The City of Fort Wayne continues to monitor the discussions regarding a new jail for Allen County. We recognize that the current jail will not suffice, and a new state-of-the-art facility needs to be constructed. It’s imperative that the new jail . . .
In the past five years, more than 300 miles of neighborhood street improvements have occurred in the City of Fort Wayne. This year, we’re going to have another tremendous year of infrastructure upgrades in neighborhoods throughout Fort Wayne. A record . . .
I’d like to congratulate the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department for their collaboration on the Partner Officer Program.
The Partner Officer Program began in the three Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation youth . . .
I delivered my 12th State of the City address at the Grand Wayne Center recently. The theme was “Our Future is Now,” with an emphasis on the excitement and revitalization being experienced in downtown, record investments in neighborhood infrastructure . . .
Progress continues on Fort Wayne’s deep rock sewer tunnel project. The deep rock sewer tunnel is a significant portion of the effort to clean Fort Wayne’s rivers and protect neighborhoods from basement back-ups and street flooding. The project . . .
I will deliver my 2019 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. This presentation is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. During my speech, I’ll . . .
I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
One of the most anticipated events of 2019 is the completion of Promenade Park, the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne, located at 202 W. Superior St. The grand opening celebration will . . .
Chief of Police Steve Reed and Holiday Cab joined me recently to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during this holiday season. In its 31st year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from . . .
I hope you take advantage of some of the Parks & Recreation Department’s holiday offerings this year. The Botanical Conservatory’s beautiful gardens are adorned with lights, greenery and holiday cheer. Stop by through January 6 to enjoy the . . .
During their 35 years of service, Crime Stoppers has facilitated the arrest of more than 11,400 criminals using anonymous tips. The non-profit organization offers cash rewards up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and have awarded more than a half-million dollars over the years. Although part of a national organization, it is operated by local citizens with the cooperation of city and county law enforcement, including Fort Wayne and New Haven police departments, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police and the FBI. Crime Stoppers covers ten Indiana counties and three Ohio counties and is funded entirely through donations from the public.
I’m impressed and grateful for the hard work of Crime Stoppers and the group of volunteers who are dedicated to making the program so successful, as well as the businesses and individuals who have provided financial support to fund the cash rewards. It’s critical that we keep our residents safe and Crime Stoppers has played an essential role in maintaining the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in our community.
Applications for the City’s Commercial Façade Grant program are now being accepted for the 2019 construction year. I introduced the Commercial Façade Grant program eleven years ago, which provides local businesses the opportunity to apply for matching grants to improve the exteriors of their buildings. Waynedale businesses have received several façade grants, including the Waynedale News!
Applications are available at www.fwcommunity development.org/facade and are being accepted in the Community Development Offices, Suite 320, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. Questions may be directed to Grants Specialist Lindsey Maksim by calling 311 or emailing Lindsey.Maksim@CityofFortWayne.org. Applications for the grants will be accepted from now through December 14, 2018.
The Commercial Façade Grant program makes funds available to businesses in the core of the city in areas designated as Economic Development Target Areas, or EDTAs. Business corridors along Wells, State, Calhoun and Taylor streets, as well as Broadway, are all located in EDTAs. Through the program, grants are made to business and property owners to help offset the costs of façade renovations, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing, and other enhancements owners want to make to the exterior of their property.
Buildings with a single business are eligible for up to a $20,000 matching grant; buildings or sites with multiple businesses are eligible for up to $40,000. Funding comes from local income tax funds.
Since this program began in 2008, 99 façade improvement projects have been completed or are in the process of being completed, generating a private investment of approximately $5 million.
The website includes a “Get Help Now” button with information about what to do if the victim is in immediate danger, and a “Quick Exit” button which allows users to exit to Google with a single click if their abuser enters the room while they are searching for help. There is also a language support option on the page, which allows the user to choose from 58 languages.
In order to connect victims to the correct agency, based on their personal needs, the website features quick links to resources for domestic and family violence, and rape and sexual assault. There is a page dedicated to creating a safety plan, with information about how to prepare for the possibility of further violence. Much of the website is dedicated to informing victims of their rights and laws in reference to Child Molesting, Domestic Battery, Rape, Sexual Battery, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor and Stalking.
My Commission on Domestic Violence, Rape and Sexual Assault is a critical component to the current and future success of Fort Wayne. The Commission works diligently to provide essential services to individuals in need in our community and this website is one more way to let individuals know that there are resources available to them. Violent crimes of any nature have no place in Fort Wayne and I appreciate and value the work that my Commission is doing to make Fort Wayne the best and safest city possible.
Fort Wayne Street Department crews have started collecting leaves and collections will occur two times in each neighborhood. For curbside leaf pick-up residents should rake leaves to the curb or park strip in front of their home, but not in the street. Leaves should be in the park strip by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the week the leaves are to be collected for your area. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves.
Residents can access daily collection updates at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves. There they will find a neighborhood schedule updated daily, a collection map and general leaf collection information. Residents may also call 427-2603 for daily updates.
