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2 <br /> The Commercial Corridor Fagade Improvement Matching Grant Program has had a <br /> profound impact on each of the major City corridors. Since 2002,businesses on Miami St., <br /> Portage Ave., Western Ave., Lincolnway West and Mishawaka Ave. have matched the City's <br /> investment of$760,000 with private investments of over $1,300,000. In 2006 alone, thirty <br /> businesses received matching grants, leading to a total public/private investment of$354,000 in <br /> corridor improvements. <br /> "We are very proud of the work that has already been done to improve the face of our <br /> city," commented Jeff Vitton, Community & Economic Development. Chris Dressel, also from <br /> Community & Economic Development, added, "We will continue to work in cooperation with <br /> City homeowners and business leaders to achieve our goal of South Bend as a vibrant <br /> commercial center and a thriving community." <br /> Mayor Luecke and Council members have also made a major push for neighborhood <br /> improvements. The Residential Enhancement Program has assisted homeowners in targeted <br /> areas make highly visible exterior improvements to their homes. <br /> In the River Park neighborhood, homeowner Ray Norris was able to install vertical steel <br /> board and batten style siding on his home, with help from a Residential Enhancement matching <br /> grant. Mr. Norris is not alone in his desire to upgrade the River Park neighborhood. Since 2002, <br /> over forty of Mr.Norris' neighbors have taken advantage of the Residential Enhancement <br /> program, investing nearly $300,000 in the River Park neighborhood. <br /> Other City neighborhoods have followed suit. The Keller Park,Westside, River Park, <br /> Rum Village, LaSalle Area, Oliver Gateway,Near Westside and Westside Extended <br /> neighborhoods have all benefited from the matching grant program. In total,the program has <br /> granted over $640,000, spurring private residents to invest over $540,000 in neighborhood <br /> enhancement since 2002. <br /> "The Residential Enhancement and Commercial Corridor Improvement programs have <br /> generated over $3.2 million dollars of investment in our neighborhoods and commercial <br /> corridors,"Mayor Luecke said. "The success of these programs represents a true partnership of <br /> government and the citizens of South Bend, working together to improve the city we live in." <br /> For further information regarding the River Park Residential Enhancement Project, home owner <br /> Ray Norris can be contacted at 288-7304. He will be available the rest of the afternoon for <br /> interviews on site. <br /> -30- <br />