South Bend unveils name for new nanotechnology park
South Bend unveils name for new nanotechnology park Save Email Print
Posted: 6:46 PM Jan 5, 2009
 Last Updated: 7:49 PM Jan 5, 2009
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Monday afternoon, the city of South Bend unveiled the name for its new 84-acre nanotechnology park on Sample Street.

"Ignition Park" was officially introduced to the community.

The Mayor says the name reflects South Bend's automotive and entrepreneurial past, but also takes the city into an innovative future.

About 250 community members submitted name ideas, but in the end, they brain-stormed together to come up with ignition park.

"All of these entries really got creative juices flowing among the core group of people making the final decision and it was really a process of back and forth, throwing some new names on the table, letting the creative juices work and ignition park felt right," explains Mayor Luecke.

Ignition Park is funded by the city, state, Notre Dame and other partnering universities.

Innovative Park, just south of Notre Dame, is Ignition Park's sister site.
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Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Is it really true that when local constituents try to contact THEIR mayor who works for THEM, they are brushed off with a statement like "That is not going to happen" ???? Where is the outrage? I understand that the mayor of a small/mid-sized city might not have time to talk to everyone who wants to bend his ear, but it seems like Stevie-boy refuses to answer to ANYONE about the state of his decrepit city. Maybe he fears looking like an idiot if he's not reading a prepared speech; if so I have news for him: That cat's already out of the bag!
Posted by: citizen Location: S.Bend on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Thank you Bookkeeper. Well, that explains more than I realized. Now I know why the controller stated the Gov. really doesn't know our day to day expenses(when the $45 million came about to the open).This is an issue a little too close to home for some. This is one sad, sad, city. I do have faith though that there will be changes hopefully in the near future when investigating the "actual need" spending gets looked into. Everyone from this community needs a honest,positive, goal for the future for our children and safety for all, to start this new year. Thank you again for answering me. Have a great day!
Posted by: Bookkeeper Location: Colfax Ave on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:46 AM
QUESTION: "citizen" on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:37 PM asked what DLZ is. ATTEMPT AT A SHORT ANSWER: DLZ is an architectural and engineering firm that specializes in big ticket projects for the private and "public" sectors. They have a piece of virtually any project of significance in St Joe County. DLZ has deep connections with the local political officials. Most obvious is that the controller of South Bend Catherine Fanello is married to the President of DLZ and the the head of the Democratic Party Chairman Butch Morgan is a Vice President of DLZ. Much of the tens of millions of dollars in the recently disclosed funds held by South Bend are slated, one can safely assume, for projects in which DLZ will get generous contracts.
Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:04 AM
It really doesn't matter what they call it. Is it going to do any good for the community. Is it going to bring better people to the area and better jobs? Isn't it funny that Mayor Steve only shows his face on the tube when there is nice stuff to say? We have been trying for at least a month to get to talk to Mayor Steve about what is happening to our community and every time I call---Steve is out-or the ever popular answer from the secretary-that is not going to happen. It is time that Steve is forced to answer-PUBLICLY-and answer all of the questions that are on the minds of the decent people of SOuth Bend!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:34 PM
ROLF....go ahead. we all know Chicago is full of honest hard working politicians who only do what's best for their community. Don't let the door hit ou on your way out....
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:53 PM
You people are something else. Why don't you go live in a third world country and get your negative attitudes out of South Bend. Or are you busy living off unemployment so you have time to sit around and criticize. Please MOVE OUT OF TOWN
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:57 PM
How about "ammunition park"? All the thug activity makes a great advertisment to entice businesses into the area. Way to go Mayor McCheese!
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Thank goodness we didn't trying to come up with a name with only 200 people submitting names. It might not have been this good.
Posted by: citizen Location: S.Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:37 PM
What is DLZ ? just curious.
Posted by: Bookkeeper Location: Colfax Ave on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Two questions: (1) Has anyone seen a dollar figure for South Bend's contribution to "Ignition Park"? (2) What will DLZ's take be on this project?
Posted by: whiner on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:08 PM
It's going to be good for the rich. It won't do anything about the ghetto. Indeed, as the city grows, so will the ghetto; you know, like all cities.
Posted by: ROFL Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:06 PM
LOLOLOLOL...I am moving to Chicago.
Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Hey, Mayor Lackey. Why don't you pull together "the core group of people" and come up with some creative ideas about how to make this cesspool of a city a safer and more economically viable community in which to live.
Posted by: a citizen Location: S.Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:19 PM
The least that the city could have done was to not mention that out of 250 responses for names that"in the end" they came up with the name themselves? Shame on you again Mayor. Why even suggest for the community to participate? Or were all 250 responses like the ones below? and deservingly so. Obviously, Mayor, you are still wearing those stupid rose colored glasses. Have you come up with a good line to explain that 47 million yet? I, amongst many, are waiting to hear just where the money is and how you are, or have already spent it.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:47 PM
On the contrary, Anonymous; all the mayor has been "working hard" on is giving TIF money away to his cronies and political contributors. That, and trying to sell the need for a local income tax increase.
