Building on efforts to galvanize downtown development, Mayor Graham Richard and Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown today announced the formation of the North River Downtown Task Force to address the development of land just north of the city center and the
The study group has been charged with analyzing opportunities for this landmark district including possible projects or uses, issues of impact, outcomes, priorities, and financial considerations.
The North River area has been of significant interest to the community since well before the creation of
The downtown plan recommended the establishment of the task force to explore 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.
“In this new economy, a vibrant downtown is essential to attracting the high-paying jobs and the talented workers that will keep
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Rick Samek of
Task force members will be announced in the coming weeks. The task force will consist of government, community, business, and neighborhood representatives. The task force will work closely with adjoining neighborhoods and businesses.
The City of Fort Wayne has also a 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
The North River Downtown study is a complement to the proposed Harrison Square project. With community-based plans guiding the overall downtown process and new financing tools in place, the City anticipates the viability of multiple downtown catalyst projects stimulating even more private investment, both large and small, in the city center. Prior to the recent investment by Fort Wayne Newspapers, downtown