South Bend council adopts ordinance to vacate alley near 516–520 South Michigan for redevelopment

The South Bend Common Council on March 9 adopted Ordinance 06‑26 to vacate the east‑west alley south of Monroe between 516 and 520 South Michigan to facilitate a private redevelopment project. The council recorded a 9‑0 roll‑call vote at third reading.

The petitioner, Charity Stowe (614 South Saint Joseph Street), told the council she and partners are developing 512–530 South Michigan with two building rehabilitations and two adjacent lots to be converted into a park. “We are developing 512 Through 530 South Michigan Street with 2 building rehabilitations and the 2 empty lots next to them,” Stowe said, adding that the alley vacation would allow the site to accommodate parking, food trucks and improved access.

A staff representative clarified the petitioner’s plan would retain the existing curb cut and that the developer agreed to coordinate with Ballard’s to change through‑traffic behaviors near the site. The committee that reviewed the ordinance met earlier and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the full council.

Doctor Davis moved to approve the committee’s favorable recommendation and President Lee seconded the motion in committee; a roll call in committee recorded nine ayes. At third reading the council again moved and seconded passage and adopted Ordinance 06‑26 by a 9‑0 vote.

The ordinance will be recorded and implemented per city procedures. The petitioner said the vacation will allow expanded parking and event access related to the planned park and rehabilitated buildings.