HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.A. Communication from Mayor Luecke1~ _
CITY OF SOUTH BEND
STEPHEN J. LUECKE, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
April 17, 2009
Ms. Marcia Jones, President
Redevelopment Commission
12`'' Floor, County-City Building
South Bend, IN 46601
Dear Marcia:
I have asked the Century Center Board of Managers to remove consideration of the "Sculpture
Park" from its agenda. I appreciate the support that the Redevelopment Commission has provided for this
project through the appropriation of funds. I believe it is a positive initiative that would be beneficial to
Century Center and to the downtown, freshening the grounds and bringing public art to a very visible
location. It would enhance the front entrance of both the Center and the Museum of Art and become a
landmark for South Bend.
However, I also acknowledge that we have not reached consensus on the plan. Furthermore, there
are many in the community who are tightening their belts due to difticult economic times -they wonder
whether this is the right time to make this investment. l have concluded that it is not the right time. As
you know, the funds are proceeds from a bond issue which have not been expended. They can only be
used for capital expenditures which meet the purpose of the bond. I look forward to working with the
Redevelopment Commission to consider other potential uses for the funds.
Many individuals have worked lone and hard on this project. I applaud their effort and commend
their vision. This proposal embodies key principles espoused in City Plan. We should revisit it as the
economy improves. I am committed to working with the Commission, the Board of Managers and the
Museum of Art to find ways to enhance the appearance and visibility of Century Center, which is the
community's gathering place and a great asset for downtown. Thank you for the time and effort that
Commissioners have put into reviewing this proposal.
Sincerely,
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Stephen J. Luecke
Mayor
COUN'T'Y-CITY BUILDING • 227 W. JEFFERSON BOULEVARDS SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46GOi
PFIONE 574/235-9261 • FAx 574/235-9892 • TDD 574/235-5567