March 14, 2024 - Arts United announced today the 2024 Mayor’s Arts Award recipient. Recipients of the Mayor’s Arts Award are individuals, organizations, and projects that have greatly impacted arts and culture in the city of Fort Wayne. This year’s recipient is Clean Drains Fort Wayne: Be River SmART.
March 11, 2024 - Purdue University's College of Agriculture will honor City Utilities' Stacy Haviland as a 2024 Distinguished Agricultural Alumna Award recipient at a ceremony on March 8, 2024, at the campus in West Lafayette.
March 11, 2024 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation adds two shows to its lineup at the Foellinger Theatre. Honeywell Arts & Entertainment presents Rockin' the 80's: Great White, Slaughter & Vixen on Friday, August 2, 2024, and TESLA on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Foellinger Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m. and will be available online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 705 East State Blvd.
March 8, 2024 - The public is being asked to help donate one thousand cleaned and empty milk jugs for a new Buddy Bench to be installed at Citizens Square to recognize Mayor Tom Henry. The milk jugs will allow for a new bench to be built.
March 8, 2024 - Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open for the 2024 season next week. McMillen and Shoaff will open on Tuesday, March 12, at 10:00 a.m., followed by Foster Park Golf Course on Wednesday, March 13, at 10:00 a.m. After opening day, the first start time will be 10:00 a.m. at least until the end of the month. Cart conditions for each course and opening for the driving ranges at Shoaff and McMillen will be determined day-to-day. Please call to inquire.
March 4, 2024 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that Fort Wayne’s Foellinger Theatre will host Rick Springfield “Full Band Electric” and feature his new “Automatic” album on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
February 29, 2024 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division will host their next Neighborhood Presidents Meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 4 at Citizens Square in the City Council Chambers located on the Garden Level. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods’ Facebook page.
February 8, 2024 - At the February 8, Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners annual election of officers and organizational meeting, officers were elected to the following positions:
February 7, 2024 - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is the northeast’s largest open-access shelter. They are taking in more than 10,000 animals a year. Each day, FWACC strives to serve the community in a humane, public safety capacity while working to keep pets with loving families.
January 31, 2024 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2024 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
January 29, 2024 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that reduced admission skating and skate rental is planned for the first four Thursdays in February during normal hours of operation at the Headwaters Park Ice Skating Rink.
January 25, 2024 - GFL plans to return to their normal garbage and recycling pickup schedule tomorrow. They have finished collecting garbage and recycling from households that have a Tuesday pickup date, and are completing Wednesday and Thursday routes today.
January 23, 2024 - GFL has pulled trucks off Tuesday garbage and recycling collection routes due to ice in the alleys and some side streets. GFL has had a number of trucks having to be towed due to getting stuck.
January 21, 2024 - Cindy Henry passed away peacefully Saturday evening surrounded by her family. Cindy had a caring heart, a loving spirit, and an infectious laugh. Her contributions to our community are immeasurable, and her family and friends will miss her. Mayor Henry and his family thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, but also ask for privacy as they both grieve and celebrate the life of their beautiful Cindy.
January 16, 2024 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup has rescheduled the previously canceled Neighborhood Fort-ify Meetings to the following dates:
January 11, 2024 - The winter contingency/emergency shelter plan that’s in place for the community for the winter season will expand over the next several days due to the anticipated cold temperatures and wind chills. In addition to the services listed below, the Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., will become a warming station on Sunday, Jan. 14 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, Jan. 16-Friday, Jan. 19 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 21 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*The Rescue Mission is a 24-hour facility and offers a warming shelter at 404 E. Washington Blvd., which is open to the public from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 days a week regardless of the outdoor temperature.
January 11, 2024 - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control wants to remind the community that city ordinance requires animals to be brought into a temperature-controlled structure when temperatures dip below 10 degrees and when a local, state, or national authority has issued a wind chill warning. Animals cannot remain outside longer than 15 minutes without access to adequate shelter and potable water, no matter the temperature, according to city ordinance. FWACC offers free straw while supplies last to any Fort Wayne city resident needing animal bedding during these cold winter days. Pet owners are urged to continually monitor the needs of pets and the temperature whenever the animals are outdoors.
January 11, 2024 - With forecasts predicting single-digit temperatures next week, City Utilities reminds customers that pipes and water meters can freeze, causing significant damage and costly repairs and leaving residents without water for days.
January 11, 2024 - AWS Foundation recently awarded a $215,000 grant to Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation for accessibility upgrades at some neighborhood parks. These improvements will be made over the next three years in conjunction with a larger initiative to update several park areas.
January 10, 2024 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, January 15 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Garbage and recycling collection will be delayed one day the entire week of January 15.
January 9, 2024 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup has canceled the following Neighborhood Fort-ify Meetings: Tuesday, January 9
ACPL Georgetown Branch, 6600 East State Blvd (NE)
Tuesday, January 9
Headwaters Church, 2000 N Wells Street (NW)
January 9, 2024 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews were out all night salting roads and preparing to begin plowing when needed. The majority of the snow fell at 4:30 a.m. this morning. A full team of plows are removing snow from priority one (arterials) and priority two (collectors) and, now that the snow has transitioned to rain, expect to continue making great progress on clearing roads.
January 8, 2024 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced promotions for two FWFD employees. Jermaine Thomas, District Chief of Health and Safety, was promoted to Assistant Chief of Health and Safety and Recruitment. Thomas began his career with the FWFD on August 10, 2001. Captain/Inspector Jonathan Flickinger was promoted to Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction. He will oversee the Safety Village and FWFD Division of EMS. Chief Flickinger began his career with the FWFD on November 22, 2000.
January 5, 2024 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Steve Reed will retire as police chief for the City of Fort Wayne effective January 12 and Scott Caudill, deputy chief of the northeast quadrant, will become police chief on January 16. Reed has led the Fort Wayne Police Department since August 2016 and has been with the FWPD since 1993. Prior to becoming chief, Reed held positions in the FWPD as assistant police chief, director of training at the Fort Wayne Police Academy, deputy chief southwest division, captain of investigative division, sergeant of internal affairs, homicide team sergeant, and detective. As chief, Reed oversaw several successes that demonstrate Fort Wayne’s commitment to being a safe city.
December 29, 2023 - Mostly unseen, typically ignored and usually underground, City Utilities' "hidden assets" received a record $135 million in investments in 2023. Those dollars replaced aging infrastructure, increased capacity in water and sewer, and developed methods to protect the environment and save money. 2023 was a massive work year; and looking forward, the utility anticipates comparable investments in 2024.
December 21, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey recognized seven firefighters with the Unit Commendation Recognition Award for their life-saving efforts responding to a house fire earlier this year on Wayne Street.
December 21, 2023 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the City’s Greenways & Trails Department is the recipient of a $1 million Next Level Trails grant, awarded by the State of Indiana. The grant will be used to construct the Illinois Road Trail, a 10-foot wide, asphalt, multi-use trail beginning in Rockhill Park, where it will connect to 107 miles of interconnected trails within the 142-mile Fort Wayne Area Trails network.
December 21, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation offers highlights of the department’s 2023 capital improvement projects and programs. Over 80 Park projects were completed and the City of Fort Wayne invested approximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements this year.
December 19, 2023 - Dealing with frozen pipes and the damage caused to a home if the pipe bursts can be a costly affair, often running the thousands of dollars in repair bills. As winter begins this week, City Utilities offers three tips every homeowner should know to protect their pipes from freezing temperatures.
December 19, 2023 – Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Inc. (Greater Indiana) presented the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division with the Best Achievement – Electric award at their 2023 Annual Awards Reception. Each year, Alternative Fuel Transportation Leaders are recognized for their outstanding contributions to advancing the organization’s mission to advance alternative, domestic-fueled transportation, including energy-efficient technologies across all sectors in Indiana.
December 19, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26 in recognition of Christmas, and on Monday, January 1 in recognition of New Year’s Day.
December 18, 2023 - Fort Wayne Street Department crews completed leaf collection Saturday. They will continue to collect biodegradable bags until December 31. Residents with bagged leaves are asked to call 311 to schedule a pick-up. The bags need to be placed at the curb prior to calling 311.
December 14, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Nancy Townsend will retire as director of the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division effective February 2, 2024. Townsend has served as director since September 2020. Townsend has been instrumental in providing leadership and direction on key projects as part of Fort Wayne’s downtown revitalization and communitywide efforts. Notable accomplishments under Townsend’s guidance include riverfront development, The Riverfront at Promenade Park and The Lofts at Headwaters Park public-private partnerships, The Bradley, The Landing, The Pearl, Ash Skyline Plaza, The Ashberry, The Pontiac Street Market, public art, urban trail, Village Premier mixed-use development and Roosevelt Reserves market rate housing development, both in southeast Fort Wayne, McKinnie Commons, and More Brewing on the North River property.
December 14, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry has recognized milestone years of service for 62 City of Fort Wayne employees.
December 13, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division was awarded $5.6 million for a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
December 12, 2023 - City of Fort Wayne leaders today announced a record of over $40 million in neighborhood infrastructure improvements occurred throughout the community this construction season.
December 5, 2023 - A long-awaited traffic pattern change is now in place for Thieme Drive. With its increased bicycle and pedestrian traffic, the road's reconfiguration along the Drive allows motorists to travel one way northbound between Berry and Main Street and southbound only between Berry and Washington Boulevard.
December 5, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division is inviting Oxford residents to provide further input on the future redesign of Oxford Street, the neighborhood between Lafayette and Anthony. The designers Jones Petrie Rafinski, will be on-site to present survey results and design concepts for residents to give feedback.
December 4, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department and Fort Wayne Trails are partnering to present the Winter Solstice Walk/Ride and Bonfire on Thursday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for this event that will begin at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd. Participants are asked to gather at the Wolf Family Learning Center.
November 27, 2023 - Giving Tuesday is a day to inspire the community to do good by sharing kindness and giving. This year, November 28, 2023, Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is asking the community to share their generosity with shelter animals.
November 27, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division will host their next Neighborhood Presidents Meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 at Citizens Square in the City Council Chambers located on the Garden Level. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods’ Facebook page.
November 21, 2023 - With the holiday season upon us, the Fort Wayne Police Department has provided safety tips to keep our community safe.
November 20, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 in recognition of Thanksgiving. Residential garbage and recycling collection will be pushed back one day with Thursday’s collection on Friday and Friday’s collection on Saturday.
November 16, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department was honored at the IPRA Awards of Excellence ceremony as a part of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association conference on November 16.
November 14, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined Fire Chief Eric Lahey, Fort Wayne Fire Department employees, and representatives from Witwer Construction and Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering, to dedicate Fire Station 14, located on the southeast corner of Reed Road and East State Boulevard.
November 8, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Friday, November 10 in recognition of Veterans Day.
Garbage and recycling collection will remain on schedule.
November 6, 2023 - Beginning Monday, November 13, 2023, the gate at the Hosey Dam will be opened to lower the river levels. The lowered levels are needed so Public Works and City Utilities staff members can inspect bridge peers and stormwater outfalls along the rivers.
November 2, 2023 - Residents can look forward to the new Pontiac Street Market opening at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6. Mayor Tom Henry, the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division, and Parkview Regional Medical Center and Affiliates today led a media tour inside the full-service grocery store in southeast Fort Wayne at 918. E. Pontiac St. The City and Parkview are community partners on this project.
November 1, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Weisser Park Elementary School dedicated the city’s newest Disc Golf Course at Weisser Park today. The nine-hole course is a collaboration with students, the Fort Disc Golf Club and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and offers a variety of levels of play from easy to more challenging.
October 12, 2023 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has annouced that Halloween trick-or-treating hours will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31.
October 10, 2023 - Due to leaves falling early, the City of Fort Wayne will begin collecting biodegradable bags filled with leaves Monday, October 16. Residents may begin scheduling bag pick-ups on Friday, October 13.
October 9, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will host three open houses this week for the public to see input provided since May for the 10-year Comprehensive Planning project. Residents are invited to stop in at their convenience to provide input and interact with staff.
October 5, 2023 - GFL will begin collecting garbage and recycling on Friday, Oct. 6 at 4 a.m. The City of Fort Wayne recommends that residents scheduled for a Friday pickup set out their garbage and recycling bins tonight.
October 3, 2023 - GFL will begin collecting garbage and recycling on Thursday, October 5 at 4:00 a.m. The City of Fort Wayne recommends that residents scheduled for a Thursday pickup set out their garbage and recycling bins Wednesday evening.
October 2, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division is asking the residents of the Oxford Neighborhood to provide input on future improvements to Oxford Street between Lafayette Street and South Anthony Boulevard.
October 2, 2023 - Beginning October 30, the Fort Wayne Street Department will collect leaves in the City’s more than 400 neighborhoods. This year’s leaf pick-up will run through December 15, but weather conditions or the volume of leaves in a particular area may cause the planned schedule to shift slightly.
September 27, 2023 - As part of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Mayor’s Commission on Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment, & Rape will host a Silent Witness display from 8 a.m.-noon on Monday, Oct. 2 outside on the Courthouse Green in downtown Fort Wayne.
September 15, 2023 - Due to work on the Harrison Street Urban Trail project, Harrison Street from Main Street to Superior Street will be closed to traffic September 18 - September 22.
September 14, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division will host their next Neighborhood Presidents Meeting on Monday, September 18, at 6 p.m. at Citizens Square in the City Council Chambers on the Garden Level. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods’ Facebook page. The evening's topics include FORT-ify neighborhood accelerator graduates and presentations on civic engagement. The FORT-ify neighborhoods feature the East Central and Harvester neighborhoods.
September 13, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry, federal, state, and local elected officials, along with representatives from the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), military officials, and veterans representing all branches of the military will host a dedication cermony for the new Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge.
September 8, 2023 - The School Children’s Flower and Vegetable Association (SCFVA) celebrates student dedication and long-standing cultivation of student interest in nature with the 2023 City-Wide Blue-Ribbon Show. It is planned for Saturday, September 9, at the McMillen Community Center, 3901 Abbott Street in Fort Wayne. It’s open to the public beginning at 2:30 p.m. and a presentation of merit awards is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. This show represents the work of top student gardeners from over 60 elementary schools including area home schools. In the spring, every Fort Wayne student in kindergarten to grade four receives one of ten varieties of plants grown by staff at the Lawton Park Greenhouse for the SCFVA. Students may also order 12 types of seeds for vegetables, herbs or flowers. Students are responsible for growing their plants and seeds which they enter in their schools’ annual Plant, Flower and Vegetable Shows. All of those shows culminate in the City-wide Blue-Ribbon Show at McMillen Community Center.
September 1, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced cooling stations will be open Tuesday and Wednesday due to high temperatures forecasted to impact our area. -The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. -Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart St., from 3-7 p.m. -The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
August 31, 2023 - Friendly, the Clean Drains Fort Wayne spokes-otter, is extending the registration deadline for Clean the Drains Day to September 6, 2023, because of the holiday weekend. The extension gives individuals, neighborhoods, churches, businesses, and organizations a few extra days to submit their registration form at cleandrainsfortwayne.org
August 30, 2023 - The community is invited to join Mayor Tom Henry, the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), military officials, and federal, state and local government officials, for a ceremony to dedicate the renamed and renovated Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge.
August 29, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, September 4 in recognition of Labor Day.
August 28, 2023 - Friendly, the Clean Drains Fort Wayne spokes-otter, invites everyone who loves our rivers to join her on Clean the Drains Day, September 23. Sign up today. Don't delay.
Outfitted with the Clean the Drains' kit, you and your team of friends, neighbors, co-workers or schoolmates can clear and mark our storm drains, then rendezvous at Promenade Park at noon for pizza and a big Friendly the Otter pat on the back.
August 28, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne invites residents to attend a public meeting to discuss expansion of the 6-Mile Creek Trail.
August 24, 2023 - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control encourages the community to keep all pets indoors if possible. Animals exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation can become ill or irritable, and may pose a danger to themselves and to people.
August 22, 2023 - Due to the extreme temperatures expected this week, GFL will begin collecting garbage and recycling at 5:00 a.m., rather than 6:00 a.m., Wednesday – Friday this week.
August 21, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced cooling stations will be open Wednesday and Thursday due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
August 21, 2023 - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control announces 253 adoptions during its participation in BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National “Empty the Shelters event. From July 6-31, a total of 31,861 pets were adopted from 337 shelters in 44 states. The Foundation teamed up with MetLife Pet Insurance for this lifesaving reduced-fee adoption event.
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is having an adoption sale on all cats and kittens. This sale will occure through the end of August. All cats and kittens’ adoption fees will be waived. The adoption sale also applies to cats and kittens at off-site locations, including Covington Veterinary Hospital, Westside Animal Hospital, Black Forest Cat Café, Pet Supplies Plus, and Petsmart stores.
The adoption center hours are open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon until 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon until 6 p.m.
FWACC is an open-access shelter that does not turn away animals for any reason, even if there is no space. Adoption events and sales help clear kennels to make room for the animals coming in daily and provide more positive outcomes for the animals in our care.
Interested adopters can view available animals and fill out an adoption application here or fill out an application when they arrive at the shelter. All adoptions are first-come to the shelter, first-serve.
August 18, 2023 - For those who are attending Open Streets Fort Wayne from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20 along the Calhoun Street corridor, please be aware that Washington and Jefferson boulevards are the only east/west corridors that will remain open. Those attending the 1:05 p.m. Fort Wayne TinCaps game should use Washington and Jefferson boulevards to get around the area closed for Open Streets.
August 16, 2023 - In celebration of reaching the 100-year milestone, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel dedicated improvements to Bowser Park today along with Fort Wayne Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer, park and neighborhood representatives and public officials.
August 9, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry and the Fort Wayne Police Department announced today that it is imperative Fort Wayne residents are aware of the alarming rates of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It only takes 2 milligrams of fentanyl (an amount similar to 2 grains of salt) to overdose and kill someone. Illicit drugs are easily accessible and can even be accessed through social media.
August 8, 2023 - Response from Mayor Tom Henry related to Councilman Jehl’s statement about LIT investments.
“Unfortunately, Councilman Jehl has a very myopic view of this supplemental local income tax appropriation. In minimizing that a portion of the funds “[do] not go to any specific part of the city,” he ignores $2.1 million for public safety, $2 million for increasing energy efficiency through LED streetlights, and $800,000 for neighborhood street trees and improvement grants, which serve all across the City.
August 8, 2023 - Open Streets Fort Wayne today announced the list of over 100 activities that will be offered on Sunday, August 20, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. The free, community, people-powered event will provide participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along more than 20 blocks. There will be something for people of all ages and cultures to enjoy together with games, music, food and much more planned.
August 3, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced specific projects to invest financial resources in to continue to move Fort Wayne forward in a positive direction. In May, Mayor Henry and City Administration leaders announced that the City of Fort Wayne had received a local income tax supplemental distribution from the State of Indiana of $22.588 million, which is a much larger allocation than in previous years. With the additional funding, neighborhood and infrastructure improvements will total $70 million in 2023, a historic feat for the community.
August 2, 2023 - Fort Wayne UNITED’s Ten Point Coalition, in partnership with Weisser Park Youth Center and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, are hosting a Book Bag Giveaway at 6:30 p.m. today at Weisser Park Youth Center. The Ten Point Coalition has over 400 youth and adult book bags stuffed with school supplies and will distribute them while supply lasts.
August 2, 2023 - City Pools will begin the process of closing this week as staff prepare to go back to school. Due to this loss of seasonal staff, there will no longer be the required number of certified lifeguards needed to operate the pools safely.
July 27, 2023 - Registration is now open for the free 2023 Inspire Neighborhood Conference. The event aims to energize and equip Fort Wayne’s neighborhood residents and leaders. The conference is hosted by the City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup and is set for September 14from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Electric Works, 1690 Broadway.
July 25, 2023 - The sustaining of my veto on G-23-06-42 as amended, which sought to set term limits for mayoral appointments to the City of Fort Wayne’s boards and commissions, is a win for the residents of our community. To ensure efficient governing of the city, state law requires the Mayor to make appointments to boards and commissions in order “to efficiently perform the administrative functions required to fulfill the needs of the city’s citizens.” Many of the City’s boards and commissions function as extensions of executive responsibilities. The General Assembly’s decision to not include term limits in legislating the parameters for mayoral appointments leaves the decision of whether to impose such limitations in the executive, not the legislative, branch.
A balance must be maintained between appointing new members and renewing the terms of members currently serving on boards and commissions. Members who continue their service offer expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge.
I regularly review my board and commission appointments during and nearing the conclusion of members’ terms. As the one given the responsibility to make such appointments, I take this duty seriously and will continue to do so.
July 25, 2023 - Due to the extreme temperatures expected this week, GFL will begin collecting garbage and recycling at 5:00 a.m., rather than 6:00 a.m. Wednesday – Friday. Residents should put their garbage and recycling out the evening before their regularly scheduled pick-up day.
July 25, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
July 21, 2023 - The twenty-fifth season of the Lifetime Sports Academy successfully wrapped up today with a fun day and award ceremony at McMillen Park for kids and parents. More than 850 participants in 2023 and over 31,300 since its inception, developed skills in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming. Group lessons were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 to 18 for seven weeks in June and July. Lessons focused on skill development.
July 17, 2023 - This morning, Mayor Tom Henry submitted the following veto message to members of Fort Wayne Common Council:
I am vetoing G-23-06-42 as amended, which seeks to set term limits for mayoral appointments to the City’s boards and commissions. The City Council is free to set term limits for its own appointments, but this legislative overreach by Council violates the established principle of the separation of powers.
July 13, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry will join the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission, members of Glick Property Management, and city officials for the dedication ceremony of a new Faces of the Fort mural. The event will be held Thursday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m. at the Edsall House Apartments building B located at 310 West Berry St.
July 11, 2023 - Clean Drains Fort Wayne invites every resident to join in protecting our rivers on the first-ever Clean the Drains Day, September 23, 2023. Clean Drains is the awareness and action campaign initiated three years ago by Friends of the Rivers in partnership with City Utilities.
July 5, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry continues to seek applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants are encouraged to apply to meet the July 21 deadline.
June 30, 2023 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day. All day camps, Lifetime Sports Academy programming and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center will also be closed.
June 29, 2023 - Open Streets Fort Wayne will return on Sunday, August 20, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. for the sixth year. The free, community, people-powered event will provide participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along more than 20 blocks. There will be something for people of all ages and cultures to enjoy together with games, music, food and much more planned. The Knight Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Open Streets Fort Wayne.
June 29, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division today announced that the closure of the East State Boulevard and Maplecrest Road intersection that was supposed to begin on July 5 will not happen.
June 28, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day.
June 27, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division today announced that beginning Wednesday, July 5, the intersection of East State Boulevard and Maplecrest Road will be closed to through traffic.
June 23, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry will join the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division, the Parks and Recreation Department, and City Councilwoman Sharon Tucker to celebrate the grand opening of McKinnie Commons Park. The event will be held Wednesday, June 28th, at 5:30 p.m. at McKinnie Commons, 1815 McKinnie Ave., at the northeast corner of McKinnie and South Anthony Boulevard. Refreshments will be available while supplies last.
June 23, 2023 - The Fort Wayne Police Department would like the public to have fun this upcoming Fourth of July and to remind everyone about the city ordinance regarding fireworks. If you live in the City of Fort Wayne, the days and times you can light fireworks are:
June 20, 2023 - In order to replace a culvert near the entrance to Shoaff Park at 6401 St. Joe Road, the Park Drive access loop that is normally one-way only traffic will be marked as two-way for a section of the loop. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will install temporary barricades and signage to direct traffic to the golf course, splashpad, athletic fields and Conklin and Riverlodge Pavilions beginning on Thursday, June 2023.
June 19, 2023 - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is set to receive a $50,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love during a special celebration at Petco at 315 E. Coliseum Boulevard on July 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
June 13, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, June 19 in recognition of Juneteenth.
