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various programs. We should be a lead player in this initiative which will improve the quality of <br />life in our community by making access to the arts more universal. It will touch lives with the <br />beauty and the inspiration that only the arts can provide. <br />Economic Development <br />It is also important for us to continue to provide development opportunities in a planned <br />and orderly manner at the edge of town. Our challenge is to ensure that growth is planned wisely <br />and carried out effectively. One section of the city that has grown successfully is the Blackthorn <br />development area. Last year was the tenth <br />anniversary of Blackthorn Golf Club a key anchor for <br />the area. Since 1991, we have seen almost a half <br />billion dollars of investment in the area. This <br />includes $14.4 million in public investment in 2004. <br />Every dollar of public investment has resulted in $6 in <br />private investment. This public-private teamwork has <br />resulted 3,000 new jobs, and 8,000 jobs retained Today, the area includes 400 businesses <br />utilizing 4,000 acres in 11 industrial and corporate parks. United Fixtures is bringing new life to <br />the former Aacuride Building. FiServe has relocated into the Trinity Building. And companies <br />like Federal Mogul and The Woodwind and The Brasswind continue to grow. Blackthorn. has <br />been a great asset to the City. Because of its location we expect continued growth, but we are <br />also excited about the new development nearby. The Villas at Lake Blackthorn provide a great <br />complement to the variety of housing iri South Bend. And we are pleased to work with Holladay <br />Corporation as it creates plans for a mixed use development on the Waggoner Farm site. <br />On the south side, retail <br />prospects look bright as construction <br />continues at Erskine Village (formerly <br />Scottsdale Mall). Target and Hacienda <br />are doing banner business and Kohl's <br />will be a welcome addition to the mix. <br />Construction should begin soon for the anchor tenants at Erskine Commons at the corner of <br />Michigan and Ireland. We will make road improvements to Michigan and Ireland to support this <br />A-36 <br />