system does not consider this park their property. Commissioner <br />Ellison asked if this would be voted on contingent upon property lines <br />and Secretary Wax stated that there can’t be contingencies legally, it <br />would need to be approved or denied as is. Commissioner Wax <br />requested an update by the next meeting with verification that the City <br />owns the parcel. President Warner explained that the Council has <br />distributions for hazardous sidewalks in need of repair and is in favor of <br />this project. Vice-President Relos asked if this could qualify for the <br />Safe Routes to School project. Mr. Bauer explained that dating back to <br />the 1960’s there has historically been confusion between parcel lines <br />and land owned by the school corporation due to agreements that <br />changed the use of the land, and the DCI team has frequently run into <br />these issues, however, supports the neighborhood connectivity and <br />improvements requested. Commissioner Shaw asked about the <br />breakdown of the budget and Mr. Martinez stated that we have the <br />specifications and would have the details after estimates were received <br />within the budget. The Commissioners thanked John Martinez for his <br />many years of service and expertise. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, <br />the motion carried, and Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers abstained; the <br />Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on March 13, <br />2025. <br /> <br />B. River West Development Area