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Mishawaka Avenue Streetscape Beautification Plan – 2007/2008 Update City of South Bend Division of Community Development 27 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS About 9 months ago, when the Mishawaka Avenue Improvement Committee and staff set out on a planning process that resulted in this plan update, they knew the importance of recognizing the emergence of Mishawaka Avenue as a key commercial corridor within the City of South Bend, while maintaining its century old relationship with the River Park Neighborhood. The result is a document that expresses bold solutions new to the corridor and City of South Bend, while also including those that are respectful to the texture of the surrounding River Park neighborhood. This latest planning process also balanced public input and stakeholder opinion in looking forward towards an improved future for the River Park Community. This optimism is fueled by one of the biggest projects to come to the Mishawaka Avenue corridor in decades – the transition of Indiana University South Bend into a residential campus, beginning with the opening of the first phase in Fall 2008. The influx of 400-500 new residents into the River Park Community brings the promise of increased vibrancy and diversity that can only be delivered by a college student population. It’s far from speculation to predict these residents will bring a positive economic and cultural impact to the avenue’s assets and businesses. Ascension to the ranks of a fully fledged commercial corridor will be a tremendous boon for the Avenue in as it brings increased opportunity for resources. This success has been further complemented by a continual private and public investment that has helped improve the physical character of the Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood. Through the Mishawaka Avenue Facade Improvement Matching Grant Program, dozens of businesses have been assisted and have contributed towards making a visual impact. Despite these successes, the revitalization of Mishawaka Avenue remains a long-term proposition. Other pressing issues, including limited parking, crime, and a lack of business recruitment continue to be high priority concerns not spoken to within the plan update. These items can only be effectively addressed in the long term through a continued partnership between the River Park Business Association, River Park Neighborhood Association and City of South Bend. It also should be noted again that the availability of public commercial corridor funds is always subject to change and should be viewed accordingly. As the central thoroughfare within the River Park Neighborhood, the “Avenue” continues to be the home of many vibrant and essential neighborhood businesses, regional assets, and local historic structures. Completing this latest update plan, would result in improvements that will making a lasting impact on the corridor for many years into the future, redefining what the “Avenue” for both long time businesses and first time visitors alike. Photo 26: The "Avenue" has a bright future.