HomeMy WebLinkAboutRedevelopment Commission Agenda & Packet 05.08.25
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana
Agenda
Regular Meeting, May 8, 2025 – 9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers 4th Floor or
https://tinyurl.com/RDC-2025-2T
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes
A. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 24, 2025
3. Approval of Claims
A. No Claims Allowances
4. Old Business
A. None
5. New Business
A. River West Development Area
1. Opening Proposals (Main Street Housing RFP)
2. Agreement to Release Easement (JC Hart)
B. River West, River East, South Side, & West Washington Development Areas
1. Budget Request (Rebuilding Our Streets 2025)
6. Progress Reports
A. Tax Abatement
B. Common Council
C. Other
7. Next Commission Meeting
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 9:30 a.m. at Council Chambers 4th Floor
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
April 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
BPW Conference Room, 13th Floor, County-City Building
https://tinyurl.com/RDC-2025-4T
The South Bend Redevelopment Commission was called to order at 9:33 a.m.
President Troy Warner presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Troy Warner, President
David Relos, Vice President
Eli Wax, Secretary
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner
Marcus Ellison, Non-Voting Advisor
Members Virtually: Gillian Shaw, Commissioner
Legal Staff: Sandra Kennedy, Corporation Council - Virtual
Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City Attorney
Redevelopment Staff: Caleb Bauer, Exec. Director, DCI
Sarah Schaefer, Deputy Director, DCI
Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, DCI
Rosa Tomas, Director of Finance, DCI
Joseph Molnar, Asst. Dir. of Growth and Opp., DCI
Blake Nipper, Intern, DCI
Laura Hensley, Board Secretary, DCI
Others Present: Leslie Biek, Assistant City Engineer
Tina Patton, 707 Sherman Ave.
Matt Barrett, 110 S. Niles Ave.
Greg Swiercz, SB Tribune
Tom Everett, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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2. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, April 10, 2025
The motion was made by David Relos to approve, second by Eli Wax.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the minutes of the regular
meeting of April 10, 2025.
3. Approval of Claims
A. Claims Allowances April 2, 2025
The motion was made by David Relos to approve, second by Eli Wax.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the claims allowances of
April 2, 2025.
B. Claims Allowances April 15, 2025
The motion was made by David Relos to approve, second by Eli Wax.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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The motion carried; the Commission approved the claims allowances of
April 15, 2025.
4. Old Business
A. None
5. New Business
A. River West Development Area
1. Amendment to Budget Request (Riverfront West Urban Neighborhood
Development)
Leslie Biek, Assistant City Engineer, introduced a $250,000
amendment to fund the complete design and bid documents for the
Western Avenue improvements project. This project encompasses
storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and streetscape design
elements. Notably, this section of Western Avenue was not part of the
initial request. Vice President Relos asked the specific location of
Western Ave. and Ms. Biek confirmed it will tie in near the Post Office.
Secretary Wax inquired about what had changed since the first request
and Ms. Biek stated that initially, we planned to simply pave it and use
it as an access road. However, now we're going to include the full
sidewalk curb work and connect all the utilities, transforming it into a
complete road. This change will be reflected in the design and bidding
documents. These documents, which we're preparing to bid in June,
will upgrade the specifications from 10% to the complete project.
The motion was made by David Relos to approve, second by Ophelia
Gooden-Rodgers.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the Amendment as
presented on April 24, 2025.
2. Resolution No. 3637 (Authorizing the Issuance of Tax Increment
Revenue Bonds for Drewry’s/Portage/Elwood)
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity,
presented agenda items 5.A.2-4. Resolution Nos. 3637 & 3638 are
related to the authorization of bonds for the RAF loan. Just to provide
some background again, the Residential Infrastructure Fund Program,
managed by the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), is specifically
designed to support residential housing infrastructure construction and
assist municipalities in encouraging new residential development.
