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ballpark. As plans are developed and a community consensus emerges, the City of South <br />Bend will be prepared to act in the best interest of the ballpark’s future, especially to <br />foster a strengthened connection to downtown South Bend.” <br /> <br />The money being used for the purchase comes from the Tax Increment Financing district <br />for the downtown Central Development Area. State law limits use of those funds to local <br />public improvements within the boundaries of the downtown area or serving its needs. <br />State law prohibits the use of TIF resources for operational expenses, such as police or <br />firefighter salaries and park programs. <br /> <br />Still in process, the conceptual development plan focuses on an area bounded by Bronson <br />Street on the south, Wayne Street on the north, Michigan Street on the east and Scott <br />Street on the west. The final plan would include short-, mid- and long-term strategies for <br />the city to pursue. <br /> <br />“We believe that a first-rate conceptual redevelopment plan will bring in Big League <br />outside private investment,” Luecke said. <br /> <br />Built for $11 million in 1987, the 5,000-seat Coveleski Stadium is worth an estimated <br />$35 million to $40 million today. The stadium is owned by the City of South Bend, which <br />leases the facility to the South Bend Silver Hawks, a Class A minor league baseball <br />franchise. <br /> <br />“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Bill Schalliol, who is leading the project <br />for the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development. “The property <br />allows for connectivity and growth of the Cove to the northeast into downtown – an <br />element that has been missing since the original development of the park.” <br /> <br />Coveleski Stadium, called “the grandfather of the modern ballpark” by <br />BallParkReviews.com, provided a design template for a move in recent years to bring <br />ballparks back into city downtowns. <br /> <br />In Fort Wayne, work now is under way on a downtown Harrison Square project. The <br />mixed-use development with private and public funding includes a new $30 million <br />minor-league ballpark, retail space, condominiums, a full-service Courtyard by Marriott <br />hotel and parking garage. The ballpark is scheduled to be ready for the first pitch for the <br />2009 season. The 6,300-seat Memorial Stadium, home to the Fort Wayne Wizards since <br />its opening on the city’s north side in 1993 (six years after Coveleski Stadium), is <br />scheduled to be demolished at that time. <br /> <br />- 30 - <br /> <br /> <br />