07-24-09 Discovery prompts emergency repairs at Island Park

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Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE July 24, 2009 2 p.m. Discovery prompts emergency repairs at Island Park Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, 235-9251 Renovation of Century Center's Island Park has taken a detour after crews discovered cavities in the island's subsoil, prompting the facility's Board of Managers to seek help for emergency repairs from the Redevelopment Commission. After beginning renovation work in June, contractor Gibson-Lewis Inc. noticed evidence that soil in the southern portion of the island had begun to subside. A subsequent investigation by engineers from Lawson-Fisher Associates and Earth Exploration Co. revealed significant voids beneath a C-shaped section of the island's surface concrete, in total as large as an automobile. In addition to supporting the island, the southern end also bolsters the dam spillway, noted Lawson-Fisher, which has guided the City through several projects to stabilize, restore and improve the South Bend Dam. The voids were not in danger of collapsing, but consisted of loose materials and debris - some dating back to the 19~' century -that were settling and would have led to cracks in new amenities if not repaired, said Gary Gilot, president of the Board of Public Works. The Board of Public Works authorized the investigation and serves as agent for the Century Center Board of Managers. Because the Century Center Board of Managers lacks sufficient resources in its bond funds for the work, the Redevelopment Commission today authorized the appropriation of up to $100,000 in tax increment financing revenue from the Central Development Area TIF to pay for the emergency repairs. The amount includes a contingency. The work will include removal of 5 feet of sand to fully reveal the material beneath, which will be compacted and stabilized by the injection of cement grout. The initial