The program primarily targets smaller municipalities, but 30% of the
funds are allocated for cities and municipalities with populations
greater than 50,000, including South Bend. Essentially, the program
offers a 20-year term low-interest loan, with the interest rate
determined at closing. The interest rate will not exceed 5.5%, and we
hope it will be a couple of points lower. Funds are provided through the
IFA's purchase of redevelopment district bonds, which are then issued
by the RDC. This funding is mainly set aside for site preparation and
infrastructure work to incentivize residential housing. In December
2024, the city applied for $2.57 million and was approved by the IFA in
January. We committed to 110 housing units at the Drewry’s/Portage
Elwood sites, with two-thirds being single-family homes and one-third
multi-family units. The RIF loan will fund environmental remediation,
public utilities installation, demolition, and infrastructure support.
Interest payments start within six months of closing, estimated at
$100,000 annually, with principal payments beginning within 12
months after project completion. Tax revenue from the new housing
will help repay the loan from River West TIF. The Drewry’s/Portage
Elwood project is big and has taken years to get to this point. It'll take
more years to finish. Right now, we're cleaning up the environment and
demolishing old buildings to prepare for new development. This area
has great potential for the northwest side of the city. We need to build
public utilities, which will cost about $6 million. To fund this large
project, we're using multiple sources to reduce the city's financial
burden. The EPA has already spent $2 million on demolition, which
helped a lot. We've applied for a $3.5 million grant from READI 2.0,
which is tentatively approved. The city must match this amount, and
the RIF loan will count towards that match. We're using various
programs to fund this project, not just relying on River West TIF.
Resolution No. 3637 allows us to issue bonds up to $2.57 million to
cover project costs. These bonds will be paid back with tax increment
from the River West Development area and authorize the city to enter
into a financial assistance agreement with the IFA. Resolution No.
3838 allocates the bond sale proceeds to fund the project costs,
including related expenses and the cost of issuing the bonds. If the
RDC approves both resolutions today, RDC staff will present a
resolution to the Common Council on May 12th to approve the
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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issuance of TIF revenue bonds. This would be the final public step
needed. Mr. Molnar also noted the Public Hearing will follow.
Vice President Relos asked about when the IEDC Board approval
would happen for the grant. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of
Community Investment, stated possibly this summer. Commissioner
Gooden-Rodgers inquired about the likelihood of us receiving the
grant. Mr. Bauer stated that we don't have an exact date for the
approval from the IEDC board for the grant, but the Ready 2.0 blight
and redevelopment funds are administered by the state of Indiana and
IEDC. These funds come from the Lilly Endowment. The statewide
READI 2.0 blite program has $500 million, and an additional $250
million was contributed to other state-run programs by Lilly
Endowment. This means the funds are not dependent on the state
budget. Although the IEDC board still needs to sign off, we are
confident we will get the contract. We're just sharing that it hasn't been
signed yet, but we're working towards that.
Secretary Wax asked, “Do you have an estimate of how much
additional funding is needed to get the project ready for development”?
Mr. Molnar stated that we don't have a specific number right now, but
we estimated $6 million for public utilities. With $3.5 million from the
grant and $2.5 million from the loan, we're close to that amount but not
quite there. Sarah Schaefer, Deputy Director of Community
Investment, stated we're not aware of any other major expenses
needed to prepare the project, though it's early stages and costs can
increase. We believe $6 million should cover most of what we need,
but we'll monitor any additional funding requirements.
Commissioner Shaw inquired about the $3.5 million from the Lilly
Endowment for READI 2.0, does it have the same matching
requirements as the rest of READI 2.0? Is it true that this loan can
serve as a match? Are there other private investment requirements we
need to meet to unlock these additional funds? Mr. Bauer explained
yes, our submission included the capital stack for the development
site, using two nonprofit developers: South Bend Heritage and Intend
Indiana. However, until we have signed contracts and development
agreements, these details aren't finalized. We're still negotiating, but
we aim to secure the loan quickly. The IFA is eager to move forward,
and we feel confident about closing the loan and continuing
negotiations while signing the contract with the IEDC. We have
agreements coming before the Commission that will solidify all private
investments related to this site.
