12-07-2007 City’s strategy will fuel new growth on the west side

Home Browse Search

The city's Department of Community and Economic Development has outlined a strategy for using resources generated by the Airport TIF. While it lists more than three dozen potential activities, the department's interim director, Jeff Gibney, says the projects still are being evaluated with a greater priority given to new economic opportunities over routine infrastructure maintenance that lacks contiguous development. "2008 could be an enormous year for downtown and a big year for the airport industrial parks," Gibney said. "Every time we think we have a working plan in place, a developer approaches us with a new and exciting possibility." At this time, activities being considered for the next three-year period include: Airport Economic Development Area: • City support for American Electric Power's new westside power line along with street improvements along Western Avenue. • Planning, possible site acquisition and infrastructure improvements in LaSalle Square along with support for a new family practice center in a renovated facility on Bendix Drive that would be a joint venture of Memorial Hospital of South Bend and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. • Infrastructure work to support Portage Prairie, a$378-million mixed-use development that includes housing and destination retail. Projects under consideration include study, design and property acquisition to extend Amen Road; extending sewer and water services; and an impact study and preliminary design for a new U.S. 31 interchange at Amen Road. • Acquisition and demolition of Underground Pipe and Valve, the last facility scheduled for demolition in the former Studebaker Corridor. • Road design, sewer and water engineering and an entrance road for a regional fire and safety training facility near the airport. • Updating the Airport 2010 Master Plan, including an employment survey and development of strategies for future expansion. • Capital improvements at the Blackthorn Golf Course, including expansion of the clubhouse and improvements for bunkers. • Marketing of the Blackthorn Corporate Park in conjunction with Grubb & EllislCressy & Everett. • A variety of possible road improvements, including for Bendix Drive, Clocktower Lane, Champion Drive, Commerce Drive, Dylan Drive, Eagle Way, Foundation Drive, Lincolnway West, Nimtz Parkway, Olive Road and Voorde Drive. Downtown: The city's three-year downtown strategy was announced previously. ht tp://www.southbeurliu.gov/docs/News 081707 DTStrategy.pdf But already several new opportunities have presented themselves as additional possibilities: • Support for expanded parking and a new fagade as WNIT-TV Public Television renovates the WSBT facility. • Acquisition of a downtown parking lot to facilitate conversion of an older office building into condominiums. • Support for the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County's Art in Public Places initiative. • A commercial/residential mixed-use project at Hill Street and Colfax Avenue. 2