May 31, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne has provided updates for public parking and traffic restrictions surrounding the dedication of the Pillars of Hope and Justice public art monument on June 5 in downtown Fort Wayne.
Pillars of Hope and Justice commemorates the June 5, 1963 visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Fort Wayne, during which he gave a speech at the former Scottish Rite Auditorium sharing his vision for nonviolent resistance.
May 30, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne invites residents to attend a public meeting for an overview of possible improvements to the Broadway & Taylor corridors.
The meeting will be held at Electric Works in the Paddock Room, 1690 Broadway, Building 19, on Wednesday, June 7, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Free parking is available for two hours in the Electric Works parking garage or the surface lot south of the building.
May 30, 2023 - Looking for a great way to kick off Father’s Day weekend? Take dad to the City of Fort Wayne’s Renaissance Car show on Friday, June 16th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This free event will be held at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave., and it’s open to the public. Show cars will have a $10 registration fee and dash plaques will be given to the first 100 entries. Motorcycles, trucks and hot rods are also welcome.
May 23, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in recognition of Memorial Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Monday. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week. City offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 30.
May 15, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup is inviting residents and nearby business owners to provide feedback on preferred products and services offered at the highly anticipated Pontiac Street Market, a full-service grocery store in southeast Fort Wayne at 918. E. Pontiac St. The goal of these events is to encourage the community to share their input for the future of the store.
May 9, 2023 - On Friday, May 19, The City of Fort Wayne will join Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. and Purdue University Fort Wayne to celebrate active commuting on Bike to Work Day ! Leave your car behind and walk, run, bike, or roll into one of four locations for a free, light breakfast, coffee, juice, and more.
April 28, 2023 - Free tours of the City Utilities' Camp Scott Wetlands, 3615 Oxford St., will occur Saturday, April 29 from 9-noon. Early visitors will receive a gift, while supplies last, of a pair of binoculars to see various birds, from owls, hawks, woodpeckers, and falcons to Cedar Waxwings, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and Kingfishers.
Tourists should wear shoes suitable for walking on various surfaces.
April 26, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Metropolitan Human Relations Commission and the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services today hosted the 2023 Fair Housing Summit at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Conference Center, 4000 Parnell Ave.
The annual event featured keynote speaker Dr. Andre M. Perry, author of Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives & Property in Americas Black Cities and coauthor of the groundbreaking 2018 Brookings Institution report The Devaluation of Assets in Black Neighborhoods . Dr. Perry is a nationally known and respected commentator on race, structural inequality, education, and economic inclusion.
April 24, 2023 - The former General Electric plant, now known as Electric Works, has been included on the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of properties considered worthy of preservation.
The General Electric Fort Wayne Electric Works Historic District is located immediately southwest of downtown along the Broadway corridor. It is a 15-acre complex that contains 22 buildings. It is composed of both the newly opened Electric Works, and the “East Campus” which is planned for future historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse.
April 19, 2023 - In celebration of Arbor Day 2023, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation in partnership with Trees Indiana will offer over 100 seedlings to the public (one per household) via a simple phone registration. Black Cherry tree seedlings will be offered on a first come first served basis. Those who want a free tree seedling should call 260-427-6000 during normal business hours now through April 27 to reserve a seedling. The bare root seedlings must be picked up on Friday, April 28, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at McCormick Park, 2300 Raymond Street (near the old Harvester Plant).
April 10, 2023 - The Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program that Fort Wayne has participated in for nearly 30 years. It’s a time when we can show our community pride by lending a hand to clean up littered roadsides, parks, trails and river ways. A clean city makes a difference. With the help of volunteers, Fort Wayne can come together and show how much we care about our community’s neighborhoods and public spaces.
April 10, 2023 - In 2022, 1,242 animal bites were reported; 500 were animal victims and 742 were human victims. Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control received a $20,000 grant to support a four-session pet body language and behavior workshop to help reduce those numbers.
April 10, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will provide an opportunity for residents to complete the paved trail survey for Foster Park, related to the not yet final Foster Park Golf Course Master Plan. Those who have not completed the on-line survey are encouraged to do so in-person on Tuesday, April 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., in the Indian Village Park’s Sears Pavilion at 1701 Bluffton Road. Copies of the survey will be available. The survey can still be accessed online at www.fortwayneparks.org .
April 4, 2023 - Due to the forecast of severe storms in the afternoon tomorrow, GFL will begin collecting garbage and recycling on Wednesday approximately two hours earlier than normal, hoping to complete collection before the storms move in. The City of Fort Wayne recommends that residents scheduled for a Wednesday pickup set out their garbage and recycling bins Tuesday evening.
April 3, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that after more than 25 successful years, the Headwaters Park Alliance ended their lease agreement to run Headwaters Park on March 31, 2023. The following day, April 1, 2023, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department assumed the management and day-to-day operations of Headwaters Park and plan to work with the Headwaters Park Alliance to ensure a smooth transition for all festivals, park rentals and other user groups.
March 30, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry, the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division and developer Barrett & Stokely announced today that the developer will soon begin construction of the $98 million mixed-use development at the northeast corner of Clinton and Superior streets known as The Lofts at Headwaters Park.
March 28, 2023 - This morning, the Mayor’s office proclaimed April as Safe and Humane Fort Wayne Month, encouraging all citizens to help Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control and Humane Fort Wayne by volunteering, fostering, donating, or adopting a pet to celebrate the month.
March 21, 2023 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) invites students in grades 9 – 12 to attend a free mental health conference on Wednesday, April 19, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Attendees will learn about mental health, participate in activities that encourage taking the first steps to self-awareness and well-being, and learn techniques and resources for mental well-being through professionally-led sessions.
March 20, 2023 - Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open for the 2023 season this week. Foster and Shoaff will open on Tuesday, March 21, at 12:00 p.m., followed by McMillen Park Golf Course on Wednesday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m. After opening day, the first start time will be 10:00 a.m. at least until the end of the month. All of the courses will start out as walking only. Opening for the driving ranges will be a day-to-day decision.
March 16, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne invites residents to attend a public meeting for an overview of the Goshen Road Corridor Improvement Project.
The meeting will be held at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 2305 Goshen Road, Thursday, March 30, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
March 6, 2023 - Registration for summer camps at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is now open. The popular week-long camps give kids the opportunity to learn about animal-related careers, help homeless pets and interact with the adoptable animals. The camps are open to all kids 6 to 12 years old.
March 3, 2023 - Registration is now open for the free 2023 Fair Housing Summit, which features Dr. Andre M. Perry, author of Know Your Price:Valuing Black Lives & Property in Americas Black Cities and coauthor of the groundbreaking 2018 Brookings Institution report The Devaluation of Assets in Black Neighborhoods . Dr. Perry is a nationally known and respected commentator on race, structural inequality, education and economic inclusion.
March 2, 2023 - Recent storms with high winds have blown trash and debris throughout the community. With heavy rain expected again tomorrow, City Utilities reminds residents these items get pushed into the storm drains causing blockages that flood streets and yards.
March 1, 2023 - On March 1, 2023, the Allen County Board of Commissioners and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry renewed their annual commitment to proclaim March as Disability Awareness Month.
“I’m encouraged that Fort Wayne and Allen County are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We still have work to do, but I’m confident that local government and the general public will continue to recognize the important contributions that are made each day by our disability community. Our friends are making a positive difference in leadership positions on boards and commissions, and at work, school, and home.” said Mayor Henry.
March 1, 2023 - The community is invited to join the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails Inc, and Little River Wetlands Project for a guided bike ride along the Towpath Trail, followed by a guided hike at Eagle Marsh. This event is FREE and open to all ages and experience levels.
February 28, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup invites neighborhood association presidents to attend the upcoming Neighborhood Presidents Meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 6 in Room 035 of Citizens Square. For those who cannot attend in person, the meeting will be broadcast live on Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Facebook page.
Guest speakers will include Traffic Engineer Kyle Winling with Public Works, City Clerk Lana Keesling, and Deputy Director of Neighborhood Code Compliance Chris Blauvelt. They will discuss parking and how it impacts neighborhoods.
February 24, 2023 - This morning, City Utilities and DivDat, a payment services provider, cut the ribbon to celebrate the successful launch of two new Kiosks. The free-standing units allow customers to make immediate payment postings. Even better, the Kiosks simplify the bill-paying process for customers with improved speed, convenience, ADA and language accessibility.
February 23, 2023 - Beginning Monday, February 27, 2023, crews will work to repair a sewer pipe on Lafayette Street. The work will require three lanes of Lafayette to be closed during construction. Other lane restrictions on Superior Street will continue for the planned consolidation sewer and stormwater pipe installation that will eventually connect to the deep rock sewer tunnel.
February 21, 2023 - The chemical spill caused by a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, does not affect the water source or drinking water of City Utilities . East Palestine is nearly 300 miles southeast of Fort Wayne. City Utilities' water primarily comes from the St. Joseph River, which flows to us from the north, starting in Michigan and ending in Fort Wayne.
February 10, 2023 - Reliable, timely, and efficient ambulance service is a top priority in the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Tom Henry continues to work with City Administration senior staff, the TRAA board of directors, and TRAA leadership to ensure that residents continue to receive life-saving care. The City Administration anticipates receiving a request from TRAA for supplemental funding assistance for a period of time. We also recognize that a request will likely be made to Allen County government for financial assistance as well. City and County councils, as the fiscal bodies, will be tasked with voting on the upcoming requests to financially support TRAA and their efforts to provide quality ambulance services to the community.
February 9, 2023 - At the February 9 Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners annual election of officers and organizational meeting, officers were elected to the following positions:
Justin Shurley, President
Cory Miller, Vice-President
Steve McDaniel, Board Secretary
Also announced at the meeting, Jenna Jauch joined the board as its newest commissioner, replacing last year’s board president William Zielke, who stepped down from the board after a very successful tenure working with the parks system.
February 1, 2023 - Looking back on 2022, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control continued to expand its life-saving efforts and develop more ways to be more of a positive resource to the community.
Throughout 2022, FWACC encouraged the community to consider donating to our Angel Fund. The angel fund helps create life-saving options for animals in our care who have advanced medical needs, and one of them was a severely malnourished Siberian Husky named Shadow.
January 27, 2023 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2023 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The event is free and open to the public. Guests should plan to be seated by 11:45 a.m. A small reception will follow the speech.
January 27, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department completed their plowing in residential areas Thursday.
January 26, 2023 - The Fort Wayne UNITED Ten Point Coalition Celebration scheduled for this evening at 6:00 p.m. at Weisser Park Youth Center has been postponed due to poor traveling conditions. The new date will be 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 16, also at the Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart Street.
January 25, 2023 - Last night, City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews pretreated the main arteries with brine to reduce ice build-up. Once the snow began accumulating on City streets this morning, crews began plowing the priority one (arterials) and priority two (collectors). They will continue plowing to keep the main intersections open. Once the system is close to its end, crews will begin salting streets.
January 24, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne has become aware of fraudulent emails going to residents who may have applied for jobs with City Utilities. The email presents a time and date and asks residents to respond for an online interview.
The City Human Resources Department does not use email to schedule employment interview appointments.
January 24, 2023 - To prepare for the snow event predicted for overnight and most of Wednesday, the City of Fort Wayne Street Department fleet is being checked and will be ready to begin snow removal when needed. Crews have been pretreating main arterial intersections with brine to reduce ice build-up. If possible, residents are encouraged to find off-street parking so trucks can blade as close to the curb as possible.
January 24, 2023 - Cap off a full day of Winterval activities with Riverfront Fort Wayne and keep the party going into the evening at Promenade Park on Saturday, January 28. From 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Riverfront Fort Wayne will host live music with Ty Causey, plus dancing, food for purchase and a cash bar by Mad Anthony Brewing Company inside the Park Foundation Pavilion, for age 21 and above. Stay cozy outside the Pavilion with heaters and roasted marshmallows for s’more over the fire pits, watch the chips fly as sculptors compete in an ice carving contest and show off your dance moves in the 360 video selfie booth.
January 23, 2023 - The Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball Initiative is back for its winter session.
January 12, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne would like to receive feedback regarding access to affordable and safe housing in our community. As part of the City’s fair housing assessment, the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is inviting residents to attend a public meeting to discuss fair housing.
January 10, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, January 16 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
January 5, 2023 - In year two of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship partnership between the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club and City Utilities, five students received scholarships totaling $11,000.
January 4, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation offers highlights of the department’s 2022 capital improvement projects and programs. Over 75 Park projects were completed and the City of Fort Wayne invested approximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements this year.
January 2, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Solid Waste Department would like to remind residents that garbage and recycling will be collected on January 2, and all garbage and recycling will be collected on regularly scheduled days during the entire week.
December 27, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Solid Waste Department would like to remind residents that the garbage and recycling schedule is delayed by one day this week due to the Christmas holiday.
December 23, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department is currently plowing and applying treated sand for traction to the City’s main roads. The temperatures are too cold for salt to have any impact. Due to the ice on roadways and high winds causing blowing and drifting snow on top of the ice, the Street Department encourages residents to stay home if at all possible.
As of now, garbage and recycling will be collected today.
December 22, 2022 - With temperatures dropping to single digits and then below zero in the next few days, City Utilities reminds customers that pipes and water meters can freeze, causing significant damage and costly repairs.
December 21, 2022 - With the winter storm watch and frigid temperatures in the upcoming forecast, Animal Care & Control is urging pet owners to take precautions and plan ahead. As a reminder of the ordinance, the City of Fort Wayne requires animals to be brought into a temperature-controlled structure when temperatures dip below 10 degrees and/or when a wind chill warning has been issued by a local, state or national authority. It’s also important to remember animals cannot remain outside longer than 15 minutes without access to adequate shelter and potable water no matter the temperature, according to city ordinance.
December 21, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department is preparing for a weather system predicted to bring the possibility of rain, freezing rain and snow to the area later this week. Crews are in the process of converting the trucks used for leaf pick-up over to salt and plow trucks. The Street Department has a full stock of salt and brine. Due to the to the rain predicted to fall before the snow, the roads will not be pre-treated because the rain will wash away the brine.
December 20, 2022 - A Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department manager was honored at the IPRA Awards of Excellence ceremony as a part of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association conference on November 16.
December 20, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 in recognition of Christmas, and on Monday, January 2 in recognition of New Year’s Day.
December 16, 2022 - Good morning. Thank you for joining me today.
December 15, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry late this afternoon joined City of Fort Wayne Manager of Right of Way & Landscape Services Nick Jarrell, Sixth District City Councilwoman Sharon Tucker, Greater McMillen Park, Eastside Community and Harvester Community neighborhood association residents and area business owners, along with the City’s Public Works Division, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Pontiac/Wayne Trace Roundabouts Renovation & Beautification Project. The approximately $850,000 project is a major improvement to the Coliseum Boulevard-Pontiac Street corridor, a key thoroughfare serving close to 16,000 vehicles.
December 15, 2022 - Fort Wayne Street Department crews expect to complete leaf collection today. They will continue to collect biodegradable bags until December 31. Residents with bagged leaves are asked to call 311 to schedule a pick-up. The bags need to be placed at the curb prior to calling 311.
In March 2023, the Street Department will announce two additional weeks for bagged leaf collection.
December 9, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration today announced that several local small businesses and nonprofits have been recommended to receive assistance through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been allocated to the City of Fort Wayne. The recommendations are a result of a thorough review of applications that were submitted earlier this year. The list of suggested recipients will be introduced through a resolution at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 13 with discussions and possible approvals coming at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 20.
December 8, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry has recognized milestone years of service for 75 City of Fort Wayne employees.
December 8, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne's Community Animal Care and Control today announced Abigail Reyes as its new public information officer. Abigail Reyes joined the Animal Care and Control team on November 21, 2022. Reyes can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and (260) 427-5508.|
December 5, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department and Fort Wayne Trails are partnering to present the Winter Solstice Walk/Ride and Bonfire on Wednesday, December 21 at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for this event that will begin at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd. Participants are asked to gather at the Wolf Family Learning Center.
December 2, 2022 - Fort Wayne Street Department crews will be working Saturday in the Central portion of the City as they wrap up the first round of leaf collection efforts. The second round of leaf collection is expected to begin early next week in the South part of the City, weather permitting.
December 1, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne's Community Development Division today announced Elizabeth Webb as its new public information officer. She began her duties on November 28.
November 30, 2022 - BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is bringing hope to the nation’s shelter pets this holiday season with its “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” adoption event Dec. 1 – 11. BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsors reduced adoption fees of $50 or less per cat or dog during each nationwide event. This event will be hosted in more than 275 shelters in 43 states, including Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control.
November 29, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division will host their next Neighborhood Presidents Meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 in Room 035 on the Garden Level of Citizens Square. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods’ Facebook page.
November 21, 2022 - Residents in southeast Fort Wayne now have a new establishment to enjoy as Starbucks opened earlier this afternoon at Southtown Centre.
November 21, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in recognition of Thanksgiving.
November 15, 2022 - Due to the large amount of leaves in the North section of the City, Fort Wayne Street Department crews don’t expect to move to the Central section of the City until early next week.
To keep residents informed of any changes in the schedule, leaf collection updates are provided daily before 3:00 p.m. at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The daily updates include what neighborhood the crews will be working in the following day. A collection map and guidelines for the process are also be located on the web page. Additionally, residents have the option to call 260-427-2603 to hear recorded daily updates.
November 9, 2022 - As Fort Wayne Street Department crews began their work in the North section of the City on Monday, they encountered a large amount of leaves. As a result, crews will work on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12.
November 7, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Friday, November 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.
November 1, 2022 - Ride Citilink for free on Election Day, November 8th, this year.
November 1, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne installed a new Blue Star Banner to honor and recognize City of Fort Wayne residents and City of Fort Wayne government employees who are actively deployed.
October 31, 2022 - Director of Public Works Shan Gunawardena today joined Street Commissioner Brian Shimkus to kick off the first day of annual leaf collection in the City of Fort Wayne.
October 28, 2022 - At its annual conference this week, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water chose Fort Wayne as having the best-tasting water in the State. It’s the second time Fort Wayne has won the award in the past four years, along with four regional wins and recognition in the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition. Winning this honor will now enter Fort Wayne City Utilities’ water into the “Great American Water Taste Test” national competition in Washington, D.C. Judges at the Indiana Alliance event evaluate clarity, odor, and taste to determine yearly awards.
October 25, 2022 - Fort Wayne continues to experience growth and success, and tonight’s passage by City Council of the budget for 2023 demonstrates we’re positioned for even better days ahead for our community. Fiscal discipline is critical as we work together to meet the needs, wants and desires of residents, neighborhoods and businesses. We’re looking forward to a productive 2023 with initiatives planned for every quadrant that will make a lasting and meaningful difference.
October 25, 2022 - The Fort Wayne Fire and Police departments invite the community to their FREE Safety Village Halloween Bash, Saturday, October 29, noon – 3:00 p.m. at 1270 South Phoenix Parkway.
October 20, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne's Community Development Division’s Administrator of Neighborhood Planning and Activation has been selected to attend the 14th annual Vanguard Conference in El Paso, Texas.
October 17, 2022 - Beginning October 31, the Fort Wayne Street Department will collect leaves in the City’s more than 400 neighborhoods. This year’s leaf pick-up will run through December 16, but weather conditions or the volume of leaves in a particular area may cause the planned schedule to shift slightly.
October 10, 2022 - Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne will conduct a joint Plan Commission Public Hearing on the All In Allen Comprehensive Plan. At the hearing, a summary of the final draft plan will be presented and the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback before the plan moves on to final adoption.
September 30, 2022 - As wellness and healthy living become increasingly important priorities for all populations, the 20th annual Active Aging Week October 3-7 treats older adults throughout North America to a broad array of exciting opportunities that promote physical, mental and social health.
Initiated by the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) in 2003, Active Aging Week (AAW) highlights the value of embracing all dimensions of wellness – including physical, emotional, intellectual, social and more – to enrich quality of life.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel emphasizes that “the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center offers a variety of local activities to engage and empower older adults as part of a broader effort to redefine how we experience and perceive aging.” He adds, “it’s just an exceptional way to enjoy friendly competition as well.”
September 20, 2022 - T oday, the City of Fort Wayne Fire Department was awarded $1,668 through the NIPSCO Public Safety & Education Training Grant. Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey are grateful to have this funding to support the purchasing of books required for the FWFD Technical Rescue Team’s certification class.|
September 19, 2022 - Repairs to the Citizens Square parking lot are scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 3. Parking lot access will be limited to the front lane of the parking lot with the entrance to be off Clinton Street and the exit to be the east exit onto Berry Street. The parking spaces in the front lane will be reserved for members of the public needing to be at Citizens Square.
September 15, 2022 - The community-wide celebration of Fort Wayne’s three rivers – St. Joe, St. Marys and Maumee – begins on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 12-9:30 pm.
September 9, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup announces the rescheduling of the Neighborhood Presidents Meeting. The meeting is not going to be on September 12 as previously announced, however it will take place Monday, September 19 at 6 p.m. at Citizens Square in the City Council Chambers and it will also be streamed live on the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Facebook page.
September 2, 2022 - Larry Campbell, the City of Fort Wayne’s Director of Fleet Operations, has been named the 2022 Professional Manager of the Year-Public Fleet for the American Public Works Association (APWA) – Indiana Chapter.
August 31, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, September 5 in recognition of Labor Day.
August 31, 2022 - Due to longer holding periods to fully vaccinate cats being cared for at the shelter and capacity issues, cat intakes will be diverted until Sept. 15 or until shelter medical staff determine it is safe to resume normal operations.
August 25, 2022 - Animal bites can lead to serious health problems, and the Allen County Department of Health, Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department want to remind you of the risks.
August 23, 2022 - The adoptions of kittens and adolescent cats are resuming at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control after an observation period, testing and increased disinfecting efforts at the shelter following a feline panleukopenia outbreak. The intake of cats and kittens is still being diverted until Sept. 1 our until shelter medical staff determine it is safe to resume normal intake operations.
August 19, 2022 - Drive sober or get pulled over. That’s the warning coming from the Fort Wayne Police Department / Allen County Police Department / New Haven Police Department and Woodburn Police Department as these agencies gear up to participate in an end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign. Starting this weekend through Labor Day, officers will be increasing patrols designed to target those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
August 18, 2022 - Earlier today, two responses were submitted to the City of Fort Wayne’s request for proposals for the new bulk collection contract with the City of Fort Wayne. The responses were from GFL Environmental and Republic Services of Indiana.
August 18, 2022 - Due to milling and paving street resurfacing work that will begin Monday, August 22, lane restrictions and slow-downs are expected on Spring Street from Lindenwood Avenue to N. Wells Street. The project is expected to be completed in three weeks.
August 15, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2022-23 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event.
August 11, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne will be ending their storm debris collection service for residents impacted by the June 13 and July 5 storms by Friday, August 19, when all requests for debris removal will be completed.
August 11, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division today announced that work will soon begin on the East State Concrete Rehabilitation Project.
August 11, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne installed a new Blue Star Banner today to honor and recognize City of Fort Wayne residents and City of Fort Wayne government employees who are actively deployed.
The following is being honored and recognized with the newly installed banner: Private First Class Kyler Doan, U.S. Army
August 8, 2022 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control has received a grant of $37,135 from the Orphan Kitten Club to support the shelter’s growing foster department.
August 5, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Administration today announced a solid waste rate resolution and ordinance will be introduced to City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 9. In partnership with City Council, the resolution calls for a portion of the City of Fort Wayne’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be used to pay eligible Solid Waste Department expenses. To delay an adjustment to the solid waste rate, City Council will be asked to approve setting aside up to $10 million of the ARPA funds.
August 3, 2022 - Stephanie Crandall, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Fort Wayne, was selected for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She spent three weeks on campus with 70 elected and appointed officials from around the world to consider current challenges and opportunities in public service. Crandall was the only representative from Indiana.
