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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting November 10, 2014 <br />6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br />A. Public Hearings <br />(5) continued... <br />the plan is to recreate the streets, put sidewalks and trees in the area, there must be a plan to <br />revitalize that area because it is a gateway to the most recent major investments of our city. <br />So, this gentleman asked the question what we're going to do. No one responded to him. I <br />would like someone to respond to, first of all, give me some reason why nothing has ever <br />been done to that area. I was born on Jefferson St. Those buildings have been abandoned <br />forever. The church * "that remonstrated said that they wanted to keep the land, they're not <br />going to buy the land, and I think they said that for a reason because they do know, they've <br />been there for thirty years - -- terrible infrastructure, all up and down that region. So my <br />question is, it's one question, because of the most recent investments in that area and the <br />lack of attention for over thirty years, what is your plan to revitalize Western Avenue in that <br />area from Walnut to the downtown. <br />Mr. Ford: David, great question. What's going on in the area between the Cove and <br />Walnut? I just want to zap back to the map to highlight it. First of all, why hasn't anything <br />happened there? Because it wasn't in a TIF district. That's what we're trying to address <br />today. I would also argue that a lot of the disinvestment along Western Avenue is a function <br />of Western being turned into a highway. Elsewhere, if you look at the commercial activity <br />and residential activity before it was widened and turned into a highway, it was a much more <br />vibrant street. When it became just a car tour to get cars out to the edge of town quickly, <br />that began the disinvestment along Western Avenue. You are absolutely right, this is <br />probably one of the best collection of buildings in the city. What we are seeking to establish <br />there is an arts and design district. We think that a number of those spaces are conducive to <br />lofts and studios for artists. With space that is fairly inexpensive, they could co- locate. <br />They could be a key component for attracting other business to this area. It's also important <br />to say that this is a living plan. Everything here is done in conjunction with the neighbors. <br />There won't be any surprises. As new developments come online, since this is a broad <br />vision, there will be lots of opportunity for people to weigh in. <br />Mr. Buggs: I understand that it's not a TIF district, but it's an area of the city that is in <br />obvious decline. Just because somewhere is not a TIF district doesn't mean that we can't <br />find creative ways to make that area vibrant. My mother has had a building over there for <br />thirty years. She passed away just this year and we're taking over, trying to do some things, <br />but it's unbelievable. What underdevelopment does is create a bastion for crime and <br />negative activity. By allowing that area to go unattended for thirty years has perpetuated the <br />vices in that area. So, we have a responsibility, and just to say that it's not a TIF district is <br />not an excuse for not attending to an area of the city for such a long period of time. So, <br />when, I mean I think it's great that we're trying now to revitalize these areas because of the <br />businesses and investments that have gone there, but there have been residents there for all <br />of this time with no attention to the area. So, I think that that is a slap on the hand to the <br />25 <br />