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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 12, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 8 <br /> <br />terminated by either party with 90 days’ written notice. This ensures <br />flexibility should a redevelopment opportunity arise for the surrounding <br />properties. <br /> <br />The monthly rent would be $2,000, but that amount may be abated in <br />exchange for the County completing approved repairs to the lots, such <br />as seal coating, striping, or pothole repairs. Any abatement would <br />require invoices to be submitted to RDC staff for review. <br /> <br />In addition, the County would be responsible for routine maintenance of <br />the lots, including snow and ice removal, landscaping, and mowing where <br />applicable. Routine maintenance would not count toward rent <br />abatement. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked how many total spaces and Ms. Michaels <br />stated the lot to the North has 20-30 spots and the lot to the South has <br />30-40 spots. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers spoke in favor of the <br />agreement. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; President Warner abstained <br />from the vote. The Commission approved the Lease Agreement as <br />presented on March 12, 2026. <br /> <br />C. River East Development Area <br />1. Budget Request (Demo of Former Qualex Building at 921 Louise St.) <br />Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, <br />presented this budget request for $500,000 to demolish the former <br />Qualex building in the River East development area. This property is <br />located in what is now being branded as the Market District on the <br />Southeast side of the city, immediately adjacent to Mishawaka Avenue. <br />The building is a former industrial structure dating back to the 1930s. <br />On the map, the Qualex building is outlined in red. Just to the South is <br />the former Northside YMCA, which the City is actively working to <br />redevelop. The City has applied for a READI Blight grant to help cover <br />infrastructure costs at that site, and we are optimistic about a favorable <br />decision. If awarded, we expect to bring additional agreements to the <br />Redevelopment Commission soon. There is real momentum and activity <br />happening in this area. <br /> <br />To the North, at the intersection of Longfellow and Mishawaka Avenue, <br />is the centerpiece of the Mishawaka Avenue streetscape project. <br />Improvements along Mishawaka Avenue extend from Bambers <br />Westward all the way toward Adams High School. In addition, new