HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2006 Economic Development Director Resigns i�1 I rr irz.
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Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
Friday,December 8, 2006 4:00 PM
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications& Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
South Bend—Mayor Stephen J. Luecke announced today that Sharon Kendall has
submitted her resignation as Executive Director of Community and Economic
Development effective January 1, 2007. Ms. Kendall will be moving to Indianapolis
where she will continue her career in community and economic development. Mayor
Luecke stated, "Sharon Kendall has been a valued member of my administrative team for
two and a half years,working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the City and its
residents. She came in at a difficult time of transition, filling a vacancy and providing
leadership to stabilize the department, complete numerous projects and direct new
initiatives. I am grateful for her dedicated service."
As Executive Director, Kendall successfully oversaw the completion of City Plan,
South Bend's new comprehensive plan for the next twenty years of growth and
development. This staff driven process was remarkable for its community outreach,
involving thousands of residents in scores of meetings to ensure that the community was
fully engaged in the plan. It will be an important guide for development in the future.
During her tenure, South Bend reestablished a strong retail sector on the south side of the
city; entered a partnership with a local developer for a 400 acre mixed use development
on the northwest side of town; and strengthened downtown with new restaurants and a
fifteen story condominium project that will break ground next year. The department is
also clearing many of the dinosaur industrial buildings that have blighted the city
landscape for decades, making way for new investment and new jobs. Work is underway
on a $200 million redevelopment plan for the Northeast Neighborhood,which embraces
new urbanist principles. It will include retail shops, a hotel, new housing and a research
park. This development is the result of a strong partnership with the neighborhood, the
University of Notre Dame and other institutional partners. The City has also formed a
unique partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to identify and support high impact
businesses in South Bend that have the capacity to bring new investment and new jobs.
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Kendall said that she is grateful to have worked with the creative team that is
leading the way and strengthening South Bend's position as the regional center for
finance and healthcare, for business and education, for arts and culture, sports and
entertainment. "It has been a very rewarding experience to be part of the vision that is
building South Bend as a 21st Century City. Through new and on-going partnerships, we
have laid the groundwork for continued growth and success. Capitalizing on South
Bend's excellent positioning and focusing on 21st Century logistics, new technology,
intellectual property development, and entrepreneurship will continue to reinforce South
Bend as the prime area for investment and continued new development in our region."
Mayor Luecke will announce an Interim Director for the department by the end of the
year.
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