Matt Barrett asked where the remaining $1 million will come from and
will we satisfy the 6-month term from the bond agreement. Caleb
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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Bauer stated that, we plan to cover the remaining matches through a
new allocation area, either via financing or future increment generated
by the project. We're already designing the infrastructure and plan to
proceed with the demolition of the Elwood Shopping Plaza, which is
included in the IFA loan scope. The bid specifications are being
prepared, and we're on track to meet our contractual requirements with
the IFA for commencement. Demolition will count as the start of work
for the 6-month term. President Warner spoke in favor of the project.
The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by David Relos.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved Resolution No. 3637 as
presented on April 24, 2025.
3. Public Hearing Concerning the Appropriation of Proceeds of the Tax
Increment Revenue Bond
A notice was published in the South Bend Tribune on April 11, 2025,
regarding the public hearing concerning appropriation of proceeds of
the redevelopment district of the City of South Bend, Indiana tax
increment revenue bonds
A Public Hearing regarding the Appropriation of Proceeds of the Tax
Increment Revenue Bond was opened to the public for comments and
considerations. No comments were made from the public. The Public
Hearing was closed.
4. Resolution No. 3638 (Appropriating the Proceeds of Tax Increment
Revenue Bonds for Drewry’s/Portage Elwood)
The motion was made by Troy Warner to approve, second by David
Relos.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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The motion carried; the Commission approved Resolution No. 3638 as
presented on April 24, 2025.
B. River East Development Area
1. Disposition Process Overview
Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity,
presented an overview of the disposition process under Indiana Code
36-7-14. He detailed steps 1-8 and explained all common terms.
2. Bid Specifications for Disposition of Property (403 E Madison)
Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity,
presented agenda items 5.B. 2-4 together. In November, 2024, the
purchase agreement for the property at 403 E. Madison, approximately
3.39 acres, was finalized. The building has three floors above ground
totaling 60,000 square feet, and a partial basement of about 10,000
square feet. The East Bank Learning Center, a childcare center for
children aged six months to about five years, is an active tenant with a
lease. The minimum bid for the property is $1,494,000, based on the
average of two appraisals. Bids are due by May 22nd at 9:00 AM, with a
meeting at 9:30 AM to open the bids for the Redevelopment
Commission. Bid specifications emphasize compatibility with the
surrounding neighborhood and the River East development plan, as
the property is in the River East TIF. Approval is needed today by the
Redevelopment Commission for the bid specification, notice of
intended disposition of property, and Resolution No. 3635 for the
property's disposition. Secretary Wax asked how much we paid for the
building and whether we have made any improvements. Mr. Molnar
stated that we paid $300,000 and have not made any improvements.
Commissioner Ellison asked about the lease for the childcare facility
and Mr. Molnar confirmed that the childcare center has a lease for
three or four years, with an annual opt-out clause. If either party wishes
to terminate the lease, they must provide 12 months' notice to the other
party. Currently, RDC staff recommends to the Commission not to end
the lease.
Matt Barrett asked if there are any plans to market the property beyond
the City's website and newspaper. Caleb Bauer stated that we always
follow the Indiana Code process, and if there are no inquiries from the
initial process, they can then explore further marketing options.
Historically, the Commission has followed the disposition process first.
Once that concludes, the Commission may issue an RFP. RFP is more
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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actively marketed as it seeks specific types of investment in the
property, whereas the disposition process is more open-ended.
The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by David Relos.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the Bid Specifications
as presented on April 24, 2025.
3. Notice of Intended Disposition of Property (403 E Madison)
The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by Troy Warner.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the Notice as presented
on April 24, 2025.
4. Resolution No. 3635 for Disposition of Property (403 E Madison)
The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by David Relos.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved Resolution No. 3635 as
presented on April 24, 2025.
5. Bid Specifications for Disposition of Property (1201 Northside)
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity,
presented agenda items 5.B.5-7 together. In April 2024, the
Redevelopment Commission and the YMCA of Greater Michiana
entered into a donation agreement, transferring the property to the
Commission while simultaneously signing a lease for the YMCA at the
Downtown Leighton location. The property, located at 1201 Northside,
consists of seven parcels totaling just under 6 acres. All existing
structures have been demolished except for one pavilion, which is
being cleared. The average of two appraisals for this property was
$576,500, setting the minimum bid at this amount. Bids are due by
May 22nd at 9:00 AM, with the RDC meeting immediately following to
open the bids.
