Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 12, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 10 <br /> <br />asbestos survey was completed and came back fairly favorable, <br />identifying only some mastic and limited transite in former office areas. <br />Because this is an industrial building, it contains fewer office partitions <br />and more open space than other demolitions, which reduces asbestos <br />concerns. Much of the building material can be crushed and sent to a <br />recycling facility rather than a landfill, contributing to more favorable <br />pricing. Overall, we have a good understanding of existing conditions, <br />with the primary uncertainty potentially contaminated soil in the <br />basement once excavation begins. <br /> <br />Matt Barrett commented that he supports this request. This is a code <br />enforcement issue that should have been addressed years ago. While he <br />understands there have been challenges, the City needs to invest more <br />resources in code enforcement to prevent situations like this from <br />occurring in the future. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, <br />the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget <br />Request as presented on March 12, 2026. <br /> <br />2. Budget Request (Howard Park Bandshell Design) <br />Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, <br />presented this budget request for $250,000 for a portion of the design <br />services for Howard Park Bandshell. This project would help transform <br />Howard Park into a premier, four-season destination by adding a high- <br />quality, covered outdoor performance stage. <br /> <br />Since the park’s major overhaul in 2019, Howard Park has been highly <br />active year-round, with features such as the ice trail and pond in winter <br />and the playground and open spaces in warmer months. A permanent <br />bandshell would add another major active use and further establish <br />Howard Park as the City’s primary location for programmed activities. <br />The bandshell would provide a dedicated, mid-sized venue for touring <br />acts, local festivals, and community events. It would also serve as a <br />regional cultural attraction, encouraging visitors to spend time <br />downtown at nearby restaurants and shops. <br /> <br />The performance stage has been part of the Howard Park vision since <br />the 2019 redesign. Infrastructure was intentionally put in place at that <br />time to support this future project, including reinforced paths for truck <br />access, installed electrical capacity, and a park layout designed to <br />accommodate performances in the central loop area. The proposed <br />bandshell would include a covered stage, performer restrooms, a green <br />room, AV control space, electrical and storage rooms, janitorial space,