Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRedevelopment Commission Agenda & Packet 07.23.26South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Agenda Regular Meeting July 23, 2026 – 9:30 a.m. City Hall Council Chambers 3rd Floor or via: https://tinyurl.com/RDC2025-2026-Meetings Meeting Recording Link: https://tinyurl.com/RDC-Meeting-Recordings 1. Roll Call • David Relos, President – (Mayor) December 2025 to December 2026 • Karen White, Vice President – (Council) May 2026 to December 2027 • Eli Wax, Secretary – (Mayor) February 2025 to December 2027 • Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner – (Council) February 2025 to December 2027 • Maureen Miller - Commissioner (Mayor) July 2026 to December 2029 • Marcus Ellison, Non-Voting Advisor – (School Board) February 2025 to December 2026 2. Approval of Minutes A. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 9, 2026 3. Approval of Claims A. Claims Allowance June 23, 2026 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business A. Redevelopment General Fund (a.k.a. Pokagon-South Bend Fund) 1. Budget Request (Beacon Resource Center Donation) B. River East Residential Development Area 1. Budget Request (Howard Park Bandshell Design) C. River West Development Area 1. Staff Recommendation (State Theatre RFP) 2. Budget Request (TRC Lease) 6. Progress Reports A. Tax Abatement B. Common Council C. Other South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Page | 2 7. Next Commission Meeting Thursday, August 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m. at Council Chambers, Room 301 8. Adjournment NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRED PERSONS Auxiliary Aid or Other Services are Available upon Request at No Charge. Please Give Reasonable Advance Request when Possible. South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Minutes Regular Meeting July 9, 2026 – 9:30 a.m. City Hall Council Chambers 3rd Floor or via: https://tinyurl.com/RDC2025-2026-Meetings Meeting Recording Link: https://tinyurl.com/RDC-Meeting-Recordings The South Bend Redevelopment Commission was called to order at 9:32 a.m. President David Relos presiding. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: David Relos, President Karen White, Vice President Eli Wax, Secretary Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner Members Absent: Marcus Ellison, Non-Voting Advisor Legal Counsel: Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City Attorney Redevelopment Staff: Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, DCI Lewis Kouassi, Director of Finance, DCI Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, DCI Tim Corcoran, Chief Planner, DCI Laura Hensley, Board Secretary, DCI Attending: Regina Emberton, ChoiceLight, Inc. Sophie Cohen, L+M Development Partners Thomas Everett, Barnes & Thornburg Troy Warner, Mayor’s Chief of Staff Matt Barrett, 110 S. Niles Ave. Hodge Patel, Abonmarche Alyson Herzig, SBRC Ethan Rendell, SBRC Felix Adams, 101 S. Michigan St. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 Page | 2 2. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, June 25, 2026 Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, second by Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the regular meeting of June 25, 2026. 3. Approval of Claims A. None 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business A. River West Development Area 1. Development Agreement (Beacon Heights) Erik Glavich, Director of Growth & Opportunity, presented agenda items 5A1, 2, & 3 together. The City is partnering with L+M Development Partners to renovate Beacon Heights; a residential community located on Ardmore Trail and just south of Unity Gardens. Built in the 1940s, the property includes approximately 174 apartment units and has not undergone significant renovations since its original construction. This project represents a major investment in preserving and improving quality, affordable housing for current and future residents. The development includes upgrades to apartment units, community spaces, and other site amenities that need substantial rehabilitation. L+M plans to purchase the property and anticipate closing by the end of July. The project has already received a 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award, making local support an important component of the overall financing package. As discussed at the previous meeting, a list of planned improvements has been provided. Sophie Cohen from L+M is available to answer any project-specific questions. Today, staff are requesting approval of two items. First, approval of a development agreement providing up to $1.25 million in project assistance through a forgivable loan. As with previous forgivable loan agreements, the approval process requires authorization by the Redevelopment Commission, the Economic Development Commission, the Common Council, and final approval by the Redevelopment Commission. Second, staff is requesting approval of Resolution No. 3675, which authorizes the use of those funds in the form of a forgivable loan. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 Page | 3 President Relos asked about the timeline for completion of this project and Sophie Cohen with L+M Development Partners responded 2027. Commissioner Gooden-Rodges inquired about when the meeting with the residents will take place, Ms. Cohen responded July 23, 2026. In addition, following the anticipated closing, L&M plans to host a community clean-up and barbecue in early August, tentatively during the second week of the month. This event will provide residents with an opportunity to meet the development team, build relationships with project staff, and share any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding the community and the upcoming improvements. Vice President White asked, “have any residents expressed concerns about the project or what may happen moving forward”? Mr. Glavich responded, at this time, that neither the City nor L+M has received significant concerns from residents regarding the project. While there have been some comments on social media, no substantial negative feedback has been reported through formal channels. Overall, community response has been positive, and residents appear encouraged by the level of investment being made in the Beacon Heights neighborhood and the improvements planned for the property. President Relos asked about how many units are vacant. Ms. Cohen stated 16 total and will be used for hospitality units and will be the first to be renovated. Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by David Relos, the motion carried with Secretary Wax abstaining; the Commission approved the Agreement as presented on July 9, 2026. 2. Public Hearing on Additional Appropriation (Beacon Heights) A notice was published in Gateway/DLGF on June 26, 2026, regarding the public hearing on Additional Appropriation (Beacon Heights). A public hearing on Additional Appropriation for Beacon Heights was opened for public comment. No comments were made. The public hearing was then closed. 3. Resolution No. 3675 Appropriating Certain Funds in Connection with a Direct Loan to the Developer of an Economic Development Facility (Beacon Heights) Upon a motion by Karen White for approval, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried with Secretary Wax abstaining; the CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 Page | 4 Commission approved Resolution No. 3675 as presented on July 9, 2026. 4. Public Hearing on Proposed Lease with South Bend Redevelopment Authority (Redevelopment Authority Lease Rental Revenue Bonds, Series 2026) A notice was published in the South Bend Tribune on June 26, 2026, regarding the public hearing on Proposed Lease with South Bend Redevelopment Authority (Redevelopment Authority Lease Rental Revenue Bonds, Series 2026). A public hearing on Proposed Lease with South Bend Redevelopment Authority for the Redevelopment Authority Lease Rental Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, was opened for public comment. No comments were made. The public hearing was then closed. 5. Resolution No. 3676 Authorizing the Execution of a Lease Between the South Bend Redevelopment Authority and the South Bend Redevelopment Commission and all Matters Related Thereto (Redevelopment Authority Lease Rental Revenue Bonds, Series 2026) Erik Glavich, Director of Growth & Opportunity, presented items 5A4 & 5 together. This resolution authorizes the execution of a lease agreement between the South Bend Redevelopment Commission and the South Bend Redevelopment Authority for the purpose of issuing bonds. The Redevelopment Authority would serve as the bond issuer, and this agreement establishes the legal framework necessary to facilitate that issuance. At the previous meeting, Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, reviewed the proposed projects in detail. The projects identified for funding through this bond total approximately $24 million and are focused on improvements that will benefit residents on the City’s west side. These investments include significant community- focused projects that will enhance amenities and services available to residents. For example, funding would support the development of the Rum Village Neighborhood Center, a need that was identified through community engagement, as the neighborhood currently lacks a dedicated community center. We are excited about the impact these projects will have on west side neighborhoods and the opportunities they will create for residents. President Relos asked about the timeline and terms of the lease. Tom Everett with Barnes & Thornburg, explained the lease agreement between the Redevelopment Commission and the Redevelopment CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 Page | 5 Authority would have a maximum term of 19 years. While the current expectation is that the bonds will be issued with an approximate 15-year term, the 19-year lease provides flexibility and establishes the maximum allowable duration for the agreement. Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved Resolution No. 3676 as presented on July 9, 2026. 6. Non-Exclusive Utility Easement Agreement (ChoiceLight, Inc., Sample Street) Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented a proposed non-exclusive utility easement agreement between the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) and ChoiceLight, Inc. The easement would be located along Sample Street and extend across four RDC-owned parcels in the northern portion of Ignition Park; the Certified Technology Park located just south of downtown South Bend. The proposed easement would consist of a five-foot-wide utility corridor extending approximately 1,800 feet along the northern edge of the parcels adjacent to Sample Street. The easement would connect to ChoiceLight’s fiber hut, which is located on property previously sold by the RDC for the expansion of fiber and internet infrastructure. Under the terms of the agreement, the easement would be used exclusively for fiber utility infrastructure. ChoiceLight, Inc. would be responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of all associated fiber lines and equipment. The company would also be required to restore any portions of Sample Street or the impacted parcels disturbed during construction and replace any trees removed as part of the installation process. The agreement also permits the installation of an Elkhart County Network fiber line within the duct bank, consistent with ChoiceLight’s role in managing that network. In addition, the Redevelopment Commission would retain the authority to require the relocation of the fiber infrastructure, with appropriate written notice, should future redevelopment projects, utility improvements, or right-of-way expansions necessitate such a change. Vice President White, inquired about a timeline and the impact on traffic. Regina Emberton, CEO of ChoiceLight, Inc., explained that the project will utilize boring underground, similar to other utility installations, with work performed by a subcontractor. Because construction will occur within the easement area adjacent to the CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 Page | 6 sidewalk, no lane closures or significant traffic impacts are anticipated, and impacts to existing trees are expected to be minimal. Construction is expected to take only a few days, potentially up to one week. Ms. Emberton noted that ChoiceLight has maintained a long-standing partnership with the City of South Bend, providing and managing fiber infrastructure since the mid-2000s. While utility projects are typically constructed within public rights-of-way, using the easement along Sample Street—a state road—will minimize traffic disruptions and simplify construction. The new fiber line will connect ChoiceLight’s fiber hut to key facilities, including the Union Station and Analytics data centers, replacing aging infrastructure along Sample Street and creating additional network redundancy. The improvements will strengthen connectivity, enhance reliability, and support economic development by providing businesses and internet service providers with additional routing options throughout the fiber network. Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, seconded by Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Agreement as presented on July 9, 2026. 6. Progress Reports A. Tax Abatement None B. Common Council None C. Other Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, gave an update on the following. • Lafayette Building, we received the initial structural assessment, and the report identifies potential options for the future of the building which City staff are currently reviewing. 7. Next Commission Meeting Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m., City Hall Council Chambers 3rd Floor CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 9, 2026 Page | 7 8. Adjournment Thursday, July 9, 2026, 9:53 a.