August 2, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
August 2, 2022 - Open Streets Fort Wayne today announced the list of over 100 activities that will be offered on Sunday, August 7, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. The free, community, people-powered event will provide participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along the 1.5-mile corridor.
July 29, 2022 - As part of the City of Fort Wayne’s northeast quadrant resurfacing package, crews will be working along sections of State Boulevard. The work will be taking place from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Monday, August 1 through Friday August 5.
July 29, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County are planning a network outage for maintenance Saturday, July 30, 5:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
During the outage, access to the Internet from City and County sites, email and other connected systems on the City-County network will be delayed.
April 22, 2022 - The 24th season of the Lifetime Sports Academy successfully wrapped up today with a fun day and award ceremony at McMillen Park for kids and parents. More than 800 participants in 2022 and over 30,500 since its inception, developed skills in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming. Group lessons were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 to 18 for seven weeks in June and July. Lessons focused on skill development.
July 21, 2022 - After two weeks of waiving fees for the drop-off of branches and limbs from last week's storms, the City Utilities Biosolids Facility will reinstate regular fees beginning Saturday, July 23, 2022. In the past 10 days 230 tons of brush has been brought in with most of that last week. Tomorrow (Friday), the disposal will still be free through 6 pm at the facility located at 6202 Lake Avenue.
Beginning Saturday, fees will return to $1 for 0-100 pounds or $20 for a ton of disposal. Facility hours are 8 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday and noon-6 pm Sunday.
July 20, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne tonight announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
July 18, 2022 - The Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services will begin accepting applications for the City of Fort Wayne’s Roof Program today. This program offers qualified residents a zero percent interest loan for roof replacement for their homes. The loans will be secured by a mortgage and repayment will be required through monthly installments over a 10-year period.
July 14, 2022 - Fort Financial Credit Union has partnered with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation to resurface and enhance two basketball courts in Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park, featuring a vibrant mural installed by local artist Andre Portee. The $30,000 project also includes new backboards, painted rims and new benches. It is funded by Fort Financial Credit Union with resurfacing and new striping by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation.
July 13, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration today announced that information sessions will be held to highlight American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant opportunities.
July 11, 2022 - Those residents impacted by the July 5th storm who have tree debris that they’d like collected are asked to call 311 by the end of the workday Friday, July 15. After residents have called 311 and submitted their address, City of Fort Wayne and contracted crews will collect the debris as soon as possible. Please set the tree debris out at the curb. It will take several weeks for all of the debris from the July 5th storm to be collected.
July 7, 2022 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is set to receive a $35,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love during a special celebration at Petco at 315 E. Coliseum Boulevard on July 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Fort Wayne.
July 7, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2022-2023 school year.
July 7, 2022 - The following traffic signals are the only remaining outages as a result of Tuesday evening's storm.
July 6, 2022 - High winds have left debris and trash throughout neighborhoods this week.With more rain in the forecast City Utilities reminds residents to protect their neighborhoods and clear debris from the storm drains so stormwater can get to the drain and leave the neighborhood.
July 6, 2022 - Due to the large amount of rainfall that occurred Tuesday and today, some localized intersections within the City of Fort Wayne temporarily experienced flash flooding. In most cases the water quickly receded and no roads have been closed due to flooding. The City’s rivers and streams were very low at the onset of the rain, and the ground was dry, so most of the water was absorbed into the ground.
July 6, 2022 - After working throughout the night, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation crews and contractors continue to clear debris and downed trees and barricade flooded roadways and trails from Tuesday evening’s storms. Clearing roadways initially and moving on to clearing street trees on houses, the crews will respond to reports of tree-related debris. Due to the high volume of storm-related failures, the crews ask that tree-related debris be reported through 311 calls.
July 6, 2022 - The following traffic signals are experiencing outages as a result of Tuesday evening's storm.
July 5, 2022 - Due to the heavy rain being experienced throughout Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry and the Fort Wayne police and fire departments are requesting that motorists stay off streets and roads. Several neighborhood streets in northwest, northeast, and central Fort Wayne are flooded. Also, if it can be done safely, residents should clear storm drains to help alleviate neighborhood flooding.
July 5, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry’s office today announced that two delegations from Plock, Poland will be visiting Fort Wayne beginning tomorrow. One of the delegations, which includes Plock’s mayor, will stay until July 11, while the second delegation will stay until July 17.
July 5, 2022 - Due to the weather conditions, crews will not be performing milling and paving work along sections of East State Boulevard.
July 5, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
July 1, 2022 - The annual Drinking Water Quality Report from City Utilities has been mailed and will arrive in mailboxes soon.
The report covers the 2021 year and is prepared and distributed as state and federal regulators require. In addition to being mailed to every water customer of City Utilities, the report is available online at: https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/waterquality.html . Anyone desiring additional copies may call 311.
July 1, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne has installed a new Blue Star Banner as part of the ongoing program to honor and recognize City of Fort Wayne residents and City of Fort Wayne government employees who are actively deployed.
June 30, 2022 - As part of the City of Fort Wayne’s northeast quadrant resurfacing package, crews will be working along sections of State Boulevard beginning Tuesday, July 5. State Boulevard from Florida Drive to North Anthony Boulevard will be impacted from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Tuesday, July 5 into the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 6.
June 29, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day.
June 28, 2022 - We’re just a few days away from GFL Environmental USA becoming the City of Fort Wayne’s garbage and recycling hauler. Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by leaders from the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division, City of Fort Wayne Solid Waste Department, GFL, and members of City Council to provide a final education and outreach update prior to GFL starting services on Friday.
June 23, 2022 - Open Streets Fort Wayne will return on Sunday, August 7, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. for the fifth year. The free, community, people-powered event will provide participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along the 1.5-mile corridor. There will be something for people of all ages and cultures to enjoy together with games, music, food and much more planned. The Knight Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Open Streets Fort Wayne.
June 23, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne invites the public to attend a public meeting for an overview of the Leesburg Road Extension Project.
June 21, 2022 - Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne will present the draft of the All In Allen Comprehensive Plan with a reveal celebration and open house feedback sessions.
The reveal celebration open house will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with a presentation at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022, in the Calhoun Ballroom of the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne. Light refreshments will be provided.
June 21, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the FoellingerFreimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
June 17, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Solid Waste Department today provided an update on recycling collection.
Beginning Monday, June 20, recycling collection will resume for those on the B Week recycling schedule. Residents are asked to set out their recycling the night before their usual collection day. A Week recycling will resume the following Monday, June 27.
June 17, 2022 - All traffic signals that were out of service due to the severe weather that hit Fort Wayne earlier this week are now back in service.
June 16, 2022 - Several traffic signals remain out of service due to the severe weather that hit the City of Fort Wayne earlier this week.
June 16, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced that it will assist with a residential cleanup of tree debris from the hardest hit areas of the City from this week’s severe weather. Beginning Monday, June 27, City crews and contracted crews will focus efforts in the Waynedale and Aboite areas. Maps of the areas in Waynedale and Aboite are attached. Areas inside the purple lines will be the serviced areas. It could take a few weeks for the work to be completed.
June 16, 2022 - Several traffic signals remain out of service due to the severe weather that hit the City of Fort Wayne earlier this week.
June 15, 2022 - Several traffic signals remain out of service due to the severe weather that hit the City of Fort Wayne earlier this week.
June 15, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, June 20 in recognition of Juneteenth.
June 15, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will again be the location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show on Monday, July 4. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.
June 15, 2022 - Several traffic signals remain out of service due to the severe weather that hit the City of Fort Wayne earlier this week.
June 14, 2022 - City of Fort Wayne divisions continue to work to address a number of areas affected by the severe weather that hit the City of Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne Fire Department and Fort Wayne Police Department continue to be proactive in responding to emergency situations.
June 14, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division has been working since last night to address a number of areas affected by the severe weather that hit the City of Fort Wayne. Several traffic signals are out of service. Motorists should use caution in the impacted areas and treat the areas as all-way stops.
June 13, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today provided an update on solid waste services.
June 13, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.
June 9, 2022 - Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to City of Fort Wayne for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
June 8, 2022 - Efforts to add additional backup and improve reliability for more than 72,000 City Utilities' water customers hit a milestone today. This morning, neighborhood leaders and elected officials celebrated the tank installation of the Utilities' newest water tower on White Oak Drive.
June 6, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today provided an update on solid waste services. For this week, crews are focusing on garbage collection. Today, crews are finishing garbage collections in Thursday and Friday routes and some crews hope to start some of the Monday routes later today.
June 6, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division wants to provide residents with current information for traffic patterns and parking near Headwaters Park as festival season kicks off.
June 6, 2022 - Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel kicked off the 2022 Senior Games today at the Community Center. The Senior Games is open to adults age 50 and older in locations all over Fort Wayne. The event will continue through July 7.
May 31, 2022 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department officially revealed the restoration of all decorative knee portal components in the truss of the historic 19th century Wells Street Bridge at Promenade Park. Mayor Tom Henry, Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel and Manager of Project Administration David Weadock spoke about the significance and value of the restoration to city residents and visitors this afternoon.
May 31, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne today provided an update on solid waste services.
May 31, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup invites neighborhood association presidents to attend the upcoming Neighborhood Presidents Meeting on Monday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. at Citizens Square in the City Council Chambers. For those who cannot attend in person, the meeting will be broadcast live on Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Facebook page.
May 25, 2022 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is accepting registrations for free summer programming at four convenient youth centers for children ages 5 to 18 and who are still in school. Summer sessions begin on June 6 and continue through July 29, 2022.
May 25, 2022 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will open Northside and McMillen Pools for the season on Saturday, June 4 with reduced hours of operation by one day per week.
May 24, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 in recognition of Memorial Day.
May 23, 2022 - The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission will be hosting an artist talk regarding the Pillars of Hope and Justice Monument in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will be held on Thursday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m. in Overlook Hall at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art located at 311 E. Main Street.
May 23, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division today announced that the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has closed and will not be accepting new applications.
The program was established with federal funding to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by temporarily assisting with rent and utility bills. At this time, the City has committed all of the program funds available. Although the City does not anticipate receiving additional funding for this program, it will continue to pursue other funding to assist in keeping families in their homes.
May 18, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division today are recognizing National Public Works Week and the strides the City’s Public Works Division has made to reduce carbon emissions, as well as plans for the future, proclaiming May 15 – 21 as Public Works Week in the City of Fort Wayne.
May 11, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne invites the public to attend a public meeting for an overview of the Coldwater Road Corridor Improvement Project.
The meeting will be held at Maple Creek Middle School, 425 Union Chapel Road, on Thursday, May 26, 2022, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online at Facebook.com/CityofFortWayne.
May 11, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne, Three Rivers Horse Trails, Inc. and Allen County are partnering for a Trot the Trails horse trail ride on Saturday, May 21. The ride will take place along the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail from the Frontier offices along West Jefferson Boulevard to Covington Road, which is 7.7 miles round trip.
May 10, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Board of Public Works today approved a contract between the City of Fort Wayne and GFL Environmental USA, which is another step forward in the process for GFL to be the next garbage and recycling hauler for the City of Fort Wayne.
May 9, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry will travel to our sister city Plock, Poland later this week with University of Saint Francis President Father Eric Zimmer, Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer and City of Fort Wayne Head of Digital Engagement John Felts. Mayor Henry and his delegation will arrive in Plock on Thursday and return to Fort Wayne on Sunday.
May 4, 2022 - It flows into our lives each day. Streaming from our tap to quench our thirst, helping us run our households and businesses, providing recreation, and used to protect our homes during a fire. Water is essential to our daily lives.
This week is National Water Week. To celebrate our high-quality, good-tasting water, City Utilities will offer a FREE behind-the-scenes look at the Three Rivers Filtration Plant, 415 Baltes Avenue, with free tours on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
April 28, 2022 - In conjunction with the Great American Cleanup, residents can bring their grass clippings, brush, twigs/branches, leaves and garden waste to City Utilities’ Biosolids Handling Facility at 6202 Lake Avenue, on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
April 27, 2022 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is holding a Late-Night Adoptions event Friday, April 29 in hopes of clearing space in the shelter.
The adoption center hours will be extended to 7:30 p.m. with adoption fees waived for all cats, kittens and small animals the day of the event. The adoption fee for dogs 6 months and older will be just $25. The adoption center will open at Noon the day of the event.
April 20, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Director Shan Gunawardena on Tuesday provided an update to City Council about how the recent garbage and recycling bid package was put together, where the City is at in the process of having a new contractor, and the due diligence that’s been done to put Fort Wayne in the best position possible to have excellent solid waste services moving forward.
April 12, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne invites the public to attend a public meeting for an overview of the Hillegas Road Widening Project.
March 29, 2022 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that Fort Wayne’s Foellinger Theatre will host Lake Street Dive on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The concert will start at 8:00 p.m.
March 25, 2022 - The Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program that Fort Wayne has participated in for nearly 30 years. It’s a time when we can show our community pride by lending a hand to clean up littered roadsides, parks, trails and river ways. A clean city makes a difference. With the help of volunteers, Fort Wayne can come together and show how much we care about our community’s neighborhoods and public spaces.
March 14, 2022 - Sunday morning, eleven churches simultaneously opened their doors to the community, along with their congregations, to view a video about the grief journeys of local families who have lost loved ones to homicide and to learn about ways they can help through the United Response program, launched by Fort Wayne UNITED. The video included testimonials from pastors who are usually the first ones to be called when a family member has been shot, and they’re with the families through the funeral and after. They have traveled this journey with families more than most, and suffer right along with them, while experiencing the painful journey of healing.
March 7, 2022 - The public is invited to celebrate the approach of warmer weather with a nine-mile “Spring Forward on the Trails!” bike ride, Sunday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m., hosted by the City of Fort Wayne’s Greenways and Trails Department and Fort Wayne Trails.
March 7, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) will offer all Fort Wayne students, grades 10 – 12, an opportunity to attend a free Peace of Mind and Body symposium on Wednesday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The symposium will take place at Indiana Tech, in Andorfer Commons, 1600 E. Washington Blvd.
March 2, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission announced today registration is now open for the 2022 Fair Housing Summit. Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Matthew Desmond will be the keynote speaker. Desmond’s best seller Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City has effectively changed the understanding of inequity and economic exploitation in America.
March 1, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup announces the return of the Neighborhood Presidents Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Citizens Square in the Garden Level Omni Room.
March 1, 2022 - The Allen County Board of Commissioners and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today signed a proclamation making March “Disability Awareness Month” in the city and county.
February 25, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department was able to pretreat roads yesterday and worked through the night salting and plowing the main arteries. They will continue clearing the main arteries this morning, then will resume pot hole patching efforts.
February 18, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department worked around the clock last night to salt and plow the main arteries and will continue plowing and salting as needed. They are also patching pot holes and will continue with that work over the weekend.
February 17, 2022 - T he Senate Committee on Local Government today passed House Bill 1286 out of committee with a 9-0 vote. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senator Justin Busch is the lead sponsor on the Senate side. Last month, the bill passed in the House of Representatives. Representative Martin Carbaugh led the effort in the House.
February 7, 2022 - Residents are asked to check to make sure that their garbage and recycling carts placed at the curbs and in the alleys are not buried, or surrounded, with snow. Clearing snow away from the carts will ensure that garbage/recycling collection drivers and service techs can get to the carts easily to empty them.
Beginning today, City solid waste customers will return to the normal collection schedule for garbage, and today also begins the regular A Week for recycling customers.
February 4, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department worked around the clock last night to salt and plow the priority one and two streets and are wrapping up those efforts this morning. They will move directly into the residential areas later this morning and will work throughout the weekend until those areas are cleared. If possible, residents should not use street parking to maximize clearing efforts in their neighborhood.
February 3, 2022 - As snow has continued to accumulate in the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Street Department has been continuously plowing the priority one (arterials) and priority two (collectors). Salt isn’t effective due to the continuing accumulation. Once the snow system has passed through, crews will begin salting the priority one and priority two streets. If blowing and drifting snow doesn’t become an issue, crews could possibly start on residential areas later tonight or soon after midnight.
February 3, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that all City of Fort Wayne offices and buildings will reopen on Friday. City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews continue to make progress with plowing and salting operations. However, motorists should be aware of their surroundings and drive with caution. Earlier this afternoon, the Allen County Office of Homeland Security announced it will lift the winter weather travel warning for Allen County, which includes the City of Fort Wayne, at 3 p.m. today. At that time, a winter weather travel advisory will go into effect. Residents are encouraged to visit www.cityoffortwayne.org for winter weather updates. Also, Red River crews will begin collecting garbage in the Monday routes on Friday.
February 3, 2022 - The Winter Weather Travel Warning for Allen County, Indiana is lifted effective 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 3, 2022 .
A Winter Weather Travel ADVISORY is issued for Allen County, Indiana effective 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 3, 2022.
State, Local and Private plow operators continue to work hard making our roads safer for travel. Your cooperation and patience have been a tremendous help throughout the day in this effort.
While travel conditions have improved, there are still many areas throughout Allen County where snow covered roads remain slick and hazardous. A travel ADVISORY is issued to remind motorists to slow down, use extra caution, and be alert for hazardous driving conditions if you need to travel. Please continue to avoid travel if it is not necessary.
February 3, 2022 - The Fort Wayne Street Department will continue plowing and salting City streets throughout the day and night. A fresh set of drivers hit the streets this morning, replacing drivers who worked overnight.
As snow continues to fall and blow, plow trucks will remain on arterial streets to keep them as clear as possible for emergency vehicles. When it stops snowing, crews will work to clean up the arterial and collector streets.
February 2, 2022 – The Board of Commissioners for the County of Allen, Indiana have declared that a State of Emergency for severe winter weather exists in Allen County, Indiana. Under the authority granted to them under IC 10-14-3-29.5 they further have issued a travel WARNING for all of Allen County, Indiana. This includes all municipalities contained within Allen County, Indiana.
Allen County has encountered severe winter weather conditions and a threat exists to the lives and property of the people of Allen County; and
The area known as the entire County of Allen and all municipalities contained therein, is immediately threatened with and is receiving severe winter weather and curtailing the protection of the lives and property of the entire Allen County.
February 2, 2022 - Garbage is currently being collected today and collection will continue into the late afternoon or evening hours, depending upon the progress of the snow storm. Garbage and recycling will not be collected on Thursday due to anticipated hazardous driving conditions.
Late evening or early Thursday, residents should remove their bins from the curb to prevent them from being knocked over during snow plowing.
February 1, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that all City of Fort Wayne municipal offices and buildings will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the impending winter storm. The status for Friday will be determined based on the weather conditions.
February 1, 2022 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has provided winter safety tips in preparation for this week's forecasted winter storm.
January 31, 2022 - To prepare for the snow event predicted Wednesday – Friday morning of this week, the City of Fort Wayne Street Department fleet is being checked and will be ready to begin snow removal when needed. Pretreating the roads with a de-icing brine to reduce ice formations is likely not an option because the rain predicted leading up to the ice and snow event will wash away any substance applied to the roads.
January 31, 2022 - Due to the forecast for inclement weather on February 2, the City of Fort Wayne Public Works Division has rescheduled the Bluffton Road Bridge Project public meeting. The meeting will now be held in the Sears Pavilion, 1701 Bluffton Road, on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. Masks will be required for all attendees. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online at Facebook.com/CityofFortWayne.
January 27, 2022 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2022 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
January 24, 2022 - The public is invited to warm up with a family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride along the Pufferbelly Trail as part of the Winterval 2022 event in downtown Fort Wayne. We’ll depart from the Lawton Park parking lot (1900 N. Clinton St.) on the south side of 4th Street and ride to Franke Park and back on Saturday, January 29 at 1:00 p.m. Helmets are recommended. This is a FREE event and does not require registration, however, it is weather dependent. Winterval event cancellations will be posted on the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Contact Greenways Program Manager Neil Miller at 260-427-6228 with any questions.
January 19, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne invites the public to attend a public meeting for an overview of the Bluffton Road Bridge Project. The project will include replacement of the bridge beams and deck, and added enhancements such as wider sidewalks with lookout points. Construction is expected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025.
January 18, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services has received more than $4 million in federal funding to address homelessness. Now, the City, in collaboration with the nationally-recognized consulting firm Homebase, is seeking public input on the best way for the City to spend those dollars.
January 12, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, January 17 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
January 6, 2022 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division in collaboration with the Packard Area Planning Alliance (PAPA) will host a series of open house events at Wunderkammer Company beginning January 10th .
January 4, 2022 - (260)DAY (February 6, 2022) is coming to northeast Indiana. It is a day where the communities in the (260) area code come together to celebrate their choice to live, work & play in northeast Indiana.
December 17, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department and Fort Wayne Trails are partnering to present the Winter Solstice Walk/Ride and Bonfire on Tuesday, December 21 at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for this event that will begin at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd. Participants are asked to gather at the Wolf Family Learning Center.
December 13, 2021 - The 27th annual Battle of the Badges competition returns to Fort Wayne this December and the community is invited to give with meaning this holiday season with local police, fire and EMS personnel by giving blood with the American Red Cross from December 15 to 20.
December 9, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division today announced that the application process for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will close December 12. The program was established with federal funding to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by temporarily assisting with rent and utility bills. At this time, the City has committed all available program funding.
November 29, 2021 - Giving Tuesday is a day to make a difference in the life of a shelter pet. In 2021, more than 7,600 animals have come through the doors at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. Whether they need additional medical care or are too small for adoptions and must go into a foster home, it’s only possible to save their lives because of generous donations from the community.
September 23, 2021 - It’s time to celebrate our rivers at the Be River SmART: Clean Drains Fort Wayne Fest on World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 26, 2021.
November 22, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 in recognition of Thanksgiving.
November 8, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.
October 27, 2021 - Due to flooding along the horse trail route and the forecast for additional rain, the Trot the Trails event scheduled for October 30 has been canceled.
October 22, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne website (cityoffortwayne.org) is back up, with some features still in the process of being restored.
October 19, 2021 - Beginning November 1, the Fort Wayne Street Department will collect leaves in the City’s more than 400 neighborhoods. This year’s leaf pick-up will run through December 17, but weather conditions or the volume of leaves in a particular area may cause the planned schedule to shift slightly.
October 19, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne, Three Rivers Horse Trails, Inc. and Allen County are partnering for a third Trot the Trails horse trail ride on Saturday, October 30. The ride will take place along golf cart paths at the former Lakeside Golf Course and will also include 2.3 miles of the Rivergreenway between the golf course and the North River Road Trailhead along the scenic Maumee River.
August 18, 2021 - Mayor Tom Henry’s office today announced that Cindy Henry, Mayor Henry’s wife, has also tested positive for COVID-19. Mrs. Henry is fully vaccinated and is experiencing mild symptoms. Mayor Henry announced yesterday that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Mayor Henry is fully vaccinated and is experiencing mild symptoms. Mayor and Mrs. Henry will be isolated for the next several days and encourage individuals to get vaccinated.
August 17, 2021 - Mayor Tom Henry today tested positive for COVID-19. Mayor Henry is fully vaccinated and is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be isolated for the next several days and will work from home and be in daily communication with the deputy mayor’s office and city division heads.
August 17, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division announced today that an additional public parking lot is now open near Promenade Park.
August 9, 2021 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today announced that violent crimes are down by 46.30 percent and property crimes are down 6 percent for the first seven months of 2021 (January 1 – July 31) as compared to data from the same 2020 timeframe.
August 4, 2021 - Open Streets Fort Wayne will return on Sunday, August 29, 12 – 4 p.m. for the fourth year. The free, community, people-powered event will provide participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along the 1.5-mile corridor. There will be something for people of all ages and cultures to enjoy together with games, music, food and much more planned. The Knight Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Open Streets Fort Wayne.
