HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-2006 $1,000,000 For Commercial Corridor Improvements x
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Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
Thursday,May 4, 2006
2:30PM
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director, Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
Marco Marian, Community& Economic Development, 574-235-5844
$1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Stephen J. Luecke joined with Common Council President Timothy Rouse,
Council members, and representatives of the City's five Commercial Corridors this afternoon,to
outline a $1,000,000 improvement plan for the Mayor's Commercial Corridor Initiative, now in
its eighth year. Representatives of the City's five Commercial Corridors provided an update of
recent accomplishments and an outline for the coming year at UpScale Trends on Miami Street.
The business is owned by Ms. Ocie Brazier who recently purchased the building that houses her
unique gift shop. Previously, she was renting space along Miami Street at another location but
decided to become a property owner given her confidence in the Miami Street retail market. The
building owned by Ms. Brazier also contains the longstanding specialty retail business La Candy
Shoppe.
Ms. Brazier will be renewing the fagade of her building soon. The Miami Village
Association will be assisting the project through the Miami Village Commercial Corridor
Fagade Matching Grant Program. Once complete, UpScale Trends will serve as an anchor
business at the recently improved Miami Street and Ewing Avenue Gateway.
"We are pleased to announce another $1 million dollar corridor allocation. To date,
$6,750,000 has been allocated for commercial corridor projects that include a range of activities
that enhance the look and function of these vital business districts," said Mayor Luecke. "In
spite of fiscal challenges, support for the corridor program is strong and that along with the City
Council,we remain committed to improving the entryways into the city,"noted Luecke. "The
impact the corridor program has made in six years is significant. The successes can be measured
not only in the amount of private investment generated, new streetscapes and building
construction. We have also advanced the level of the public involvement in fostering the health
of our commercial corridors. We've created an optimism that is real and crucial to stimulating
more private investment,"Mayor Luecke concluded.
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Mayor Luecke outlined the overall corridor approach for 2006. He emphasized three key points:
1. Corridor Fundamentals
Building alliances and partnerships. Providing excellent public services from
police patrols to pot hole repair. Citizen driven planning and decision-making.
Business growth. Innovative projects and visible results. These are some of the
core elements of the corridor program's success. Since its inception,the program
has required that each corridor group work closely with the City and other
community partners to prioritize their goals. Adhering to these fundamentals is
the key to expanding the private market response we've seen and the positive
attitude we've achieved.
2. Strategic Planning and Investment
Making sure that the projects selected are well planned and coordinated to
maximize private investment is critical to ensuring that we are good stewards of
the corridor funding. Through specific planning, each corridor group is currently
working to redevelop priority properties that are essential to creating opportunities
for impact.
3. Commitment
All of the corridor groups remain committed to their efforts to increase the
participation of existing businesses. It is a continual challenge to keep marketing
and promotion efforts fresh. Local business owners are busy growing their
operations and it's often difficult to remain involved in corridor planning. Special
events and activities are planned to recruit new businesses and give each corridor
a unique identity.
Funding for the improvement plan is generated through COIT(County Option Income
Tax). Mayor Luecke's initiative demonstrates the importance of COIT dollars to the community.
These funds are directly invested along commercial corridors and in neighborhoods for important
capital improvement projects. Corridor funded projects include streetscape improvements,
building enhancements, and site development.
Councilman Rouse said, "I'm sure that this year's efforts will bring about more improved
facades, inviting streetscapes and business attraction. On behalf of the City Council,we are
proud to be a partner in this good work."
"At times, it can be challenging to remain patient with the pace that progress occurs, yet I
am encouraged by all that we've completed. The confidence of business owners along corridors
throughout the city, like Ms. Brazier here on Miami, is wonderful. We are especially excited
about the new vision of the Portage Avenue Corridor Group and we are proud of the momentum
we've gained across the City,"Mayor Luecke continued.
"Good ideas are being generated and resources are being used effectively to accomplish
our goals. The planning and coordination that occurs between our Planners and Corridors
Leaders to make the programs and projects a reality is a critical component. As we welcome
people to our growing downtown and vibrant neighborhoods,the rewarding work of our corridor
partnership is evident everyday,"Mayor Luecke concluded.
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Representatives from the Corridors outlined their key strategies for 2006 that include:
1. South Gateway (South Michigan and Main Streets) - $180,000
* Property Acquisition/Development $177,000
* Public Safety $3,000
* Streetscape Beautification (Sample to Bronson)
In partnership with the Urban Enterprise Association, several properties are targeted for
acquisition to eliminate unsightly buildings and to create development sites. Funds will also be
used for ongoing public safety activities. South Gateway will use its funding to continue making
streetscape improvements. New curbs, sidewalks and trees will be installed along Michigan
Street from Sample Street to Bronson Street.
