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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 5 <br /> <br />Authority would have a maximum term of 19 years. While the current <br />expectation is that the bonds will be issued with an approximate 15-year <br />term, the 19-year lease provides flexibility and establishes the maximum <br />allowable duration for the agreement. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved Resolution No. 3676 as presented on July 9, 2026. <br /> <br />6. Non-Exclusive Utility Easement Agreement (ChoiceLight, Inc., Sample <br />Street) <br />Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented a proposed <br />non-exclusive utility easement agreement between the Redevelopment <br />Commission (RDC) and ChoiceLight, Inc. The easement would be located <br />along Sample Street and extend across four RDC-owned parcels in the <br />northern portion of Ignition Park; the Certified Technology Park located <br />just south of downtown South Bend. <br /> <br />The proposed easement would consist of a five-foot-wide utility corridor <br />extending approximately 1,800 feet along the northern edge of the <br />parcels adjacent to Sample Street. The easement would connect to <br />ChoiceLight’s fiber hut, which is located on property previously sold by <br />the RDC for the expansion of fiber and internet infrastructure. <br /> <br />Under the terms of the agreement, the easement would be used <br />exclusively for fiber utility infrastructure. ChoiceLight, Inc. would be <br />responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of all <br />associated fiber lines and equipment. The company would also be <br />required to restore any portions of Sample Street or the impacted <br />parcels disturbed during construction and replace any trees removed as <br />part of the installation process. <br /> <br />The agreement also permits the installation of an Elkhart County <br />Network fiber line within the duct bank, consistent with ChoiceLight’s <br />role in managing that network. In addition, the Redevelopment <br />Commission would retain the authority to require the relocation of the <br />fiber infrastructure, with appropriate written notice, should future <br />redevelopment projects, utility improvements, or right-of-way <br />expansions necessitate such a change. <br /> <br />Vice President White, inquired about a timeline and the impact on <br />traffic. Regina Emberton, CEO of ChoiceLight, Inc., explained that the <br />project will utilize boring underground, similar to other utility <br />installations, with work performed by a subcontractor. Because <br />construction will occur within the easement area adjacent to the