August 3, 2021 - As pool staff returns to school in the coming weeks, Northside and McMillen Pools will close for the season on Saturday, August 7.
August 2, 2021 - Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced that the Fort Wayne Fire Department is accepting applications for their 94th Recruit Class.
July 29, 2021 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department today announced plans to build a new Fire Station 14 at the southeast corner of East State Boulevard and Reed Road. The new construction would replace the existing Fire Station 14 located at 3400 Reed Rd.
July 26, 2021 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division and Mayor Tom Henry today announced a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne UNITED’s TenPoint Coalition to bring construction of new houses to southeast Fort Wayne.
July 14, 2021 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents and area business owners, along with the City’s Public Works Division, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Van Buren Street Bridge Improvement Project. The project investment of $2.5 million included the super structure replacement of the bridge, scour protection, a trail running from the bridge south to Superior Street, wider sidewalks and decorative railing and lighting. Primco, Inc. was the primary contractor for the work.
May 11, 2021 - Today, Fort Wayne’s Board of Public Works approved an agreement with Allen County to move forward with another year of Tox-Away Saturdays.
January 17, 2020 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is conducting a Community Needs Assessment Survey to gather crucial feedback about parks, facilities and programs offered to Fort Wayne citizens. A randomly selected group of citizens will receive or have already received a questionnaire in the mail, which can be completed and mailed back in an included postage-paid envelope, or can be completed online following included instructions. To ensure a comprehensive result, those who received Needs Assessment questionnaires are encouraged to complete the survey, even if they do not use most or any Parks and Recreation services.
January 17, 2020 - Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana has joined the City of Fort Wayne, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne and the national non-profit organization Comfort Cases in the month-long fundraising effort to provide support for local children entering the foster care system.
January 16, 2020 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will host Winterval 2020 on Saturday, January 25, in downtown Fort Wayne. This year, a new event joins the full day of activities as Salomon Farm Park presents a Farm Hand Competition at Hop River Brewing Company, 1515 N Harrison St, just north of Promenade Park. Participants can try their hand at the lasso, tractor tire flips, tossing straw bales, and other feats of strength and skill, with prizes awarded to the top finalists. This event will also be a fundraiser for Salomon Farm Park, as Hop River will be donating a portion of beverage sales to the park. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the entry fee for competitors is $15. Competitions will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the event is free for spectators.
Janaury 16, 2020 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry was joined by New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael, New Haven High School Principal Anna Murphy, East Allen County School Superintendent Marilyn S. Hissong, Chief of Student, Family and Community Engagement at Fort Wayne Community Schools, Debra Faye Williams-Robbins and Fort Wayne UNITED members led by Iric Headley to announce the launch of the Fort Wayne UNITED Tie Day Program.
January 14, 2020 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected and will remain on schedule.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Janaury 13, 2020 - The Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services Heating, Air Conditioning and Roof Program is now open to qualified residents.
The program offers zero percent interest ten-year loans for heating/air conditioning replacement or roof replacement projects. Applicants must own their home, it must be their primary residence and the home must be located within City limits. Applicants must also have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, or $55,050 for a family of four.
January 12, 2020 - Forecasters are now calling for only minor flooding when rivers crest on Monday. At this hour, all city streets are open.
January 11, 2020 - City crews are continuing to monitor this weekend's rain event. To divert flow away from neighborhoods, City Utilities' crews turned on a pump near Hartman Road and another on Wheaton Court earlier today. Forecasts are calling for river levels to crest at a moderate flood level on Monday afternoon. At this time, there are no city streets closed due to high water.
January 10, 2020 - Sand is now available for residents wanting to protect their personal property from flooding. The Fort Wayne Street Department has placed sand in the parking lot of the ASH Centre, 1701 Freeman Street, and the Southwest Conservation Club at 5703 Bluffton Road. Bags are available, but residents need to bring a shovel to fill the bags they need. This morning, the City’s Flood Control staff placed the flood gate and closed Hartman Road at Foster Park, and delivered barricades in low-lying areas that often hold water during a rain event. Residents are encouraged to check and clear storm drains and inlets in their neighborhood so that water can flow into the drain and away from the area.
January 10, 2020 - The City of Fort Wayne Public Art Commission is inviting all residents to the reveal of the completed public art master plan, called Art for All.
The celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Arts United Center in the Ian Rolland Gallery, 303 E. Main St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and a brief presentation begins at 6 p.m. Cupcakes will be served and live music will be featured.
January 9, 2020 - As forecasters are calling for heavy rain on Friday, City Utilities has already placed pumps, as a precaution, in neighborhoods prone to flooding. Pumps are in place, but not running, at the intersection of Old Mill Road and Fairfax Avenue, Hartman Road, Wheaton Court, Fernwood Avenue and Tillman Road.
When heavy and sustained rains are in the forecast, City Utilities reminds residents that their help is needed to make sure debris, trash and yard waste are not blocking drains. While City crews do check drains, they cannot monitor all 19,000 storm drains and inlets and need assistance from residents to clear drains during a heavy rain event to allow water to flow away.
January 6, 2020 - The City of Fort Wayne joins the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne and the national non-profit organization Comfort Cases to announce a month-long fundraising effort to provide support for local children entering the foster care system. For this donation drive, Comfort Cases is soliciting donations of new, unused backpacks and items such as new pajamas, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, coloring books, journals and much more. For a complete list of items, visit www.comfortcases.org . Donations will be accepted at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., January 7 – February 7, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Look for the donation barrels located in the Citizens Square lobby. Monetary donations will also be accepted from January 7 – January 24 at www.comfortcases.org/ftwayne or by mailing a check to: Comfort Cases, 15825 Shady Grove Road, Ste. 60, Rockville, MD 20850.
January 6, 2020 - Mayor Tom Henry will host a Mayor’s Night In from 5:30 -7 p.m. on Monday, January 13. The event will be held on the fourth floor of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
Residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government.
December 30, 2019 - City of Fort Wayne offices will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1 in recognition of New Year's Day.
December 20, 2019 - The Inauguration ceremony for City of Fort Wayne elected officials will take place at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St. The event is free and open to the public.
December 19, 2019 - Eighteen firefighters were welcomed to the Fort Wayne Fire Department in a graduation ceremony tonight at the Public Safety Academy.
The department’s 92nd recruit class will begin their duty as Fort Wayne firefighters at engine houses throughout the city on December 20.
December 19, 2019 - Community leaders today announced that Fort Wayne UNITED and Healthier Moms and Babies will oversee the Infant Mortality Challenge , a fundraising effort to provide safer sleep options for infants.
“Twenty-Four babies in Allen County over the past five years did not live to see their first birthday due to sleep related deaths. Many causes of infant mortality are not preventable, but one is completely preventable: unsafe sleep deaths. Healthier Moms and Babies is excited to partner with Fort Wayne UNITED to reach more vulnerable families to provide a pack-n-play for those who need a safe place for their baby to sleep, but most importantly provide education to the entire family on the ABC’s of Safe Sleep,” said Paige Wilkins, Healthier Moms and Babies Director. “The twenty-four safe sleep related deaths our community has experienced over the past five years might have been prevented if more people knew and practiced the ABC’s of Safe Sleep.”
December 18, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel provided an update on the department’s 2019 capital improvement projects and programs inside the new Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park. Over 70 projects were completed in 2019 and the City of Fort Wayne invested approximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements in 2019.
December 18, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has announced the reuturn of the Holiday Cab program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during this holiday season. In its 32nd year in service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Thursday, December 19 to Wednesday, January 1 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each day.
December 17, 2019 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents and City Utilities’ staff members to celebrate 2019 accomplishments and announce for the second year in a row investments of more than $100 million in utility improvement projects.
“It’s crucial that we provide the public with reliable and affordable water, sewer and stormwater services,” said Mayor Henry. “Through proactive projects and initiatives, City Utilities has positioned us to meet the current and future needs of our community. By working together with neighborhoods and City Council, we’re seeing progress and making a meaningful difference for individuals, families and businesses.”
December 17, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that with leadership and help from the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, $15,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding will go toward efforts to again help provide overnight accommodations for homeless single women. The sheltering of homeless single women has been identified as a community challenge that needs to be addressed. Lifehouse Church will provide the service this winter season.
The Rescue Mission provides overnight shelter for homeless men, and Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network provides overnight space for homeless families.
The Rescue Mission also serves as the lead provider of a warming shelter in the City of Fort Wayne.
December 16, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas. Residential garbage and recycling will be collected on Tuesday, December 24. Wednesday – Friday collection will be one day later. City offices will resume regular business hours on Thursday, Dec. 26.
December 13, 2019 - The second and final pass for leaf collection in northern neighborhoods begins tomorrow, December 14. Working a second Saturday in a row, will see crews wrapping-up south and starting in neighborhoods in the north part of the City.
The second collection in northern neighborhoods is expected to last through most of next week. When they are completed, crews will move to the central neighborhoods.
December 12, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a special ceremony to recognize milestone years of service for 75 outstanding City of Fort Wayne employees.
“It’s an honor to recognize 75 exceptional individuals who have served the City of Fort Wayne for 25 or more years,” said Mayor Henry. “I appreciate all that they do on a daily basis to meet the needs of residents, businesses and neighborhoods. Their dedication has truly made a difference in our community.”
December 11, 2019 - Over the past six years, nearly 3,000 infrastructure improvements were completed in Fort Wayne neighborhoods totaling $180 million. This year continued that work with a record $31 million investment on roads, alleys, sidewalks and trails. This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry joined neighborhood leaders, members of the Fort Wayne City Council and staff members from the Public Works Division to celebrate the accomplishments.
December 10, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined representatives from Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana, the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division and City Council to announce that there is an agreement in place to begin implementing a portion of the City’s quality of life plan that was approved in October. The partnership with Easterseals Arc is focused on vocational assessment and skills training, workforce development and accessibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This programming opportunity is a result of additional revenue collected by the State of Indiana through income taxes and distributed to the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry’s Administration and City Council worked collaboratively to approve the quality of life plan that also includes addressing the opioid challenge by working with The Lutheran Foundation and Fort Wayne Police Department and enhancing neighborhoods through funding to the four neighborhood area partnerships in addition to the partnership with Easterseals Arc.
December 9, 2019 - The south half of the Civic Center Garage, located at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Calhoun Street, is closed for approximately nine weeks, or until February 10. The closure could be extended if weather delays the work.
The construction is part of the City’s project to add approximately 225 much-needed parking spaces to the garage.
The skywalk to the Hilton Hotel is also closed, as are the machines that take cash payment for hourly parkers; only credit cards will be accepted until the south half is once again open.
December 9, 2019 - A 12-ton maximum weight limit for the Bluffton Road Bridge is in place until further notice.
During an annual inspection, City Engineers found maintenance concerns and hired an outside bridge inspector to take a closer look. The findings determined that the weight restriction needed to be in place.
December 6, 2019 - Street Department Crews will begin the second pass of leaf collection in southside neighborhoods on Monday, December 9, 2019. Residents are encouraged to visit the webpage cityoffortwayne.org/leaves , for daily updates showing the neighborhoods they will be in each day. The webpage, along with a leaf phone line at 427-2603, are updated by 3:00 p.m.
Cooler temperatures and windy conditions brought an abundance of leaves down in the past several weeks, and crews will still be collecting leaves in central neighborhoods through the weekend.
December 5, 2019 -The City of Fort Wayne’s riverfront consulting team tonight revealed designs for the next phases of riverfront development, some of which could be under construction within the next 12-18 months.
The team from DAVID RUBIN Land Collective presented renderings for the public spaces on the north and south sides of the St. Marys River, from Promenade Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge and from Promenade Park to the Ewing Street Bridge, which is Phase II. They also presented Phase III public space concepts for the north and south sides of the St. Marys River from the Ewing Street Bridge to the Van Buren Street Bridge.
In addition to the renderings for the public spaces, the Land Collective team revealed concepts for private development, and recommendations for land use and zoning, infrastructure, and flood management in the Riverfront District.
December 3, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel and Conjure Coffee owner Corey Waldron officially cut the ribbon on the new Conjure Coffee café inside the Botanical Conservatory on December 3.
Conjure Coffee has already become a Fort Wayne favorite at their home location on Columbia Avenue which features their own locally roasted coffee along with a highly-seasonal menu which features many fresh, locally-sourced products. In addition to café products they offer an array of roasted coffee for packaged sale and their coffees are also featured at a number of local restaurants.
November 26, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Summit City Entrepreneur & Enterprise District (SEED) is partnering with a nationally ranked startup accelerator to launch a program for local emerging businesses.
genera8tor is a national accelerator that offers a program called gBETA. gBETA will offer a free accelerator for five early-stage companies in Fort Wayne. Participants receive intensive and individualized coaching and access to a national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. gBETA is designed to help startups gain early customer traction on their product or idea and establish metrics that make them competitive applicants for investment.
November 25, 2019 - Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no solid waste or recycling collected in the City of Fort Wayne on Thursday, November 28.
Residents scheduled for a Thursday pickup will have their solid waste/recycling collected on Friday. Residents with Friday pickup will have their solid waste/recycling collected on Saturday. The City's Solid Waste Department will be closed Thursday and Friday. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, December 2.
November 22, 2019 - Animal Care & Control is urging savvy shoppers to ADOPT , DON’T SHOP and relax with a new furry friend this holiday season. Black Friday brings sales and discounts to retailers everywhere and Animal Care & Control is no exception. Adoption fees for all dogs six months and older will be “pick your price” (minimum $10) Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27 only! The adoption center will be open noon-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and noon-6 p.m. Wednesday.
November 21, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined representatives of Fort Wayne UNITED, the TenPoint Coalition, the Oxford Community Association and the local construction community to celebrate the kick-off of the TenPoint Façade Program.
The program, funded with the City’s Housing & Urban Development federal funds, will provide up to five façade grants to homeowners on Woodview Boulevard in the Oxford neighborhood. The grants will pay for improvements on the exterior of the homes, and may pay for some lead paint remediation in the interiors of the homes. Applications for this round of the grants is currently closed.
November 21, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 in recognition of Thanksgiving. Residential garbage and recycling collection will be impacted with Thursday’s collection taking place on Friday and Friday’s collection occurring on Saturday.
November 20, 2019 - Adults that have experienced an opioid overdose have a new way to connect with treatment and recovery services with the launch of the Hope and Recovery Team (HART) , an interdisciplinary approach that has been funded by a $1.35 million grant from the Indiana Department of Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).
The HART team approach is simple. Parkview’s peer recovery coaches have teamed up with two Fort Wayne police officers to locate people in Fort Wayne and Allen County within 72 hours of a non-fatal overdose to help them connect with clinical services, including medication assisted treatment, and holistic recovery programs. They then work with the clients to guide them through treatment and connect them to other needed services. Coaches are also available at the Allen County Health Department’s Syringe Services Program and at The Rescue Mission.
November 19, 2019 - Lowering of downtown river levels will begin this Wednesday morning, November 20, so crews from the City’s Flood Control Department can conduct routine bridge and levee inspections and remove debris caught up on bridge piers. Completion of the work is expected by December 4, 2019, at which time the water levels will go back up.
The lowering will affect water levels on all three rivers.
November 18, 2019 - Earlier today, a letter was sent to RTM Ventures, the Electric Works project development team, to inform the development team that the local public funding partners (City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers and Allen County Commissioners) will not be able to accommodate the development team’s most recent request for an advanced funding commitment of $23 million for the project. The local public funding partners highlighted several areas of concern regarding the request, including the Capital Improvement Board of Managers cannot enter into the requested financial arrangement due to statutory operating limitations, the request represents a change to the current economic development agreement that would require additional changes and approvals, and the request represents a shift in risk to public funding sources.
November 14, 2019 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is now providing animal control services to the residents of New Haven.
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control and the City of New Haven entered into an inter local agreement allowing officers to uphold New Haven’s city ordinances and respond to calls of stray dogs running loose, injured domestic animals, bite investigations, and reports of animal abuse and neglect. New Haven does not currently have an animal shelter or capability to house animals. Prior to entering a contract with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, The City of New Haven contracted with Allen County Animal Control to pick up animals found stray and deliver them to the shelter. Now, calls regarding animals in the City of New Haven will be dispatched directly to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control officers.
November 12, 2019 - Residents are invited to learn about the next steps for Riverfront Fort Wayne during two public events set for Thursday, December 5, 2019, 4-5 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. The information sessions will take place at the Park Foundation Pavilion in Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St. and residents should RSVP at www.RiverfrontFW.org .
During the meeting, professionals from DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, the landscape architecture and urban design firm contracted to lead Phases II and III of Riverfront Fort Wayne development, will present the final renderings and recommendations from their work. Residents will see designs for the public spaces to the east and west of Promenade Park and learn about recommendations for zoning and land use, infrastructure, flood management and private development in the Riverfront District.
November 11, 2019 - City Street Department drivers were called in on this Veterans Day to handle the winter weather advisory. Plow trucks are currently in all parts of the City. Additionally, fleet mechanics were called in to keep plowing operations running through the night.
To prepare for the weather event, crews pre-treated City streets yesterday with brine, a liquid de-icing substance that adheres to the road before an event to reduce ice build-up. Also yesterday, workers converted leaf collection trucks for plowing operations and filled them with salt to prepare for today’s weather event.
November 8, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 10 neighborhood associations are being awarded grants to improve their communities.
Last year, the Community Development Division launched the Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, which is designed to support neighborhood projects that beautify public spaces and strengthen community involvement. Projects completed in the first year of the program include murals, historic markers and neighborhood markers.
November 8, 2019 - With our first taste of cold weather this weekend, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control wants to remind residents that they can contact the shelter to receive free straw bedding for their pets. Straw is the best and safest way to provide warmth for pets who spend a lot of time outside. Blankets hold moisture and quickly freeze during the winter months, which can be detrimental for pets trying to stay warm.
November 7, 2019 - As local residents start to turn on their heat for the season, some may find their furnaces aren’t working. For those who may not be able to afford a new furnace or can’t take on a traditional loan, the Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services is offering a zero interest loan program.
The program offers zero percent interest ten-year loans for heating/air conditioning replacement projects. Applicants must own their home, it must be their primary residence and the home must be located within City limits. Applicants must also have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, or $55,050 for a family of four.
November 6, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.
November 6, 2019 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will be closing the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail in Promenade Park to complete scheduled upgrades to the structure which includes new handrails. The trail will be closed November 6 and is scheduled to remain closed through the end of February 2020 as the work is completed.
To ensure public safety, all park areas north of the St. Marys River, including the north dock and PNC Playground, will be closed during the updates.
November 4, 2019 - Today, Fort Wayne Fire Department recruits were the first class to experience hands-on training in the Department’s new live fire training center, located at 2700 Dwenger Avenue.
Over the past 2 ½ years, the FWFD has invested over $150,000 to improve hands-on training capability at the Dwenger Avenue training facility. The initial infrastructure improvements were offset by a $60,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and this most recent phase was finished in late October.
November 1, 2019 - Street Department crews will begin this year’s leaf collection at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4. Each of the City’s more than 400 neighborhoods will receive two pick-ups over the next seven weeks.
For curbside leaf collection, 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 of their collection. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves.
Residents can access daily collection updates at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The page is updated each weekday by 3:00 p.m. and will have the neighborhoods scheduled for the following day. The information is also available on the leaf hotline at 427-2603 for daily updates.
October 31, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed Steven Espinoza as a guest to the Mayor’s office and proclaimed today as Steven Espinoza Day in the City of Fort Wayne. Espinoza was recognized for several accomplishments, including his ongoing service and leadership as a member of the Fort Wayne Police Department, a veteran committed to serving his country and how he has represented the FWPD in the World Police and Fire Games.
October 31, 2019 - Two years ago, alley reconstruction, the repair of dilapidated pathways that are a vital part of neighborhoods and residents living in those neighborhoods, had never been initiated in the City of Fort Wayne. But since deciding to fix the City’s alleys, construction has moved full steam ahead. Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents of the Northside Neighborhood Association, City Council members, and staff from the Public Works Division to celebrate a milestone of completing five miles of alley reconstruction.
“Alleys serve an important function for homeowners and neighborhoods, and it’s vital for us to maintain and improve our infrastructure system,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’ve increased our efforts to strengthen neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.”
The fifth mile completed is the alley between East State Boulevard and Forest, California, and Alabama Avenues. The alley had deep ruts and sections that were worn away in several locations, making it difficult to maneuver.
October 31, 2019 - Due to the most recent weather release and advisory that just was put out we regret having to move Trick or Treat hours from tonight to SATURDAY November 2, 2019. The hours will also be changed to 430-630pm. We are sorry for any inconvenience this late notice may give families. Fort Wayne Police, Allen County Sheriff, Fort Wayne Fire and Homeland Security have all concluded it is just too risky to have that many children out and about given the turn in the weather and high wind advisory that is forecasted for tonight.
October 30, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced plans for significant upgrades to the bridge along Spy Run Avenue near The Old Fort and give it a new name – the Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge. Project details: *The bridge will continue to provide three through lanes for motorists while also providing additional pedestrian width to enhance the connectivity of downtown to The Old Fort and the adjacent neighborhoods. *A railing will be installed to separate vehicular traffic from pedestrian traffic. *Several bump out areas will be provided for pedestrians above the pier locations to create focal points. Pedestrian plaza areas will be provided at the southwest and southeast corners of the bridge. There will also be curved column features at the bump out areas which will accommodate accent lighting elements. Lighting for illumination of the roadway as well as the pedestrian walkways will be included. *23,500 vehicles pass over the bridge each day.
October 29, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today announced reductions in several areas including homicides, shootings and violent crimes as part of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s statistics for the first three quarters of 2019 (January 1-September 30) as compared to data from the first three quarters of 2018.
October 25, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Police Chief Steve Reed, Reverend Dr. Charles Harrison, Oxford Community residents, TenPoint Coalition financial partners, TenPoint Coalition Foot Patrols and Fort Wayne UNITED representatives to announce that in the last twelve months, both violent crime and property crime decreased in the Oxford Community, the first recipient of Mayor Henry’s TenPoint Coalition initiative that was launched on October 25, 2018.
The Fort Wayne Police Department has released the following crime statistics for the Oxford Community:
Rape decreased 77%
Aggravated Assault decreased 65%
Robbery decreased 62%
Burglary decreased 31%
Larceny decreased 12%
Motor Vehicle Theft decreased 28%
Additionally, there were no homicides between October 25, 2018 and October 25, 2019 in the Oxford Community.
October 24, 2019 - I was encouraged by today’s vote by the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers (CIB) to approve an extension to the economic development agreement for the Electric Works project. I appreciate the CIB’s partnership. This follows the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission’s recent action to approve the extension. This will allow for additional time for RTM Ventures to finalize private financing and secure tenants.
October 24, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, representatives from Model Group, the Downtown Trust, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and other partners today celebrated the completion of the West Columbia Street streetscape. The new streetscape includes a pedestrian-friendly plaza complete with trees, landscaping, benches, lighting, and gateway features at the intersections of Columbia with Calhoun and Harrison streets.
“Because The Landing represents such an important part of our community’s history and is a centerpiece of our downtown revitalization efforts, we knew we had to complement it with a truly unique and special streetscape,” said Mayor Henry. “The completed streetscape invites residents and visitors to sit and enjoy this beautiful place in the heart of our city.”
October 22, 2019 - Fort Wayne continues to move forward in a positive direction with momentum and excitement. I see it every day as I interact with residents, neighborhoods and business leaders. Tonight’s passage of the City of Fort Wayne budget for 2020 is an example of our community working together to help ensure we continue to support the essential services that city government provides to the public. In a bipartisan manner, we partnered to approve a budget that’s reflective of a city that’s positioned for current and future success.
October 22, 2019 - At its annual national conference, this week, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), chose Mayor Tom Henry as the sole recipient of the 2019 Donald R. Boyd Award. The award is named for a founding member of AMWA and acknowledges extraordinary personal service in the drinking water field. The award is presented to one individual from throughout the country each year.
