The South Bend Common Council has voted unanimously to adopt the Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan.

After months of public engagement to gauge residents’ requests for the neighborhood, home repairs, affordable housing, street lighting and public space revitalization all came on top.

Goals for the neighborhood include walkable streets, improved aesthetics, accessibility to public transportation and local businesses.

ABC 57 News reports that other specifics include revitalizing Lincoln Way West, adding a pool and other amenities to Kennedy Park, and improving the M-L-K Jr. Community Center.

They also plan to have Linden Avenue developed with a “main street” feel.

City Councilman Henry Davis Jr. says while he fully supports the plan for Kennedy Park, he’s still concerned about the need for affordable housing in the 2nd District and says if it isn’t addressed, growth in the district will be slow to come. With that, he says raising taxes is a huge mistake that could cause, yet, another crisis for the area. You can read his full statement below:

“I fully support the proposed plan for Kennedy Park. The residents of the 2nd District deserve a plan for future growth. It is highly necessary to chart out a course for growth; however, growth will come through affordable housing. I am certain that if Bill# 49-22 passes, we can assure slower growth in this community. It is difficult to believe that we are considering raising taxes while we are coming out of a pandemic and after a school referendum. The Mueller administration could be causing another housing crisis for our local area. This is an oncoming train wreck for the next 20 years.” – Henry Davis Jr.