Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 25, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 4 <br /> <br />The Portage/Elwood sidewalk project is currently on hold due to the <br />City’s recent acquisition of the adjacent shopping center. Funding <br />remains reserved, and the project will be revisited as part of a broader <br />redevelopment plan. <br /> <br />Overall, the previous River West neighborhood bond has advanced <br />significantly, with most projects completed or underway, including the <br />Four Winds Field expansion (completed in 2024). The proposed bond <br />also includes funding to support a future West Side neighborhood park, <br />primarily for land acquisition, in response to strong community demand <br />identified in the 2022 neighborhood plan. <br /> <br />Additionally, funds will support initial infrastructure for redevelopment <br />of the Drewry’s and Portage/ Elwood sites. Community feedback has <br />emphasized restoring the Portage/Elwood commercial area, expanding <br />housing (including affordable options), and revitalizing the site. While <br />bond funding will not cover full buildout, it will support initial phase <br />improvements alongside other secured funding sources. <br /> <br />Mr. Molnar reviewed projects proposed for bond funding: <br /> <br />• Coal Line Trail – Phase III: Extends the completed Phase I (2022) and <br />Phase II (2024) from Lincoln Way West to the Dream Center along <br />College Street. The project leverages 80% federal funding, with the <br />bond supporting the local match. <br /> <br />• College Street Improvements: Streetscape upgrades aligned with <br />the Coal Line extension, consistent with the Kennedy Park <br />Neighborhood Plan. <br /> <br />• Rum Village Neighborhood Center: Renovation of the former <br />William Penn building (1024 W. Indiana Ave.) into a community <br />center with Boys & Girls Club programming and additional <br />community space, informed by ongoing engagement. <br /> <br />• Near West Side Neighborhood Park: Funding primarily for land <br />acquisition and limited initial improvements; site selection is ongoing, <br />addressing the neighborhood’s lack of a city park. <br /> <br />• Drewry’s/Portage/Elwood Redevelopment Infrastructure: Initial <br />infrastructure to support redevelopment of the site following City <br />acquisition. Community feedback emphasizes restoring the <br />Portage/Elwood commercial area, adding housing (including <br />affordable options), and neighborhood-serving retail. The concept <br />plan remains preliminary and will evolve as design continues.