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SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 28, 1972
<br />RESOLUTION NO. 313 -72 (CONTINUED)
<br />WHEREAS, said Committee has made recommendations which the Council believes have merit and
<br />should be explored further; and
<br />WHEREAS, the success of any such project requires total community participation and commitment,
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana:
<br />SECTION 1. That the Civic Center project is looked upon with favor by the Common Council of the
<br />City of South Bend and is recommended to the entire community as worthy of its support to pro-
<br />vide a facility which would enhance the cultural and citizen participation potential of the
<br />community and complement the industrial, commercial, academic and economic growth of the South
<br />Bend Metropolitan area.
<br />SECTION II. That the Civic Center Committee be authorized to join with a committee composed of
<br />representative members of our community to be appointed by the Mayor for the purpose of con-
<br />tinuing the re- evaluation and study of the Civic Center Project.
<br />SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage by
<br />the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana.
<br />/s/ Peter J. Nemeth
<br />Member of the Common Council
<br />A public hearing was held on the resolution at this time. Councilmen Nemeth and Miller made a
<br />presentation on their trips to Peoria, Illinois and Waterloo and Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. Nemeth
<br />showed movies of the centers at Peoria and Waterloo which showed the type of buildings constructe<
<br />landscaping and garden areas, and how indoor space has been utilized for many varied activities.
<br />He mentioned how these centers were encouraging use of the facilities by school children in the
<br />surrounding areas. Waterloo, Iowa, a city of 70,000 to 77,000 people, is getting ready to expand
<br />their facility to increase their capacity by 500%. They have the type of center which can be
<br />utilized by all segments of the population. A three and one -half million dollar bond issue will
<br />be used to finance a convention center there. Mr. Miller then introduced Dr. John Reimbold,
<br />Chairman of the Convention Bureau Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, who showed slides of the
<br />Evansville Center and mall area. They have an auditorium and food service facility in the
<br />central area, just adjacent to the city and county government buildings and near the downtown
<br />mall. The facility there has a budget of $90,000 and is virtually self- supporting. Mr. Miller
<br />then presented a resume of the Council Civic Center Committee's findings.
<br />I. Common Council Civic Center Committee
<br />Ultimately the responsibility for a viable civic center rests with the people of South Bend.
<br />As the representatives of the people of South Bend, the Common Council must take the leadership
<br />of providing a center where all citizens of our community will have the opportunity to interact
<br />in a creative and harmonious environment.
<br />The Common Council Civic Center Committee, composed of Peter J. Nemeth, President of the
<br />South Bend Common Council, and Terry S. Miller, member of the Council and Chairman of the Com-
<br />mittee, hereby presents its report.
<br />This report attempts to unify the dreams of many individuals who have ideas for our center.
<br />While these ideas are presented, decisions have not been made. Rather, all citizens are encour-
<br />aged to become involved in developing the plans for the heart of our city.
<br />Under the program R -66 of the Redevelopment Commission and the Department of Housing and
<br />Urban Development, South Bend must provide at the conclusion of the downtown renewal, one -third
<br />of the total cost of the renewal program.: The city credits may be made in in -kind contributions,
<br />by expenditures for construction projects, or by outright financial grants. The total program as
<br />submitted to HUD provides for a 25% credit for construction costs of the civic center facilities
<br />which are estimated to cost five million dollars. In addition, credits for parking facilities,
<br />including five parking ramps, are programed. The total credits and cost of these facilities was
<br />estimated to be $6,806,138.
<br />The program for the downtown renewal has a completion date, under the present time - table, of
<br />late 1975 or early 1976. Therefore, it is imperative that we begin the planning and construction
<br />of the civic center, which will provide at least $1,250,000 in credits.
<br />II. Creative Activities for:- "Every Citizen
<br />In South Bend there has been community awareness of the need for a strong educational,
<br />recreational, and park program to provide a meaningful environment. Our current programs have
<br />been very successful. However, the pressures of urban life have intensified problems which must
<br />be confronted by dramatic social leadership.
<br />South Bend must provide a place for personal growth, positive personal interaction, and the
<br />job of creativity. It will be this new drive to broaden the opportunities of cultural activities
<br />which will help show our concern for social problems. Our community must invest in facilities
<br />for creative and meaningful activities in which all citizens can participate.
<br />SUGGESTED COMPONENTS
<br />I. RECREATION
<br />The increasing demand for leisure time activities has created a pressing need for many types
<br />of indoor recreational activities. Housewives, students and the elderly have shown interest in
<br />craft classes including: lapidary, ceramics, weaving, sewing, painting, photography, jewelry,
<br />sculpture, textile design, drawing and graphics. Facilities should also be provided for area
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