2 Redevelopment Commission Minutes 03.26.26 - TABLED

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 26, 2026 Page | 7 lighting. The East Race Bridge would be widened to 14 feet, reconstructed in concrete, and designed to match Seitz Park. A new, wider, ADA-accessible dock would be constructed to support East Race operations and serve as a portage location upriver of the dam. Improvements near the Jefferson Bridge would include widening the Riverwalk, removing an existing planter, and adding a new stairway to provide access from the bridge. On the Howard Park side, the existing narrow concrete stairway would be removed and replaced to meet current safety and accessibility standards. The total funding request is $4.0 million from River East Residential and $1.6 million from River East. Bids were received on March 10, and project costs are now known. This funding would fully support the project. Secretary Wax stated the river is one of South Bend’s greatest assets, and it’s encouraging to see continued investment in making it more accessible and safer. He especially appreciates the improvements under the bridge to address visibility and safety concerns. His question is about the broader vision for the downtown Riverwalk. Is this project part of a larger, cohesive plan to ensure future Riverwalk improvements connect well and function as an integrated loop, rather than appearing piecemeal, as additional sections are completed over time? Mr. Sherman explained that the City has completed multiple Riverwalk improvements over time, including projects at Joe Kernan Park, Howard Park, Seitz Park, and Pinhook Park. Additional planning for future Riverwalk enhancements is ongoing, with the Planning Department leading broader efforts. Mr. Sherman noted that concepts have been explored for the West side of the river, including the West Trail from Seitz Park toward the Century Center. While prior funding and bidding challenges delayed that work, the plan remains in place for future consideration. Joseph Molnar also added that the City’s goal is to ensure Riverwalk improvements function as part of a cohesive, connected system rather than isolated segments. The recently approved Downtown 2045 Plan emphasizes river activation, safety, accessibility, and creation of a continuous downtown loop similar to peer communities. The current project is one component of that long-term vision. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked whether the project, which is funded with TIF and taxpayer dollars, would involve local contractors and labor, including local trades such as ironworkers, laborers, and electricians. Mr. Sherman responded that the project was publicly bid