DEAR WAYNEDALE READERS
As we work to build a better city, I have announced a call for action to begin several downtown projects. Downtown Fort Wayne serves as a prime location for job creation, business investment, and housing and retail opportunities. Investing in our downtown will make us more competitive for business growth. We are ready to take downtown development to the next level.
You can expect to see the following list of projects either constructed or started within the next five years.
* Mixed-use retail and residential development along with a parking garage at Washington Boulevard and Harrison Street.
* A new hotel north of the Grand Wayne Center along Harrison Street.
* Appoint a task force to further evaluate a downtown mixed-use/baseball stadium complex.
* Pursue a plan for a youth sports complex in the North River area.
* Promote North River area street grid and additional improvements to support private development on the site, the possible future youth sports complex, and the reuse of the historic freight house.
* Convert Wayne and Berry streets in the Central Business District and the two northbound blocks of Calhoun Street from one-way streets to two-way streets.
* Implement traffic calming along east-west and north-south arterial routes.
There have been some changes within my administration. Mark Becker is the new Deputy Mayor. Mark has served as the City’s Director of the Division of Community Development since 2001. Mark served as the City’s Director of Economic Development from 1987-1990.
Mark’s leadership and experience in government and business is excellent preparation for serving as Deputy Mayor. Mark is well respected in the community and will help us achieve our goals of gaining and retaining jobs, being the safest city of our size and building excellent services through teams. Mark’s ability to build consensus has resulted in a clear vision for downtown revitalization and tremendous positive investments at Southtown Centre.
Al Moll is the City’s new Director of Parks and Recreation. Al has served as Deputy Mayor since April 2004. He was Chief of Staff from December 2003-April 2004, and City Controller from January 2003-January 2004. Al’s leadership and business skills will be a tremendous asset for the Parks Department. Fort Wayne is fortunate to have a great parks system. Al will help take the department to the next level to better serve our community. I am confident that Mark and Al will embrace their new duties as we work to build a better city.
Graham Richard
Mayor
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