HomeMy WebLinkAboutHonorary Street Sign - Tom Lynch St1316 COUNTY -CITY BUILDING
227 W. JEFFERSON BOULEVARD
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA46601-1830
PHONE 574/235-9251
FAX 574/ 235-9171
CITY OF SOUTH BEND JAMES MUELLER, MAYOR
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
September 23, 2025
Mr. Derek Dieter
1740 Portage Ave.
South Bend, IN 46616
ddieter@sjcindiana.gov
RE: Request for Honorary Street Sign - Tom Lynch St.
Dear Mr. Dieter:
At its September 23, 2025 meeting, the Board of Public Works approved the
application for the temporary placement of a sign in the name of Tom Lynch St. at the
intersection of Dunham St. & Walnut St.
Pursuant to the application, a fee of $200 is required for each sign. Currently,
there is an outstanding balance of $50.00. The payment should be made to the City of
South Bend. Once this amount has been paid, the City will manufacture and install the
signage at the designated location(s). Per the Board of Public Works new policy on
honorary street signs (Resolution No. 58-2022), the approved sign may remain in place
for a period not to exceed Five (5) years.
Please contact Denise Miller, Customer Service Coordinator, Street Department,
at (574) 235-5939 to coordinate the time and placement of the sign(s).
Sincerely,
/s/ Hillary Horvath
Hillary Horvath, Clerk
Enclosures
HH
ELIZABETH A. MARADIK JOSEPH R. MOLNAR GARYA. GILOT MURRAY L. MILLER BREANA N. MICOU
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: August 26, 2025
TO: Kyle Ludlow, Public Works
Chris Dressel, Community Investment
Derek Erquhart, Fire Department
Brad Rohrscheib, Police Department
FROM: Hillary Horvath, Clerk
SUBJECT: Honorary Street Sign Placement
ORIGINAL NAME Intersection of Walnut & Dunham
NEW NAME: Tom Lynch St.
CRITERIA FOR HONORARY STREET SIGNAGE IS LISTED IN BPW RESOLUTION NO.58-2022.
PLEASE INSERT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE APPROPRIATE FIELD BELOW FOR THE
FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
1. The signage does/does not constitute a public safety hazard or public nuisance.
2. The signage or feature would/would not interfere with normal City operations or services.
3. All application, petition, and fee requirements have been met.
PUBLIC WORKS: (in consultation with City Engineer and Streets Department) Favorable
Traffic & Lighting has no issues with this request- Coby 8/29
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT: Favorable Recommendation
FIRE: Favorable Recommendation
POLICE: Favorable recommendation
PLACEMENT OF HONORARY SIGN WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-
WAY OR ON PUBLIC PROPERTY APPLICATION
City of South Bend — Board of Public Works
.P= Cr 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316,
• ,are k South Bend, IN 46601
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicant's Name: f � ( g
Applicant's Address: t I Email Address: Telephone/Cell:C-5r — ■s5 �/` 0 C
Honorary Sign Request:
_fir .--
Honorary Sign Request Name (sign should read): �4
fS, I-4 Ln., L•'tc•.)
Is this individual deceased? Yes _ No (if no, individual is not eligible forhonorarysign.)
If the Board approves the petition, the petitioner must pay two hundred and 00/100 ($200) per sign to be
manufactured and installed by City employees. The City will neither approve or install more than four (4) Honorary
Street Signs per Honoree.
Proposed Location(s):
Location #1: Intersection of &,6 �al
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Location #2: Intersection of & BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKSVjLkk
Location #3: Intersection of
Location #4: Intersection of
(Example: Intersection of North & South Street)
& Elizabeth A. Mamdik, President
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Gary A. Gilot, Member
& x,� 4 71�-
Murray L. Miller, Member
�1 111
Joseph R. Molnar, Vice President
Bream Micou, Member
Xt e
Attest: Hillary R. Horvath, Clerk
Date: Septe^.b., 23, 20. 25
Did the individual live in South Bend?
I'es _ No (ifrno, individual is not eligible for honorarysign.)
