HomeMy WebLinkAbout5B1 Budget Request (Westside Greenway) - SignedSouth Bend
k r Redevelopment Commission
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE: April 3, 2026
FROM: Joseph Molnar,
Deputy Director of Community Investment
SUBJECT: Westside Greenway Budget Request
Funding Source*;rircle) River West; River East; South Side: DZ
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ATTEST: Secretary
Date: 6 v d c' ZOZ
APPROVED El Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Road; West
* Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely
then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
d; 5Z. East Res.
the City Controller,
PURPOSE OF REQUEST: $50,000 Budget Request to support the Westside Greenway Community
Foundation Grant
SPECIFICS: The South Bend Greenway Conservancy is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization
dedicated to bringing more accessible parks and green space to the Near Westside Neighborhood. The
Greenway idea emerged during community planning meetings as part of the neighborhood development
plan, finalized in 2022. The final vision of the Greenway Conservancy is to create and maintain a walkable
linear park and cultural trail connecting existing institutions and green spaces throughout the west side.
This long-term vision is in collaboration with multiple neighborhood institutions and partners. The current
plan is to phase in implementation of the greenway starting in the northern sections of the neighborhood
near City Cemetery.
The Greenway Conservancy applied for and was granted a Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
Grant Award to help fund the norther portion of the greenway. This $50,000 Budget Request will help
match those funds to begin work on portions of the northern section of the greenway project. This
northern project will also intersect with the newly approved West Washington Mid -Block Pedestrian
Crossingwhich the RDC approved funding for on March 26, 2026.
Improvements from this budget request will primarily take place on the privately owned lots adjacent to
the planned trail. This funding matches the intent of one of the South Bend Pokagon Fund's initiatives
broadly aimed at the improvement of educational opportunities. The newly created greenway will provide
educational opportunities for the community to learn more about native plantings, the intersection of
infrastructure and the environment, as well as a source of mutual community engagement.
Staff recommends approval.