Bid specifications emphasize compatibility with the surrounding
neighborhood, including the farmers market location, adjacent
established neighborhood, and the River East Development plan, as
the property is in the River East TIF. Approval is needed today by the
Commission for the bid specifications, notice of intended disposition,
and Resolution 3636 for the property's disposition.
Commissioner Shaw asked if Mr. Molnar could provide an example on
what compatibility of the surrounding neighborhood means or what an
example would look like. Mr. Molnar explained that the bid
specifications emphasize compatibility. This means ensuring any new
roads connect to the existing street grid and considering the property's
proximity to the Riverwalk. We want proposed uses to be compatible
with the Riverwalk, so a self-storage facility, for example, would not be
suitable. Additionally, the property is next to an established
neighborhood, so we want to avoid uses that could harm the
neighborhood.
The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by Ophelia
Gooden-Rodgers.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the Bid Specifications
as presented on April 24, 2025.
6. Notice of Intended Disposition of Property (1201 Northside)
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by Troy Warner.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved the Notice as presented
on April 24, 2025.
7. Resolution No. 3636 for Disposition of Property (1201 Northside)
The motion was made by Eli Wax to approve, second by David Relos.
On the motion:
• Troy Warner, President: Yes
• David Relos, Vice President: Yes
• Eli Wax, Secretary: Yes
• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes
• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes
The motion carried; the Commission approved Resolution No. 3636 as
presented on April 24, 2025.
6. Progress Reports
A. Tax Abatement
None
B. Common Council
None
C. Other
None
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2025
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7. Next Commission Meeting
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 9:30 a.m. Council Chambers on the 4th Floor.
8. Adjournment
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 10:27 a.m.
______________________________ ______________________________
Eli Wax, Secretary Troy Warner, President
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE : 5/1/25
FROM: Erin Michaels – Property Development Manager
SUBJECT: Opening of Main Street Housing RFP Proposals
Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res.
* Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the
authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Public Opening of Main Street Housing Request for Proposal Submissions
SPECIFICS: On January 9th, the Redevelopment Commission approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new
housing project in downtown South Bend adjacent to the Morris Performing Arts Center. The RFP set 12:00pm
local time, April 24, 2025 as the due date for all submissions.
Any and all submissions received by that time will be opened publicly at the May 8, 2025 RDC meeting.
_________________________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________________Secretary
Date: ____________________
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE: May 5, 2025
FROM: Danielle Weiss, Senior Assistant City Attorney
SUBJECT: Agreement to Release Easement
Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res.
* Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the
authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Approval of the Release of Easement Agreement benefitting the River Glen Office Park site.
SPECIFICS: On January 9, 2025 the Redevelopment Commission (“RDC”) and JC Hart Company (the “Developer”)
entered into an Economic Development Agreement (the “Development Agreement”). The Development Agreement
committed both the RDC and the Developer to certain commitments in relation to a transformational project on the
western bank of the St. Joseph River in downtown South Bend. The project site is just north of the former River Glen
Office Park. The RDC acquired the office park on May 6, 2024, and as the owner, is a beneficiary of a non-exclusive
ingress and egress easement for pedestrian and vehicular access to and from Wayne Street/Jefferson Boulevard (the
“Easement”).
In partnership with the Developer’s intention to develop the Riverwalk Project, the RDC has agreed through the
Development Agreement (which was amended on March 13, 2025 to provide further detail of the RDC’s
commitments) to construct and dedicate certain public roadways, sidewalks, and related improvements paid for
substantially through a READI 2.0 grant from the State of Indiana. These roadway improvements, once completed,
will provide access to and from the River Glen Office Park.
On March 13, 2025, the RDC, as property owner of the River Glen Office Park, approved a certain Agreement to
Suspend and Release Easement which provided RDC would (i) suspend all use of the Easement during the
development of the Riverwalk Project and (ii) release and relinquish the Easement upon the roadway completion
and opening. Since that time, this document has been held in escrow, pending the closing of the real estate
transaction by which the Developer would acquire the Developer Property. This prior agreement has not yet been
recorded.
