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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 26, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 3 <br /> <br /> <br />The project scope includes the design and construction of one <br />permanent mid-block pedestrian crossing directly in front of the Civil <br />Rights Heritage Center. Improvements would include curb bump-outs to <br />reduce crossing distance, along with seeding, native landscaping, and <br />other pedestrian-oriented amenities. Current construction cost <br />estimates are approximately $106,000. The budget request seeks <br />$90,000 from the West Washington TIF district, in which the project site <br />is located. The City has identified additional funding from other sources <br />to cover the remaining cost. <br /> <br />Megyn Edmonson and Andrea Crawford, Near West Side residents, <br />spoke in support of the project, noting that the mid-block crossing was <br />identified through the neighborhood planning process. They emphasized <br />its central location, proximity to historic and cultural sites, and its <br />importance for traffic calming and improved walkability. <br /> <br />President Warner asked about the remaining funds in the West <br />Washington TIF. Mr. Molnar confirmed that although the West <br />Washington TIF expired in 2025, one final payment will be received in <br />2026 due to the one-year lag in tax collections. Because the TIF was still <br />active during the 2025 tax year, additional revenue is expected this year <br />that has not yet been allocated. City staff intend to work with the <br />Neighborhood Association and area residents to prioritize remaining <br />funds for projects identified in the neighborhood plan. While an exact <br />balance is still being finalized, it is estimated that approximately <br />$500,000—or potentially more—remains available as discretionary <br />funding. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by Ophelia <br />Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved the Budget Request as presented on March 26, 2026. <br /> <br />B. River West Development Area <br />1. Budget Request (Kennedy Park Improvements) <br />Patrick Sherman, Director of Project Management, presented this <br />budget request for $1.5 million for the renovation and improvement of <br />Kennedy Park. Mr. Sherman explained that the existing Kennedy Park <br />water playground has experienced significant operational issues, offers <br />limited depth, does not allow swimming, and is now permanently closed. <br />The play features are outdated and primarily serve toddlers. More <br />broadly, the park is large but disconnected, with an aging playground, <br />poor parking lot layout and circulation, limited sidewalks, unplayable <br />tennis courts, and a large, underutilized area on the northeast side of the <br />park.