11-20-09 Staff provide update on Coveleski-area planning

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE November 20, 2009 10 a.m. Staff provide update on Coveleski-area planning Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Bill Schalliol, Economic Development Planner, 235-9371 A multi-year strategy envisions an enhanced Coveleski Stadium with stronger pedestrian connections to the core of downtown South Bend via a reoriented centerfield entrance, a park-like surrounding and blocks of mixed-use economic development. After two years of study, a plan for enhancements to Coveleski Regional Stadium, part of a larger economic development strategy for downtown’s southern quadrant, is moving forward into reviews by City officials. The plan came before South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission today, and is scheduled for committee hearings by the South Bend Common Council on Monday. “This project would enhance the stadium facility, create connectivity to the downtown core, create economic-development opportunities and develop a neighborhood around the stadium campus,” said Bill Schalliol, economic development planner with the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development. “This presents a unique opportunity to redefine the ballpark neighborhood. When Coveleski Stadium was first built, properties north and west of the stadium were controlled by others – diminishing the stadium’s visibility, accessibility and connection with the core of downtown.” In the past year, however, the City has acquired nearly 15 acres of contiguous property surrounding the ballpark. Others remain under the ownership of the Gates family, providing planners with the opportunity to marshal large sites for interested commercial and residential developers. -more-