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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 9, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 7 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />The proposed lease maintains the existing space, with a 36-month term, <br />six months’ termination notice by either party, or an option to renew for <br />two years with 60 days’ notice to the Commission. Rent would be $550 <br />per month beginning November 1, 2026 reflecting prior life-safety <br />improvement delays. Tenant responsibilities include routine <br />maintenance. <br /> <br />Staff also outlined a potential shared capital improvement project to <br />construct a unisex, ADA-compliant restroom, which is necessary for <br />future staffing and expansion. Cost estimates would be jointly reviewed <br />before proceeding. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shaw asked about what arrangements do they currently <br />have for restroom facilities? Ms. Michaels explained that the Library has <br />made accommodations. Commissioner Ellison asked about their funding <br />sources. David Calhoun, Operations Manager at the South Bend Bike <br />Garage stated we have a strong need for on-site restrooms to access <br />even basic handwashing is essential after working on bikes. While the <br />library and our public hours run until 8:00 p.m., staff are often there until <br />9:00 or 9:30 p.m. finishing work, so access to a bathroom would be <br />greatly appreciated. <br /> <br />Regarding funding, we rely primarily on donated bikes that we refurbish <br />and sell to the public, along with parts sales. Annual revenue from bike <br />sales, parts, and service typically ranges from $22,000 to $28,000. Labor <br />is always free; we only charge low, at-cost fees for parts, for example, a <br />bike tube is about $5 installed. As a result, we see heavy demand, <br />especially during our Wednesday public hours from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., <br />when the shop and sidewalk are consistently busy. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by Ophelia <br />Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved the Lease Agreement as presented on April 9, 2026. <br /> <br />5. Budget Request (Improvements of RDC Owned Properties) <br />Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, presented <br />this budget request for improvements to RDC-owned properties, and it <br />relates to the prior discussion. Within the River West TIF district, the <br />RDC owns three buildings with active tenants and lease agreements that <br />require the RDC to make certain improvements over time. <br /> <br />These include the Leighton Building, which houses the YMCA on the first <br />floor, where buildout for the new daycare will begin soon, along with