2.Western Avenue- $200,000
*Streetscape Beautification/Segment "D" - $160,000
* Fagade Matching Grant Program - $30,000
* Marketing and Promotion $10,000
Western Avenue will feature new curb, sidewalk, lighting, trees, tree lawn and tree grates
that will be installed along Western Avenue (Segments "C and D") between Albert and Illinois
Streets. This project will mark the third phase of a multi-phase plan to improve the appearance of
Western Avenue. The Fapade Matching Grant Program will also continue this year to assist in
making highly visual property improvements. Building on several successful marketing efforts,
more special events are anticipated to promote local businesses as well. Additionally, vacant lot
and building acquisition will continue along the corridor between Chapin and Olive Streets. Key
buildings may be acquired for adaptive reuse, as well as vacant lots to create beautiful
landscaped areas.
3.Lincolnway West- $150,000
* Property Acquisition/Development—$71,500
* Fapade Matching Grant Program—$36,000
* Public Safety—$23,500
* Marketing, Promotion, Professional Services $16,000
* Identity Markers $3,000
Targeted acquisition and demolition activities return as top priorities for Lincolnway
West. Additional police patrols remain a priority in order to increase public safety and decrease
criminal activity. The Fagade Matching Grant Program also emerges as a key strategy once
again. Installing identity markers at key intersections along the Corridor will also continue.
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4.Portage Avenue - $270,000
* Property acquisition and demolition
In partnership with the Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc., Portage Avenue intends to
use its funding to acquire a weary commercial property in the 800 block of Portage Avenue. The
goal of this exciting effort is to create an attractive housing development site. The Portage
Avenue Steering Committee believes that the site is suitable for detached, single-family houses
or townhomes and may have potential as a mixed use development. Portage is also continuing to
offer the Fapade Matching Grant Program. Several gateway enhancements are also planned at
key intersections.
5.Miami Village- $200,000
* Streetscape Phase III $190,000
* Marketing and Promotion $10,000
Again,Miami Street will use its funding to continue Streetscape improvements. New
curbs, sidewalks, trees, and pedestrian-scale lighting will be installed from Indiana Avenue to
Broadway Street. The group also will offer additional matching grants for fapade and property
improvements. Miami Village also plans to increase its business recruitment and marketing
activities and to hold its sixth Fall Festival.
For further information, contact Marco Mariam, Community & Economic Development,
235-5844, or visit sbcorridors.orE.
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Commercial Corridor News Conference
UpScale Trends, 2301/2303 Miami Street
May 4, 2006
Agenda
I. Opening Comments Mayor Stephen J. Luecke
Other City Council Members
IL Commercial Corridor Projects Corridor Representatives
• 2006 Strategy
- Miami Village Association
- South Gateway Association
- Lincolnway West Steering Committee
- Western Avenue Steering Committee
- Portage Avenue Steering Committee
III. Questions Media
• Corridor Representatives
• Community Development Staff
2005 Commercial Corridor Accomplishments
Lincolnway West
Matching Facade Grants Program
• 31 grants with a total of$966,837.52 in investment
• $728,565.76 of private investment
• $238,271.76 of public investment
Acquisition,Demolition, and Redevelopment
• This is to facilitate new development and make improvements along the corridor.
• Recent notable projects:
- The construction of a Teacher's Credit Union (TCU) branch on the corner of Lincoln
Way and Cushing injected $1,250,000 of private investment
- Acquisition and demolition of the Plasma Center building on the 500 block of LWW
- Involvement in acquiring residential land for Fire Station#2
- Adaptive reuse of the former Smitty's Garage at 815 LWW for conversion into an art
studio
- Improvements to Gene's Camera Store building at 513 LWW
Streetscape Enhancement Projects
• New sidewalk, walkway, curbs and trees along the corridor between LaSalle Avenue and
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
• Infrastructure improvements on N. Taylor Street
• Narrowing and infrastructure/streetscape improvements on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Drive
• Purchase and installation of 14 flower planters at key intersections
• Purchase and installation of 34 trees along the Corridor
Additional Programs & Accomplishments
• The Corridor has produced a marketing brochure and logo to publicize the area as a
positive place to do business
• The Corridor has continued to provide money for additional police patrols to improve
safety in the area
• The Corridor has developed an alley lighting program and installed 77 alley lights in
residential areas adjacent to LWW
Portage Ave.
Matching Facade Grant Program
• 13 grants with a total of$164,434 in investment
• $69,416 in private investment
• $95,018 in public investment
Streetscape Enhancement Projects
• In 2005,the project to install new curbs, sidewalks and trees from California to Angela
was completed.
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• The Portage Avenue Steering Committee targeted two intersections,Portage and Navarre
as well as Portage and Allen/Humboldt, and completed improvements have improved
intersection safety, created a more pedestrian friendly environment, increased area
beautification & green space, and provided traffic calming.
