DEAR WAYNEDALE READERS
The Downtown North River Task Force recently held its initial meeting to begin studying opportunities for the development of land just north of the city center and the St. Marys River. The area encompasses the OmniSource property north of the river and alongside its banks between North Harrison and Clinton streets.
We are fortunate to have committed community leaders that are focused on finding the best possible uses to enhance the North River area as a gathering place for residents, visitors and businesses. We are working to retain and gain jobs and bring additional significant private investment to the heart of the city.
Task Force members:
Rick Samek – Co-Chair, Carson Boxberger
Wendy Stein – Co-Chair, Stein Advertising
Bill Bean – Developer Cheri Becker – Invent Tomorrow
Bill Brown – Allen County Commissioner Carol Coen – Fort Wayne Community Schools Board
Jim Cook – Chase Bank
David Corcoran – Identity Alliance
Pat Delaney– Science Central
Tom Didier– City Council
Quinton Dixie – Redevelopment Commission
Julie Donnell – Friends of the Parks
Ben Eisbart – OmniSource
Scott Glaze – Fort Wayne Metals
Tiffany Gooden – Barnes & Thornburg
Josh Harper – CM Sloan
Paula Hughes – Allen County Council
Deb Leonard – Fort Wayne Sports Corp.
Eleanor Marine – Fort Wayne Resident
Tom Niezer – Barrett & McNagny
Mike Packnett – Parkview Health
Tim Pape – City Council
Vince Robinson – Convention and Visitors Bureau Board
Don Schenkel – Tower Bank
Dennis Sutton – Fort Wayne Sports Corp.
Andrew Thomas – NAPA Auto Parts
Dick Waterfield – Waterfield Mortgage
Don Willis – FourthWave
Dan Wire – River Advocate
The study is anticipated to include a comprehensive, inclusive community participation component. It will feature neighborhood input sessions, public brainstorming meetings and charettes, along with opportunities for online involvement. The neighborhood input sessions will be held in mid-May. Communitywide input meetings are slated for mid-June. Meeting dates and times will be made available at www.cityoffortwayne.org.
The City has secured an option agreement with OmniSource for its 29 acres of land north of the St. Marys River, west of Clinton Street, south of the former YWCA property, and east of Harrison Street. This will provide the City with the flexibility to strategically plan for the future in the North River area.
Downtown BlueprintPlus recommended the establishment of a task force to explore the potential of this landmark district and the feasibility of various initiatives. Those include the development of a Youth Sports Complex; expansion of Lawton Park; re-establishment of a street grid; creation of a “Harrison Street North District;” and development of a mixed-use retail area at Clinton and Fourth streets. While all of these options may be considered, the goal of the task force will be to recommend the highest and best use of this property for the long-term benefit of the community.
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