Significanc9pf Location to Honoree's Life: e4so o fjyl CXVXt--A
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS ox cf6-�
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Please include the following items along with your request:
✓ A statement of not less than 500 words describing the significance of the person being honored. The
statement should include detailed information about the proposed Honoree summarizing the Honoree's
accomplishments, connection to South Bend, Indiana, and reasons as to why the person should be
publicly recognized.
✓ A petition or support for the proposed Honorary Sign. The petition should be signed by not less than 200
residents of the City of South Bend and must include the name, address, age, signature, and date of
signing. [Note: All information on the petition must be legible in order to be considered.]
Upon submission of the Application, please allow eight (8) weeks for staff to review, and
presentation to the City's Board of Public Works for final action. A letter will be sent to the applicant
indicating the Board's decision. In the event that the Application is denied, the Fee will be refunded to
the Applicant.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT
My application consists of the following items: (please check)
Completed Application Form
$150 Application Fee (Make checks payable to; City of South Bend) Fee goes toward the price of the sign(s)
Typed statement describing th significance of the person bein honored as described above
P titian o support
Signature Printed Name Date
PETITION OF SUPPORT FOR PLACEMENT OF HONORARY SIGN WITHIN THE
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City of South Bend — Board of Public Works
227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316
South Bend, IN 46601
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227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316
South Bend, IN 46601
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227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316
South Bend, IN 46601
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PETMON GF SUPPORT FOR PLACEMENT OF HONORAAY SIGN WITHIN THE
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- _ South Bend, IN •16601
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South Bend, IN 46601
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PETITION OF SUPPORT FOR PLACEMENT OF HONORARY SIGN WITHIN THE
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OR ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
City of South Bend — Board of Public Works
227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316
South Bend, IN 46601
Honorary Sign Request Name (Sign should read):
Proposed Location(s):
ASA RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, I SUPPORTTHE
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227 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Ste. 1316
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Page of
South Bend Tribune
ENTERTAINMENT
Powerlift: Lynch's Gym owner
honored after 40 years in business in
South Bend
Kathy Borlik Columnist
Dec. 3, 2023, 5:03 a.m. ET
Tom Lynch has a thousand and one stories about South Bend, wrestling,
body building, the Marines, training weightlifters, his family and his
second family at the gym. Tom owns the humble Lynch's Gym on the
corner of Dunham and Walnut streets.
He has a lot to say. Just ask him a question.
His life was brought into the spotlight recently when he received a Key to
the City, Key to the County and the Council Oak Award from the St. Joseph
County Commissioners. These accolades were presented in honor of 40
years in business and being a stalwart on the westside.
Namely News: Shades of Clark Griswold: Phil Blasko's Christmas display show grows
and grows
Tom grew up in the neighborhood and graduated from old Washington
High on Sample Street. In fact, he said, he started at Washington when it
had all the grades under one roof.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
He continues to live and work blocks from his family home. He is truly a
fixture.
The commission meeting room was filled with Tom's family, friends and
his gym members. Commissioner Derek Dieter led the event and
salutes to his friend and mentor. Before it all began, all the commissioners
slipped on Lynch's Gym shirts.
Derek said, "Tom is known as the mayor of Walnut St. He is a mentor,
coach, father figure and protector of the neighborhood."
Others agreed that Tom is a leader and the gym is a comfortable place to
visit.
Derek spoke on how important the gym has been to him and his three sons
and countless police officers. He added how important the gym is to
Walnut Street in general. The children in the neighborhood stop into the
lobby if the weather is bad or if there is a delayed bus.
Mayor Janes Mueller read a proclamation in his honor. State
Senator David NiezgodsM spoke of Tom's long service. "I'm proud to
speak about this legend," David said.
All this praise left Tom a little taken back. "I knew Derek was planning
something, but I didn't know how much."
Tom's wife, Marty, said they were all surprised by the hoopla. She said in
a phone call after the meeting that the evening meant a lot to Tom and the
family. "What was the biggest surprise to all of us was when they all put on
Lynch's Gym shirts. It was such a big tribute to Tom. It was so touching."
Marty and Tom have been married 64 years and have two daughters;
Linnie Caye and Lancie Marvin. "It has been quite a ride for us" with
the gym, wrestling and bodybuilding.
