5B1 Budget Request (Westside Greenway) - Signed

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South Bend k r Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE: April 3, 2026 FROM: Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment SUBJECT: Westside Greenway Budget Request Funding Source*;rircle) River West; River East; South Side: DZ Pres/V-Pres G'1� Cor.�mi SSiov�z� ATTEST: Secretary Date: 6 v d c' ZOZ APPROVED El Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Road; West * Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect. d; 5Z. East Res. the City Controller, PURPOSE OF REQUEST: $50,000 Budget Request to support the Westside Greenway Community Foundation Grant SPECIFICS: The South Bend Greenway Conservancy is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing more accessible parks and green space to the Near Westside Neighborhood. The Greenway idea emerged during community planning meetings as part of the neighborhood development plan, finalized in 2022. The final vision of the Greenway Conservancy is to create and maintain a walkable linear park and cultural trail connecting existing institutions and green spaces throughout the west side. This long-term vision is in collaboration with multiple neighborhood institutions and partners. The current plan is to phase in implementation of the greenway starting in the northern sections of the neighborhood near City Cemetery. The Greenway Conservancy applied for and was granted a Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Grant Award to help fund the norther portion of the greenway. This $50,000 Budget Request will help match those funds to begin work on portions of the northern section of the greenway project. This northern project will also intersect with the newly approved West Washington Mid -Block Pedestrian Crossingwhich the RDC approved funding for on March 26, 2026. Improvements from this budget request will primarily take place on the privately owned lots adjacent to the planned trail. This funding matches the intent of one of the South Bend Pokagon Fund's initiatives broadly aimed at the improvement of educational opportunities. The newly created greenway will provide educational opportunities for the community to learn more about native plantings, the intersection of infrastructure and the environment, as well as a source of mutual community engagement. Staff recommends approval.