JOHN CRAWFORD
JOHN CRAWFORD, MD – City Council at-Large Candidate
“Riverfront development funding should proceed quickly”
Hundreds of citizens turned out on a snowy February night to hear the results of the Riverfront Development Study that was commissioned to explore riverfront development in Fort Wayne. Since the presentation of the master plan, enthusiasm remains high. The Legacy Task Force identified this as the top priority for Legacy fund investment.
I believe this is a perfect project for public investment. This is what Legacy funds should be used for – big, bold ventures that would not occur without public investment priming the pump. This leads to excitement and energy that attracts private dollars. Riverfront development can be the next big thing in Fort Wayne and further the city’s transformation that began with expansion of the Grand Wayne Center, the building of Parkview Field, and the current Ash Brokerage project. This growth enhances economic development throughout the city.
The study correctly concluded that the Promenade is the first phase that should be started to seed additional development. This phase will probably require primarily public funds to proceed. We should move with all deliberate speed on this. Land acquisition is likely required; the city should complete this first step so we can begin to seek bids for construction. Funds to pay for the construction of the Promenade can then be secured from Legacy and other public funds, foundation grants, developers and donations. Everyone needs to be on board with this initial phase monetarily to get things moving quickly.
Riverfront Fort Wayne needs to have the “WOW” effect on people. We want young people to be impressed with the energy of a growing downtown with exciting amenities. The quality of place and quality of life are now prime drivers in economic development. Young professionals with skills for the jobs of the future have opportunities to locate in many cities. If we have a vibrant, dynamic downtown, we increase our chance of attracting them to Fort Wayne. Companies with the jobs of the future can also locate in many places. Today, companies with jobs follow people and locate in cities with the workforce they need.
Cities that offer good infrastructure, low taxes, minimal regulations, and an attractive place to live will win the race for the future.
But we must do “WOW” with wisdom. When I voted at City Council to proceed with the Harrison and the ballpark, it was a difficult decision. That endeavor proved key to the downtown momentum we now have. However, many of the contracts and agreements required for those projects could have been crafted better. That experience should guide us in getting riverfront development done with the best value for the citizens.
Let’s move decisively and quickly on riverfront development to keep the enthusiasm and momentum alive. The study is complete, the citizens like the plan, so let’s get on with it without delay.
Publisher’s Note: In the interest of public education of local politics and to encourage voting, The Waynedale News offered all of the candidates in the upcoming primary election the opportunity to share their biography and goals for the office that they are running for. This came with the stipulations that they were not allowed to degrade other candidates or current policy, and they were required a minimum advertising budget for The Waynedale News area. Staying true to our non-bias news and positive outlook, we do not endorse or recommend any of the candidates on this page further than any other candidates running for office. But, these are the candidates wanting to be seen by you. Our recommendation is to use this page as a reference when researching candidates for the upcoming primary election, make educated decisions on who you would like to see in office and most importantly VOTE on November 3rd at your predestinated voting location. More information about the upcoming elections can be found online at www.allencounty.us/election-board.
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