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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 23, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 5 <br /> <br />Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, explained <br />that the project is funded with South Side TIF revenue, which is <br />generated within the South Side TIF boundary and must be reinvested <br />there in public improvements. <br /> <br />The project differs from typical sidewalk projects because it is intended <br />to improve safety and connectivity rather than benefit adjacent <br />property owners. It connects the Irish Hills residential area to nearby <br />commercial uses and installs sidewalk in a public right-of-way where <br />none previously existed. <br /> <br />While other areas lack sidewalks, this corridor has been identified as a <br />priority due to documented pedestrian safety concerns, including <br />residents walking in the roadway. The area was developed prior to <br />annexation, so sidewalks were not originally required, and there is no <br />anticipated redevelopment that would prompt private construction. <br />Given the safety risks and daily pedestrian use, staff believes public <br />investment is warranted at this time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked, is this the only area on the South <br />Side needing this type of sidewalk improvement, or is this a special case? <br />Mr. Molnar responded, this is one of the few remaining long stretches of <br />roadway without sidewalks where pedestrians are actively walking in <br />the street, creating a clear safety concern. While other areas may be <br />addressed in the future, this location has been prioritized due to daily <br />pedestrian use, traffic conditions, and the lack of any planned <br />redevelopment that would trigger private sidewalk construction. <br />Commissioners Warner, Relos and Wax spoke in favor of the project. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by David Relos, <br />the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget <br />Request as presented on April 23, 2026. <br /> <br />C. Redevelopment General Fund (a.k.a Pokagon-South Bend Fund) <br />1. Budget Request (Annual MACOG Regional Land Bank Funding) <br />Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, provided a <br />brief overview of the newly established Interlocal Regional Land Bank <br />and the RDC’s request for startup funding. The need for a Land Bank <br />stems from a significant population loss between 1960 and 2010, which <br />led to widespread vacancy and blight across South Bend, particularly in <br />certain neighborhoods. <br /> <br />State legislation adopted in 2021 strengthened land banks by expanding <br />their ability to acquire properties through the tax sale process, <br />improving tools to address blighted properties, and requiring counties to