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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – November 24, 2025 <br /> <br />Page | 3 <br /> <br /> <br />Proposed Second Amendment: <br />• Purpose: Expand quality childcare options downtown—a long-term <br />City priority. <br />• YMCA received a READI 2.0 grant to create a childcare center in the <br />Leighton Building. <br />• Starting May 1, 2026, YMCA will lease about 9,500 sq. ft. (≈ two- <br />thirds of the first floor) after Beacon’s lease ends April 30, 2026. <br />• Lease flexibility allows adjustments during demolition and build-out. <br />• From calendar year 2026 onward, YMCA will reimburse half of all <br />building utility costs. <br />• YMCA will operate a full-service childcare facility for ages 6 months <br />to 3 years, open to the public (not just YMCA members). <br />• Lease term will remain through 2031. <br /> <br />Why this matters: <br />This project meets a critical need for downtown employees and families, <br />offering convenient childcare and supporting downtown growth. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked will families receive any grants or <br />financial assistance to help cover the cost and how will this be <br />advertised? Denise Peters, Chief Operating Officer from the YMCA, <br />stated that she oversees programs at the YMCA. Their goal is for 60% of <br />families to receive support through a sliding scale based on financial <br />need and this program is for everyone and opened to the public by <br />January of 2027. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shaw asked will the YMCA contract with an outside <br />childcare provider? If so, do we know their history and ability to serve <br />local children? Ms. Peters stated no, the YMCA will not contract with <br />another provider. The YMCA itself will operate the childcare center. <br />They have a strong track record of providing quality childcare across <br />their organization. <br /> <br />Motion was made by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers to approve, second by <br />Gillian Shaw. <br /> <br />On the motion: <br />• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yea <br />• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yea <br />• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yea <br /> <br />The motion carried; the Commission approved the Amendment as <br />presented on November 24, 2025.