Redevelopment Commission Minutes 04.09.26 - Signed

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 9, 2026 Page | 10 Vice President Relos asked if this money is for actual work to be done or for the grant match? Mr. Molnar stated it is for work to be done. Andrea Crawford, Director, South Bend Greenway Conservancy, stated that the Greenway project originated from the Near West Side neighborhood planning process in 2020–2021, where residents identified the need for walkable streets, safer traffic, and accessible green space. The concept—adopted by Common Council in 2022—aims to connect existing cultural and community assets through a linear park. The Conservancy was formed as a nonprofit to support fundraising, implementation, and long-term stewardship of The Greenway, with the Green Alley project serving as a key early connection. Megyn Edmonson, Near West Side resident and board member of the South Bend Greenway Conservancy, described the development of “Pearl Park,” a neighborhood green space created over many years through private stewardship, including planting more than 70 trees and establishing long-term partnerships for soil testing, tree care, and maintenance. She emphasized the Conservancy’s experience managing and maintaining privately owned land for public use, the importance of consistent stewardship, and the strong network of community, institutional, and city partners supporting the project. She expressed appreciation to Community Investment and Engineering staff for their continued collaboration and stated that the requested $50,000 match would support the Green Alley node—transforming adjacent vacant lots into green space with pathways, seating, trees, and stormwater features—while advancing a larger, long-term Greenway vision. Also, to ensure the long-term longevity of these green spaces, the Conservancy is working with the Shirley Heinz Land Trust to explore land-banking and ownership models. The intent is to eventually transfer ownership of both Pearl Park and this Green Alley node to the Conservancy as a nonprofit, while thoughtfully addressing details such as insurance and liability. In the interim, the property is covered under the homeowners’ insurance policy. Vice President Relos expressed support for the project but asked about long-term planning and stewardship, noting that some greenway components are privately owned and questioning what happens decades from now when current stewards are no longer involved. In response, Ms. Edmonson explained that this concern led to the formation of the South Bend Greenway Conservancy as a formal nonprofit to protect and manage these strategic privately owned sites over the long term. While most of The Greenway consists of publicly or institutionally owned land, these smaller private parcels are intentionally planned to be placed into