The Developer has recently requested the prior approved document be superseded by a new document titled
“Release of Easement,” which will result in the release of the easement occurring sooner. Instead of temporarily
suspending the easement rights during construction and fully releasing the easement once construction is
completed, the easement would be fully released now. If approved, this new Release of Easement would replace
the prior agreement, and the prior agreement would become null and void.
_________________________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________________Secretary
Date: ____________________
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana
The need to release the easement was always at the center of the Developer’s needs for the Development Project.
In this new version, in addition to causing the release of easement to occur sooner, this revised version will also (i)
help to explain to the Developer’s construction lender what is happening with the easement, (ii) provide clarity to
title records; and (iii) provide clarity/administrative ease to the parties.
In exchange for RDC’s agreement to execute this new Release of Easement, the Developer is expressly committing
to include in its Plans and Specifications for the Project a commitment to dedicate all necessary rights-of-way on the
Project Site to enable the development of a public street and public utilities to serve the site and connect the
neighboring properties, including the Commission’s Property. This was already the intended plan, but this
agreement memorializes and confirms that commitment.
During construction, the River Glen Office site will still have access to and from Monroe and Columbia Streets. As a
result of the full development, the River Glen Office Park will obtain substantially improved access to Jefferson
Boulevard/Wayne Street in the form of a newly built public roadway and sidewalks.
1
AGREEMENT TO RELEASE EASEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT TO RELEASE EASEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into
effective as of May 5, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by and between J.C. Hart Company, Inc., an
Indiana corporation (“Developer”) and the City of South Bend, Department of Redevelopment,
acting by and through its governing body, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission
(“Commission”) (each, a “Party,” and collectively, the “Parties”).
BACKGROUND
A. Developer and Commission are parties to a certain Economic Development
Agreement dated January 9, 2025, as amended (the “Development Agreement”), which sets forth
various rights and obligations related to development of the Project Site for the Project (as defined
in the Development Agreement, as may be amended from time to time). Terms used but not
otherwise defined herein are as defined in the Development Agreement.
B. The Commission owns certain property located to the south of the Project Site,
commonly known as 501 E Monroe, 501 E. Monroe, 404 Columbia, 350 Columbia, and 348
Columbia in South Bend (the “Commission Property”) and through such ownership is the
beneficiary of a certain non-exclusive easement over the Project Site for pedestrian and vehicular
ingress and egress to and from Wayne Street/Jefferson Boulevard (the “Easement”).
C. The Development Agreement contemplates the creation of certain Plans and
Specifications for the Project, which will include details regarding the construction of a new road
and sidewalks through the Project Site.
D. It is the intent of the Parties that the Plans and Specifications for the Project will
include the Developer’s commitment to dedicate any necessary rights-of-way on the Project Site
in order to allow for the development of public street and public utilities to serve the site and
connect to neighboring properties.
E. In order for the Developer to proceed with its Project, it must first obtain a release
of the Easement from the Commission, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
F. The Parties now desire to enter into this Agreement to memorialize that the
Commission’s execution of the Release of Easement is being done in exchange for the Developer’s
commitment to dedicate necessary rights-of-way on the Project Site that will enable the
development of a public street and public utilities to serve the site and connect to the neighboring
properties, including the Commission’s Property.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the background above, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Commission and Developer agree as follows:
1. Background Provisions. The background provisions above are incorporated into
the body of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein and made a part hereof.
A - 2
2. Developer’s Commitments. As a material inducement for the Commission’s
execution of the Release of Easement, Developer hereby agrees to include in its Plans and
Specifications for the Project a commitment to dedicate of all necessary rights-of-way on the
Project Site to enable the development of a public street and public utilities to serve the site and
connect to the neighboring properties, including the Commission’s Property. The Developer
understands that failure to include such details in its Plans and Specifications for the Project will
result in the Commission’s rejection of the Plans and Specifications through the process specified
in the Development Agreement.