October 18, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed members of the Fort Wayne Complete Count Committee to their first meeting. The Committee is a group of volunteers appointed by the Mayor and charged with ensuring the community’s Census 2020 count is as complete and accurate as possible.
Comprised of key community leaders representing Fort Wayne’s diverse populations, the committee will partner with federal officials and grassroots leaders to create strategies for informing all residents about the 2020 census, which begins on April 1, 2020. Members of the committee are listed on the following page. Palermo Galindo, the City’s Community Liaison, is the staff to the committee.
“Getting an accurate census count is critical for the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Federal dollars needed to support our residents, schools, roads and more are allocated based on our population as determined by the Census. I urge every resident to complete their Census form so that our community will receive our fair share of federal funding.”
October 17, 2019 - Crews have installed an additional banner as part of Mayor Tom Henry’s Blue Star Banner program. The newest banner is for Staff Sergeant Arturo A. Vargas, U.S. Army. This is the final banner that will be added this year. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.
October 17, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, community leaders and funding partners gathered inside the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory to officially open the new Conservatory Connector. The $552,000 project links the Conservatory to the lower level of the Embassy Theatre, the Grand Wayne Center, the Fort Wayne Hilton, and other downtown destinations.
“This has been a project we’ve been trying to make happen for several years,” said Director McDaniel. “The Botanical Conservatory draws thousands of visitors during the entire year and this project now allows everyone to visit without having to brave the elements. We are extremely appreciative of the donors and our project team that has finally made the Connector a reality.”
October 16, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the high school students selected to participate in the 2019-2020 Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC). MYEC is a service learning group comprised of high school sophomores-seniors. Members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions and working on projects. The new MYEC class had their first meeting this evening, kicking off the tenth year of the program.
October 16, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry joined Anthony Wayne Rotary Club members, City Utilities staff and donors to launch a new scholarship for students interested in the STEM field.
To develop and retain talent in the STEM fields, City Utilities is partnering with the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club to create a scholarship fund for City Utilities' interns.
October 16, 2019 - The Johnnie Mae Farm, located at 2518 Winter St., is hosting the second annual Harvest Celebration on Friday, October 25 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The remaining vegetables will be harvested and offered free of charge to residents on a first come first serve basis. Collard and mustard greens, potatoes, radishes, carrots, beets, tomatoes, and peppers should be available. After October 25, farmers will prepare the planting beds for winter.
October 15, 2019 - The Public Works Division joined residents of the Bittersweet Lakes Community Association this afternoon to announce the 2019 Leaf Pick-up schedule. This year’s timetable will be starting later than normal to accommodate leaves falling later in the season. Street Department crews will begin leaf collection on November 4.
“This important neighborhood service is something we hear from residents about every year. One comment we’ve heard, as weather patterns change, is that residents wish we could push the schedule back,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This year, we are pushing the schedule back and beginning the collection process in November.”
As always, each of the city’s 400 neighborhoods will have two passes with the last collection the week of December 20. The later start date will allow residents more time to rake leaves from trees that might fall later in the season, as the second neighborhood pass will not occur until December.
October 15, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County are partnering to allow for a one-time horse trail ride to take place along the Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The event will be on Saturday, Oct. 19. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The meeting place will be Frontier Communications at 8001 West Jefferson Blvd., also known as Olde Canal Place, across from the entrance to Lutheran Hospital. Horses and their owners will be able to start the 7.7-mile roundtrip ride on the Towpath Trail anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. Horses and their owners will need to be finished with the ride by 3 p.m. Horses will ride alongside the trail, but there will be a few locations where the horses will have to be on the trail or use pedestrian bridges. Other trail users are still welcome to use the Towpath Trail during the time of Trot the Trails, but they must yield to the horses. Horse manure will be collected by volunteers along the route.
October 14, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne Planning Department and Southeast Area Partnership are inviting area residents to share their ideas for the future of southeast Fort Wayne.
The City and leaders from the Southeast Area Partnership have been working to update the community’s Southeast Strategy and are now ready to hear from residents during several events scheduled for the week of October 21.
The Southeast Strategy Kick-Off will take place Monday, October 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 7500 S. Anthony Blvd. in the former Kmart Plaza. Food from local restaurants, games and door prizes will be part of the event.
The Southeast Strategy Wrap-Up is set for Thursday, October 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 7500 S. Anthony Blvd. in the former Kmart Plaza. Food from local restaurants, games and door prizes will be part of the event.
October 14, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Mark Music, President and CEO, Ruoff Mortgage, today highlighted Ruoff Mortgage’s plans to build their corporate headquarters at the corner of Ewing Street and Jefferson Boulevard in downtown Fort Wayne.Project details: *$43.5 million investment *Approximately 110,000 leasable square feet of office and retail space with a parking garage of nearly 260 spaces contained within nine floors *Construction anticipated to start during the winter months and will take 20-24 months to complete depending on the weather
October 10, 2019 - Fort Wayne UNITED’s TenPoint Coalition Foot Patrols walked in the Oxford community with the Fort Wayne Fire Department today to deliver and install smoke detectors to area residents during Fire Prevention Week.
The number one line of defense in the event of a home fire is working smoke detectors. This door-to-door smoke detector distribution and installation, also referred to as a “blitz,” allows for a quick and efficient way to distribute and install free smoke detectors to the community.
October 10, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Barrett & Stokely officials today announced an economic development agreement is in place for The Lofts at Headwaters Park. The proposed mixed-use development, along Clinton and Superior streets in downtown Fort Wayne, would feature housing, retail, and a parking garage. Project highlights: *$67.5 million investment *232 apartments, 12,000 square feet of retail, and a 651-space parking garage *Construction anticipated to start in early 2020 and will take two years to complete The economic development agreement must be approved by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. The Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at Citizens Square in Room 030 to consider the agreement. Additional approvals related to the project from other governing bodies will also be required in order to move the project forward to eventual construction.
October 3, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today expressed his support for an extension to the economic development agreement for the Electric Works project. RTM Ventures has made a formal request to have the agreement extended to allow for additional time to finalize private financing and secure tenants. The proposed new milestone dates would be February 1, 2020 for financing commitments to be met and April 30, 2020 for the closing on the transaction. The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will consider the request at its next meeting at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 at Citizens Square in Room 030. In addition, the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers and Allen County Commissioners will need to approve the extension request. “Successful public-private partnerships can be complex and take time. They’re critical to advancing our community and region as a point of destination for job and business growth, strong neighborhoods, and attractive quality of life amenities,” said Mayor Henry. “I want to see Electric Works happen and succeed and positive progress is being made. The public financing bodies involved in this project are committed and engaged partners with the Electric Works development team as the process continues to move forward.”
October 3, 2019 - For the second year in a row, Fort Wayne City Utilities has received national recognition as a 2019 Utility of the Future Today. The honor came in the category of Partnering and Education and recognized City Utilities' partnerships with groups like the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative, the FWCS Career Academy students for concrete work, a robust internship program with several universities, work with Greater Fort Wayne Inc., teaming with the Conjure Coffee Company for a water plant event, and collaboration with citizens serving on the Utility Advisory Group. In the Education area, the award recognized the hundreds of neighborhood meetings for projects, the Rain Garden workshops, and the many tours of the water plant and pollution control plant, along with the massive turnout for the tours of MamaJo, the Tunnel Boring Machine.
October 2, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne is inviting local entrepreneurs and small business owners to attend two free City sponsored Startup Week events, including Mayor Tom Henry’s Business Services luncheon on October 14 and an Entrepreneurial Operating System workshop on October 16.
September 25, 2019 - This morning, Mayor Tom Henry joined students, teachers, neighborhood leaders, and City Council members to celebrate the completion of a new sidewalk along St. Joe Center Road connecting eight neighborhoods to St. Joseph Central Elementary School.
This project, a half-mile long sidewalk, connects to the existing walk in the area between Maplecrest and Hazelett roads, and connects the school to 2,000 residents in 952 homes in the area.
September 25, 2019 - Due to the positive response to the “Porch Off Calhoun,” the public gathering space will now remain open through October.
The “Porch Off Calhoun” is located in the parking spaces adjacent to the alley on Calhoun Street next to Pint ‘n Slice, 816 S Calhoun St. The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division had leased the parking spaces through September, but will now lease them for another month. The parking spaces have been transformed into a welcoming gathering area with seating, planters, art and lighting. “The Porch Off Calhoun” is always open to everyone, however local businesses may plan events such as food trucks, drinks and games.
September 24, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has announced that this year's Halloween trick-or-treating hours will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on October 31.
September 24, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration this evening will formally introduce the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2020 to City Council. City Controller Garry Morr will give a presentation on the highlights of the budget. The balanced budget is focused on providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. The budget also positions Fort Wayne as a leader in job growth, economic development opportunities, downtown revitalization, strong and thriving neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne unique as a point of destination to live, work, and play.
September 23, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced he has expanded the Emerging Business Enterprises (EBE) program to encourage more small business participation on construction projects in the City of Fort Wayne. The new recommendation requests that whenever possible on private construction projects that include some City funding assistance that the City’s EBE participation goal of 10 percent be applied to the City’s funding portion. The goal is to have a collective partnership with developers and contractors to increase and strengthen opportunities for small businesses to grow and succeed.
September 23, 2019 - The Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball League is returning for the fall session. The program runs from 8 - 11 p.m. each Saturday evening October 5 through November 9. The Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball League is held at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave. Sponsors are the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Police Department, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Papa John’s and Parkview Health. The league focuses on providing teens and young adults, ages 16 – 25, with a positive, structured and safe environment while exposing them to much more than basketball.
September 19, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2020 will continue the City Administration’s commitment to investing in neighborhood infrastructure, public safety, and parks. The balanced budget is focused on providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. The budget also positions Fort Wayne as a leader in job growth, economic development opportunities, downtown revitalization, strong and thriving neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne unique as a point of destination to live, work, and play.
September 18, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the selection of Barrett & Stokely as the developer who plans to construct a project in excess of $70 million on the premier riverfront property located at the northeast corner of Harrison and Superior streets, east of Promenade Park. It signifies a major private investment as part of riverfront development efforts in Fort Wayne. Barrett & Stokely, an Indianapolis-based company, was chosen from among a group of five firms that submitted requests for proposals (RFP) to be considered as the developer. A selection committee comprised of Redevelopment Commissioners, City of Fort Wayne staff, Capital Improvement Board representative, a representative from the Allen County Board of Commissioners, and a representative from Land Collective, the consultant team leading the Riverfront Implementation Framework, oversaw the RFP process.
September 17, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the formation of the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Community Advisory Council as a way for residents 50 years of age and older to have a proactive role in the momentum and excitement taking place in Fort Wayne.
September 16, 2019 - Fort Wayne UNITED’s TenPoint Coalition invites the community to join an upcoming Prayer in the Park and two prayer walks in the Oxford neighborhood. Participants should meet at Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart St. Prayer in the Park will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, September 29. Local pastors will lead prayers on several topics that are impacting Fort Wayne.
September 16, 2019 - Baseball players with the Hamilton Park Little League now have batting cages at their diamonds at Hamilton Park as a way to improve their hitting skills and encourage more participation in baseball. Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, Fort Wayne TinCaps, and Hamilton Park Little League board members and baseball players today participated in a dedication ceremony to commemorate the completion of the project.
September 16, 2019 - A neighborhood commitment has been achieved. After a four-year closure, the bridge on Edsall Avenue is open. This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry joined neighborhood leaders, students, businesses, City and County council members, and city staff to cut the ribbon and officially open the bridge.
September 12, 2019 - Conjure Coffee has signed a lease agreement with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation to open a café inside the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne. The agreement was approved by the Board of Park Commissioners during their monthly meeting on September 12.
September 11, 2019 - Our community mourns today at the passing of Don Wolf. Don is one of the most generous and authentic men I’ve ever met. I was honored to call him a friend.
September 10, 2019 - Kensington Boulevard from E. State to the Maumee River has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of properties considered worthy of preservation. The historic district is within the North Anthony Area Association.
The Kensington Boulevard Historic District is long and linear. It is bounded by E. State Boulevard to the north, and it follows Kensington Boulevard south across Lake Avenue to Niagara Drive.
September 9, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne and Mayor Tom Henry welcome the Fort Wayne FC soccer club, an expansion team of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), to Fort Wayne. Based in Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Football Club (FWFC) represents the highest competitive play of men’s outdoor soccer in Northeast Indiana. Fort Wayne FC joins the NPSL, a national outdoor soccer league at the fourth tier of the United States soccer pyramid. The club will begin competition in the Midwest Region’s Great Lakes Conference starting in May 2020. Fort Wayne FC plans to introduce a competitive women’s team in 2022.
September 6, 2019 - The Fort Wayne and Allen County Land Use Governing Board is recommending that the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County hire Houseal Lavigne Associates to prepare the next community comprehensive plan.
On Tuesday, an ordinance for approval of the contract will be introduced to Fort Wayne City Council to fund 50 percent of the project costs, or $333,530. The other 50 percent will need approval from the Allen County Council. The Allen County Commissioners and Mayor Tom Henry will be asked to approve the project contract.
The Governing Board received eight proposals to develop the plan and interviewed five teams before beginning negotiations with Houseal Lavigne Associates, based in Chicago. Houseal Lavigne Associates is a professional consulting firm specializing in all aspects of community planning, urban design, and economic development. They have worked with more than 250 communities across the country, including a wide range of public and private sector planning, development, and design-related assignments in 22 states.
Septemebr 6, 2019 - VeoRide, a shared mobility company based in Chicago, is launching a test program of e-scooters and pedal bikes today in downtown Fort Wayne.
VeoRide was recently issued a permit from the City of Fort Wayne Right of Way Department to begin a 16-month pilot program in Fort Wayne. The permit can be revoked at any time if the pilot program does not meet expectations. The program will begin with several dozen e-scooters; over the next month, no more than 300 e-scooters and 150 pedal bikes will be available in a designated area.
September 5, 2019 - Leaders of the Businesses on Broadway association, City Community Development and Public Works staff, and 5th District Councilman Geoff Paddock celebrated the completion of the Broadway railroad overpass beautification project today.
The overpass is located between Taylor Street and Creighton Avenue.
September 5, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel cut the ribbon today on the newly restored Salomon Farm Homestead, which will officially open for public tours during the Fall Harvest Festival at Salomon Farm Park on Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14.
September 4, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services is now offering a Lead Paint Remediation Program to help protect children from the dangers of lead poisoning.
Currently in the United States, there are more than one million children who have been poisoned by lead from old paint. Chipping and peeling paint, or home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust, are enough to poison a child. Exposure to the paint can damage a child’s brain, slow their growth, cause learning and behavior problems, and cause speech and hearing problems.
September 4, 2019 - Many of us are storing corrosive, toxic, or ignitable products in our house without thinking about the hazards they present. Now is the time to round up items and discard them at Tox-Away Day on Saturday, September 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The City’s Solid Waste Department is teaming with the Allen County Department of Environmental Management (ACDEM) for the weekend disposal. Last month’s Tox-Away Saturday saw a record 10,056 pounds of household hazardous waste and 1,152 gallons of paint brought in.
September 4, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined residents, businesses, organizations, church leaders, and members of the City Council to celebrate the completion of the Dupont Road improvement project. The comprehensive project added travel lanes for a busy and growing corridor and added pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure where it didn’t exist before.
August 27, 2019 - In an effort to save as many lives as possible, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is implementing a new initiative, called the Pet Assistance and Rehoming program, aimed at preventing pets from having to enter the shelter by keeping them at home with their owners whenever possible.
August 27, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in recognition of Labor Day.
August 26, 2019 - A new initiative designed to enhance neighborhoods and provide additional opportunities for other programs aimed at improving the quality of life in Fort Wayne is set to be discussed and voted on by City Council on Tuesday. The initiative was announced last month by Mayor Tom Henry who was joined by neighborhood and community leaders, partner agencies, and City of Fort Wayne staff members who will be part of the planning and implementation processes.
August 22, 2019 - Crews have installed two additional banners as part of Mayor Tom Henry’s Blue Star Banner program. They are for Specialist Troy Cotton, U.S. Army; and Airman First Class Eric Stuckey, U.S. Air Force.
August 21, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today led a business walk in downtown Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity for Mayor Henry and City of Fort Wayne staff members to talk to and get feedback from several businesses.
August 12, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission will unveil the draft recommendations of the Public Art Master Plan at an open house on Monday, August 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Hop River Brewing, 1515 N. Harrison St.
Everyone (including those younger than 21) is welcome to attend the open house and review the recommendations as well as offer feedback on the plan. Light snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available. No RSVPs are necessary. There will be no formal presentation but consultants and members of the City’s Public Art Commission will be available to answer questions and discuss ideas. More information is available online at FortWaynePublicArt.com.
August 9, 2019 - Fort Wayne returned to its historical riverfront today, with the opening of Promenade Park, a $20 million development that renews Fort Wayne’s three rivers as a regional destination for recreation, arts and culture, and nature activities. This one-of-a-kind park joins natural rivers with downtown Fort Wayne’s thriving urban center.
Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, Former Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and Park Board President Rick Samek boarded a floating stage and clipped a custom-made ribbon that stretched across the St. Marys River, from bank to bank, to officially dedicate Promenade Park, the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne.
August 8, 2019 - To provide Fort Wayne motorists with the latest street closures and lane restrictions, the City’s Public Works Division has launched a web-based map, at TRECtheFort.org. The first part of the webpage address, TREC, stands for Traffic Related Events and Closures.
The page offers information about closures and lane restrictions in the City limits. When users click in the center of the icons, it will show the purpose of the shutdown, effective date, expiration date, and who’s in charge of the project.
August 7, 2019 - Construction to add approximately 225 much-needed parking spaces to the Civic Center Parking Garage, 100 E. Washington Blvd., will cause lane restrictions on downtown streets for the next eight months.
Beginning Monday, August 12 Jefferson Boulevard will be reduced to two lanes between Calhoun and Clinton streets through April of 2020. Calhoun’s northbound lane between Jefferson Boulevard and the west entrance to the garage will be closed from October 14, 2019 through February, 2020.
August 5, 2019 - Leaders of the Historic Fairmont Place neighborhood were joined today by City of Fort Wayne leaders to dedicate a new mural painted by artists Theoplis Smith and Matthew Plett on the side of the Tasty Pizza building, 4302 Fairfield Ave.
The mural depicts letters spelling out the phrase “Better Together” as well as brightly colored cardinals.
August 5, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey today welcomed the 22 members of the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s 92nd recruit class.
Training began this morning at the Public Safety Academy: Ivy Tech South Campus for the new recruits who will fill vacancies created through anticipated and unanticipated retirements. The additional firefighters will also enhance the fire department’s level of service by ensuring four firefighters are on a fire apparatus at all times.
August 2, 2019 - Several downtown alleys are being transformed into welcoming spaces as part of the City of Fort Wayne’s Alley Activation project.
The project, funded primarily by an $83,000 grant from the Knight Foundation/Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, will build on the Art this Way alley mural program by enhancing the alleyways located between Berry Street, Washington Boulevard, Harrison Street and Calhoun Street.
August 1, 2019 - Goshen Avenue has a long history that's seen many changes over the years. In 1913, the road was known as the Lincoln Highway and was outside of the City limits. In the mid-20s, it became U.S. 33 until that route moved over to follow the Coliseum Boulevard bypass. Today, it's an urban street with city neighborhoods, nearby schools, churches, and a business corridor.
This morning, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents and area supporters to break ground for Phase I of the Goshen Avenue improvement project. This new chapter takes the road from a highway to an urban street that will meet the needs of motorists and pedestrians.
August 1, 2019 - As pool staff returns to school in the coming weeks, McMillen Pool will close for the season on Friday, August 2 at 7 pm.
Northside Pool will remain open for the season until Saturday, August 10 at 5 pm.
The City’s free splash pads will remain open until the end of September or early October, based on when they must be closed for winterizing.
July 30, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today led a ceremony celebrating the placement of the new Engine 17 into service. A traditional “wet down” and “push in” service was conducted at Fire Station 17, 1910 Getz Rd., for one of the newest pieces of equipment for the Fort Wayne Fire Department. A similar ceremony took place today for the new Engine 8 at Fire Station 8, 6035 Rothman Rd.
July 29, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today announced reductions in several areas including homicides, shootings, and violent crimes as part of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s statistics for the first half of 2019 (January 1-June 30) as compared to data from the first half of 2018.
July 26, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel officially unveiled the first piece of Promenade Park to the public on Friday morning. “Convergence , Linda Howard, 2018, presented by the Waterfield Foundation” sits on the southeast corner of Promenade Park, near the intersection of Superior and Harrison streets. Mayor Henry and McDaniel shared their excitement for the sculpture, especially as it means the opening of the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne is getting closer. Promenade Park will open to the public in two weeks with a three-day celebration that begins at 5:30 pm on August 9 and runs through August 11.
July 24, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Ten Point Coalition Foot Patrols today walked in the Oxford community with the Fort Wayne Fire Department to deliver and install smoke detectors to area residents.
The number one line of defense in the event of a home fire is working smoke detectors. This door-to-door smoke detector distribution and installation, also referred to as a “blitz,” allows for a quick and efficient way to distribute and install free smoke detectors to the community.
July 18, 2019 - Fort Wayne’s latest public art display is a nod to one of Fort Wayne’s most famous historical residents, John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. The “Making Children Smile” statue features Johnny Appleseed seated on a bench with a shiny red apple in his outstretched hand. The statue is designed to be interactive, with an open seat where admirers can join alongside the American icon.
White Lodging, along with Mayor Henry, other city officials and Michael Thena of the Johnny Appleseed Festival, today unveiled the statue along West Jefferson Boulevard, just outside the new Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown and across the street from the Grand Wayne Convention Center.
July 18, 2019 - White Lodging today announced the opening of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Fort Wayne Downtown. The property offers two new-to-Fort Wayne restaurant concepts – Burger Bar and the city’s only open-air rooftop bar, Conner’s Rooftop. Conner’s Rooftop opens today; Burger Bar opens on Monday, July 22.
The 136-room hotel is located on West Jefferson Boulevard – immediately adjacent to Parkview Field and the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The property features spacious rooms with direct views of Parkview Field or the downtown skyline and offers travelers value-added amenities with the spirit of Hamptonality.
July 16, 2019 - The City’s Redevelopment Department will soon begin clean-up work on the North River (former OmniSource) site, thanks to a grant from the Indiana Brownfields Program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has approved up to $283,400 for removal of up to 2,400 tons of potentially contaminated soils. Additionally, 10 groundwater monitoring wells will be installed as part of the grant. There are five existing monitoring wells on the site at this time and samples from those existing monitoring wells have not indicated any groundwater concerns.
July 16, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area. The cooling station will be available from noon-6 p.m. beginning Thursday and running through Sunday. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. in downtown Fort Wayne.
July 15, 2019 - Fifteen local entrepreneurs are new graduates of the Build Institute Fort Wayne Business Planning Education classes. The program is sponsored by the City of Fort Wayne’s Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) and Indiana Michigan Power. Launched in April of this year, the program now boasts 26 graduates.
The entrepreneurs recently graduated from the eight-week course designed for individuals interested in developing a business plan. The Build Institute program offers a general curriculum that is adaptable to any kind of startup; meals and childcare are provided to help remove barriers to participation.
July 15, 2019 - Due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area, garbage and recycling collection will begin one hour earlier than usual for residents of Fort Wayne. Neighborhood collection will start at 5 a.m., instead of the usual 6 a.m. beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16, until further notice.
July 11, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced a new initiative designed to enhance neighborhoods and provide additional opportunities for other programs aimed at improving the quality of life in Fort Wayne. The programming possibilities are a result of additional revenues collected by the State of Indiana through income taxes. A total of $3.86 million is being distributed to the City of Fort Wayne over and above what was budgeted for in 2019.
