10-03-08 Commission adopts LaSalle Square redevelopment plan

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE October 3, 2008 11 a.m. Commission adopts LaSalle Square redevelopment plan Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Jeff Vitton, Community Development Planner, 235-9660 A grass-roots vision for LaSalle Square on the city’s northwest side received official endorsement as a strategy of the City of South Bend today when the Redevelopment Commission adopted a LaSalle Square redevelopment plan. Last year, LaSalle Square was incorporated into South Bend’s largest development area. Now, following a five-month planning process involving more than 150 residents, the Redevelopment Commission endorsed a 20-year plan with three overarching goals: 1.Increase LaSalle Square’s economic vitality through the development of appropriate retail businesses, distinctive housing and higher capacity use of nearby industrial areas. 2.Build on LaSalle Square’s strong community base by enhancing existing community functions, introducing new recreational activities and incorporating educational programs. 3.Increase interior and external connectivity by introducing streets, sidewalks and trails within the site; by establishing bus service more closely geared to local needs; and by including significant streetscaping and signage within and immediately adjacent to the site. “These goals are realistic and achievable, and the City backs this plan with $2 million in seed money for public infrastructure and to match substantial outside private investment,” said South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. “At a time when our national economy is suffering and local government itself is threatened by declining revenue, we must continue to make strategic investments to improve economic conditions and raise property values in the inner city.” -more-