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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 23, 2025 <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />5. 534 Laporte Ave. Disposition (Resolution No. 3653, Bid Specification, <br />Notice of Intended Disposition) <br /> <br />Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented the parcel <br />outlined in red and is located at the corner of N. Walnut and LaPorte <br />Ave., just north of the city cemetery. It measures approximately 0.11 <br />acres and contains a 250 sq. ft. former gas station structure. The <br />Board of Public Works acquired it in 2017, removed all underground <br />gas tanks, and transferred it to the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) <br />in 2023. <br /> <br />For the disposition process: <br />• Minimum bid is set at $5,000, based on two appraisals completed <br />this year. <br />• Bidders must commit to a minimum investment of $20,000 and <br />complete construction within 24 months of closing. <br />• This ensures serious redevelopment interest given the low bid <br />threshold. <br />• Emphasis will be placed on compatibility with the surrounding <br />neighborhood, urban neighborhood flex zoning, and the River West <br />Development Plan. <br />• Bids are due at 9:00 AM on November 13th and will be opened <br />publicly at 9:30 AM that same day. <br /> <br />Ms. Michaels also thanked Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City <br />Attorney, for streamlining this process by creating a resolution that <br />approves the Offering Price, Bid Specifications, and Notice of Intended <br />Disposition with one action from the Commissioners. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked why we are only asking $20,000. Ms. <br />Michaels stated “The proposed $20,000 minimum investment was set <br />to ensure sufficient funding for basic improvements, such as replacing <br />the roof and making exterior upgrades to the small structure on the <br />parcel. The building itself is minimal, containing just one window, one <br />bathroom, and a water heater, so the investment requirement was kept <br />modest but meaningful. To ensure serious redevelopment interest, <br />bidders will be expected to submit a clear plan for use that complies <br />with zoning regulations, and this will be a required part of the bid <br />submission.” <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved Resolution No. 3653, Bid Specification, and Notice of <br />Intended Disposition of Property as presented on October 23, 2025. <br />