July 10, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Police Department reminds residents to be aware of road closures during the Three Rivers Festival in downtown Fort Wayne.
July 9, 2019 - Today, the City of Fort Wayne received the official BETTER CITY FOR PETS™ certification, as part of the Mars Petcare BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, showcasing its commitment to creating a pet-friendly community. More people than ever view pets as members of the family, and with 85 million pet-households in the United States, Fort Wayne is on the forefront of creating a vibrant community where pets are not only welcome, but thrive.
The City of Fort Wayne received high marks for its Community Cat Program, partner organizations working together to reduce pet homelessness, and Humane Education programs that ensure future generations of responsible pet owners. Signage around the city and in recreational areas was also spotlighted.
July 2, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as a cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indexes forecasted to impact our area. The cooling station will be available from noon-6 p.m. today. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. in downtown Fort Wayne.
July 2, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2019-20 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event.
July 1, 2019 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control wants pet owners to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday while keeping their pets safe and secure. Dogs, cats, and even small animals can easily become overwhelmed by the sudden explosions of fireworks causing panic and fear leading to a spike in runaway pets. The celebrations and picnics can also put your pets at risk.
July 1, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in recognition of the Fourth of July.
June 28, 2019 - Earlier this evening, 20 recruits from 64th Basic Recruit Class of the Fort Wayne Police Department graduated after 21 weeks of training. The 20 men and women have successfully completed one of the toughest academies in the State of Indiana. The graduates include two African-American males, two white females, and three of Latino descent.
June 28, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry will be a featured speaker at the 87th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The event is being held today-July 1 in Honolulu. Mayor Henry will lead a mayoral best practice presentation to the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Workforce Development Council on Saturday. Mayor Henry will discuss how Fort Wayne UNITED is making a positive difference and provide attendees with information on how their respective cities can implement similar programming to enhance safety and quality of life through open communication and sustainable action plans. Fort Wayne UNITED is a Mayoral initiative started by Mayor Henry in 2016. Under the direction of Iric Headley and a steering committee of local volunteers, it places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program to provide positive opportunities and hope for black men and boys and make a meaningful difference with an emphasis on listening, input, letting voices be heard, and engagement.
June 27, 2019 - The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.
June 25, 2019 - Motorists in the vicinity of the Broadway and Rudisill Boulevard intersection will notice signs this week, alerting them about an upcoming road closure. The intersection will be closed to accommodate construction of the Rudisill Consolidation Sewer, beginning the week of July 8, 2019 . The closure is expected to be in place for up to ten months.
June 25, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced an initiative designed to enhance garbage and recycling collection services in the City of Fort Wayne. Beginning Monday, July 1, several employees of the City of Fort Wayne’s Street Department will work on their off-hours to collect garbage and recycling misses that exceed 24 hours from the time a miss is reported.
June 24, 2019 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry kicked off another neighborhood improvement project, this one serving more than 650 homes in 10 subdivisions that are part of six southeast neighborhoods. Joined by neighborhood residents, Sixth District City Councilman Glynn Hines, City Utilities and Public Works staff members and project construction crews, Mayor Henry led a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Hessen Cassel stormwater project to reduce flooding and standing water.
June 21, 2019 - Ten firefighters were welcomed to the Fort Wayne Fire Department in a graduation ceremony this evening at the Public Safety Academy.
The department’s 91st recruit class will begin their duty as Fort Wayne firefighters at engine houses throughout the city on June 22.
June 21, 2019 - Leaders of the Packard Area Planning Alliance (PAPA) were joined today by City of Fort Wayne leaders to dedicate a historic marker celebrating the Packard Piano & Organ Company and Packard Park.
The Fort Wayne Organ Company, later the Packard Piano Company, was founded by Isaac T. Packard and produced pump organs and pianos from 1871 to 1930 in the 3300 block of Fairfield Avenue. The company was a key to the early development of the area known as “South Wayne” and many employees lived in the blocks surrounding the factory. It closed in 1930, an early victim of the Great Depression.
June 19, 2019 - The Johnnie Mae Farm, located in the Renaissance Pointe Neighborhood at 2518 Winter St., opens its Farm Stand this Friday, June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The Farm Stand will be open Fridays throughout the summer months and will offer vegetables grown on-site, which could include: red and green tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, collard greens, cherry tomatoes, radishes, herbs, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, okra, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, lettuce, beets, garlic, spinach, onion, and eggplant. Cash, credit and SNAP will be accepted.
June 14, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County are issuing a request for proposals to create the community’s next comprehensive plan.
The City and County are seeking a consulting team to develop a plan that will: create a shared vision for future growth and development, encompass meaningful and inclusive public engagement, identify stakeholders, establish clear guidance with a user-friendly document, and establish an achievable implementation plan. Proposals are due July 16 and City and County leaders anticipate having a final contract by late fall. The project is expected to kick off in January 2020.
June 14, 2019 - Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed today announced the promotions of five Fort Wayne police officers during a ceremony held at Citizens Square.
June 12, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined officials from The Model Group to tour one of the new residential units as part of the redevelopment of The Landing along Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne. Residents have begun moving in as part of the residential component of the mixed-use redevelopment project.
June 11, 2019 - A year after Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced a policy providing paid parental leave for city employees, City of Fort Wayne leaders will take part in the screening of “Zero Weeks,” a documentary exploring paid leave in the United States. The film is being shown in partnership with the Indiana Institute for Working Families (IIWF) and AARP Indiana on Tuesday, June 18, in the auditorium at Manchester University’s Fort Wayne Campus, 10627 Diebold Rd. Check-in and refreshments will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. and Mayor Henry will welcome attendees before the film starts at 6 p.m.
June 6, 2019 - Free guided tours of the award-winning P.L. Brunner Water Pollution Control Plant are being offered this Saturday, June 8, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with the last tour starting at 11:30 a.m.
Visitors will learn about the process of wastewater treatment, the role bugs play in that treatment and will catch a glance of those bugs on the plant’s high powered EVOS XL microscope. See attached photos for bug images viewed in our microscope.
June 6, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel joined representatives from the Parks and Recreation Community Youth Center staff at Lakeside Park on Thursday morning to announce the beginning of the 2019 Summer Playground Program.
June 5, 2019 - Fort Wayne Police Department Chief Steve Reed swore in nine new Lateral TransferFort Wayne Police Department Chief Steve Reed swore in nine new Lateral Transfer Officers on Monday June 3, 2019. Eight of the nine Lateral Transfer Officers come to usfrom different Indiana Police Departments and the ninth from an Illinois Police Department.
June 4, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will again be the location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show on Thursday, July 4. The Fort Wayne TinCaps, Parkview Health and the City of Fort Wayne will serve as financial sponsors for the fireworks display.
June 4, 2019 - Over the past five years there have been 17 accidental shootings in the City of Fort Wayne of children under the age of 18. This is 17 too many and The Fort Wayne Police Department is making an effort to reduce that number to 0. To do this we need the community’s help.
The Fort Wayne Police Department is proudly partnering with Project ChildSafe to help make our goal of no accidental firearm injuries a reality. Proper security of firearms is vital and is the best way you can help. It all starts with our free cable gun locks, proper use of those locks and proper placement of guns, away from children, in your home.
June 3, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel kicked off the 41st Annual Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at the Community Center. The Senior Games is open to adults 50 and older and over 450 participants are expected to play this year in locations all over Fort Wayne.
June 3, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s Blue Star Banner program will continue in 2019. 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 15 banners. Ten are returning banners from 2018 and there are five new banners for 2019.
May 31, 2019 - Today, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined local entrepreneur Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, Bashar Wali, President of Provenance Hotels, a Portland, Ore.-based hotel owner and operator, and local dignitaries to ceremonially break ground on a new 124-room boutique hotel in downtown Fort Wayne, the city where Baekgaard co-founded the iconic lifestyle brand, Vera Bradley, and grew it into a global leader in women’s handbags, luggage and travel items.
May 30, 2019 - With warmer weather here, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control wants to remind pet owners to pay extra attention to provisions for their animals. Animals cannot regulate their body temperature like humans and the warm weather can cause them to become ill very quickly. In some cases exposure to high temperatures, high humidity and inadequate ventilation can cause death.
City ordinance requires animals be brought into a temperature controlled structure when temperatures are above 85 degrees, or when a heat advisory has been issued by a local, state or national authority.
May 30, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, staff members from Public Works and City Utilities, joined businesses and residents to cut the ribbon and celebrate the completion of the comprehensive infrastructure improvement of Maysville Road between Meijer Drive and Stellhorn Road.
The group gathered near the new trail in front of the Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, where the addition of a turn-lane is a welcome sight.
May 29, 2019 - This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry along with staff and board members from Fort Wayne Community Schools, business leaders, and staff members from City Utilities, welcomed nearly 40 current and former students from the Concrete Crew of the FWCS Career Academy to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the partnership that offers students real-world experience.
May 29, 2019 - Converting an old state highway to meet the needs of a changing corridor filled with homes, schools and businesses has earned Coldwater Road the distinction of Project of the Year honors for 2018 by the Indiana Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award was presented at a dinner last week in Indianapolis. West Lafayette was a co-winner, for its $120 million State Street Redevelopment project partially funded by Purdue University.
The $4.165 million Coldwater Road Improvement Project added dedicated turn lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaping, improved lighting, stormwater drains and bioswales. The project was located between Coliseum Boulevard and Washington Center Road.
May 28, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne has installed auditory crosswalks at three downtown locations that will assist athletes and guests who will visit Fort Wayne this summer for the 2019 International Blind Sports Federation Qualifying Competition. The crosswalks will also benefit visually impaired residents and visitors who are downtown on a regular basis. Auditory crosswalks are operational at the intersections of Washington Boulevard and Harrison Street; Calhoun Street and Washington Boulevard; and Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street. Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration and the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division partnered with Turnstone and Visit Fort Wayne to install the auditory crosswalks downtown.
May 24, 2019 – Twenty members from Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council have concluded their 12 month commitment to the program and graduated on Thursday during a ceremony at the University of Saint Francis.
This year’s service-learning group attended conferences focused on youth leadership development and networking, including the Aim Youth Leadership Summit and the Climate Leadership Summit. During Aim Youth Service Day, they sorted and distributed food at Community Harvest Food Bank, one of many service projects they participated in. They also initiated the recent “Say No to O’s” Opioid Crisis Seminar to provide a safe, welcoming atmosphere for youth and their parents to learn how the opioid crisis might impact their lives, how to get help and how to avoid becoming a victim of the tragedy.
May 23, 2019 - The Public Works Division is pleased to learn that the City’s fleet operation is one of the best in North America, as honored by Fleet Magazine’s selection of the 100 best Fleets in the Americas. Not only did Fort Wayne make the Top 100 but Fort Wayne placed 5th in the award list presented by100Best Fleets.com.
The program recognizes peak-performing fleet operations in the Americas for performance improvement and innovation within the public fleet industry. Thirty-eight thousand municipal fleets are eligible to enter the awards program.
May 23, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that eight local nonprofits will receive funding from the City’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.
Approximately $170,000 will be available to help low- and moderate-income residents with shelter, employment skills, domestic violence support and youth development. The Mayor made the announcement at the LSSI Works office, which provides job training and coaching for motivated candidates who are focused on obtaining a career path.
May 23, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has released the final version of the Franke Park Master Plan for public view. It can be viewed now at frankeparkplan.com or at fortwayneparks.org.
Established in 1921, Franke Park has served the recreational needs of the community and the region for nearly 100 years. In 1926, Arthur Shurtleff created a “General Plan” for the park featuring curving boulevards, gently meandering paths, open lawn areas, sites for several prominent structures, a lake, and an area for native animals featuring deer, elk, bison and bears. While the plan was never fully implemented, portions of it have formed the park we know today.
May 22, 2019 - Northside Pool will be open for Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 25 – Monday, May 27. The rest of the summer schedule is as follows:
Saturday/Sunday, June 1-2 – Northside open, No other pools open
Monday, June 3 – No pools open (due to FWCS school still in session)
Tuesday, June 4 - Northside and McMillen open for the season
May 20, 2019 - The 2019 Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is now open. This is the second year for the program, which is designed to support neighborhood projects that beautify public spaces and strengthen community involvement.
Information and guidelines about the Neighborhood Improvement Grant program can be found at www.FortWayneNeighborhoods.org by clicking on the resources menu item. Letters of Intent are due by June 28 and after that, neighborhood leaders will be invited to a workshop to refine their grant applications. Final applications will be due August 30.
May 20, 2019 - Community leaders will come together to examine the underlying issues that lead to opioid and substance use disorders and how we support those fighting addiction. The Restoring Community Symposium is intended to foster connection and collaboration among patients, families, clinicians, mental health providers, judicial systems, government, policy makers, and social service agencies to address opioid abuse.
May 20, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Tall Grass/Weed Program kicks off today, May 20, 2019. Neighborhood Code Compliance is responsible for enforcing the City’s Tall Grass/Weed Program, which calls for weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches.
Reports of high grass or weeds that exceed nine inches will be accepted beginning today; the public should call 311 or 260-427-8311 to report a possible violation. Online reports may be filed here: http://bit.ly/2JQTKZU . Individuals reporting a violation will need to have the property’s specific street address to register the concern.
May 20, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 27 in recognition of Memorial Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Monday, May 27. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for that entire week.
May 17, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today proclaimed May 19-25 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry read the proclamation at the offices of Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) on Hayden Street.
May 14, 2019 - Summer fun in the streets returns for the third annual Open Streets Fort Wayne. The free, fun-filled day, closes Calhoun Street to vehicle traffic and brings the community together to walk, bike, skate and play in the street. Parkview Health is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Open Streets Fort Wayne on Sunday, July 14, 2019, from 11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
May 13, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry joined representatives from Miller-Valentine Group and Vincent Village today in celebrating the grand opening of Bottle Works Lofts, the historic rehabilitation of the former Coca-Cola bottling facility, 1631 E. Pontiac St.
Miller-Valentine Group and Vincent Village are co-developers of the project with Vincent Village acting as the supportive service provider, helping link tenants up with area services and programs.
May 13, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry will host a Mayor’s Night In from 5:30-7 p.m. on Monday, May 20. The event will be held on the fourth floor of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
Residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government.
May 10, 2019 - Construction on Fort Wayne’s latest shell building is now underway. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Redevelopment officials, and representatives from GH Land Company, LLC (a new partnership involving Jeff Hagerman, Ryan Rans, and Brad Toothaker) and The Hagerman Group broke ground on the property at 8611 Avionics Drive this afternoon.
Shell buildings spur economic growth by providing build-out ready buildings for businesses that are locating or expanding in Fort Wayne. Since 2013, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission has partnered with the private sector on five local shell buildings including the one on Avionics Drive; three are occupied and one is still under construction.
“This latest shell building will make us even more competitive in attracting new jobs and growing our economy,” said Mayor Henry. “Businesses no longer want just shovel-ready sites, they now want buildings they can complete to their specifications as quickly as possible.”
May 8, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne today provided an update on construction progress at Promenade Park. Due to the wet spring we’ve experienced, it has made it more difficult for construction crews to be able to do work on certain aspects of the park.
May 7, 2019 - Baseball players with the Hamilton Park Little League will soon have batting cages at their diamonds at Hamilton Park as a way to improve their hitting skills and encourage more participation in baseball. The project is a result of a partnership between the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, and the San Diego Padres through the Play Ball initiative, a joint effort between the United States Conference of Mayors, Major League Baseball, and Minor League Baseball. Construction on the new batting cages is underway and is expected to be completed this summer.
May 6, 2019 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is accepting public comments on an option for Arts United to purchase 2 parcels of City property located at Freimann Square in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 9:00 am in the McMillen Park Golf Course Clubhouse Jerry Fox/LSA room, 3900 Hessen Cassel Road.
The purpose of the hearing is to receive input on the Arts United Property Options Agreement. A copy of the Option Agreement is available for review until May 9 at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices, 705 E State Blvd.
The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department will also accept comments through May 8 to Alec Johnson, Deputy Director of Planning & Development, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
May 3, 2019 - An interfaith meeting for faith-based leaders and community members on how to prevent and respond to hate crimes against places of worship will be held from 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 31 at the Public Safety Academy: Ivy Tech South Campus, 7602 Patriot Crossing in Fort Wayne. The Protecting Places of Worship Forum is facilitated by the United States Department of Justice Community Relations Service and hosted by the City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Police Department.
May 2, 2019 - Fort Wayne UNITED’s May Spring Job Fair will be held at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA from 2 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. Additional job fair dates at the same time and location have been added to the schedule: June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.
C1 Truck Driver Training will participate in the job fair for the first time on May 9. No experience is necessary to begin CDL training with C1 to become a professional truck driver.
Easterseals Arc, Byron Heath Center, Goodwill Industries, D&W Fine Pack and Fort Wayne Metals are some of the employers who will be represented at the job fairs. Those seeking employment are encouraged to bring their resume.
May 1, 2019 - Residents can dispose of expired or unwanted household hazardous waste products safely at the next Tox-Away Day on Saturday, May 4 through a partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County. The event also coincides with the annual Great American Cleanup.
April 30, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, community leaders and funding partners came together today to turn dirt at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory to officially kick off a construction project to connect the Conservatory lobby to the lower level of the Embassy Theatre and other popular downtown destinations.
April 26, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel were joined today by students from Whitney Young Early Childhood Center, Trees Indiana and Superintendent of Urban Forestry Derek Veit to celebrate Arbor Day.
Mayor Henry read an Arbor Day proclamation and announced that Fort Wayne has been named a "Tree City USA" for the 29th year in a row. This designation--awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters--was earned for the City of Fort Wayne’s tree canopy stewardship and continued commitment to being a green city.
April 25, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry joined area residents, members of City Council, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) officials, and the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division to break ground for the next phase of the State Boulevard enhancement and realignment project.
Phase II of the project, between Cass Street and Clinton Street, will improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic, straighten the curve that’s been the location of numerous accidents and replace a bridge in disrepair.
"Our continued commitment to making lasting and meaningful infrastructure improvements is having a positive impact," said Mayor Henry. "The next phase of the State Boulevard project will enhance the surrounding neighborhoods and assist us in our proactive economic development efforts to bring new business investments to Fort Wayne and build upon the strong employer base we currently have. By working in a collective manner, we've positioned our City as a point of destination for business investment, strong neighborhoods, and unique quality of life amenities for families and individuals."
April 24, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry joined Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel today to announce the 2019 Foellinger Theatre Summer Concert Series lineup.
The 2019 concert season features Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Collective Soul, and Loverboy.
April 24, 2019 - Fort Wayne UNITED’s TenPoint Coalition invites the community to join an upcoming Prayer in the Park and two prayer walks in the Oxford neighborhood. The gatherings will begin at Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart St. Prayer in the Park will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 28. Local pastors will lead prayers on several topics that are impacting Fort Wayne. In addition, there will be prayer walks beginning at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30. Representatives from area churches, the Fort Wayne Police Department and Fort Wayne residents will join the TenPoint Coalition Foot Patrols on their second set of prayer walks, with the intent of bringing the community together to become a more united and understanding city, willing to tackle challenging issues in a positive manner that will lead to lasting results.
April 24, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) is investing in new business start-ups by offering ten sessions of an eight-week business planning class for anyone considering starting a business.
Mayor Tom Henry will visit one of the classes this evening at the Penta Minority Entrepreneurship Center, 2513 South Calhoun. The Mayor will congratulate participants for exploring the idea of starting a business and will also accept a donation to the program from Indiana Michigan Power.
The program, called Build Institute Fort Wayne Business Planning Education, is designed to cover the basics of starting a business, including establishing an entity, financial literacy, market research, cash flow, loan types, cost-benefit analyses and more. Participants will meet for three hours once per week for eight weeks for a total of 24 hours of education. In order to make the program accessible to everyone, free childcare and meals are available during the classes.
April 23, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) as leaders with the department presented Officer Phil, an educational safety awareness program, to first-third grade students at Franke Park Elementary School. The Officer Phil program uses innovative and entertaining techniques to teach children about stranger danger, the negative effects of bullying, online safety, and respect for authority figures. The program also encourages positive behavior such as honesty, friendship, civic responsibility, and knowing what to do in an emergency.
April 23, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that nine local organizations will receive 2019 Commercial Façade Grants to improve their properties. By year’s end, more than 100 facade grant projects will have been completed since the program began.
The local businesses whose properties are receiving grants include Antonuccio’s Italian Market and Wine Cellar (4011 S. Wayne St.), Broadway Aquatics (2426 Broadway), Clinton Corner (3506-3510 N. Clinton St.), Fort Wayne Outfitters (1004 Cass St.), Turnstone (3320 N. Clinton St.), Wells Boutique (1420 Wells St.), Wells Center (3674-3678 Wells St.), Wells Street Commercial (1736 Wells St.) and Windrose Urban Farm (1325 Lafayette St.).
April 22, 2019 - Water delivery pipes that have experienced 40 breaks over ten years, with seven occurring last year, are being replaced to support the homes and businesses along North Clinton Street. Work will begin next week on Phase 1 of a two-phase water main replacement project on more than a mile of water mains. The improvements will cause traffic lane restrictions, beginning Tuesday, April 23.
April 22, 2019 - Kickstart Festival is back for 2019 and it’s bigger and better than ever.
For the sixth year, the Kickstart Planning Committee has created a month-long celebration of bikes, music, art and theatre and this year nearly 30 events are planned throughout the month of May.
April 18, 2019 - The popular Trek the Trails community bike rides are coasting into year 10 later this month.
Mayor Tom Henry 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 to venture in a guided tour. The free, guided bike rides, take place each Tuesday and have attracted 12,815 riders joining in during the first nine years.
April 18, 2019 - Middle school and high school students, and their parents/guardians, are invited to attend a free opioid crisis seminar, “Say No to O’s.” The seminar will take place Friday, April 26, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Indiana Tech Andorfer Commons, 1600 E. Washington Blvd. Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council is leading the event. Sponsors include the Fort Wayne Police Department, Bowen Center, Indiana Tech, Allen County Department of Health, and Reilley Trucking Inc.
April 17, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission is inviting area residents to share their opinions about public art at one of five pop-up meetings scheduled throughout May.
On Monday, May 13 two meetings are scheduled from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. One will take place at Bridge of Grace Church, 5100 Gaywood Dr. The other will take place in Franklin School Park’s pavilion, 1901-1999 St. Marys Avenue.
On Tuesday, May 14 two meetings are scheduled from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. One is scheduled for Wunderkammer, 3402 Fairfield Ave. and the other will take place at Old Crown Coffee, 3417 N. Anthony Blvd.
The final pop-up meeting is set for Wednesday, May 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the alley adjacent to Pint & Slice, 816 S. Calhoun St.
April 17, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today announced reductions in several areas including homicides, shootings, violent crimes, and property crimes as part of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s statistics for the first quarter of 2019 (January 1-March 31) as compared to data from the first quarter of 2018.
April 16, 2019 - The 2019 Draft Annual Action Plan outlining how the City of Fort Wayne will invest U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars this year is now available for public review. Residents can view the plan online at www.FWCommunityDevelopment.org/actionplan or can read a hard copy during normal business hours at the Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., and at the front desk of the City’s Community Development offices, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 320.
The plan will be presented at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
April 15, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry joined residents of the Aboite Meadows Neighborhood Association, the Fort Wayne City Council and City Utilities staff members to announce a hefty investment of $100 million in stormwater protection, sanitary sewer improvements, and water pipe upgrades.
April 13, 2019 - Tests on drinking water completed this morning show that the water is free from any contamination and is safe. Therefore, Fort Wayne City Utilities and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) ended the precautionary boil water advisory effective immediately. All residents may now use water from the tap for drinking and cooking with no further need for precautions.
