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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-2006 Newsletter SOUTH B E N D AUGUST 2006 a il't ar,Mayoe STCpt{cn L Luecke 41 ' Letter from the Mayor THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Dear Neighbors: Studebaker Demolition Update ArtBeat 2006 The senseless acts of violence during the past few weeks have deeply Utilities Online saddened and angered me. I am heartsick for the victims—and for their families TRIAD Prescription Drop and friends. I am concerned for the neighbors near the crime scenes who have become fearful in their own homes. I am upset at the image that this gives to South Bend. I want to report to you the initiatives we are undertaking to keep III South Bend safe, and to ask for your help. This is not a problem just for the police, or the Mayor, or some other group out �-/- there. This is our prob- • • lem. Together we can , .,,_.L..... say"Enough is enough!" III and reclaim our neighborhoods. _ STUDEBAKER DEMOLITION When I became mayor in 1997 there UPDATE had been a spike in crime for several years The City of South Bend,partnering across the country. South Bend suffered with J& L Management and Transpo, from the same negative influences that affected other cities. I have worked with continues to move forward with the the police and the community to make our city safer and we have made good Studebaker Stamping Plant Demolition. progress. Last year the number of crimes reported in South Bend was down The project is on budget and 30 days 31% from the total in 1996. Similar progress has been reported across the ahead of schedule. The demolition of the country. Some of the reduction was due to changes in demographics and a former Stamping Plant is Phase I in our settling out of the drug trade. Some was luck. Much of the success was due to effort to redevelop the former improved policing,with dedicated officers, strong leadership,new strategies and Studebaker Plant south of Sample Street. better equipment. An important factor has been Community Policing -our It is a significant step forward in partnership with neighbors and businesses to make South Bend safer. reclaiming and redeveloping the former The increased violence that plagues communities across the nation is a Studebaker Corridor. Studebaker complex problem. In South Bend we are taking a multifaceted approach to that Demolition Phase B is now underway, problem. First and foremost I am concerned about the easy availability of guns. with the demolition of the former One of the greatest threats to public safety everywhere is that of illegal guns. Huckins Tool&Die building on Prairie Disputes that once were settled by fistfights now end in murder. I have joined Avenue. with Mayors and law enforcement agencies across the country to seek ways to The City is designing plans for new reduce access to illegal guns. Locally,we have joined with federal officials and roadways and infrastructure in prepara- other law enforcement agencies to ensure that criminals using guns are pros- tion for future development of a new ecuted to the maximum extent of the law. Other proactive police programs industrial park. In addition,TRANSPO include joint task forces on domestic violence, gangs, drugs and major crimes. is working to secure final funding for Our NEST and SWAT units respond to critical incidents. We often bring in extra construction of its new headquarters, officers on overtime to do special patrols in areas that have seen a spike in which will represent a$12M investment criminal activity. In addition to strict enforcement, our South Bend Police in the new light industrial park. In early Department is working to build partnerships with the community. Bike patrols, July, they released their request for Weed& Seed and Operation Cease Fire are among the ways that we reach out to architectural and engineering proposals the community. School Resource Officers in area schools help to establish for the new facility. positive relationships between students and the police, encouraging respect for The completion of the Stamping the work that they do. Police officers also reach out to young people through Plant Demolition willbring total demoli- the Summer Youth Recreation Program and through impromptu cookouts in tion to 3.5 million square feet or 3/o of neighborhoods. the entire Studebaker/Oliver Redevelop- These strategies have been effective, but we need your help. We need you ment Area. More importantly, the City is to report suspicious activity, to call Crime Stoppers,to join Neighborhood Watch returning this strategic area in the heart or your neighborhood organization. We invite you to participate in our Citizens of South Bend back to productive Police Academy,which offers residents the opportunity to learn more about local economic use. -Mayor's Letter continued on back page- -Mayor's Letter continued from frontpage- Strell the streets and sidewalks of Down- law enforcement officials and the