HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2011 City looks to maintain not replace pedestrian bridge O4SOUT$g ,
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Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
October 24,2011
2:30
City looks to maintain, not replace, pedestrian bridge
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications&Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or
Gregg Ziemara, City Controller, 235-9216
Two bills being introduced tonight to the South Bend Common Council will seek appropriations
for the maintenance of the Chapin Street pedestrian bridge and to create an additional crew to
cleanup illegal dumping in South Bend.
The bridge connects the main campus of the South Bend Housing Authority with the new $30-
million Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of the St. Joseph County Salvation Army.
"After much discussion with the public and the Council and reviewing different options, we will
complete repairs and maintenance to the structurally sound bridge and keep it as a safe, stable
and useful link for another generation," said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "Already, the Salvation
Army has seen increased use of the pedestrian bridge for special events, and we believe it's
important to maintain this vital connection between the two sites. With new improvements to the
Western and Chapin intersection, we are looking at a variety of ways people will access this
world-class family and youth center."
The requested $250,000 appropriation for the Chapin Street pedestrian bridge includes $70,000
to repair the steel deck, $60,000 to restore the walking service, $100,000 for paint removal and
fresh paint, and $20,000 for other work.
To address increased occurrences of illegal dumping,the Luecke administration requests a
$60,000 appropriation to create an additional cleanup crew within the Department of Public
Works' Solid Waste division. The appropriation will cover costs of personnel, equipment
operation, landfill tipping fees and other miscellaneous expenses in operation through the end of
2011.
"The City used to have two cleanup crews but one of the crews was eliminated during budget
cuts resulting from reduced revenues brought on by the state's property tax caps,"Luecke said.
"We believe the additional crew is critical to maintaining clean neighborhoods."
Conversations between the administration and the Council are continuing regarding funding for
the cleanup crew in 2012.
The resolutions will have first reading tonight followed by a public hearing and action at the
Nov. 14 Council meeting.