April 12, 2019 - Additional testing performed on the water in the three areas under the precautionary boil advisory shows good results for the chlorine residuals in the water. Chlorine residual testing is just one aspect of the multiple tests done by the treatment plant, but all water testing results indicate that normal treatment processes continue to be effective even after a vehicle struck a high-voltage power line creating a power surge at the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant last night. City Utilities is continuing to work with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and testing will continue at a minimum through early Saturday morning.
April 12, 2019 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its Paws for Progress campaign to remodel their medical center.
The Petco Foundation investment will help to increase the efficiency of Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control’s medical team and allow more animals to be processed for its adoption program or another lifesaving option.
April 12, 2019 - In an effort to protect the health and safety of citizens, City Utilities is issuing a precautionary boil advisory for water usage effective immediately for three areas of the City.
April 11, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry is joining area volunteers to recognize the seventh annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, a nationwide bipartisan effort that highlights the impact of national service in tackling city problems. By unleashing the power of citizens, volunteer programs have a positive and lasting impact—making our cities a better place to live.
April 10, 2019 - The Allen County Commissioners and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today issued a joint proclamation designating April 14-20 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during a ceremony on the fourth floor of Citizens Square. Officials and employees of the Consolidated Communications Partnership — the joint emergency dispatching unit for Fort Wayne and Allen County — along with representatives from law enforcement, fire protection services, and emergency medical services particiated in today's ceremony.
April 9, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced details of a pilot project designed to promote entrepreneurship and help revitalize Fort Wayne’s commercial corridors.
The pilot, Summit City Match, is funded by the City of Fort Wayne and a grant from the JPMorgan Chase & Co. It is supported by Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the Greater Fort Wayne Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Wayne Black Chamber, Latinos Count, Fort Wayne Community Schools Anthis Career Center, UAW 166, Allen County, and Brightpoint.
The Summit City Match pilot program aims to match emerging entrepreneurs with building spaces, start up technical assistance and gap grant opportunities. The pilot’s goals are to encourage the launch of more small businesses, the leasing of empty retail and commercial space, and the revitalization of the South Calhoun commercial corridor. Outreach will include special emphasis on recruiting women and people of color to participate in the program.
April 3, 2019 - We’ve all experienced it. We drive down a street and it’s closed because of a water main break. It’s frustrating for motorists and even more frustrating for home and business owners impacted by a main break.
That’s certainly been the case for businesses and homes along North Clinton Street. Pipes between Grove Street, Edgewood Avenue and Livingston Avenue have experienced more than 40 breaks, with seven occurring last year.
April 2, 2019 - A unique event at our award winning Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant reminds us of the importance of water in our everyday pleasures. City Utilities is teaming with Conjure Coffee for coffee at the water plant. The free event called Enjoy! offers short tours of a portion of the plant, a talk by a historian about the Collegiate Gothic architectural style of the plant and a coffee tasting from Conjure.
The event is Thursday, April 4, 2019, from 10:00 AM until noon at the water plant located at 415 Baltes Avenue.
April 2, 2019 - Efforts to protect the St. Joseph River from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are paying off after years of investments in Fort Wayne’s sewer system. In 2008, the City’s agreement with the Federal Government to reduce the number of overflow events on the St. Joe River from 13 times per year to no more than one time in a typical year went into effect. City Utilities has been able to complete protection projects benefitting the St. Joe ahead of schedule, giving us time to tweak and adjust those improvements. The results show great success -- with zero overflows on the St. Joe in the past 23 months.
“I am pleased that our investments and hard work are showing progress in protecting our rivers. This is a tremendous accomplishment as we safeguard this vital river and the neighborhoods nearby. The commitment to being good stewards of the environment and our rivers will ensure that our life-giving resources will be safe and abundant long into the future,” said Mayor Henry.
April 1, 2019 - Last year, a proud community and its highly-touted Cedarville Elementary School completed a beautiful building expansion that includes a new entrance and additional classrooms. It wasn’t long until school officials realized something had changed in their well-water supply during construction. The water needed to supply a student and teacher population of nearly nine-hundred, had unacceptable water quality.
School officials worked closely with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to resolve the issue and used bottled water as they explored options to correct the water source. After a few months of hard work the issue didn’t clear up and so last November the school contacted City Utilities.
March 29, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, Fire Chief Eric Lahey and members of the Fort Wayne Fire Department today announced the addition of a new Technical Rescue Truck to the Department’s fleet.
Following longtime fire department tradition from days of horse-drawn engines, the new truck was blessed, then welcomed by pushing it into its new quarters, located at Fire Station 10, 3122 N. Anthony Blvd. The push-in ritual can be traced back to the late 1800s when it was a challenge to get horses to push equipment backwards. As a result, firefighters moved the equipment into storage areas by hand.
March 28, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed John Konchar as a guest to the Mayor’s office and proclaimed Thursday, March 28 as John Konchar Day in the City of Fort Wayne. Konchar has been a tremendous representative of Purdue Fort Wayne through athletics and academics. In addition, he’s achieved milestones accomplished by a select few in the history of college basketball.
March 27, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, local contractors, and City Community Development and Public Works staff broke ground today on improvements to Ardmore Avenue from Airport Expressway to Second Street near the entrance to Fort Wayne International Airport.
The approximately one-mile length of roadway will be under construction until November and will be widened to include a center turn lane, new street lighting, street trees and an asphalt trail along the east side of Ardmore. There will be ADA-compliant curb ramps at the intersections of Second Street, Vanguard Drive and Airport Expressway. In order to address numerous drainage issues, storm sewers will be installed, including curb and gutter inlets and yard inlets.
March 27, 2019 - Three Rain Garden workshops are offered this spring to help residents address standing water issues on their property while improving water quality. The sessions are free and are sponsored by a partnership between City Utilities and the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative. A City landscape architect teaches each session.
This year, Fort Wayne City Utilities is teaming with St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative Partnership, to present the workshops and to offer portions of the funding needed to install a rain garden. Attendance at the workshop is required to qualify for the funding incentive.
March 26, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne will receive $1 million from the State’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Fund Program. The Indiana Department of Transportation announced the awards for northeast Indiana communities earlier today. The grant will go toward the City’s Goshen Avenue improvement project that will be bid in May and begin construction this summer. Under the State program, the award can cover up to 50% of the project.
March 26, 2019 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry was joined by Shambaugh & Son, L.P. and Fort Wayne UNITED to announce a unique collaboration that will advance the Fort Wayne UNITED mission, as well as provide higher wage employment opportunities.
Due to continual growth in recent years, Shambaugh & Son, L.P. is in need of dependable individuals to fill fabrication and welding positions at their Fire Protection Fabrication Facility in Fort Wayne. Based on a recommendation from The Chapel, a committed member of the Fort Wayne UNITED Clergy Subcommittee, Shambaugh approached Fort Wayne UNITED to discuss partnering solutions to help fulfill Shambaugh’s employment needs and assist Fort Wayne UNITED’s mission by helping to provide opportunities through collaborative efforts. Succeeding several meetings between Mayor Henry’s administration and Shambaugh, Fort Wayne UNITED agreed to recruit Fort Wayne UNITED participants to fill up to 40 job openings at a starting wage of $14 per hour.
March 25, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today recognized individuals from OmniSource, Fort Wayne Fire Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority for helping save the life of a Construction Resources of Indiana employee. Steve Hoffman of Construction Resources of Indiana suffered a heart attack on OmniSource property on January 21. Due to the quick response of OmniSource employees and then public safety and first responders, Hoffman has made a full recovery. Construction Resources of Indiana is owned by Geiger Excavating.
March 19, 2019 - In the past five years more than 300 miles of neighborhood street improvements have occurred in the City of Fort Wayne and today, Mayor Tom Henry announced that a record $31 million will be invested in neighborhood transportation improvements in 2019.
Joined by City Council members and residents of the Pettit-Rudisill neighborhood where more than 50 blocks of resurfacing will take place on neighborhood streets this summer, Mayor Henry and City staff announced the 2019 projects.
March 19, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division is sharing the recently finalized Downtown Fort Wayne Public Realm Action Plan created by internationally recognized architecture and urban design firm, Gehl. The Action Plan outlines possible pilot projects that would connect public spaces and encourage more people to visit downtown and stay for longer periods of time.
“This action plan provides ideas for building on our momentum and creating a vibrant, active and exciting downtown for all residents to enjoy,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
March 15, 2019 - It’s been a long snowy and windy winter in Fort Wayne, which has resulted in trash and debris littering our roadways, ditches, neighborhoods and along the riverbanks. It’s time to clean up our city to get ready for outdoor spring activities!
Residents, families, churches, youth organizations and schools are invited to make a difference in their community and neighborhoods by participating in the annual Great American Cleanup™ -- the nation’s largest community improvement program.
March 15, 2019 - Construction improvements for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians on Dupont Road push forward beginning Monday, March 18, 2019, and that will mean lane restrictions between Lima Road and Coldwater Road.
In order to accommodate the removal of intermediate (temporary) asphalt placed to open the road for the winter, traffic will be restricted to the far outside lanes with one lane in each direction. Motorists may experience delays as crews remove the temporary asphalt from the median areas for island construction.
March 14, 2019 - Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open for the season during the week of March 18. Foster is set to open Monday, March 18, Shoaff will open March 19, and McMillen is set to open on March 20.
March 13, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division has released its 2018 Report to the Community, a summary of accomplishments throughout the past year. It is available online at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org by clicking on the link that says Report to the Community. Or, it is available here: http://www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/images/about_us/docs/012019_CD_RTTC_4web.pdf .
The report provides information about the how the Division works to make Fort Wayne a more vibrant, prosperous and growing community. It also provides details about the work of the Division’s four departments, Neighborhood Code Compliance, the Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services, Planning & Policy and Redevelopment/Economic Development.
March 5, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department is now accepting applications for firefighter positions, but only until 4 p.m. EST March 8, 2019 . Late applications will not be accepted.
Classes will start in August, 2019 and those who graduate will begin employment at their assigned fire station by Christmas, 2019. Firefighter recruits will be paid during their training session and health insurance will be offered.
March 4, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission is issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for teams interested in developing the premier riverfront property located at the northeast corner of Harrison and Superior streets, east of Promenade Park.
The RFQ is available here and asks interested development teams to submit qualifications, portfolios and concepts for the site to the Redevelopment Department no later than Friday, March 22 by 4 p.m.
March 4, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne Public Art Commission and Arts United are inviting all residents to a PechaKucha event designed to explore various forms of public art. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Arts United Center/Rolland Gallery , 303 E. Main St.
Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Admission is free but residents are asked to RSVP via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CityofFortWayne/ or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
March 1, 2019 - Here are some upcoming events and news from Riverfront Fort Wayne:
Save The Date!
Promenade Park will open on June 21 - June 23, 2019! With the grand opening of Promenade Park, we promise amazing experiences in extraordinary places. More details will be shared in the coming months at RiverfrontFW.org.
What's Next Public Meeting
March 7, 6:30 p.m.
North Side High School Auditorium, 475 East State Blvd. (Enter at Door 1)
The Land Collective team has been sifting through public feedback and incorporating it into their work. They’ll be back on March 7 to share what they learned from the community, as well as provide an update on the progress of their work. Please join us!
February 27, 2019 - The Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services Homeowner Repair Loan Program is now open to qualified residents.
The program offers 0% interest seven-year loans for heating, air conditioning or roof replacement. Applicants must own their home, it must be their primary residence and the home must be located within City limits. Applicants must also have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, or approximately $52,000 for a family of four.
February 25, 2019 - Students from 15 high schools in Allen County will participate in the upcoming Youth Symposium for Peace through Equity and Justice. The event, sponsored by Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council and Canterbury School, will take place from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 28 at Indiana Tech Commons, 1600 E. Washington Blvd.
February 22, 2019 - The planning process for the next phases of Riverfront Fort Wayne is halfway complete and residents are invited to learn about the progress during a public meeting set for Thursday, March 7, 2019 .
The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the North Side High School auditorium, 475 E. State Blvd. Residents should enter through Door #1. Light snacks will be provided.
February 21, 2019 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Partner Officer Program received the Innovative Program Award during the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) Conference in French Lick.
The Partner Officer Program began in the three Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation youth centers in January 2018. Uniformed, off-duty Fort Wayne police officers work at the three Youth Centers to play with, help, and serve kids who spend their afternoons there. In local schools they are called Resource Officers, and in Youth Centers, these Partner Officers are becoming regular fixtures, with center participants knowing them as the great people they are—not just uniforms they only see at crime scenes.
February 20, 2019 - Residents in need of more opportunities to safely dispose of expired or unwanted household hazardous waste will get their wish under a proposal being submitted to the Allen County Commissioners for a vote on Friday.
February 20, 2019 - Fort Wayne UNITED is once again providing opportunities for those looking for employment. Free job fairs will be held at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave., 2 – 5 pm on the following dates: February 21, March 14, April 11 and May 9. Easterseals Arc, Byron Heath Center, Goodwill Industries, D&W Fine Pack and Fort Wayne Metals will be in attendance at the job fairs, with other employers expected to sign on. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their resume. For additional information, please contact Fort Wayne UNITED Employment Subcommittee Co-Chair Dennis Rohrs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 260-918-3739.
February 19, 2019 - Registration is now open for the 2019 Fair Housing Summit, which features Kevin Boyle, the author of Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age .
The Summit is hosted by the City of Fort Wayne’s Metropolitan Human Relations Commission and Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services and is set for April 18, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Summit, 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd. Breakfast and lunch is provided and there is no charge for the event.
Anyone interested in the event should visit www.fortwaynemetro.org/fhevent . Attendance is limited to the first 200 people.
February 18, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne is now seeking a new developer for the prime riverfront property located at the northeast corner of Harrison and Superior streets. The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved an economic development agreement to build a mixed-use project with Continental Property Group (CPG), but it appears CPG cannot meet the conditions of that agreement.
“The City has met all the terms and conditions of the economic development agreement but unfortunately CPG seems unable to meet their commitments,” said Nancy Townsend, executive director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. “I have already heard from other developers who are interested in the site and I look forward to talking with them about creating a project that will will be a great asset to our community.”
February 17, 2019 - This morning and afternoon, the City of Fort Wayne Street Department drivers were out pre-treating streets with brine and salt to minimize slick conditions. But as temperatures continue to drop and freezing rain continues over the area, drivers and pedestrians should use caution.
February 14, 2019 -Vincent Village hosted an open house today at a new home built with funding from the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services.
The new home, located in the 2700 block of Lillie Street, is on the Vincent Village campus in the Oxford Neighborhood. A family currently living in one room at Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network will soon move in, making space for another family at the local homeless shelter.
February 14, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) will travel to Indiana University, Bloomington, on Friday, February 15 to attend the Youth Leadership Summit.
The Youth Leadership Summit is the signature event for the Aim Youth Councils Network. The network brings together student leaders from across Indiana who are playing a significant role in their city or town for leadership development and networking activities.
February 13, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today delivered his 12th State of the City address. The theme for this year’s address was “Our Future is Now” with an emphasis on the excitement and revitalization being experienced in downtown, record investments in neighborhood infrastructure improvements, and a continued commitment to public safety. The free event was held at the Grand Wayne Center. “The optimism and positive momentum we’re seeing are clear indications of why Fort Wayne’s future is now. Never before have I witnessed the confidence and passion about where we’re headed as a city,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be inspired by the hopes and dreams for Fort Wayne. Today served as an opportunity to highlight our successes and achievements, acknowledge challenges facing our community, and look forward to great days ahead for residents, neighborhoods, and businesses.”
February 12, 2019 - Beginning February 15, the FWFD will accept applications for firefighter positions. The Department is seeking qualified applicants, ages 21 – 35, who will be committed to the public safety of the Fort Wayne community. Applications will be accepted beginning noon EST on February 15 until 4 p.m. EST March 8, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. Classes will start in August, 2019 and those who graduate will begin employment at their assigned fire station by Christmas, 2019.
February 11, 2019 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department drivers working first shift were held over this afternoon and will continue salting city streets this afternoon and evening.
February 8, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Fort Wayne Police Department officers and Fort Wayne Fire Department firefighters who worked while City of Fort Wayne offices were closed during the recent Polar Vortex will receive time and a half compensation for their efforts. The public safety divisions were able to find the necessary resources in their approved 2019 budgets to fund the additional compensation.
February 7, 2019 - Efforts to protect water resources, clean our rivers and reduce energy costs, earned Mayor Tom Henry national recognition from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). This week, the association presented the 2019 National Environmental Achievement Award for Local Public Service in honor of Mayor Henry.
The award recognizes public officials at the local, state and federal levels of government who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to service in their community and protecting the environment. This year, NACWA honored five public servants with the award, one at the federal level, two state leaders and two local leaders from across the country.
February 5, 2019 - I want to recognize and thank the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne UNITED, our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and colleagues at several area social service agencies. Together, we commit ourselves each day to help ensure we’re doing all we can to be the safest city possible. A commitment to public safety has been a top priority since I became mayor and it will continue to be. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. Open communication, trust, and experience are vital components of our public safety efforts. Additional resources in the homicide unit and vice and narcotics division to address violent crimes and drugs in our community, partnerships to reduce the addiction epidemic, and a recruit class that will result in 24 new police officers are examples of our public safety action plan designed to make a lasting difference.
February 5, 2019 - Anyone interested in presenting or facilitating a workshop for the upcoming Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) is now invited to submit their workshop proposal to the organizing committee.
This year’s RNNC is set for September 19-21, 2019 and is hosted by Fort Wayne. The theme is “Play in the Fort,” with an emphasis on how recreation and social interaction can help transform neighborhoods.
February 5, 2019 – The Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball League will return for its spring session. The program runs from 8 -11 p.m. each Saturday evening February 16 through March 23. The Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball League is held at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave. Sponsors are the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Police Department, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Papa John’s, Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast, and Parkview Health. The league focuses on providing teens and young adults with a positive, structured and safe environment while exposing them to much more than basketball.
February 4, 2019 - Construction crews at the working shaft of Fort Wayne’s deep rock sewer tunnel project lowered the first piece of MamaJo, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), into the ground today. The cutterhead was hoisted down the 220-foot working shaft. At 200 tons and 16 feet long, the cutterhead is one of the many pieces that will make up the TBM.
Standing at a diameter of more than 19 feet and stretching more than 400 feet in length, MamJjo will begin her journey on one of the most significant public infrastructure projects in the history of Fort Wayne. 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.
February 4, 2019 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry welcomed 24 Fort Wayne Police Department recruits and 11 Fort Wayne Fire Department recruits to their first day of training at the Public Safety Academy.
“Public safety is a top priority and continuing to grow our outstanding police and fire personnel is imperative to ensure our residents and businesses are as safe as possible,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be impressed with the leadership efforts in our public safety divisions as they constantly strive to enhance their level of service.”
February 1, 2019 - City Utilities water maintenance crews are expecting an increase in the reporting of water main breaks over the next few days. Some pipes may have broken during the recent frigid temperatures, but will not be visible until it warms up this weekend. Additionally, the quick freeze and thaw cycle can cause pipes to break.
Residents should call 311 to report a water main break. If the reporting is after normal business hours, there will be nighttime and weekend prompt on the recording to allow residents to reach the water maintenance department.
With this week’s heavy winds, there will be debris and trash scattered throughout the community. As snow and ice start to melt, residents are encouraged to check and clear storm drains, so the runoff doesn’t back up in our neighborhood streets.
Extreme cold temperatures created icy side streets, and with today’s snowfall, the City of Fort Wayne Street Department is advising residents to use caution when traveling.
For the past three days, the Street Department has been in neighborhoods putting hot sand down. The sand helps with traction, but the product is not able to melt ice when temperatures are in the double-digit negative numbers that we had this week.
The overnight snowfall has covered the ice in neighborhoods and is helping with traction because the ice is not exposed. Plowing on the neighborhood streets would expose the ice and so crews are not going to plow neighborhood streets today.
Current street conditions in Fort Wayne are as follows.
Priority One Streets (main arterials) – passable with some snow cover and patches of ice.
Priority Two Streets (secondary collector streets) – passable with some snow cover and patches of ice.
Priority Three Streets (neighborhood side streets) – ice and snow covered.
With the expected rapid rise of temperatures this weekend we will no doubt see an increase in potholes around the City. Residents should call 311 to report a pothole. If calling at times when 311 is closed, residents should listen to the prompts and press the appropriate one to report a pothole. It is important to be specific about the location of the pothole, including nearby cross streets or an address if possible. “Our City has been through a lot in the past few days with record-breaking cold temperatures and snow. It’s important for everyone to continue to be careful at home and when traveling,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I want to thank all of the City employees who’ve worked so hard this week to keep residents, neighborhoods, and businesses as safe as possible.”
January 30, 2019 - Due to Citizens Square not reopening until noon tomorrow, the City of Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Code Department's Order to Repair Hearings scheduled for 8:30 a.m. tomorrow will be rescheduled for a later date. Notices with the new date will be sent to those impacted by the change.
January 30, 2019 - As dangerously cold temperatures continue throughout the area, garbage and recycling collection for Fort Wayne residents will not occur on Thursday.
The Allen County Health Department is advising everyone to avoid exposure to the extreme temperatures, and for the safety of the workers, both Red River and Republic Services will not be collecting on Thursday. Additionally, the landfill and recycling center will remain closed.
January 30, 2019 - City of Fort Wayne and Allen County government offices will reopen at Noon on Thursday, Jan. 31. Offices are closed today due to the extreme weather conditions. In addition, a Travel Watch remains in effect but will be lifted at Noon on Thursday. The Travel Watch is due to the subzero temperatures. While road conditions are generally good, extreme cold weather makes roadside emergencies dangerous and are threatening to the safety of the public.
January 29, 2019 - City of Fort Wayne and Allen County government offices will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 30 due to anticipated extreme weather conditions. In addition, a Travel Watch is being issued due to the subzero temperatures. While road conditions are generally good, extreme cold weather makes roadside emergencies dangerous and are threatening to the safety of the public. In addition, Allen County Circuit and Superior Courts and Adult Probation will be closed on Wednesday. All Parks and Recreation facilities in the City will be closed on Wednesday as well. Essential services in the City such as public safety (police and fire operations), water and wastewater treatment plants, public works functions, and the 311 Call Center will continue to operate as normal.
January 29, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s winter weather plan is in place and all City government departments and outside partner agencies are responding accordingly to deal with the bitter cold temperatures that are impacting the community. “I’m calling on everyone in Fort Wayne to use caution and be careful,” said Mayor Henry. “Please check on family, friends and neighbors to ensure our City remains as safe as possible in these dangerous weather conditions.”
January 28, 2019 - White Lodging announced today the “topping off” of its new hotel in Fort Wayne, signifying that the structural framework is now complete. The new 136-room Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Fort Wayne Downtown , immediately adjacent to Parkview Field and the Grand Wayne Convention Center, is on schedule to open in July 2019.
January 28, 2019 - The cold weather we're experiencing in Fort Wayne can cause issues for pipes in your house. Residents should take precautions to protect pipes during this cold spell.
January 25, 2019 - We continue to be encouraged by the excitement and interest centered around Riverfront Fort Wayne. The month of February will provide several opportunities for the public to experience our rivers.
January 23, 2019 - Celebrate winter with a visit to downtown Fort Wayne on Saturday, January 26. The 7th Annual Winterval festival promises a full day of indoor and outdoor winter fun for all ages.
The Community Center’s FREE Winter Carnival runs from 1 – 4 pm and includes horse and carriage rides, face painting, games and crafts, and yummy treats. Kids can also crawl through an 8 foot ice tunnel and participate in a Children’s Book Swap and Sale. Everyone can enjoy a live ice carving at 2:30 pm. The Community Center is located at 233 W. Main St.
The Botanical Conservatory has Winterval activities from 10 am – 3 pm that day which include crafting a winter bird feeder, interactive displays and an ice carving demonstration. Don’t forget to explore the new “Hundred Acre Wood” exhibit. The Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. Regular admission applies.
