HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.D.(3) Staff report~ ~ C~~
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Community & Economic Development .~~~ ~:` ~~`
1200 ~ounly-City 8ulldlnq, 227 West Jefferson, Souih Bend, Indiana 4 6601-1 830 Phone 574/?35-9371 Fax 574/235-9021
To: Redevelopment Commission
From: Nick Witwer, Economic Development Planner
Subject: Staff Report on Viridian Rail Spur
Date: November 4, 2008
The Viridian rail spur was installed by the Industrial Foundation in conjunction with Chicago
South Shore, with the hope that it would open more industrial land to rail served
businesses. This idea never materialized as the tracks have never seen a car North of
Lathrop Avenue. Two years ago the Viridian spur was disconnected by the resurfacing of
Bendix Drive and Lathrop, and serves no purpose today as a viable rail.
The City in it's planning for pedestrian pathways and trail systems has identified the rail
spur as a great right of way for a network of pedestrian paths on the Northwest side of the
City.
It is because of this planning that Staff has been working with South Shore Freight to have
the rail and ties removed at no cost to the Commission or the City, in exchange for the
rights to the easement to use as a pathway to serve as an amenity to the community.
South Shore has already started removing the track and ties, and will leave the ballast,
which will serve as a foundation for a path surface.
This is a great collaboration with South Shore Freight to gain without using tax payers
resources.
What We Do Today Makes A Difference!
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