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ Eli Wax, Secretary David Relos, President City of South Bend Department of Administration & Finance Claims Allowance Request To:South Bend Redevelopment Commission From:Kyle Willis, City Controller Date:Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Pursuant to Indiana Code 36-4-8-7, I have audited and certified the attached claims and submit them for allowance in the following amounts: GBLN-0138128 $600.00 GBLN-0138446 $1,583,080.34 GBLN-0138869 $764,908.76 Total:$2,348,589.10 _______________________________ Kyle Willis The attached claims described above were allowed in the following total amount at a public meeting on the date stated below: South Bend Redevelopment Commission By:_______________________________ Name: Date: Attest:_______________________________ Name: Expenditure approval RDC Payments-May 2026 Wires GBLN-0138128 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00001743 Wire-Total RDCP-00049215 5/27/2026 Name US BANK Invoice# Line description Due date 7758215 US Bank Admin fees 5/27/2026 Invoice amount Financial dimensions 324-10-102-121-438300- $600.00 DS0169- Purchase order Expenditure approval RDC Payments-6/16/26 Pymt Run GBLN-0138446 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000007 V-00000007 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000019 V-00000019 V-00000019 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000045 CHK-Total RDCP-00049024 6/16/2026 Name 466 WORKS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 466 WORKS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACH-Total RDCP-00049025 6/16/2026 Name ABONMARCHE CONSULTANTS OF IN ABONMARCHE CONSULTANTS OF IN ABONMARCHE CONSULTANTS OF IN CHK-Total RDCP-00049026 6/16/2026 Name AEP Invoice# DRAW#6 DRAW#6 Invoice# 163558 163558 164095 Invoice# 170216247511 Line description Due date Economic Development -Loan Agreement Draw #1 5/31/2026 Economic Development -Loan Agreement -Draws 5/31/2026 Line description Due date Potawatomi Ph 2 Design 5/15/2026 Potawatomi Amendment #1 5/15/2026 Potawatomi Ph 2 Design 6/19/2026 Line description Due date River Glen Meter Relocation -AEP 6/28/2026 Invoice amount Financial dimensions 430-10-102-121-444000-- $86,667.00 PROJ00000555 430-10-102-121-444000-- $377,333.00 PROJ00000555 Invoice amount Financial dimensions 429-10-102-121-431002-- $8,550.00 PROJ00000683 429-10-102-121-431002-- $9,400.00 PROJ00000683 429-10-102-121-431002-- $22,100.00 PROJ00000683 Invoice amount Financial dimensions 324-10-102-121-431002-- $4,014.35 PROJ00000758 Purchase order PO-0034689 PO-0034689 Purchase order PO-0041079 PO-0041079 PO-0041079 Purchase order PO-0044191 Expenditure approval RDC Payments-6/23/26 Pymt Run GBLN-0138869 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000019 V-00000019 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000200 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000472 V-00000472 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: ACH-Total RDCP-00049415 6/23/2026 Name ABONMARCHE CONSULTANTS OF IN ABONMARCHE CONSULTANTS OF IN ACH-Total RDCP-00049416 6/23/2026 Invoice# 164221 164222 Name Invoice # Egis BLN USA, Inc. 85045 CHK-Total RDCP-00049417 6/23/2026 Name DLZ IN DIANA LLC DLZ IN DIANA LLC CHK-Total RDCP-00049418 6/23/2026 Invoice# 610247 R000610132 Line description Rabbi Shulman Demolition PSA Abonmarche Design Services Amendment # 3 Line description Engineering Services Line description 10% site design Studebaker HVAC Design Due date 6/27/2026 6/27/2026 Due date 7/3/2026 Due date 6/27/2026 7/1/2026 Invoice amount Financial dimensions $1,500.00 $500.00 324-10-102-121-444000-­ PROJ00000440 430-10-102-121-431002-­ PROJ00000623 Invoice amount Financial dimensions 324-10-102-121-431002-- $10,337.50 PROJ00000696 Invoice amount Financial dimensions 429-10-102-121-431000-- $20,100.00 $12,075.00 PROJ00000733 324-10-102-121-431 OOO-­ PROJ00000744 Purchase order PO-0037945 PO-0039235 Purchase order PO-0041362 Purchase order PO-0042716 PO-0042714 V-00008094 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00015930 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00016270 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: Vendor# V-00000280 V-00000280 Payment method: Voucher: Payment date: LYFT, Inc CHK-Total RDCP-00049423 6/23/2026 Name F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Inc. CHK-Total RDCP-00049424 6/23/2026 Name Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc CHK-Total RDCP-00049425 6/23/2026 Name C&E EXCAVATING INC C&E EXCAVATING INC ACH-Total RDCP-00049426 6/23/2026 1001242483 Invoice# APP #6 Invoice# 273597 Invoice# APP #2 APP #3 Lyft Pass -ND/Senior1 Care 2025 Line description Amendment#1 -CMc amendment -early release foundation work Line description Howard Park Bandshell Preliminary Design PSA Line description South wellfield Watermain South wellfield Watermain 6/30/2026 Due date 6/28/2026 Due date 7/3/2026 Due date 7/2/2026 7/2/2026 $1,933.20 433-10-102-123-439300-­ PROJ00000383 Invoice amount Financial dimensions $505,426.17 Invoice amount $17,883.04 Invoice amount $15,401.62 $70,420.00 457-10-101-121-443001-­ PROJ00000583 Financial dimensions 429-10-102-121-431002-- PROJ00000652 Financial dimensions 430-10-102-121-444000-- 