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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – February 26, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 3 <br /> <br />landscaping, decorative street lighting, and other standard streetscape <br />amenities. East of Hill Street, the project will consist of a mill and fill. It is <br />important to note that Colfax Avenue will remain a three-lane roadway; <br />there will be no lane reductions or changes to the existing lane <br />configuration. However, the project does add additional on-street <br />parking. More than 20 new on-street parking spaces are expected, which <br />will benefit nearby local businesses. <br /> <br />The bids for this project are currently being reviewed, with an award <br />anticipated next month. Construction is expected to begin in early <br />Spring, as soon as the contractor is able to mobilize. The contract <br />includes an open-to-traffic date of September 4, which covers <br />completion of sidewalks and the multi-use path. Final project <br />completion, including landscaping and remaining items, is scheduled for <br />October 30. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked how the project could accommodate the <br />addition of 20 on-street parking spaces while also addressing congestion <br />related to school drop-off and pick-up. Ms. Biek explained that the <br />design reduces excess pavement while maintaining the existing lane <br />configuration. The project uses curb bump-outs and similar streetscape <br />features to create additional on-street parking. To achieve this, certain <br />turn lanes on Niles Street, including the left-turn lane, will be removed. <br /> <br />Regarding Hill Street, where the elementary school is located, we are <br />aware that the drop-off and pick-up lines, especially in the afternoon, <br />can back up significantly, sometimes extending several blocks. That <br />operation will still be able to continue as it does today. We did evaluate <br />the option of installing a cycle track similar to what was done on LaSalle, <br />but instead the project will retain striped bike lanes within the street, <br />consistent with the current configuration. <br /> <br />We have met with the school multiple times to discuss different options <br />for drop-off and pick-up. Given their limited site footprint, it is <br />challenging to make significant changes. They are already fairly well <br />organized, so we are continuing to work with them as best we can within <br />those constraints. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked for clarification regarding bump- <br />outs. Ms. Biek explained that the curb bump-outs serve several <br />important purposes. They shorten the distance pedestrians must cross <br />at intersections, help clearly define on-street parking areas, and <br />contribute to traffic calming by slowing vehicle speeds. While these <br />features are often unpopular with drivers, they are effective in <br />improving overall safety and pedestrian comfort. Ms. Gooden-Rodgers