If you place your leaves in biodegradable bags, you can schedule a pick-up. The City’s bagged leaf program allows residents to call 311 to schedule a pick-up. The bags should be placed at the curb and will be collected within two business days of the call to 311. This option gives residents the flexibility of having leaves collected at their convenience.
Here are some collection guidelines:
. . .
Current plans call for the new Saturday hours to run through December 15. The Call Center will be closed November 22 – 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Residents are also encouraged to visit www.cityoffortwayne.org and click on the 311 icon to download the 311 mobile app as another way to communicate with the City.
We recently brought our fleet maintenance services operations in-house. By bringing this service in-house, we have direct access to mechanics, improved efficiency, cost reductions and improved reliability. The move is expected to save nearly $350,000 a year.
The new arrangement also allows us to take advantage of federal and state cooperative agreements, which can reduce costs on vehicle parts.
From snow plow trucks to water and sewer maintenance trucks to road paving equipment and police and fire vehicles, our fleet department maintains more than 2,300 pieces of equipment. This equipment is used every day to provide essential services throughout the community.
Having a productive fleet of vehicles is critical to our continued proactive efforts to provide the services that our residents and businesses depend on each day.
It’s important that we keep our vehicles on the road and working in our neighborhoods and major traffic corridors in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
The Fort Wayne Police Department has been awarded a Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grant. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded several million dollars to departments across the country in support of forensic activities.
The Fort Wayne Police Department’s awarded grant will allow for the strategic implementation of improving timeliness and quality of digital forensic services, reducing backlog of evidence by 64.5% in mobile examinations, 58.93% in computer examinations, and 88.27% in video examinations.
The dedicated staff includes three detectives, (two additional detectives to be added in the near future), who have a combined law enforcement experience of 57 years, several of which have been served in our Forensic Laboratory. They are responsible for examining all digital multimedia evidence items for the FWPD, Federal agencies, and other agencies in eleven northeast Indiana counties.
I continue to be encouraged by the proactive efforts of the Fort Wayne Police Department. Being recognized by the federal government to receive this grant will enhance our public safety capabilities and provide additional opportunities for us to make a lasting and meaningful impact to help ensure Fort Wayne is the safest city possible.
The balanced budget places an emphasis on providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods and businesses. The budget also positions Fort Wayne as a leader in job growth, economic development opportunities, a revitalized downtown, strong neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make our community a point of destination to live, work and play.
The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $173 million. This budget does not include Fort Wayne City Utilities, which has its own budget funded by ratepayers.
The following are some highlights of the 2019 budget:
Academy class for the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) to include 25 recruits. In addition, the FWPD plans to hire seven additional officers. The additions will allow the FWPD to have 480 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public.
Academy class for the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) to include 25 recruits. The additions will allow the FWFD to have 363 firefighters protecting the community. In addition, the FWFD plans to purchase two new fire engines.
Continuation of commitment . . .
I encourage family and friends of deployed military personnel to complete an application at www.cityoffortwayne.org/bluestarbanner. Once the applications are reviewed, banners will be made and displayed on light poles along West Jefferson Boulevard from the Time Corners area to Swinney Park. Banners are displayed through November and then removed during the winter months.
The 2018 Fort Wayne Police Department Pink Badge Campaign will run October 1 – 31. The Pink Badge will be available for a $2 donation at local Lassus Handy Dandy Convenience Stores, Fort Wayne Preferred Automotive Group locations, Fire/Police City/County Federal Credit Union locations and Lutheran Health Network gift shops. Individuals who donate $2 or more will receive a Pink Badge cling that can be placed in a vehicle window or office window to proudly display participation in this fundraising effort. Monies raised during the campaign will be distributed equally to both the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer and Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana in order to conduct research and provide needed items to cancer patients. Last year the Pink Badge Campaign raised over $8,000. We hope to top that this year!
This is a good time to offer citizens a friendly reminder that all dogs and cats living within city limits must be registered with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. Registering your pets is easy! You can quickly purchase a registration online, mail in your registration or visit the shelter during normal business hours. An annual pet registration is just $5 for all spayed or neutered pets and free for citizens 62 years and older. Annual registration for unaltered pets is $100. The most affordable option is a lifetime registration for $30 for pets that are spayed or neutered and microchipped. Lifetime pet registrations for citizens 62 years and older is just $5. If your pet is microchipped, be sure all your information is up to date so you can quickly be contacted in case they get loose. Pets must wear their pet registration tags at all times. You can find more information at this link: www.cityoffortwayne.org/permits/register-your-pet.html
Recently, with the support of U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, the Fort Wayne Fire Department was awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $41,364 award will help the department replace a fill station, providing a reliable air supply to the department’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) packs. This new air bottle fill station will ensure that our firefighters continue to have clean breathing air, and will help to decrease firefighter cancer and asbestosis rates.
I’d like to thank Senator Donnelly for providing support toward the protection of our firefighters. Keeping our firefighters safe and healthy, now and in the future, is an important part of our commitment to public safety. The Fort Wayne Fire Department is a critical component of the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in Fort Wayne.
