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~ ~ C~~ ,,, ~„ aF • ~ 3 .,/i~ Community & Economic Development .~~~ ~:` ~~` 1200 ~ounly-City 8ulldlnq, 227 West Jefferson, Souih Bend, Indiana 4 6601-1 830 Phone 574/?35-9371 Fax 574/235-9021 To: Redevelopment Commission From: Nick Witwer, Economic Development Planner Subject: Staff Report on Viridian Rail Spur Date: November 4, 2008 The Viridian rail spur was installed by the Industrial Foundation in conjunction with Chicago South Shore, with the hope that it would open more industrial land to rail served businesses. This idea never materialized as the tracks have never seen a car North of Lathrop Avenue. Two years ago the Viridian spur was disconnected by the resurfacing of Bendix Drive and Lathrop, and serves no purpose today as a viable rail. The City in it's planning for pedestrian pathways and trail systems has identified the rail spur as a great right of way for a network of pedestrian paths on the Northwest side of the City. It is because of this planning that Staff has been working with South Shore Freight to have the rail and ties removed at no cost to the Commission or the City, in exchange for the rights to the easement to use as a pathway to serve as an amenity to the community. South Shore has already started removing the track and ties, and will leave the ballast, which will serve as a foundation for a path surface. This is a great collaboration with South Shore Freight to gain without using tax payers resources. What We Do Today Makes A Difference!