Ribbon cutting for "Western Avenue Streetscape Project" Tuesday
SOUTH BEND, Ind.-Those living and working along Western Avenue in South Bend can say goodbye to detours and orange cones. Today, city leaders will cut the ribbon on the second phase of the Western Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project.
Phase 1 was completed in 2015 between the areas of Dundee Street and Bendix Drive. Phase 2 is focused on the areas between Olive Street and Bendix.
“Businesses have been starting up and the city sees that they are getting money in return so they can fix the streets and sidewalks,” said Sam Centellas, Executive Director of La Casa de Amistad. “It’s a win-win, so the city will re-invest.”
Updates include new curbs, more trees and lights, paved roads and larger sidewalks.
Construction began in June and although some small businesses saw less traffic, many are excited that the area got a much needed facelift.
“Right now, we are getting busy and expect more people,” said Nancy Felton who works at Bonita’s Boutique.
The ribbon cutting will take place at 12 P.M. with Mayor Pete Buttigieg and fellow city leaders.
A “West Side Wednesday” event will take place on Wednesday, November 8th to celebrate the end of construction at Chico’s from 11 A.M.-2 P.M.
Community leaders say expanding the area brings in more people and opportunities to host events.
“We started things like West Side Wednesday as a way to get businesses to be able to show off what they do,” Centellas said. “It’s a destination now for South Bend.”