I recently joined Great Lakes Capital and Bradley Company to cut the ribbon to open Skyline Tower, a $42 million mixed-use development in the heart of downtown. Located at 855 Webster St., Skyline Tower rises 12 floors above its downtown neighborhood and features 123 distinctive apartments, as well as 30,000 square feet of commercial space. The first floor is home to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, while the second floor is the regional headquarters of First Merchants Bank.
A unique public-private partnership made Skyline Tower possible. The development was the first to be approved for matching funds through the Regional Cities Initiative, resulting in a $2.8 million investment. Additional support came from the IEDC’s Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CReED) tax credit, federal New Markets Tax Credits, the City of Fort Wayne’s community and economic development arms, and private investment. Old National Bank was the lead financial partner with collaboration from Lake City Bank and Salin Bank. All three of the private lending partners are Indiana owned and operated.
Skyline Tower is a tremendous addition to our growing and thriving downtown and is another example of how we’ve positioned Fort Wayne as a leader in providing live, work, and play opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses.
I joined RTM Ventures recently to announce the language contained in the economic development agreement for the Electric Works project has been agreed to by the development team and the City of Fort Wayne Administration.
Electric Works is a mixed-use district of innovation, energy and culture, developed as a public/private partnership between RTM Ventures and the City of Fort Wayne. A redevelopment and adaptive re-use of the former General Electric campus, Electric Works includes 39 acres, 18 historic buildings and more than 1.2 million square feet of space that will maximize the facility’s density of existing structures and offer a broad array of uses – including innovation/education, residential, commercial, community and hospitality.
I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making with Electric Works as we work together to continue the positive momentum and investments we’re experiencing in Fort Wayne. This is an important next step in the process, and I want to see the project become a reality and succeed. We recognize that successful public-private partnerships are critical to advancing our community and region as a point of destination for job and business growth, strong neighborhoods and quality of amenities that are attractive and unique. My administration, our colleagues in Allen County government, the CIB and RTM have been working diligently for several months and will continue to work in a collective effort to determine the best path to help Electric Works move forward.
Members of the newly formed Public Art Commission were sworn in on August 30 and held their first meeting following the swearing-in ceremony.
Members and the organizations they represent include:
Susan Mendenhall – Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne
Charles Shepard – Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Renata Robinson – Artlink
Tim Parsley – University of Saint Francis School of Creative Arts
John O’Connell – Purdue Fort Wayne School of Visual & Performing Arts
Alec Johnson – Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation
Pam Holocher – City of Fort Wayne Community Development
Theoplis Smith, City Council appointee
Tom Smith, City Council appointee
Nancy Stewart, Mayoral appointee
Randy Strebig, Mayoral appointee
Two practicing artists, Jan Krist Finkbeiner and Rena Bradley, were nominated by Commission members during the first meeting
In March, City Council and I created the Public Art Program, which is overseen by the Public Art Commission. Councilmen Glynn Hines and Tom Freistroffer sponsored the legislation. The Art Commission will commission, review and select art to be displayed in public spaces with the goal to enhance the visual environment and strengthen the positive reputation, brand and stature of Fort Wayne and its neighborhoods.
The Public Art ordinance also created the Public Art Fund, which is overseen by the Commission and used for the creation and placement of public art throughout Fort Wayne. Private grants and donations can be made to the fund, and a Public Art Giveback program has also been established. The giveback program asks developers who receive a Tax Increment Finance incentive from the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission to contribute, from their own funds, an amount equal to one percent of the incentive to the Public Art Fund. The maximum contribution is set at $100,000, and at least 50 percent of the funds must be invested in artwork in City neighborhoods.
At 2.2 miles in length, the trail segments extend from West Fourth Street to just south of West State Boulevard and from just north of State where it branches to the Zoo and Fernhill Avenue. These portions of the Pufferbelly Trail will connect nearly 1,900 residents within a half-mile radius of the trail (1/4 mile on each side) to more than 200 businesses and organizations. The proximity includes the neighborhoods of Spy Run, Bloomingdale, Brookview Civic, Irvington, Five Points and North Franke Park.
Connectivity is highly noticeable along this section of the Pufferbelly Trail. It’s close to 186 commercial businesses and connects to destination points such as Science Central, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Foellinger Theatre, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, the SportOne Parkview Icehouse and Fieldhouse, Glenbrook Commons and Mall, and Fort Wayne’s riverfront.
The two new segments opened were grouped with two other sections of the Pufferbelly Trail to obtain Regional Cities funding provided by the IEDC. The segments included:
• Pufferbelly Trail: State Boulevard to Fourth Street
• Bluffton Road: Lower Huntington Road to West Foster Park/Rivergreenway Connector
• Pufferbelly Trail: State Boulevard to Fernhill Avenue and Franke Parke/Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
• Pufferbelly Trail: Wallen Road to Washington Center (construction of final phase between Ludwig and Washington Center is underway)
Regional Cities funding was the “last in” funding and provided the final $1.8 million needed to complete the total investment of $10.3 million needed for the four segments. Additionally, Fort Wayne Trails Inc., contributed $100,000 toward the construction of the section from State to Fernhill and the Zoo. Tax increment financing (TIF) funds approved by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission were also an important funding source for the expansion of the Pufferbelly Trail.
