03-06-09 New Tech High could take next step with City support

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE March 6, 2009 10 a.m. New Tech High could take next step with City support Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876- 1564, or Don Inks, Director of Community and Economic Development, 235-9371 As the South Bend Community School Corp. weighs a final decision about the proposed New Tech High School, the city’s Redevelopment Commission will consider whether to take steps, including $1.3 million in support, to keep the project moving forward. Staff from the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development is recommending that the Redevelopment Commission on Friday approve: ? $1.3 million in Tax Increment Financing dollars from the Airport Economic Development Area for design and construction related to establishing a New Tech High School in South Bend. ? The use of the funds for the Marycrest Building or another suitable site in the Airport Economic Development Area (the latter subject to Redevelopment Commission approval at a later date). ? An agreement authorizing the City’s Board of Public Works to carry out design and construction for the project on the Commission’s behalf. “By taking these actions, the Redevelopment Commission will be demonstrating its support for the project, and allowing the project to proceed for the school year, subject to the school board making a final decision,” said Don Inks, the City’s director of economic development. Mayor Stephen J. Luecke was part of a community delegation that in 2007 visited a model New Tech High School site in California. “This initiative will help our children develop the talents and skills that are needed for success in both the academic and business world,” Luecke said. “With the unprecedented opportunity presented to this community through the Midwest Institute for