3. Release of Easement. As a material inducement for the Developer’s Commitments
herein, the Commission hereby approves of the Release of Easement substantially in the form
attached hereto and authorizes the President of the Commission and Secretary of the Commission
to execute and attest, respectively, said Release of Easement in the form attached hereto, with such
changes as the President and Secretary shall approve, such approval to be evidenced by the
execution and attestation thereof.
4. Prior Agreement to Suspend and Release Easement. Upon execution of the Release
of Easement, the Parties agree that the certain Agreement to Suspend and Release Easement
executed by the Commission on March 13, 2025 shall become null and void.
5. Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The
Parties hereto may execute and deliver this Assignment by forwarding facsimile, e-mail, or other
means of copies of this Agreement showing execution by the Party sending the same, and the
Parties agree and intend that such signature shall have the same effect as an original signature and
that the Parties shall be bound by such means of execution and delivery.
[Signature Page Follows]
A - 3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement to Release
Easement as of the Effective Date first above written.
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
By:
Printed: Troy Warner, President
By:
Printed: Eli Wax, Secretary
J.C. HART COMPANY, INC.
By:
Printed: John C. Hart, Jr., Chairman
A - 4
Exhibit 1
Release of Easement
A - 5
Cross Reference: Instrument No. 2024-10901 (Commission Deed)
Instrument No. 8216846 (1982 Declaration)
Instrument No. 0130069 (2001 Relocation)
RELEASE OF EASEMENT
THIS RELEASE OF EASEMENT (hereinafter the “Release”) is made effective this ____
day of ______________, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) by the City of South Bend, Indiana,
Department of Redevelopment by and through its governing body, the South Bend Redevelopment
Commission (hereinafter the “Commission”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Commission acquired certain real estate more particularly described in
Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein (the “Commission Real Estate”) pursuant to a
certain Special Warranty Deed dated May 6, 2024 and recorded May 20, 2024 as Instrument No.
2024-10901 in the Office of the Recorder of St. Joseph County, Indiana;
WHEREAS, the Commission Real Estate is the beneficiary of a certain non-exclusive
easement over the real estate more particularly described in Exhibit B attached hereto and
incorporated herein for pedestrian and vehicular ingress and egress to and from Wayne
Street/Jefferson Boulevard (the “Easement”) granted by Crowe LLP, an Indiana limited liability
partnership, formerly known as Crowe, Chizek & Company, an Indiana partnership (“Crowe”),
pursuant to a certain Declaration and Grant of Easement for Pedestrian and Vehicular Egress dated
November 3, 1982, and recorded November 3, 1982 as Instrument No. 8216846 in the Office of
the Recorder of St. Joseph County, Indiana (the “Declaration”);
WHEREAS, Crowe relocated the Easement pursuant to a certain Relocation of Easements
dated June 25, 2001 and recorded June 27, 2001, as Instrument No. 0130069 purporting to relocate
the Easement to the area described therein (the “Current Easement Area”);
WHEREAS, the Commission acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in the Declaration, the Current Easement Area is the location of the Easement; and
WHEREAS, the Commission wishes to disclaim, waive, terminate, release and relinquish
any and all interests or rights it may have to use the Easement and to document the same.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which
are hereby acknowledged, the Commission promises, agrees and covenants as follows:
1. Incorporation of Recitals. The foregoing preambles, recitations and
A - 6
definitions are made a part hereof as though such were fully set forth herein.
2. Release of Easement. The Commission hereby disclaims, waives,
terminates, releases and relinquishes any and all interests or retained easement rights it has or may
have in and to the Easement, and any and all rights of the Commission pursuant to the Declaration
shall be deemed released and terminated and of no further force or effect.
3. Authority. The undersigned executing this Release certifies that he or she
is/are duly authorized and empowered to execute and deliver this Release on behalf of the
Commission.