Posted by: Dave Location: Elkhart on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Ignition Park sounds like they are recognizing that arson problems are expected.
Posted by: Shemp Weinberg on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Shemp just peered into his crystal ball and saw this Mikki Dobski media release in 2010: Ignition Park, a vacant 83-acre site, will be converted into the Stephen J. Luecke Municipal Landfill. Mayor Luecke is excited about this visionary project and looks forward to welcoming biohazard waste from throughout the Midwest. A $5,000,000 master plan is being developed by DLZ Associates, according to their Vice President, Butch Morgan. Please call 235-DUMP for further details.
Posted by: Dave Location: Goshen on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:04 PM
None of my business, but my first thought, when I saw him on tv was, what a dumb name announced by your really bad mayor.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:36 AM
ignition park?how bout Packard park,Champion park,Lark park, Avanti park.Techno park,something Studebaker..South Bend Lathe Park.or even jereatric park.LOL
Posted by: Twon Location: Sb on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:35 AM
i wonder how many thugs from the west end will seize upon the opportunity to grab up these high paying nanotech jobs? new tax idea #99: a nanotech tax to pay for additions to the charles martin youth center.
Posted by: Stan Location: Mishawaka on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM
The Mayor's inner circle made the decision because they think they know better than anyone else. Chuck, Jeff, Mickie, Lynn and Gary. Thanks for the stupid name. This inner circle of advisor's is the Mayor's braintrust that has been running the City for too long.
Posted by: Big Dave Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Willie, the people that vote for Luecke, are the ones that are getting dumber and dumber ever year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: Gary Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Darn, I thought they'd use my "Black Hole" or "Rotting Oasis" suggestion!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Downtown on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:25 AM
All you whiners need to give it a rest. This is a great opportunity for South Bend. The Mayor and the City leaders are working hard to bring these nanotech industries to our community. Whatever the name of the place it is a good thing for South Bend.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:13 AM
250 people "brain stormed" with their "creative juices" and came up with the image of a greasy solenoid assembly from an automobile? Ooooookaaaaayyyyyyyyyy. Umm, just off the top o' me head, here - nano park, micro park, gentek park (ok, that's from a movie), servo park, nano machines get into the air and disintegrate all humans in the area park... but apparently the theme was cars; steel belted radial park, gas pedal park, radiator park, spark plug park... Is this facility going to catch on fire, or start up and drive around? Just wonderin'.
Posted by: Kevin Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:05 AM
I live less than a mile away. It should have been named "Keep the shootings out of the press or you will scare the alumni park"
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:42 AM
You have GOT to be kidding me. 250 people with different ideas brainstorming and the "core group" settled on this stupid name??? How many PR people does he have on staff and this is the best they can come up with? Is it just me, or do Little Stevie and his cronies seem to be getting dumber and dumber every day?
Posted by: CityEmployee Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:31 AM
My advice to the mayor . . .just resign already!
Posted by: George Location: South Bend on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Ignition Park sounds dumb. Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue or has any cache. I like Bailey Park better. Ignition? How about Ignorant, Inane, Insipid, Indigestion or Idiotic?
Posted by: LaFonda Location: Falcon St. on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:12 PM
How about Indignation Park? Besides, won't the Ignition and Innovative Park names easily be confused by the vast amounts of capitalists willing to invest money in Luecke's liberal utopia of homelessness, illegals and cornrows? I would have preferred the name the "Mayor Steven J. Luecke Body Count, Decay and Corruption Center. Brought to you by Morgan Industries."
Posted by: JT Location: SB on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:25 PM
I named a big pyle dirty snow after the South Bend Mayor, so can I have my press time. I guess it's suppose to impress someone?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Lets hope it runs once the ignition is cranked!
Posted by: Bookkeeper Location: Colfax Ave on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:54 PM
THIS SOUNDS A BIT LIKE HOW CITY GOVERNMENT USUALLY DOES ITS DECISION-MAKING: "All of these entries really got creative juices flowing among the core group of people making the final decision and it was really a process of back and forth, throwing some new names on the table, letting the creative juices work and ignition park felt right," explains Mayor Luecke. DIDN'T WORK SO WELL ON THE TAX HIKES, but the name turned out OK.
Posted by: Mary Catherine Location: Jefferson on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:48 PM
"Ignition Park" at the Studebaker site. "Innovation Park" at Notre Dame. "Incompetence Park" on the 14th floor of the County-City Building.
Posted by: Martha on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Abso-friggin-lutely nothing from Luecke about the ongoing crime wave, fat budget, aborted tax hike, under-reported fund account, but he trots out to name the nanotechnology park. Reminds me of the schoolkid that brings home the only homework paper with a passing grade for the whole semester and wants a pat on the back.
Posted by: Pete Location: Granger on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Get over yourselves already. I am sure this will cost us more in the long run, just add it to our tax bill. South Bend and St. Joe County are already so unattractive to new business, I don't know what they are hoping. Why not just rename part of the Blackthorn complex there is still plenty of open space out there waiting for industry.
Posted by: Puppy Life Location: Ghetto on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:07 PM
I feel this new park should have been named Shots Fired!! This would have been more appealing for our twenty first city.

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