The four segments total just over six miles of trail that are part of the Poka-Bache Connector, the 81-mile State Visionary Trail that will connect Ouabache State Park in Bluffton to Pokagon State Park in Angola. The new segments bring 22,688 residents within a half-mile radius of the trail network and expand the existing trail grid for all residents. I hope you get a chance to walk, run or bike one of these new trail segments soon!
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown is Sunday, September 9 this year. If you haven’t taken advantage of this free event, I encourage you to! There are sixteen museums and attractions in Fort Wayne that you can visit for free that day by simply picking up a passport at any Kroger or Old National Bank location, or you can go to www.visitfortwayne.com and print one. If you’re interested in learning about the latest Riverfront Fort Wayne news, meet at the Lawton Park Trailhead (4th Street between Clinton and Spy Run Ave.) any time between 12 and 5 pm. There will be short 15-20 minute walking tours on the Rivergreenway—right between Science Central and the Old Fort. (Those two attractions are free September 9 as well.) On the Riverfront Fort Wayne tour, you will learn about the exciting history, wildly diverse ecology, and Phases I, II and III of Riverfront development. There will also be information about upcoming events and programs, and how you can get more involved with your rivers.
You may remember that City Utilities recently asked the public to vote for the name of the Tunnel Boring Machine, and the name chosen is MamaJo. The name is derived from taking the first two letters from Fort Wayne’s three rivers, the Ma from Marys, Ma from Maumee and Jo from Joseph. Don’t miss your chance to come out and visit MamaJo at the site of the tunnel working shaft. City Utilities will host tours on Sunday, September 9, from 11 am to 3 pm at the working shaft site near the intersection of Dwenger and Glasgow avenues. This tour is free, but it’s not part of Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown, so you won’t need a passport. More information is available at www.fortwaynetunnel.org.
On the subject of City Utilities, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) now has a name: MamaJo. Derived from taking the first two letters from Fort Wayne’s three rivers, the Ma from Marys, Ma from Maumee and Jo from Joseph, MamaJo seems only fitting for a project that’s had an engineer’s working title of the Three Rivers Protection and Overflow Reduction Tunnel (3RPORT). And so MamaJo becomes the protector of our rivers.
The naming of the TBM brings a little fun to an important community project that will serve our community well for generations to come. Soon, MamaJo standing at a diameter of more than 20-feet and stretching more than 400-feet in length will begin her journey. She will grind through bedrock to build a five-mile-long sewer tunnel, more than 200-feet under the earth’s surface, with an interior diameter of 16-feet. The deep-rock tunnel is a significant portion of the effort to clean-up Fort Wayne’s rivers and protects neighborhoods from basement back-ups and street flooding.
Earlier this year, City Utilities worked with neighborhood leaders and students at New Tech Academy and Towles Intermediate School to come up with possible names for the TBM. Students voted to narrow the list to four, and the community voted online to choose a winner. MamaJo was an overwhelming winner with more than 43% of the vote.
Residents of all ages are showing interest in the tunnel, and so MamaJo will host tours on Sunday, September 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the working shaft site near the intersection of Dwenger and Glasgow Avenue.
MamaJo is expected to start her journey and begin digging the tunnel later this year. Completion of the tunnel boring is expected by 2021, and the intricate connection to the many neighborhood sewers by in 2023. The tunnel will be operational in 2023. Residents can learn more and get tunnel updates at fortwaynetunnel.org.
Recently, I joined Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel to celebrate the grand opening of the Wolf Family Learning Center at Salomon Farm Park on Dupont Road. The Learning Center added more than 4,000 square feet to a smaller facility and will offer many recreational opportunities to this popular park. The $560,000 expansion now offers a professional-grade teaching kitchen, a classroom area, fully accessible restrooms, a large gathering area and rental space for 240 people. This amenity joins historically appropriate facilities including a restored barn (popular for weddings), a farmers’ market, a historic equipment barn, a summer kitchen, blacksmith shop and much more.
This fall Salomon Farm Park will be offering school field trips, culinary classes for preschoolers, a culinary series for elementary ages, Natural Dye Workshop, Wool Applique, cocktail classes and baking classes, as well as special events including Concert on the Farm, Salomon Farm Fall Harvest Festival, Handmade Homemade Sale and the weekly Farmers’ Market. Many of these classes would not be possible without the expansion of the learning center.
The Salomon family gifted 170 acres in 1996 to the Parks and Recreation Department, with the understanding that a working 1930’s farm would be maintained. Chris, Maxine and daughter Lynne Salomon felt the land could help city kids learn the value of agriculture and could offer a respite to the busy urban area that had surrounded it. The Wolf Family Learning Center is named for a generous donor, Don Wolf, who has been involved with the planning, funding and activity at Salomon Farm Park since its inception.
We’re fortunate to live in a community that values parks and the importance of education. Our entire city is appreciative of the efforts of the Wolf family and the Salomon family. Together, they’ve made significant contributions to the quality of life we enjoy in Fort Wayne. The expanded learning center is a tremendous addition that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
If you would like to learn more about the classes and programs at Salomon Farm Park, including how to reserve the new Wolf Family Learning Center, please call the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or log on to www.fortwayneparks.org.
