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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 25, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 10 <br /> <br /> <br />B. South Side Development Area <br />1. Budget Request (Rum Village Park Improvements, Phase I) <br />Patrick Sherman, Project Manager, Public Works, presented a request <br />for Rum Village Park improvements and provided background on the <br />project. He noted the Rum Village Neighborhood Plan, completed in <br />2021 and adopted in 2022, identified the park as a priority. Since then, <br />related efforts include Walker Field improvements (underway and <br />bidding) and completed connectivity enhancements. <br /> <br />Venues Parks & Arts recently completed a park master plan in <br />partnership with Site Design, supported by extensive community <br />engagement. Phase I improvements will focus on core infrastructure and <br />widely supported enhancements, including roadway repaving, entrance <br />upgrades, signage and wayfinding, improved connectivity (Wi-Fi and <br />security), and potential new amenities such as a pavilion. Mr. Sherman <br />requested $2.0 million in South Side TIF funding to begin Phase I <br />improvements. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked whether the improvements <br />represent a complete project or a phased approach. Mr. Sherman <br />clarified that the request is for Phase I only, with additional phases <br />outlined in the master plan to be implemented as funding becomes <br />available. Mr. Sherman noted the intent is to address the most critical <br />needs first and pursue future funding for subsequent phases. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shaw asked for clarification on the $2.0 million budget, <br />Mr. Sherman indicated that over half is allocated to roadway paving, <br />approximately one-quarter to signage, wayfinding, and connectivity <br />improvements, and the remainder to utilities and smaller upgrades, <br />including a potential pavilion replacement. A contingency of <br />approximately 10% is included. Mr. Sherman also confirmed that the <br />Ewing Street entrance will be removed for safety reasons, with primary <br />access shifted to the Gertrude Street entrance. <br /> <br />Motion was made by Gillian Shaw to approve the Budget Request, second <br />by Karen White. <br /> <br />On the motion: <br />• David Relos, President: YEA <br />• Karen White, Vice President: YEA <br />• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: YEA <br />• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: YEA <br />