430-10-102-121-444000-- PO-0042550 Purchase order PO-0037917 Purchase order PO-0043380 Purchase order South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE : 7/17/2026 FROM: Joseph Molnar Deputy Director, Department of Community Investment SUBJECT: Beacon Resource Center Budget Request 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: Budget Request to support Beacon Resource Center Property Improvements $50,0000 SPECIFICS: The Beacon Resource Center (The Beacon) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transformation of South Bend’s west side. The Beacon is a shared community space in a renovated bowling alley at 4210 Lincoln Way West. The Beacon houses several community partners that offer weekly academic, recreational, and mentoring programs. Some of those programs include the Police Athletic League, SBCSC Adult Education, South Bend Co-Op, and the South Bend Roller Derby among others. The Beacon Resource Group has completed a capital campaign to renovate the building and replace the roof. The proposed $50,000 from the RDC General Fund will be contributed towards the cost of replacing the roof. This investment will ensure that The Beacon can remain and expand as a community resource for the west side and entire South Bend community. Staff recommends approval. ______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________ _______ _ Date: _____________ _______ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE : July 17, 2026 FROM: Lidya Abreha Project Engineer SUBJECT: Budget Request- Howard Park Bandshell Design 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: This request is for $300,000 to complete the remaining design services for the Howard Park Bandshell project. SPECIFICS: The $300,000 requested will support the full design of the Howard Park Bandshell, a state-of-the-art covered, open-air performance venue intended to attract regional visitors through diverse music, entertainment, and theatrical programming. Since the initial $250,000 design funding approval by the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) in March 2026, the City has secured an additional $3 million in READI grant funding and $250,000 through the TCIF grant program. Project progress to date includes completion of the 10% preliminary design package, authorization and ongoing development of 40% design phase. Staff requests that the Redevelopment Commission approve $300,000 from River East Residential TIF to cover the remainder of the design costs. Staff recommends approval. ______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________ ________Secretary Date: _____________ _______ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE : 7/17/2026 FROM: Joseph Molnar Deputy Director, Department of Community Investment SUBJECT: State Theater RFP Staff Recommendation 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: Staff Recommendation regarding the State Theater RFP SPECIFICS: On December 11, 2025, the Redevelopment Commission (“RDC”) approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the State Theatre that outlined the desire to have the building completely rehabilitated with a Public-Private partnership component. Four submissions were opened on April 9, 2026 and have been reviewed by staff. Staff will make a formal recommendation on a path forward for the State Theater based upon the four submissions at the July 23, 2026, RDC meeting. ______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________ _______ _ Date: _____________ _______ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION South Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item DATE : 7/17/2026 FROM: Joseph Molnar Deputy Director, Department of Community Investment SUBJECT: TRC Rent Budget Request 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: $285,000 Budget Request for rent for the South Bend Technology Resource Center SPECIFICS: For a number of years, the City of South Bend has leased space in Ignition Park and established the South Bend Technology Resource Center. This space serves as a dual purpose of serving as space for City staff as well as a community resource center. Community space is available to book by the public for community meetings and other community activities. Two large community spaces are available for booking as well as individual rooms. Some events held at the TRC include Non-Profit Lunch & Learns, neighborhood planning meetings, the Neighborhood Consortium, Mayor’s Night Out, and others. This budget request will provide funding to continue leasing this space for the betterment of the community. ______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres ATTEST: __________ _______ _ Date: _____________ _______ APPROVED Not Approved SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION