PortageAveActionPlan-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats Identifying the aspects of a redevelopment area that meet or exceed levels necessary for a strong business environment, is the foundation for building a successful marketing and redevelopment strategy. At the same time, it is important to recognize factors that create the challenging situation that led to the need for revitalization. Strengths South Bend's Portage Avenue benefits from these characteristics: 1. Access is good for all populations because public transit serves the corridor and there are sidewalks. 2. Residences coexistwith commercial uses creating the mixed use environment that is actively sought for today's developments. 3. Historic building stock and access to the river support the continuing market vitality of neighborhoods on the east side of Portage Avenue. 4. Store space is affordable providing opportunities for undercapitalized populations to buy and have the potential for appreciation in value. 5. Existing Neighborhood Organizations: NNN, Inc.; PANA; Keller Park;Council Oak; Pinhook Area; and Woodlawn Area are strong. 6. Presently, the Martins node has a very desirable tenant mix with auto service, hardware and grocery tenants. 7. Banks in the area have expressed interest in increasing lending. Challenges The challenge to change comes from aspects of an area that dissatisfy. These challenges can be divided into: Weaknesses, factors that are very difficult to change and often must be accepted into the plan, Threats, factors that will become weaknesses if action is not taken; Opportunities, readily accomplished changes that will quickly improve the area. Weaknesses 1. The traffic utilizing Portage Avenue is dual purpose, commuter through traffic seeking quick passage north to the Meijer's development and destination traffic that seeks ease of entry and exit from adjacent businesses and residences. 2. The length of this corridor means the needs differ greatly and makes it difficult for one organization to serve the very different needs of businesses a great distance from each other. 3. There are obsolete land use configurations like former gas stations that lack sufficient off-street parking and are difficult to assemble into developable parcels. Threats There are no systems, like the Neighborhood Business Development Corporation, in place to support development initiatives. Vacant, deteriorating buildings create an image of decline that further depresses development interest. Portage Avenue Corridor Revitalization Plan October 1999 Page 12