• Streetscape improvements at Portage Avenue and King Street were also completed. This
project included creating a tree lawn and reducing the number of approaches (which
increases pedestrian and vehicular safety).
• There are plans in place to make landscaping improvements along Portage at the St. Paul
Bethel Baptist Church parking lot at Pierce Street.
• In addition, there are plans to enhance the corridor through acquisition/rehabilitation/
demolition of properties.
Additional Programs & Accomplishments
• In 2005 the steering committee developed a marketing brochure and logo for the corridor,
in order to promote Portage Avenue as a place to do business.
Miami St
Matching Facade Grant Program
• 23 grants with a total of$215,987 in investment
• $118,930 in private investment
• $97,057 in public investment
Streetscape Enhancement Projects
• The streetscape project is creating an attractive, pedestrian friendly environment with
new sidewalks, decorative crosswalks, curbs, trees, and ornamental lighting. The Indiana
Avenue to Altgeld Street section is completed.
• The Calvert Street to Ewing Avenue section of Miami Street was repaved in 2005.
• Miami Street plans to continue with Phase IV of the streetscape project, running from
Broadway Street to Indiana Avenue, in 2006.
• The corridor has constructed a gateway sign and treatment at the southern end of corridor
and has refurbished the railroad viaduct and created a small park to welcome visitors to
the northern end.
Additional Programs & Accomplishments
• The Miami Street Corridor hosts the annual Fall Festival the first Sunday of October.
• The Miami Village Association has developed business promoting materials, including
brochures, a corridor logo, and gateway signs. Association membership has now reached
a record-high of 42.
South Gateway
Acquisition,Demolition, and Redevelopment
• Five properties have been purchased, including: 913-919, 1001, 1019, and 1101 South
Michigan Street.
• By acquiring these properties, three vacant buildings were demolished; one local historic
landmark has been secured— 1019 S. Michigan; and one development opportunity has
been created—913-919, 1001 S. Michigan
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Streetscape Enhancement Projects
• New sidewalk and curbs have been installed between Chippewa and Sample. These
improvements included the restoration of tree lawn with tree plantings.
Additional Programs & Accomplishments
• The corridor has developed a marketing campaign, which includes creating a brochure,
website development, newspaper advertisements and a series of television commercials.
• South Gateway worked in conjunction with Riley High School students to produce a
quarterly newsletter.
• To improve safety, funding is provided for increased police presence and a series of anti-
crime,violence and gang billboards.
Western Ave.
Matching Facade Grant Program
• 15 grants with a total of$155,778 in investment:
- $85,648 of private investment was leveraged by $70,131 in public funding
• Eight 100% grants resulted in $178,990 of funding for businesses
• Four matching security grants with a total of$15,153 in investment:
- $7,569 of private investment was leveraged by $7,569 in public funding
• In 2005 added wall murals to the list of eligible projects for matching grant funds.
Streetscape Enhancement Projects
• The committee has invested in new sidewalks, lighting and trees from Lombardy Drive to
Albert Street.
• Successfully completed a $50,000 landscaping project at Laurel and Western, turning a
blighted parcel into an asset for the Avenue and the Iglesia Mission which owns it.
• There are plans for several projects to enhance the appearance of the Corridor, East of the
Walnut Street Bridge, including:
- Acquisition,rehabilitation and demolition of several key buildings
- Creating new park land adjacent to the bridge
Marketing and promotional activities
• Created a new logo for and brochure to market Western Avenue:
- Western Avenue: Wealth in Diversity
• Committee held its first business networking breakfast at Bill's Place Restaurant(2105
Western Avenue)
• Unveiled a newly designed commercial corridor website at www.sbcorridors.org
• Doubled membership on the Committee, which better reflects the varied people,
neighborhoods and organizations that comprise the surrounding area.
• Partnered with the South Bend Regional Museum of Art's Summer Youth Outreach
Program to create a new mural at Western Avenue and Walnut Street.
Corridor Contact Information
South Michigan Street
Jim Frick, President, South Gateway Association ............................291-2330
Chris Dressel, South Michigan St. Planner.......................................235-5847
Western Avenue
Mike Kruk, Chair, Steering Committee ............................................ 261-1715
David Fecteau, Western Planner .......................................................235-5885
Lincolnway West
Jeff Gibney, Co-Chair, Steering Committee _____________________________________ 289-1066
Rev. Miller, Co-Chair, Steering Committee______________________________________ 234-7291
Tonya Zozulya, Lincolnway Planner ________________________________________________235-5827
Portage Avenue
Karen Ainsley, Chair, Steering Committee....................................... 232-9182
Liz Maradik, Portage Planner............................................................ 235-5870
Miami Street
Steve Krupnick, President, Miami Village Association____________________ 232-9909
Mike Divita, Miami Planner.............................................................. 235-5843