Jaunted

I have family who lives in South Bend, Indiana and I've spent a considerable amount of time there (and in the airport). It doesn't really sound like the author knows where he's writing about. It's a horribly written "article" - condescending, unprofessional. But who knows, is the person required to be professional in the business of blogging? Forgive me but I was enticed to read the "article" because of my tie to the city, yet found myself irked by pompous jabs to the poor place from someone who has clearly never been there.

A small town? The mayor could only dream. Yeah it's no NYC, but with a nearly half million person metro area, I'd hardly call it a "small town." The "article" makes it sound like the only people traveling in and out are students. Generally, most people I fly into South Bend with are wearing business suits and carrying briefcases, the airport seems to largely available to service its regional business sector rather than the student population.
College town? Notre Dame and Indiana University kids wish. My sister, who is a professor claims students often wish they could bask in some sort of college-town-like bar strip. Instead, they are inundated by a somewhat pricey main street with shops, museums, bars, and restaurants more well-suited for professionals, or at least for people who can afford to go out even when it's not $1 beer night. Last time we were in town we dined at a gorgeous jazz club only after attending a concert put on by the acclaimed South Bend Symphony Orchestra.

And what is Shipshewana? I've never been or heard of that thing or place. Flea market? Hmm. No, never been there. But I have been to their gorgeous, sustainable farmer's market located right near downtown alongside the river, great apples! Oh and speaking of the river, I had a great time whitewater rafting down their extremely beautiful course last summer - can't say I stayed anywhere near dry but it was a memorable time none the less.

You make this place sound like no one intelligent could ever live there let alone god-forbid plan a successful, necessary plan to revitalize an important part of the city's future economic success.

I want to leave the writer with a list of condescending, unprofessional words or phrases of which he/she wrote in this post:

Indiana Airport Getting Too Big for Its Britches
puny terminal
small town dead in the middle
currently loses
Except for the university and the town's proximity to the Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market
South Bend doesn't get much national play
we hope they aren't putting their money on hosting midwest airlines
After all, even Gary, Indiana's airport failed during the days when it hosted the old Hooters Airline
Hopefully all that South Bend needs are more hydration options beyond vending machines, shiny new elevators and natural light.
Flying through SBN soon? Watch out for the extra ticket taxes and airport fees implemented to support this project.

Hello ciji8, Thank you for reading. I would like to address your comment accusing me of not knowing South Bend or the airport. In fact, I hail from the area and have spent considerable time in South Bend and have traveled through the airport in question. Also, Shipshewana is an internationally-known Amish auction town, less than an hour's drive from South Bend; all locals should know of it. Also, it is very true that South Bend doesn't get many mentions at all in the press, so discussing expansion plans for its airport, is, I would think, better than nothing.