[SIGNATURE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
S - 1
SIGNATURE PAGE TO
RELEASE OF EASEMENT
City of South Bend, Department of Redevelopment,
by and through its governing body, the South Bend
Redevelopment Commission
By:_______________________________
Troy Warner, President
ATTEST:
By: _______________________
Eli Wax, Secretary
S - 2
NOTARY PAGE TO
RELEASE OF EASEMENT
STATE OF INDIANA )
) SS:
COUNTY OF )
Before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Troy
Warner and Eli Wax, known to me to be the President and Secretary, respectively, of the South
Bend Redevelopment Commission who, after having been duly sworn, acknowledged the
execution of the foregoing Release.
WITNESS, my hand and Notarial Seal this _____ day of _____________________, 2025.
__________________________________________
( ) Notary Public
My Commission Expires: My County of Residence:
_________________________ ______________________________
A - 1
EXHIBIT A
Commission Real Estate
PARCEL I: A part of the West Half of Section 12, Township 37 North, Range 2 East, also being
a part of Block 8 of the recorded Plat of River Bend Addition, City of South Bend, St Joseph
County, Indiana, described as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Northeastern
boundary of Columbia Street and the Eastern boundary of Western Avenue; thence along said
Northeastern boundary South 69°32'51" East 95.25 feet; thence Southeasterly 192.83 feet along
an arc to the right having a radius of 421.97 feet and subtended by a long chord having a bearing
South 56"27'21" East and a length of 191.16 feet; thence North 46°38'09' East 155.47 feet; thence
North 20°00'00" West 120.00 feet; thence North 70°00'00" East 217.00 feet; thence South
25°39'11" East 215.00 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 52°00'00" West 245.00 feet;
thence South 38°00'00" East 155.00 feet; thence North 52°00'00" East 211.07 feet; thence North
25°39'11" West 158.67 feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL II: A part of Block 8 of the recorded Plat of River Bend Addition in Section 12,
Township 37 North, Range 2 East, in the City of South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana, described
as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the East right of way line of Columbia Street and
the North right of way line of Monroe Street as shown in said Plat of River Bend Addition; thence
North 0°30'18" West along said East right of way line of Columbia Street 270.00 feet; thence North
89°29'42" East 75.00 feet; thence South 39°35'12" East 43.10 feet; thence North 52°00'00" East
113.02 feet to the point of beginning; thence North 38°00'00" West 255.00 feet; thence North
52°00'00" East 33.00 feet; thence South 38°00'00" East 155.00 feet; thence North 52°00'00" East
211.07 feet; thence South 25°39'11" East 29.45 feet; thence South 65°42'29" West 10.00 feet;
thence South 4°39'38" East 40.00 feet; thence South 70°06'30' East 47.50 feet; thence South
52°00'00" West 231.27 feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL III: Non-Exclusive Easements for Pedestrian and Vehicular Egress by and between St
Joseph River Road Development Corporation, Crowe, Chizek & Company, American Land Trust,
First Bank and Trust Company of South Bend, West Bank Properties, Columbia Plaza Associates,
River Glen Office Plaza Associates, and the St. Joseph Bank and Trust Company all of which were
dated November 3, 1982 and recorded November 3, 1982 as Document Number 8216846,
8216847, 8216849, and 8216850 all in the Office of the Recorder of St. Joseph County, Indiana.
PARCEL IV: A part of Block 8 of the recorded Plat of River Bend Addition, City of South Bend,
St. Joseph County, Indiana, described as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the East right
of way line of Columbia Street and the North right of way line of Monroe Street; thence North
89°38'42" East along said North right of way of Monroe Street 250.00 feet; thence North 0°21'18"
West 55.00 feet; thence North 39°35'12" West 67.66 feet to the point of beginning; thence
continuing North 39°35'12" West 167.06 feet; thence North 52°00'00" East 344.29 feet; thence
South 70°06'30" East 2.50 feet; thence South 38°42'21" East 164.89 feet; thence South 52°00'00"
West 343.08 feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL V: A non-exclusive easement for above real estates to and from Monroe Street in the
City of South Bend, Indiana, as set out in Declaration and Grant of Easement, dated October 22,
1980, between River Glen Office Plaza Associates (as granter of the easement) and St. Joseph
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River Bend Development Corporation, St. Joseph Bank and Trust Company and Crowe, Chizek
and Company (owners of the various "dominant parcels" described therein) recorded October 22,
1980 as Document Number 8018357 in the Office of the Recorder of St Joseph County, Indiana,
and being, in particular, the easement described as "Access Easement'' in Exhibit E thereto.
