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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting -October 3, 2008 <br />6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br />B. South Bend Central Development Area <br />(2) continued... <br />benefits by improved access to public space <br />at Century Center and Island Park. On-street <br />parking will help to slow the traffic on St. <br />Joseph Street a bit, making us all feel safer as <br />we try to cross that street. And the green <br />space, from Jefferson to the north end of <br />Century Center will create an environment <br />which supports not only the recent <br />developments which are underway, but also <br />increases the likelihood that we will see <br />residential development in the downtown. <br />Staff recommends funding these <br />improvements. <br />Ms. Visser pointed out on a rendering the <br />location of the Sculpture Garden, along St. <br />Joseph St. from Wayne St. to the north end of <br />Century Center where it turns east toward the <br />river. The sculpture will be located through <br />out the green space, along the walking paths. <br />National, as well as regional, artists will be <br />featured. The sculptures will be changed at <br />least annually, sometimes semi-annually. <br />Mr. Varner expressed his sense that the <br />Commission is going about this in a <br />piecemeal manner. He believes we are <br />accumulating some healthy dollars in this <br />TIF district. He'd rather see this done as part <br />of the bond issue for Century Center, to be <br />paid off over ten years, rather than pay out a <br />million dollars this year. These are capital <br />improvements that have a life span often to <br />twenty years. He said he would eventually <br />like to see the TIF dollars made available to <br />the general budget. <br />7 <br />