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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - June 11, 2026 <br />Commissioner Shaw asked to explain the strategy behind including <br />ADUs and how they will function for homeowners? Mr. Richardson <br />explained that the ADUs are included to maximize land use and provide <br />homeowners with an option to generate rental income or house family <br />members. Typically located above garages, they help offset housing <br />costs and improve affordability. While not suited for every buyer, they <br />offer flexibility and will be supported through resident education and <br />market guidance. <br />Steve Smith, with Irish Realty LLC emphasized that ADUs are a key tool <br />for improving housing affordability. By adding rental units, homeowners <br />can generate income —often $800-$950 per month —helping offset <br />mortgage costs and expand purchasing power. He noted that this <br />approach supports a mix of price points (roughly $230K-$300K), <br />increases housing access, and makes more efficient use of infrastructure, <br />positioning ADUs as an important solution for "missing middle" housing. <br />Sam Centellis, Chris Godlewski, Claudia Mendez -Perkins, Council <br />President Canneth Lee, and Mike Keen all spoke in favor of the project. <br />Secretary Wax commended the team in this project as well. <br />Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, the <br />motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Amendment <br />as presented on June 11, 2026. <br />4. Development Agreement (The Row) <br />Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, the <br />motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the <br />Development Agreement as presented on June 11, 2026. <br />B. South Side Development Area <br />1. Budget Request (Rebuilding Our Streets, Arterial Roads) <br />Leslie Biek, Assistant City Engineer of Public Works, presented both 5131 <br />and 5C1 together. Ms. Biek is requested funding to pave arterial streets <br />as part of the City's street improvement plan. While the City typically <br />balances arterial and residential needs, available contractor capacity <br />allows for additional work focused on major roads. <br />The request includes $1 million from River East and $1.3 million from <br />South Side TI F, with existing funds covering River West. Projects are <br />expected to be bid this month, awarded by late July or early August, and <br />completed this season with milling and pavingwork. <br />Page 17 <br />