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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 10, 2025 <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />parking garage, and represents $61.5 million in private investment. JC <br />Hart recently closed on the land and is preparing for demolition. <br /> <br />Mr. Bauer also stated that the bid package has either been released or <br />advertised, with bids expected back soon and an award possible by <br />August 12. As for funding, we originally anticipated the READI funds <br />might not fully cover the broader utility needs outlined in the master <br />plan. That still appears to be the case. Additional support, particularly <br />for stormwater and water infrastructure—may be needed from capital <br />development funds. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Ophelia <br />Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved the Budget Request as presented on July 10, 2025. <br /> <br />3. Budget Request (Appropriation for Residential Infrastructure Fund <br />Loan) <br /> <br />Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, stated <br />that this item can be tabled as it was approved two (2) months ago. <br /> <br />B. Redevelopment General Fund (a.k.a Pokagon Fund) <br /> <br />1. Budget Request (La Casa Commissary Kitchen) <br /> <br />Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, presented <br />a proposal to use redevelopment general funds to support the creation <br />of a community commissary kitchen at La Casa de Amistad. The <br />$267,000 project would convert existing commercial kitchen space in <br />La Casa’s community center into a rentable kitchen facility. This <br />commissary kitchen would serve food trucks and vendors needing <br />space for food prep or production—especially timely given the busy <br />summer season with events like Fusion Fest and increased food truck <br />activity on the west side. Partnering with La Casa ensures the space <br />remains affordable, aligning with their nonprofit mission. <br /> <br />Executive Director, Juan Constantino of La Casa de Amistad explained <br />La Casa de Amistad has served the community for over 52 years and <br />relocated to the south side of town four years ago, renovating the <br />former Xavier School of Excellence with a $3.25 million capital <br />investment. The building already had a commercial kitchen and hood <br />system in place, which made it ideal for future use. The center <br />supports Latino, Hispanic, immigrant, and broader community <br />members—welcoming over 13,000 in-person visits and 30,000 calls <br />annually. With census data showing that immigrants account for 89% <br />of the city’s population growth over the past five decades, many are