PARCEL VI: A parcel in the Southeast Quarter and the Southwest Quarter of Section 12,
Township 37 North, Range 2 East, also being a part of Block 8 of the recorded Plat of River Bend
Addition to the City of South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana, described as follows: Commencing
at the intersection of the East right of way line of Columbia Street and the North right of way line
of Monroe Street; thence North 89°38'42" East along said North right of way of Monroe Street
250.00 feet to the point of beginning; thence North 0°21'18" West 55.00 feet; thence North
39°35'12" West 67.66 feet; thence North 52°00'00" East 343.09 feet; thence South 38°42'21" East
72.09 feet; thence South 0°30'18" East 263.46 feet to the North right of way line of Monroe Street;
thence 61.24 feet Westerly on said right of way line on a curve to the left having a radius of 614.21
feet and subtended by a long chord 61.18 feet in length and having a bearing of North 87°30'03"
West; thence South 89°38'42" West along said North right of way line of Monroe Street 213.10
feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL VII: An easement for ingress and egress on, over and across a parcel in the Southeast
Quarter of Section 12, Township 37 North, Range 2 East, also being a part of Block 8 of the
recorded Plat of River Bend Addition to the City of South Bend, St Joseph County, Indiana,
described as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the East right of way line of Columbia
Street and the North right of way line of Monroe Street; thence North 0°30'18" West along the
East right of way line of Columbia Street a distance of 293.20 feet to the point of beginning; thence
continuing on said right of way Northward along a curve to the left, with a radius of 421.97 feet
and subtended by a long chord with a bearing of North 1°52'27'' West 27.60 feet; thence North
75°20'48" East 77.98 feet; thence South 39°35'12" East 265.63 feet; thence South 52°00'00" West
24.01 feet; thence North 39°35'12" West 246.44 feet; thence South
75°20'48" West 70.13 feet to the point of beginning.
PARCEL VIII: A part of the West Half of Section 12, Township 37 North, Range 2 East, also
being a part of Block 8 of the unrecorded Plat of River Bend Addition, City of South Bend, St
Joseph County, Indiana, described as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the East
boundary of Fellow Street projected North and the northern boundary of Monroe Street; thence
South 89°38'42n West along said northern boundary a distance of 78.14 feet to the true point of
beginning; thence South 89°38'42" West along the northern boundary of Monroe Street a distance
of 250 feet to the East boundary of Columbia Street; thence North 0°30'18. West along said East
boundary a distance of 270 feet; thence North 89° 38'42" East a distance of 75 feet; thence South
39°35'21" East a distance of 277.57 feet; thence South 0°30'18. East a distance of 55 feet to the
point of beginning.
CONFIRMATION AGREEMENT PAGE 3
EXHIBIT B
Real Estate
Lot 1 and Lot 2 in the Crowe Chizek Second Minor Subdivision, as per plat thereof, recorded May
24, 2024 as Document Number 2024-11404 in the Office of the Recorder of St. Joseph County,
Indiana.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
227 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 1308, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE : 5/6/2025
FROM: Kara M. Boyles, City Engineer
SUBJECT: Budget Request #1
Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res.
* Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the
authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST: 2025 Annual Paving Program Budget Request
SPECIFICS:
This is a first request for funding from the River West, West Washington, River East and South Side TIF Districts to
support the City’s 2025 Annual Paving Program. These investments will directly support street resurfacing and
reconstruction projects within each TIF boundary, improving road conditions, enhancing safety, and supporting
continued neighborhood revitalization. TIF funding is a critical component of the City’s overall paving strategy
and allows us to extend the impact of limited local resources while aligning with redevelopment goals.
Funding is requested from each TIF District as follows: West Washington Development Area $400K
River East Development Area $1.5M
South Side Development Area $1.0M
River West Development Area $1.0M
_________________________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________________Secretary
Date: ____________________
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION