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• • • 0. MADISON CENTER and HOSPITAL October 21, 1996 Julia Delorian 701 Riverside Drive South Bend, IN 46601 ON THE RACE 403 EAST MADISON STREET SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46617 219/234-0061 FAX: 219/288-5047 Dear Ms. Delorian: � C� Thank you for writing to express tr perspective regarding our new building and property along the St. Joseph River. Through this letter to you I will respond to concerns you and others who reside on Riverside Drive have expressed by letter, phone or in person. First of all, as long-time residents on the west bank of the river, I'm sure that you most likely recall that almost 20 years ago, Madison Center acquired its original property here on the river. For the past few years, due to the growth of the organization, we have also acquired most of the east bank river front property, as well as some across Niles Avenue to the east. I hope you remember, too, the noise and lights of the old ice house and meat packing distribution firm, which were located on the properties we acquired. I remember them well with the noisy compressors, generators, and other equipment. I recall delivery trucks through the night. I recall very bright security lighting. Fortunately, these businesses ceased operation and for many years we worried about the dangerous abandoned buildings and the contamination of the property itself. Madison Center purchased these properties, demolished and removed the buildings and equipment, and, where necessary, dug up underground fuel tanks. Where the ground itself had been contaminated by hazardous waste, the soil was removed and replaced. All of these things were done under inspection with local and state agencies. You see, we, too, are interested in the environment. As you watched construction of Madison Center for Children, I wonder if you observed our workers removing huge chunks of asphalt and concrete, which had been dumped on the property and riverbank. At times, we cleared all the way to the water, removing parts of appliances, cars and other junk. We did this to safeguard the natural beauty of the river for the future. While I'm on the subject of the environment, let me mention that for the past three years, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, the City of South Bend and Michiana Steelheaders, we have sponsored the Million Dollar Salmon Run, an event designed to promote the river and its value to all of us. This promotion includes distribution of educational materials to grade school students in the area. Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations