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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 26, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 6 <br /> <br />Commission. No issues from due diligence are expected to impact the <br />project completion date. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shaw asked whether any issues identified during the due <br />diligence period were contributing to the project’s complexity and <br />whether there was any potential impact on the project completion date. <br />Ms. Brothersen indicated that no due diligence issues are expected to <br />affect the project completion date, which has continued to move <br />forward. The November 2024 confirmation agreement reaffirmed key <br />items that allowed both the City and GLC to proceed with design and <br />related expenditures. The project’s complexity primarily relates to the <br />financial structure, including funding flow, return on cost, and tax <br />abatements, rather than construction. Ms. Brothersen noted that <br />upcoming discussions will focus on clearly defining these financial <br />mechanisms. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the <br />Amendment as presented on March 26, 2026. <br /> <br />C. River East Development Area and Residential Development Area <br />1. Budget Request (Riverwalk Improvements Seitz to Howard Phase 2) <br />Patrick Sherman, Director of Project Management, presented this <br />budget request for $5.6 million for renovation and improvement of the <br />Riverwalk from newly developed Seitz Park to Howard Park. This <br />heavily used section of the Riverwalk is currently in poor condition and is <br />experiencing settlement issues. It is supported by aging gabion baskets <br />that are deteriorating, with a wooden surface that creates an uneven <br />and uncomfortable experience for pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, <br />this segment provides a poor connection between two of our signature <br />downtown parks. <br /> <br />This area also includes The East Race, another key attraction for the <br />City. The existing dock was replaced with a temporary structure due to <br />deterioration; however, it is not ADA accessible and does not adequately <br />support East Race operations. In addition, the East Race Bridge is narrow <br />and surfaced with composite decking over deteriorating wood, creating <br />safety concerns. The section near the Emporium Building and under the <br />Jefferson Bridge is particularly challenging, with sharp turns and limited <br />clearance that make it uncomfortable for users. <br /> <br />The proposed improvements would create a continuous, cohesive <br />Riverwalk design between Seitz Park and Howard Park using consistent <br />materials and finishes. The new Riverwalk would be pile-supported, <br />similar to a bridge, and constructed of 14-foot-wide concrete with