I recently announced the launch of a pilot grant program for Fort Wayne neighborhoods. The City’s Community Development Division will award grants up to $5,000 to registered Fort Wayne neighborhood associations or one of the City’s four Area Partnerships. Because the grant dollars come from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), only neighborhoods with a majority of households at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income will be eligible to apply. Applications and a map of eligible areas are available at www.FortWayne Neighborhoods.org by clicking on the resources menu item. Applications are due by September 3, 2018.
Accepted projects must provide a capital improvement that enhances public spaces. Examples include community gardens, improvements to community centers, benches, public art or signage. Expenses such as routine maintenance, social events or operating expenses will not be covered.
I’m encouraged by the progress and excitement we’re seeing in neighborhoods throughout all of Fort Wayne. This new grant program will encourage collaboration and innovation and allow neighborhoods to improve their public spaces while bringing residents together.
The Lifetime Sports Academy successfully completed their 21st summer of providing free lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming to boys and girls ages 7 – 18. There were over 1,000 participants at McMillen Park this year and there have been a total of almost 28,000 participants since the program started. Participants have the opportunity to earn new tennis rackets, golf clubs, and more. This year 85 tennis rackets and 21 sets of golf clubs were earned.
The Parks and Recreation Department provides certified coaching and highly trained professionals who direct the lessons. Offering instruction in three sports has been a successful formula throughout the years. Many participants have gone on to play on their local high school and college sports teams.
Fort Wayne is a great place for young people to participate in positive activities and learn new skills. We’re fortunate to have the Lifetime Sports Academy in our community. The program is making a lasting and meaningful impact. For more information about the Lifetime Sports Academy, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or log on to www.fortwayneparks.org.
Have you had a chance to get on our rivers to see our city from a whole new perspective? Riverfront Fort Wayne Boat Tours are scheduled through the end of September. While you relax and enjoy the scenery on one of the themed boat tours, you can learn more about our city’s history, ecology and plans for Riverfront development. You’ll find more information, and you can schedule a boat tour, at www.riverfrontfw.org.
Fort Wayne UNITED is providing a wonderful opportunity for those looking for employment. On Saturday, July 21, 7 – 10 pm, area employers will be available during the late-night basketball league in the Renaissance Pointe YMCA to talk about positions they have available. Job searchers can watch some great basketball and meet a potential employer at the job fair. Then, anyone who finds a job they’re interested in and sets up an interview will be invited to meet with Fort Wayne UNITED for some interview tips, and they’ll get free attire to wear for the interview.
Fort Wayne UNITED is a Mayoral initiative that places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, under one umbrella. It is designed to answer the call to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help create a safer city for all, but more specifically for black men and boys. By bringing together a group of passionate and committed leaders, the initiative educates, informs and engages the community in an effort to make positive change one neighborhood at a time.
Futsal, also known as small-sided soccer, has now found a home in Packard Park. I joined officials from the soccer community, Packard Park neighbors, international soccer star DaMarcus Beasley, and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel to officially open Indiana’s first Beasley outdoor Futsal court.
DaMarcus grew up playing soccer with the Fort Wayne United Soccer Club and South Side High School and has since reached international heights playing professional soccer in six countries over 20 years. He believes that kids of all ages should enjoy soccer and gave generously to this effort at Packard Park. In his honor, the courts are now called the Beasley Courts. The futsal courts are a public-private partnership with Beasley, the Indiana Soccer Association and the neighbors around Packard Park.
Free Foellinger Theatre movies have returned for the summer. This year the movies are on Thursdays, beginning at 8 pm. Reservations aren’t necessary. All the animated movies are family-friendly and there are some great ones on the schedule. Minions plays on July 26, Finding Nemo on August 2 and Finding Dory is the season’s last movie on August 9. Foellinger Theatre is located in Franke Park, next to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. For more information, call the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department at 427-6000.
The City will first identify a neighborhood in the community and examine the areas of crime, education, health, and housing in that neighborhood. The next step is to identify how to improve conditions and the quality of life for those residents, and then explore opportunities for growth and future success.
A number of cities in Indiana and across the country have, or are exploring the prospect, of creating a TenPoint Coalition. Fort Wayne anticipates becoming an official TenPoint Coalition city later this year. The effort is being modeled after the TenPoint Coalition in Indianapolis.
As we work on this initiative together, I appreciate and value the partnership we have with Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Reverend Dr. Charles Harrison, Fort Wayne UNITED, and local community and business leaders. We all share a common commitment and dedication to doing everything we can to help residents and neighborhoods grow and thrive in a safe environment. The quality of life for our residents in Fort Wayne is critical to the current and future viability of our community.
I’d also like to thank Trinity English Lutheran Church for becoming the first financial partner to join with Fort Wayne UNITED in creating a TenPoint Coalition in Fort Wayne. Trinity English Lutheran Church will contribute $10,000 per year for three years in grant funding toward the establishment of the coalition.
Our free Open Streets Fort Wayne event, led by the City’s Division of Public Works, will return for the second year and take place on Sunday, July 15, 11 am – 3 pm. Open Streets fits perfectly with Public Works’ efforts to encourage residents to walk and bike Fort Wayne as it continues to enhance the Active Transportation Network.
The event will open up more than two miles of roadway to walking, biking, rollerblading and over 100 activities. The streets will be car free, similar to a huge block party, and will allow residents to enjoy and see the community like never before. While Open Streets encourages active transportation such as walking and cycling, it also encourages connection with the central business district and with multiple neighborhoods. The complimentary activities will feature giant board games including Jenga, chess and checkers. There will boxing demos, 9 Square in the Air, Picture Yourself on a Harley, a chance to test drive an e-bike, street hockey, wiffle ball, pickleball, cornhole, live music, and much, much more. There’s a complete list of activities on the website at www.openstreetsfw.org.
I continue to be impressed with the quality and variety of events we offer our community and visitors each year. Entertainment offerings and quality of life amenities like the Open Streets event are critical in our ability to retain and attract businesses and jobs, build on our downtown revitalization efforts and strengthen neighborhoods.
Over the past 11 years the City of Fort Wayne has expanded its active transportation network by adding:
– 57 miles of new trails
– 45 miles of new sidewalk
– 10.25 miles of bike lanes
– 8.3 miles of Share the Road signs
– 800 wider and more visible piano key pedestrian crosswalks
– 1,200 new pedestrian crossing signals
– 700 new ADA ramps each year for a total of 7,700
– 350 bike racks
This year’s event connects the neighborhoods of West Central, East Central, LaRez, Hoagland Masterson and Williams Woodland with the Central Business District on Calhoun Street. The event area boundaries are from the St. Marys River south on Calhoun to Williams Street. In between there are activities that connect Berry, Wayne, Ewing and Barr Streets.
I encourage you to bring the family out for this free, fun day. And if you’re interested in volunteering for a couple of hours, we’d greatly appreciate the help. To sign up to volunteer, please visit www.openstreets.org and click the “Get Involved” button. We also invite residents to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I recently launched a new website for Fort Wayne neighborhoods that I’d encourage residents to utilize. The site, available at www.FortWayneNeighborhoods.org, is also available by visiting www.CityofFortWayne.org and clicking on the top Neighborhoods menu item. The website offers quick and streamlined access to information about neighborhood meetings, contacts and City resources.
We’ve also added social media sites to help you communicate with us easier. The Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Facebook page is available at www.facebook.com/FWNeighborhoods/ or by searching Fort Wayne Neighborhoods. The Twitter handle is @FWNeighborhoods.
Residents may sign up for a monthly neighborhoods e-newsletter by visiting the Stay in Touch section of the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods website. The newsletter will provide information about all City services, particularly those that directly affect neighborhoods.
I’m encouraged by the progress and excitement we’re seeing in neighborhoods throughout all of Fort Wayne. Neighborhoods are the backbone of Fort Wayne and it’s vital for us to invest in our neighborhoods and highlight the importance of providing resources and opportunities for all residents to be involved in making our community a better place to live, work and play.
I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that the Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will again be the location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show on Wednesday, July 4. We’re looking forward to another spectacular fireworks display as we come together to provide activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The TinCaps will be hosting a baseball game that evening beginning at 6:05 p.m. Individuals with tickets to that evening’s game will be able to enjoy the fireworks from their seats at the ballpark. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. If the TinCaps game is not completed by 10 p.m., the fireworks will begin immediately following the conclusion of the game.
The City of Fort Wayne is appreciative that Old National Bank and the TinCaps have been proud partners with the community for the fourth year now as financial sponsors and welcomes Parkview Health as a new sponsor. We’d also like to thank NAI Hanning & Bean and Indiana Michigan Power for partnering with the City on the use of the Indiana Michigan Power Center building. The City would also like to recognize Three Rivers Festival officials for allowing a fireworks display in downtown so close to the Three Rivers Festival fireworks show in mid-July.
The six projects, and their estimated allocation amounts, include:
Byron Health Center, $12.5 million. Byron Health Center is a non-profit facility that provides long-term health care, memory care, skilled nursing care and physical and occupational therapy for vulnerable populations who have multiple diagnoses. The center will be re-locating from Lima Road to the corner of Beacon Street and Lake Avenue.
Electric Works, $12 million – Electric Works is the adaptive re-use of the former GE campus in near southwest Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, $10 million – The Rescue Mission is a local non-profit organization providing restorative care to men, women and children experiencing a homeless crisis. The Mission is building a new facility at 400 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne Boys & Girls Clubs, $8 million – The Fort Wayne Boys & Girls Clubs is a local non-profit that provides after-school and summer programs to low-income, school-aged children. A new 2.3 acre campus and building are currently under construction.
Vestil Manufacturing, $8 million – Vestil Manufacturing is located in Angola and has plans to create up to 100 well-paying new jobs by 2021. It will construct a new 225,000 square foot fulfillment center in the area. Vestil is one of Steuben County’s largest employers and an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of industrial material handling equipment.