town South Bend and enjoy the works of more challenges they face. You could join the T than 200 local artists, performers, musicians, Civilian Volunteer Officers(CVOs)or „ ° �� I poets, chefs, and dancers during ArtBeat 20061 Il' Volunteers in Police Service(VS), Stop and shop at the many merchants, retailers, providing valuable assistance with Art in the Heart restaurants, and downtown businesses that patrols, traffic control, and special of South Bend su pp ort the cultural arts communi Ty, , on Thurs- events. All of these programs help to day, September 7, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. foster a positive environment within the This year Art Beat will feature a series of six scenes, three on the East Bank and community of South Bend. three on the West Bank of the St. Joseph River. Community members are encour- I am grateful for the dedication and aged to take advantage of the free stroll, stopping along the way to enjoy musi- generosity of volunteers at places like cians and dancers performing, visual artists' work and displays, and various treats the Robinson Community Learning from local culinary artisans. Outdoor areas along the way will allow participants to Center and the Charles Martin Center. purchase food or drink or a few hors d'oeuvres to enjoy before continuing along the They help to provide positive activities Beat that are accessible and appealing to area The Mission of Art Beat is to showcase South Bend and the surrounding youth. This is one way to promote a community's variety of local performing, visual, and culinary artists and create culture of nonviolence in South Bend. I awareness for the roles that the downtown organization and businesses play in the encourage you to support agencies that promotion and success of the arts. Downtown will serve as a venue for local artists help youth to develop positive values, and artisans to display or perform their work and as a destination to showcase the that push them to grow intellectually local businesses that work to promote the various art forms every day. and emotionally,and that provide For more information, visit our event website at www.artbeatsouthbend.ore! opportunities to take part in healthy physical activity. Organizations like the Boys&Girls Club,Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the YMCA Urban Youth Services program help our children to make positive choices and develop to r_ their full potential. Many places of worship offer youth activities and there —are reading and mentoring programs UTILITIES ONLINE! TRIADTRIAD Prescription Drop through the schools. I encourage you The City's new website makes To Protect You, Your Family,and Your to volunteer or donate to these pro- grams. We can make a difference for managing your water/sewer account a Clean Water Supply! our youth and our community. We can snap! Utilities Online provides South WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER 20 choose peace as our way. Bend residents comprehensive, up-to- 7AM-6 PM We are committed to safety in date account information,billing Safely dispose of expired or obsolete South Bend. With your help we can history, and service and consumption medications, and help keep our water secure it. I believe that through proac- summaries over the Internet, and bills supply clean! TRIAD of St. Joseph can be paid online with a major credit tive policing,through collaboration County, an organization of seniors and among community groups, neighbor- c ard! law enforcement officials,will dispose of hoods, schools, and local businesses, All you need to get started: your unused and obsolete prescriptions in Go to SoudiBendIN.gov, click and a renewed commitment to develop- a safe manner. Liquid medications must ing alternatives to violence as a way to "Online Services", and follow the be in their original bottles,but the labels resolve conflicts, we will ensure that links to Utilities Online may be removed for privacy. Pills do not South Bend remains a safe and healthy *Have your current utility bill ready to need to be in their original containers. place to live. set up your online account and pin Help protect the environment-Do not number flush old or unused medications down the Mayor Steve •Use a major credit card to pay your toiletf bill quickly and securely! Drop-Off Locations: No waiting in line,no hassle! South Bend: St. Joseph County Jail SI USTED NO ENTIENDE INGLES Y P t3 NECESITAAYUDAPARATRADUCIR Utilities Online offers 24/7 access to Parking Lot, Corner of Sample& ESTE DOCUMENTO, O SI TIENE services & information, and secure Lafayette ALGUNA PREGUNTA,POR FAVOR customer information! • Mishawaka: Mishawaka Police Dept., LLAME AL SR. FEDERICO THON For more information, visit us at SouthBendIN. ov, or call Water Works 200 N. Church St. (ASISTENTE DEL ALCALDE) AL g TELEFONO(574)235-5858X 1000. Customer Service at 235-9236. For more information, call the Howard Park Senior Center at 235-9428. Visit Our New Website at www.SouthBendIN.gov!