Near Northwest Neighborhood Overall Plan

The Near Northwest Neighborhood Overall Plan graphic provides a visual representation of all the findings of the planning process. The intention for this graphic is to provide the viewer with a overall visual understanding of the outcome of the plan but more importantly a visual representation of the priorities for the future of the neighborhood.

1. Riverside Dr. redesign and traffic calming and pedestrian network expansion

2. Portage Ave. neighborhood node, Ward Building rehab potential, and 800 block infill potential

3. Leeper Park Riverside Dr. and Lafayette Blvd. intersection calming

4. Sherman Ave. / Harrison Ave. City target area for infill housing with partnership of area nonprofit community development cooperations

5. Downtown South Bend and Memorial Hospital infill development blocks

6. Lincoln Way West and Marion St. City development block opportunity site

7. Portage Ave. neighborhood node and intersection redesign

8. Pedestrian network expansion along Riverside Dr. up to Leeper Park, potential river crossing to the East Bank Trail

9. Muessel School traffic and circulation calming and pedestrian connection improvement to Muessel Grove Park

10. Coal Line Trail project and connection points to the overall neighborhood and expansion of overall pedestrian network

Important Neighborhood Nodes

Important Intersections and Street Sections for Infrastructure Improvements

Future Expansion Routes for Pedestrian Network

Potential River Crossing for Pedestrian Network

Neighborhood Build-out Scenario Based on Market Potential Study

Important Downtown Vacant Lots for Building Development

Near Northwest Neighborhood Plan Boundary

CoalLineTrail

Muessel to Muessel Connection Improvement

As part of the planning process for the Near Northwest Neighborhood Plan, the City met with representatives from Muessel School to discuss their current operations, future plans, and general observations of the area surrounding the school. From these discussions goals and strategies for action / improvement were developed to address findings:

• The four intersections at the four corners of the school property need to be improved to slow traffic through the school area and increase the safety of students and parents walking to school

• Blaine Ave. within the school block needs to incorporate traffic controls measures to slow traffic and make it easier to parents to dropoff and pick-up students

• Cleveland Ave. within the school block needs to incorporate traffic controls to assist bus drivers during the drop-off and pick-up periods

• The mid-block connection on the east side of the school to staff parking needs to be improved for the safety of staff as they cross Blaine Ave.

• Improve sidewalks and streetscape along California Ave. near the school to improve student access and to contribute to the overall east / west connection for the neighborhood and connection point to the future Coal Line Trail

• Improve sidewalks and streetscape on Vassar Ave. between Muessel Grove Park and Muessel School to create educational opportunities within the park for students and teachers at the school

• Implement traffic controls and pedestrian improvements to create safe crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists using the Coal Line Trail and to slow traffic along Vassar Ave.