The Landing, $4.5 million – The Landing is the historic restoration of seven buildings and the construction of one new building on West Columbia Street. The project includes 70 apartments and 56,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
In February, the FWNMRF received $55 million in New Markets Tax Credits allocation authority. FWNMRF received previous allocations of $15 million in 2008 and $33 million in 2014.
The Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund (FWNMRF) is a subsidiary company formed by the City of Fort Wayne. It is a certified Community Development Entity eligible to apply for New Markets Tax Credits from the U.S. Treasury. The New Markets Tax Credit Program was enacted by Congress in 2000. It allows private investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax in exchange for investment in low-income communities.
It’s great to see the Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund is able to help fill financing gaps in such important projects. By working together, we are helping create jobs and provide opportunities for residents to succeed throughout northeast Indiana.
I’m also pleased to announce the City of Fort Wayne’s Blue Star Banner program will continue in 2018.
The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.
Crews have installed the banners of 10 service members, four of which are new banners:
Specialist Combat Engineer Jaron Stephen Birkey, U.S. Army
Staff Sergeant Denisson Carrillo, U.S. Army
Master Sergeant Christopher R. Gustafson, U.S. Army
Petty Officer Alexander K. Taylor, U.S. Navy
Family and friends of deployed military personnel are encouraged to complete an application at www.cityoffortwayne.org/bluestarbanner. Once the applications are reviewed, banners will be made and displayed on light poles along West Jefferson Boulevard from the Time Corners area to Swinney Park. Banners are displayed through November and then removed during the winter months.
Individuals or companies interested in making a donation to the Blue Star Banner program may contact Karen Richards, Mayor’s Office, (260) 427-2146 and karen.richards@cityoffortwayne.org.
A reminder that the City of Fort Wayne’s Tall Grass/Weed Program is underway for the 2018 season. Neighborhood Code Compliance is responsible for enforcing the City’s Weed Program, which calls for grass or weeds to be no taller than nine inches.
For the first time this year, Weed Inspectors are using a new computer app that allows them to do all their documentation in the field using an iPad. Because traditional paperwork normally takes about 1.5 hours per day, this time will now be available to respond to calls from the public, increasing productivity by approximately 25 percent.
The public may call 311 or 427-8311 to report a possible violation. Online complaints may be filed at www.cityoffortwayne.org/citizen-services. Individuals reporting a violation will need to have the property’s specific street address to register the complaint.
Inspectors respond to reports from the public but also act proactively to identify high weeds and grass, particularly along high-traffic corridors. When Weed Inspectors determine there is a violation, they take date-stamped electronic photos and post a placard on the cited property. As a courtesy, an abate notice is mailed to the owner of record who then has five days to correct the violation. After five days, the City’s mowing contractors will inspect to see if the property is in compliance and if not, they will mow and also take date-stamped before- and after-photos. The owner will then be charged for the mowing; if the invoice is not paid within 30 days, a lien will be placed on the property.
Cindy has 16 years of experience in local government. Since 2008, she’s served as a deputy director in the Community Development Division overseeing the Neighborhood Code Compliance Department. Under Cindy’s direction, Neighborhood Code has enhanced customer service and community outreach to residents, neighborhoods and businesses. She’s been recognized for her expertise in the areas of leadership development, management, documentation, budgeting, and building strong relationships with public safety personnel, social service agencies and business and neighborhood leaders.
From 2002-2008, Cindy was a customer relations manager for the City.
Prior to joining the public sector, Cindy worked for over a dozen years in the private sector with extensive experience and expertise in property management and marketing.
Cindy is involved in several community volunteer activities. She currently serves as a board member with Greater Fort Wayne Crime Stoppers and Neighborhood Health Clinic. She’s also a block captain for the Harrison Hill Neighborhood Association and has been active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. Cindy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Indiana Tech. She will begin her new duties immediately.
Cindy is a trusted and dedicated public servant committed to meeting the needs of our community. I appreciate and value her professionalism, leadership and communication skills. She has an unwavering spirit to do what’s right for residents and businesses. Her work ethic and belief in Fort Wayne will serve us well now and in the future.
I hope you’re able to make time to visit the newly renovated Clyde Theatre at Quimby Village on Bluffton Road. I was fortunate to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 8 to commemorate the official opening. I want to thank Chuck and Lisa Surack of Sweetwater and Rick Kinney, general manager of the Clyde Theatre, for their collective efforts to make this redevelopment project a reality. It’s going to be a tremendous asset for our community and region.
Now is a great time to enjoy the outside in Fort Wayne. The City’s Greenways Department and Fort Wayne Trails are partnering again this year to provide the popular community bike rides, Trek the Trails.
My office started the rides as a way for residents to explore parts of the trail that they may not be familiar with and to create social opportunities for families and friends. Trek the Trails offers free guided bike rides each Tuesday night at 6 p.m. through September 25. For a complete schedule, visit www.cityoffortwayne.org/trekthetrails.
A commitment to biking, walking and our world-class trails system is an important reason why Fort Wayne is experiencing positive momentum and investments like never before.
