River Park West Neighborhood (RPWN) is on the western edge of River Park, just west of IUSB, and bounded by Esther, Hildreth, Twyckenham and Mishawaka Avenue.  We are an official committee of the River Park Neighborhood Association.

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In August 2010, IUSB threatened to tear down 50 homes and put in gravel parking lots.  Since this action would severely affect the neighborhood and property values, neighbors organized and RPWN began.  Our long time focus, since the late 1980’s, had been to try to communicate with IUSB for the betterment of the shared neighborhood.  With support from RPNA, former State Senator John Broden, media, and others, IUSB finally began to hear us. 

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At a public forum convened by IUSB on November 10, 2010, we met Tom Morrison, IU VP of Capital Projects & Facilities who unveiled plans for a "parking park" to replace the 50 IU owned homes that would be torn down.  He told us IU committed to communication and transparency with neighbors, stated they would not use “eminent domain” to acquire properties, and invited our participation and input in the process – which happened 100%.  We met Ken Baierl, Director of Communications and Marketing, and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor, who was our main contact until his retirement December 2019.  We met Chancellor Dr. Susan Elrod after her July 2019 arrival, and she committed to continued communication and being a good neighbor.  Andy Williams, VC for Administration and Finance, has been our contact since September 2022.

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We have worked with the City of South Bend for help with traffic and other issues directly resulting from the parking lot project.  Stop signs, a new street light, and 25mph signs on Hildreth Street have been installed.  We continue to work with the COSB on remaining traffic, parking, alley, and lighting issues still lingering as a result of IUSB’s expansion.

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RPWN goals are to ensure IUSB property maintenance in RPWN area of campus, to keep abreast of university expansion plans, maintain residential and business property values, and general neighborhood good will and open communication.