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