The local businesses whose properties are receiving grants include Nyla Jean Properties (1434-1436 Wells St.), Hop River Brewing Company (1515 N. Harrison St.), Shady Nook (2834 Parnell Ave.), Media One (1530 Spy Run), Oxford Community Association (1421 Oxford St.), Saigon Restaurant (2006 S. Calhoun St.), Jones Auto Repair (1701 S. Anthony Blvd.), Reliable Cleaning (302 E. Wallace), Fairfield Heights (2018-2030 Fairfield Ave.) and Apex Consulting (1313 Broadway).
The City of Fort Wayne will invest a total of approximately $250,000 into the projects; collectively, the property owners have pledged to contribute more than $765,000 in private dollars on the façades of the buildings. This creates a private investment of $3 for every $1 in public investment. The façade investments will be used to do everything from install new windows to paint and add new stone exteriors.
I introduced the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008 as part of my ongoing commitment to help local businesses thrive and expand, especially in the heart of Fort Wayne. The program is designed to assist business owners in making improvements to the exterior of their commercial properties. Enhancements can include new siding, architectural features, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing and more.
We require applicants to provide a dollar-for-dollar match in order to receive the grant. The program has been so successful that from 2009 -2016, we’ve awarded approximately $1.7 million in grant funding, which leveraged more than $4.3 million of private investment toward improvements. A total of 90 projects have been completed since the program was introduced. In order to be eligible for a façade grant, a business must be located within one of our Economic Development Target Areas, which are commercial corridors that are more challenging to redevelop because of the age of the buildings.
I continue to be encouraged by the progress we’re seeing along our urban corridors. The 90 façade grant projects, plus the new ones, are transforming our business corridors and helping revitalize the surrounding neighborhoods.
In addition, public safety continues to be a top priority for my administration. Fire Chief Eric Lahey and I recently welcomed the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s 90th recruit class. We had 21 recruits start work on April 23. It’s a benefit for our community to be in position to have another academy class for the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
Public safety is a critical component to Fort Wayne being a successful city as the fire department provides excellent public safety services. We appreciate the department’s commitment and dedication to customer service, public outreach, education, and implementation of best practices.
The new recruit class demonstrates a commitment to providing excellent services to keep residents and businesses as safe as possible.
I want all of you to know that my administration continues to support the redevelopment plans for the former General Electric (GE) property and want to see it succeed.
For the past several months, a working group at my direction and comprised of representatives from the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB), Greater Fort Wayne Inc., and Electric Works developer RTM Ventures has been working as partners on a number of due diligence items in a collective effort to help make the project a reality. I’ve continued to emphasize that all parties involved recognize a lot of work is ahead, particularly on financials and getting leases signed by tenants.
As Mayor, it’s my duty to ask the difficult questions to ensure our community’s finances remain strong now and in the future. Raising pertinent questions and possible concerns aren’t indicators that there’s a lack of support from me and my administration. We simply must look out for the best interests of our entire community. The City’s recent proposal of $50 million in local funding to go toward the Electric Works initiative demonstrates our willingness to make a substantial investment to assist in the redevelopment of the former GE property.
I congratulate the RTM Ventures team for its innovative approach and vision to bring office, retail, residential and educational uses to the former GE site. I continue to be optimistic about the viability of Electric Works and am looking forward to what the future holds for the project. However, with a project of this size and magnitude, it’s imperative for the development team to demonstrate to all local governing bodies and the public that a comprehensive and sustainable financial and tenant plan will be forthcoming.
Outline of ongoing and upcoming action steps:
*Working with the CIB to secure the market analysis for the project
*Working with the CIB to secure the financial analysis for the project regarding funding streams necessary to support bond financing
*Work with Allen County to secure their financial commitment for the project
*Continue the evaluation of the viability of prospective tenants
*Obtain from RTM Ventures the due diligence items that were previously requested
*After obtaining the due diligence items from RTM Ventures, work will continue with the various boards, public agencies and elected officials to respond to any questions and concerns
*Finalize the development agreement with RTM Ventures, which will confirm their commitments and obligations to the project and the conditions for local funding assistance
We’re fortunate to be able to have a healthy dialogue and debate about important issues in Fort Wayne. Most communities in Indiana and across the country aren’t in the positive position we’re in with meaningful investments and new projects taking place in downtown and in every quadrant of our City. It’s critical for all of us to work together and engage with the public as we continue to determine the most appropriate next steps to keep the process moving forward.
I also want to inform you of a volunteer opportunity that might be of interest to you.
The Community Development Division is looking for volunteers to support our newly created Public Art Program. Anyone interested in information about volunteering should visit www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/publicart.
Volunteers are needed to fill a number of roles, including sitting on the Public Art Commission, a 13-member board that will oversee the Public Art Program to review and select art to be displayed in public spaces. Volunteers are also needed for Public Art Selection Committees. For each public art project, a committee will be formed to oversee the artistic selection and installation of the art. Non-voting volunteers are also needed to provide counsel in specific fields, such as art, design, community development, construction, engineering or architecture.
The City of Fort Wayne worked with Arts United to research and develop the Public Art Program, which was approved in March by City Council and myself. One of the first steps in implementing the program is to create a master plan for future locations of public art.