To Marty, the gyre continues to be popular with athletes, police and
firefighters. The reason is Tom's honesty and work ethics. "He lets them be
themselves. They know there are no drugs. Everything is in order (in the
gym), but Tom isn't the janitor. He works with them and trains them. It is
different training needed for a golfer or tennis player."
Tom found out what was needed for each sport and helped the members
focus on what was important, Marty said. "They get special attention."
Longtime member Richard Ross said it is a special place and a special
man. "He is a good friend and does so much for the neighborhood."
Richard was one of the first members of the gym back in the beginning.
Tom said he wrestled professionally for 15 years and decided to open a
gym in the 198os. "My wife said it was the gym or wrestling, not both." It
was the gym that became his focus, and he has been happy with his
decision. "I don't have an intention to retire. I'll come here on my last day.
I tell people I'm not a hero. I'm here to help people. One thing I like to say
— I tell people to do their best and don't quit."
Tom doesn't quit.
MEN
Looking for a way to help others? Here's a nice stop on your Saturday
travels.
Sherry Klinedinst is the director of The Ripple Effect Vocal Visionary
Project. The project will be singing for joy and warm stuff from noon to 1
p.m. Saturday (Dec. 9) at InRug Company, 22o E. Mishawaka Ave. The
donated items will go to Broadway Christian Church.
Sherry said the group looks forward to the chance to help Broadway
Christian and restock the mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for the
homeless. "Broadway fills a niche in the community, and we like to restock
the shelves."
The Ripplers are asking for donations or monetary help. People can buy
something right at InRug for the donation barrel, Sherry said.
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
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Sarah Fishburn • Apr 7, 2024
Letters To The Editor Interviews
A Champion's Sanctuary: The Heartwarming
Reopening of Lynch's Gym
Title: A Champion's Sanctuary: The Heartwarming Reopening of Lynch's Gym
By. Sarah Fishburn
Date: 05/21/2025
On the morning of April 5th, the west side's beloved Lynch's Gym, located at 745 S Walnut Street, swung
open its doors once again. The gym's proprietor, Tom Lynch, who has been a foundational figure in the
local community for the past four decades, welcomed back members and enthusiasts with open arms.
Our reporter, Sarah Foster, managed to catch a moment with Tom to talk about the emotions
surrounding the reopening.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lynch stated he was "surprised and speechless" at the turnout, attributing
much of the event's success to County Commissioner Derek Dieter's efforts in rallying the community for
the grand reopening. Among the attendees were distinguished figures such as South Bend Mayor James
Mueller, Jeff Rea - the President & CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber, various employees from St.
Joseph County, officers from the South Bend Police Department, and representatives from several media
outlets.
In reflecting on his storied career as a gym owner, coach, and mentor, Lynch expressed a profound
devotion to the success of each individual who walks through his gym's doors, regarding them all as
champions irrespective of their achievements.
"Every kid that comes through that door, as far as I'm
concerned, is a champion, and that's how l treated them C'
Lynch continued and said:
"I don't care if they came in first, second, third, or fourth-,
whatever they came in, I congratulated them, and I put their
picture up on the wall."
Tom shared touching anecdotes of his mentorship role, highlighting how he once encouraged several
youths to consider careers in the Marines, jokingly considering himself a makeshift recruiter. Among
these was a young man who, inspired by Tom's continued guidance, made the impactful decision to
reenlist every four years, securing his future and pension.
Tom Lynch's immeasurable impact extends far beyond the confines of his gym, leaving a lasting
impression on the entire West Side community. His dedication to nurturing and fostering success in
everyone he encounters was palpable during our interaction. Despite our lack of prior acquaintance,
Lynch welcomed us with warmth akin to that of a family member, immediately making us feel at home.
This open-hearted approach is a testament to his character. It underscores why Lynch's Gym is more
than just a physical fitness space —it's a sanctuary where every individual is recognized as a champion
and treated with unconditional support and respect.
Details:
Lynch's Gym is located at:
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Policemen's
FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
1130 SOUTH MAIN STREET• SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 VOID AFTER 90 DAYS
Memo: DEREK D. DIETER 8/21/25 $********150.00
PAY ONE HUNDRED FIFTY & 00/100
TO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
ORDER OF
AulhorlZod Signature