January 23, 2019 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2019 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2018 and look ahead to plans for 2019. The theme for this year’s speech is “Our Future is Now.”
January 22, 2019 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Parks of Allen County are coming together to restore Foster Park Pavilion #3.
The historic stone pavilion in the Foster Park Oak Grove will be fully and accurately restored along with landscape improvements, including a new paved trail connecting the pavilion with the Foster Park walking loop, bank clearing along the adjacent St. Marys River to increase visibility, and accessibility improvements. The original rustic-style pavilion was built in c. 1938 by the Federal Works Progress Administration and the current demand for pavilion space in Foster Park has spurred this effort. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Parks of Allen County recognize the historic significance of this beautiful open-air pavilion. The restoration, along with other improvements in the park and nearby, will improve connections between Foster Park and park resources and neighborhoods.
January 22, 2019 - Ten water main breaks in the past 30 hours are keeping City Utilities crews busy this week. Seven of the breaks occurred yesterday on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is a City of Fort Wayne holiday.
Dispatchers called in 15 water maintenance workers to deal with breaks on Gettysburg Pike, Vance Avenue at North Anthony Boulevard, West State Boulevard, Gay Street, Elmer Drive, Sundland at Oakleaf and West Jefferson Boulevard.
Crews worked throughout the day repairing four of the breaks and are working today on the breaks at Gettysburg, Elmer, Sundland and West Jefferson.
January 22, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry, Police Chief Steve Reed and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today provided a public safety recap of 2018 and highlighted plans for 2019 that are designed to make the City of Fort Wayne as safe as possible. “A commitment to public safety has been a top priority since I became mayor and it will continue to be. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our residents, neighborhoods and businesses,” said Mayor Henry. “Our accomplishments and challenges in 2018 and our goals and objectives for 2019 demonstrate how large cities must continue to be proactive and innovative in providing public safety services. I’m more optimistic than ever before about where our police and fire departments are headed as we work together to serve and protect.”
January 20, 2019 - Street Department crews continue battling the latest winter storm.
Early Sunday morning, crews began plowing neighborhood side streets. As the sun came out, some of the trucks were sent back to the main roads and connector streets to take advantage of the sun to salt intersections. All trucks will be back in neighborhoods by around 5:30 p.m. today and will plow those neighborhood streets overnight and all day Monday.
January 19, 2019 - It will be a long night and weekend for Street Department drivers as they plow around the clock to battle the latest winter storm. Tonight, drifting and continued precipitation are keeping crews on main roads, though they have been able to plow the connector secondary streets that are important to bus routes. Once it stops snowing and the wind dies down crews will move to the side streets in neighborhoods, possibly as early as 2 a.m. If possible, residents are encouraged to find off-street parking so trucks can blade as close to the curb as possible. It takes about 48 hours to plow the City's side streets.
January 19, 2019 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department trucks continue to plow and salt the City's main thoroughfares. Crews will plow around the clock this weekend.
January 18, 2019 - Four thousand tons of salt were ordered and delivered to the Fort Wayne Street Department this week as drivers prepare for a weekend of plowing and salting roads. Crews are prepared to plow around the clock through the entire weekend. Earlier today, crews pre-treated main arterial intersections with brine to reduce ice build-up.
January 16, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected and will remain on schedule.
January 15, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today visited Westview Alliance Church in southwest Fort Wayne and proclaimed Tuesday, Jan. 15 as Intestinal Malrotation Awareness Day in the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry was joined by Mary Rasor and Andy Brown. Mary and Andy lost their infant daughter, Mya Nicole Brown, last year to intestinal malrotation.
January 12, 2019 - Street Department trucks will plow and salt through the night to combat the latest snowfall. A steady snowfall dumped five inches of snow in some parts of the City. Early Sunday morning, crews will begin plowing side streets in neighborhoods. We understand that some residents only have an option to park on the street, but we encourage all who can find off street parking to do so to allow plow trucks to maneuver some of our narrow neighborhood streets. A roadway cleared of parked cars will enable trucks to blade as close to the curb as possible.
January 12, 2019 - Motorists are urged to use caution as snow continues to fall throughout the City. Steady snow coupled with wind is keeping crews busy and is causing slick conditions on City streets, and 40 Street Department plow trucks have been out since this morning plowing and salting City streets.
January 10, 2019 - Area residents gathered at the Grand Wayne Center Thursday evening to offer their ideas for the next phases of Riverfront Fort Wayne.
During the meeting, residents learned about the progress being made to design Riverfront Fort Wayne beyond Promenade Park. The next steps include creation of a comprehensive riverfront neighborhood master plan, analysis and recommendations for infrastructure to serve new private development and manage the floodway, and schematic designs and construction documents for further public improvements along the rivers’ edge.
January 10, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed Bud and Jean Mendenhall as guests to the Mayor’s office and proclaimed Thursday, Jan. 10 as Bud and Jean Mendenhall Day in the City of Fort Wayne. The Mendenhall’s have been neighborhood leaders and community advocates for more than 30 years. They recently announced their retirement from leadership with the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association.
January 8, 2019 - Here is a list of events and activities happening on the Riverfront:
Riverfront Public Input Meeting
January 10, 6 p.m.
Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
The community is invited to provide input about the next phases of Riverfront Fort Wayne and get updates on the progress of Promenade Park. Light snacks will be provided, and attendees can enter to win tickets to Winter Cozy!
January 7, 2019 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department is extending leaf pick up for residents with bagged leaves, through Friday, Jan. 11. Residents who have the paper biodegradable leaf bags should call 311 to schedule a pick up. Bags will be picked up within two business days of calling 311.
Janaury 2, 2019 - New hours, permit pricing and services go into effect January 2 at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control.
The business office will be adding an hour of service to better accommodate residents. The business office is used for owners wishing to surrender their pets to the shelter, lost and found pets, pet registrations and law enforcement issues. A complete list of new hours for both the business office and adoption center are listed below. The adoption center will be closing at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays starting in 2019.
December 27, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1 in recognition of New Year’s Day. Residential garbage and recycling will be collected on Monday, December 31. Tuesday – Friday collection will be one day later. City offices will resume regular business hours on Wednesday, Jan. 2.
December 24, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas. Residential garbage and recycling will be collected on Monday, December 24. Tuesday – Friday collection will be one day later. City offices will resume regular business hours on Wednesday, Dec. 26.
December 20, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is the recipient of a $3,179,000 grant to remediate lead paint in older homes.
The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of a total $139 million granted to state and local governments across the country. Fort Wayne received the largest grant amount in Indiana, with South Bend and Michigan City both earning awards of $2.3 million.
December 18, 2018 - Leaf collection moves north on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. A few crews will continue south to finish up the second pass through southern neighborhoods, and others will begin the final pass through northern neighborhoods.
Residents can view daily updates at the website cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The site offers weekday updates each afternoon showing the neighborhoods where crews will be working the following day. A leaf collection phone line at 427- 2302, is also updated daily. Both information sources update daily by 3:00 p.m. the day before the collection.
December 18, 2018 - Progress continues on the major $12.1 million overhaul of Dupont Road. This week motorists will notice improved traffic flow.
December 18, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel today provided an update on the 2018 capital improvement projects and programs in our parks and facilities operated by the Parks & Recreation Department. Over 43 projects were completed in 2018 and the City of Fort Wayne invested close to $3 million in Parks & Recreation Department improvements in 2018.
“I’m encouraged by the amount of investments we were able to make in our parks throughout the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “The Parks and Recreation Department provides essential services to residents and visitors. It’s vital that we continue our commitment to maintaining and improving our parks as an important component of having quality of life amenities that position Fort Wayne for current and future success.”
December 17, 2018 - Residents are invited to learn about what’s next for Riverfront Fort Wayne during a public meeting set for Thursday, January 10, 2019, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center in the Anthony Wayne Ballroom.
During the meeting, residents will learn about the progress being made on phases II and III of Riverfront Fort Wayne, which will deliver: a comprehensive riverfront neighborhood master plan, analysis and recommendations for infrastructure to serve new private development and manage the floodway, and schematic designs and construction documents for further public improvements along the rivers’ edge. Residents will have an opportunity to provide their input during interactive planning exercises.
December 17, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 11 neighborhood associations are being awarded grants to improve their communities.
This year, the Community Development Division launched the Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, which is designed to support neighborhood projects that beautify public spaces and strengthen community involvement.
December 13, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a special ceremony to recognize milestone years of service for 33 exceptional City of Fort Wayne employees.
“I appreciate the outstanding efforts of our City government employees,” said Mayor Henry. “The 33 employees we’re honoring today are true professionals and outstanding members of our community. We’re fortunate to have such dedicated public servants who are committed to meeting the needs of residents, businesses and neighborhoods. They are truly making a meaningful difference in our City.”
Decemebr 12, 2018 - Work on a Fort Wayne public art master plan is now underway.
Recently, the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission selected Columbus, Ohio-based planning firm Designing Local to develop a public arts master plan for the city. The plan is funded by a private gift from the Fort Wayne Chamber Foundation and a contribution from the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. It is being developed in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne Community Development Division and Arts United.
December 12, 2018 - Record street, sidewalk and curb repair was implemented in more than 190 neighborhoods in 2018, and today Mayor Tom Henry joined residents of the Lima Valley neighborhood to celebrate their neighborhood improvements.
“Infrastructure work in neighborhoods matters and this year was another clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to making meaningful and lasting improvements in neighborhoods throughout Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Meeting the needs of residents and neighborhoods position our community as a welcoming and attractive place where individuals, families, and businesses want to be. It’s great to have been part of a record-breaking year of construction projects.”
December 11, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Chief of Police Steve Reed join with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during this holiday season. In its 31th year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Thursday, December 20th to Tuesday, January 1st from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each day.
December 10, 2018 - Heavy leaves in central neighborhoods will keep some Street Department crews in central neighborhoods, but the majority of the crews will start the second pass through southern neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to monitor the leaf collection process by visiting the website cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The site offers weekday updates each afternoon showing the neighborhoods where crews will be working the following day. A leaf collection phone line at 427- 2302, is also updated daily. Both information sources update daily by 3:00 p.m. the day before the collection.
December 5, 2018. – Here is a list of events and activities happening on the Riverfront.
November 30, 2018 - Street Department crews continued leaf pick-up this week, but some had to move over to salting operations during weather events. As a result, crews will continue leaf collection in central neighborhoods next week.
This weekend’s weather forecast is calling for rain, and residents are reminded to clear neighborhood storm drains to make sure they are free of leaves, trash and other debris so they can handle stormwater.
November 29, 2018 - Riverfront Fort Wayne Phases II and III are now underway with a focus on planning and design for downtown riverfront development beyond Phase I, which is the design and construction of Promenade Park.
Professionals from DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, the landscape architecture and urban design firm contracted to lead Phases II and III of Riverfront Fort Wayne, are in Fort Wayne and leading focus groups with local residents to learn about their vision for the riverfront. Focus group topics include zoning, downtown living, youth involvement, historic preservation, neighborhood involvement, the environment and more.
November 28, 2018 - A new, multi-use segment of the Pufferbelly Trail is complete and today Mayor Tom Henry joined business owners, community leaders, elected officials and members of the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) to cut the ribbon and officially open the trail route.
November 20, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced two initiatives that have been enacted by the City of Fort Wayne that are designed to assist individuals with job opportunities and help small businesses increase their participation in City contracts.
November 20, 2018 – The Fort Wayne Fire Department is reminding you to keep safety in mind as holiday meals are being prepared. It can be easy to get wrapped up in entertaining guests, but it is important to monitor meal preparation closely.
November 16, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23 in recognition of Thanksgiving.
November 15, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by representatives from Greater Fort Wayne Crime Stoppers, the City of Fort Wayne and City of New Haven police departments, Indiana State Police, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office to commemorate the 35-year anniversary of Greater Fort Wayne Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is a community program geared toward public involvement in the fight against crime.Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by representatives from Greater Fort Wayne Crime Stoppers, the City of Fort Wayne and City of New Haven police departments, Indiana State Police, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office to commemorate the 35-year anniversary of Greater Fort Wayne Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is a community program geared toward public involvement in the fight against crime.
November 15, 2018 - Fort Wayne Street Department trucks continue to work on roads, applying salt and blading streets throughout the City this morning.
Last night crews pre-treated the streets with liquid-brine, to reduce the formation of solid, thick ice patches. Motorists are encouraged to slow down.
Crews will continue to work on the streets throughout the day, and leaf collection will not take place today. Street Department crews are the same workers who collect leaves.
November 14, 2018 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department trucks are set to pre-treat City streets in anticipation of freezing rain. City trucks are loaded and ready to go with trucks carrying liquid-brine, a substance sprayed on the road to reduce ice formations that make streets slick during winter events.
November 14, 2018 - Applications for the City’s Commercial Façade Grant program are now being accepted for the 2019 construction year. The Commercial Façade Grant program was introduced eleven years ago by Mayor Tom Henry and provides local businesses the opportunity to apply for matching grants to improve the exteriors of their buildings.
Applications are available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Applications for the grants will be accepted from now through December 14, 2018.
November 13, 2018 - Jeff Ellis & Associates awarded the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department the 2018 Platinum International Aquatics Safety Award to the Lifeguard Staff for consistently and exceeding the criteria for aquatic safety.
Novemner 9, 2018 - Street Department crews will be in northern neighborhoods beginning Tuesday, November 13, 2018. There is no leaf collection in observance Veterans Day on Monday.
Leaf bags will not be collected with garbage collection. Residents wanting biodegradable paper leaf bags collected should call 311 to schedule a pick-up. The bags should be placed at the curb and collection will be within two business days of the call to 311.
November 9, 2018 - City Utilities continues to meet the high standards for the water delivered daily to our homes and businesses. Water produced and distributed from our Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant always meets or is better than state and federal requirements. But, as we’ve reported before, lead service lines, lead solder and lead plumbing fixtures that are inside some homes can cause lead levels to increase above recommended standards.
November 8, 2018 - Earlier this week, the City of Fort Wayne and Red River Waste Solutions began a new map and routing system that’s designed to enhance the garbage and recycling collection process. We’re encouraged with the way the first four collection days have gone. Misses have been reduced and we’ve had significantly fewer calls to our 311 call center.
I want to thank the residents of Fort Wayne for their continued patience as we work to provide the best garbage and recycling services possible. I also want to recognize and thank the members of the Mayor’s Working Group on Garbage and Recycling. They continue to be engaged and certainly care about our community and want what’s best for all residents and neighborhoods.
November 7, 2018 - The final step in creating a welcoming gateway into the downtown arts district is now complete. Today Mayor Tom Henry, local artists and neighborhood leaders cut the ribbon celebrating the completion of the Metaform sculpture and mural located in the 400 block of East Columbia Street, across from Three Rivers Apartments near the Columbia Avenue Bridge.
The sculpture was created by Cary Shafer and includes large, metal, three-dimensional blocks that are painted to complement the 300-foot mural painted last summer by Jerrod and Kara Tobias. Shafer and Jerrod Tobias worked together to design the mural and sculpture, which they named Metaform. The gateway feature was completed by painting the railroad elevation and installing lighting, a sidewalk and landscaping.
November 6, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12 in recognition of Veterans Day. There will be no leaf pickup on Monday. Garbage and recycling collection will remain on schedule.
November 5, 2018 - Monday, November 5 is the start of the new trash and recycling collection days. About 47% of our residents will have a new day. Residents were sent postcards telling of their new day even if they didn’t have a change. For residents needing information about their new schedule, an interactive map is available at MyNewTrashDay.com . The site allows users to enter their address to find their new garbage and recycling collection day quickly.
Residents are reminded to have their carts set at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection. Carts should be at least three feet apart.
November 2, 2018 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will host the first Public Open House regarding the Franke Park Master Plan on November 8, 2018, from 5 - 8 pm at Franke Park Pavilion #1, 3411 Sherman Blvd. This Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation project, in partnership with the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, will result in a comprehensive plan that will guide the park’s development over the next decade and beyond.
November 1, 2018 - In a continued effort to empower and address the needs of crime victims impacted by violence and abuse, Mayor Tom Henry’s Commission on Domestic Violence, Rape and Sexual Assault has launched a new website: www.endtheviolencefortwayne.org .
November 1, 2018 - To raise awareness about campus and community fire safety, the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) and the University of Saint Francis (USF) are partnering with First Alert, the most trusted brand in home safety*, along with Campus Firewatch and the Michael H. Minger Foundation, to participate in the Town/Gown Fire Safety Community Service Project. The local Town/Gown Fire Safety Project will be conducting neighborhood blitzes on November 10 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm throughout Fort Wayne, and on an ongoing basis to distribute alarms until supplies are depleted. Students and residents at-large will be able to learn the importance of fire safety and work alongside firefighters to properly equip homes with smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
October 31, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry will host a Mayor’s Night In from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5. The event will be held on the fourth floor of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
Residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government.
Those interested in this opportunity may schedule their 10-minute block of time by calling 427-1111. Times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents who met with Mayor Henry during a previous Mayor’s Night In program will be placed on a waiting list to give others the opportunity to have their concerns addressed.
October 26, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and a delegation from Fort Wayne will travel to Fort Wayne’s sister city Taizhou, China on Saturday, October 27, with plans to return on November 2. The focus of the Mayor’s trip will be to discuss the enhancement of cultural and educational exchange programs, including opportunities for professionals from Fort Wayne and Taizhou to connect and participate in a professional exchange program.
October 25, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Reverend Dr. Charles Harrison, TenPoint Coalition financial partners and Fort Wayne UNITED representatives to announce the launch of Fort Wayne’s TenPoint Coalition. Modeled after the successful Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition, Fort Wayne’s program will be the next step in positively influencing the lives of black males, families and neighborhoods by implementing proactive strategies to improve life outcomes, increase the quality of life and enhance community pride.
October 24, 2018 - Residents are encouraged to be on mail-watch this week as the “It’s a New Day” personalized postcards, containing specific information about their trash and recycling pick-up, will hit mailboxes. The blue, green and white cards are color coded for each residential property address, and contain the pick-up day as well as the pick-up week for recycling collection.
While only about 47% of the City will have their collection day change, all residents will receive a postcard, even if their day is not changing. The card is personalized for each residential property address and has information on pick-up day and the week for recycling collection.
The new schedule begins the week of Monday, November 5, 2018. Until then residents will remain on the same collection schedule.
October 23, 2018 - Tonight’s passage of the City of Fort Wayne budget for 2019 provides us an opportunity to look ahead with optimism as we continue to experience momentum and excitement in our community.
October 23, 2018 - On the 11th hour of the 11th day of November in 1918, the Armistice was signed, ending World War I. A century later, our community comes together to remember our local heroes who served and died in “The War to End All Wars.”
As part of Fort Wayne’s Veterans Day weekend events, the community is invited to Memorial Park, 2301 Maumee Avenue, on Sunday, November 11 at 11 a.m. for the World War I Memorial Grove 100 Year Rededication. Those in attendance will gather near the 125 trees planted in memory of 125 local soldiers, sailors, and nurses who gave their lives in WWI. Officials and dignitaries will rededicate the Memorial Grove before unveiling a new plaque honoring these 125 local heroes. Throughout the day, an honor guard will be stationed in the park for 11 hours and 11 minutes, and other tributes are being planned as well.
After the ceremony, light refreshments will be served and visitors will receive a special memento from the event.
October 22, 2018 - Fort Wayne Street Department crews are gearing up for leaf collection starting the morning of October 29. Collections will occur two times in each of the city’s more than 400 neighborhoods with the last week of collection starting on December 10.
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.
October 18, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is the recipient of a $680,000 grant to remediate lead paint in older homes. The City will partner with the Allen County Department of Health to identify children with elevated blood lead levels and remediate lead paint in their homes, or the homes where they attend day care or visit often.
October 17, 2018 - The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water says Fort Wayne City Utilities has the best tasting water in the State. Earlier today, judges evaluated the water from utilities that won regional taste competitions earlier in the year, and selected Fort Wayne as the winner of the ‘Best Tasting Water in Indiana.’
October 16, 2018 - Northern Indiana Passenger Rail Association (NIPRA) is scheduling four public meetings throughout northern Indiana and northwest Ohio to discuss recent work completed and the next steps in securing funding for a Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus passenger rail line.
October 15, 2018 - The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has recently awarded several million dollars to departments across the country in support of forensic activities under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program.
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.
October 11, 2018 - As part of continuing efforts to make City government as responsive as possible, the 311 Call Center will now be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays with two members of our 311 team taking calls from the public. These additional hours will help provide residents with more opportunities to get in touch with the City. The Call Center can be reached by calling 311 within the City limits or at (260) 427-8311.
October 11, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) will sort and distribute food at Community Harvest Food Bank October 13, 8:30 – 11:30 am, to participate in Aim Youth Service Day. Chelsea Schneider, Aim Innovations Content Manager from the Indianapolis office, will visit Community Harvest Food Bank at 9 am to thank MYEC for their participation in their service project. Formerly known as the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Aim is the official voice of municipal government in Indiana. Aim is a nonpartisan organization that works closely with state legislators and other organizations on key initiatives related to quality of place and making government work better for the benefit of all Hoosiers. The inaugural Aim Youth Service Day will celebrate and highlight the important work of youth councils. For more information about Aim and their Youth Service Day, please visit www.aimindiana.org .
October 10, 2018 - Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) Indiana is providing a new tool in the effort to fight the opioid crisis in Allen County. Today, RALI Indiana announced the donation of 15,000 safe drug disposal kits to various groups and coalitions in northeast Indiana that will allow Hoosiers to easily and safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription medication. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry hosted the RALI Indiana announcement at Citizens Square.
“Safe drug disposal could keep someone prone to addiction from ever trying an opioid,” said Mayor Henry. “Safe disposal could save lives and thanks to these resources and education, we are another step closer to controlling this epidemic.”
Launched in July, RALI is a diverse coalition of business and community leaders, patient organizations and other health care stakeholders dedicated to finding and supporting solutions to end the opioid crisis. RALI Indiana has partnered with the Drug and Alcohol Consortium of Allen County (DACAC) to address opioid misuse in the region and to oversee the distribution of safe drug disposal kits.
October 9, 2018 - Earlier today, Fort Wayne residents, City Council Members, City staff and owners of Red River Waste Solutions Inc. joined Mayor Tom Henry, to announce improvement plans for residential garbage and recycling collection.
In August, Mayor Henry formed the Mayor’s Working Group on Garbage and Recycling to look at issues and develop positive solutions to improve the collection process.
“As we looked for ways to improve, it was important to include neighborhood leaders. They are there every day and know the frustrations some residents have experienced with missed collections,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m appreciative of the proactive efforts of the working group to determine the best next steps that we believe will lead to better garbage and recycling collection services.”
The Working Group consisted of leaders from nine neighborhoods representing all quadrants of the City, Fort Wayne City Council members Tom Didier and Jason Arp, members of the Solid Waste Department and representatives from Red River Waste Solutions Inc. Group members looked at a variety of issues including missed pick-ups, driver shortages, 311 wait times, improving neighborhood service, and collection route inefficiencies.
October 4, 2018 - U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly announced today that, with his support, the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) and Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) have been awarded grant funding from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The $301,165 award will allow FWCS and FWPD to replace analog video cameras at schools – many of which are failing despite maintenance and repair – with a new camera system that will provide a superior field of view, visual clarity, and the capability to remotely view a scene in real time. Donnelly wrote a letter to the Department of Justice supporting Fort Wayne's request .
October 4, 2018 - A group of local neighborhood leaders and several staff members from the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division today left for the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) taking place today-Saturday in Dayton. This year’s theme is “Unique and United: Crossing Barriers Building Communities.”
The RNNC is comprised of neighborhood representatives from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. It’s designed for grassroots, corporate, government, foundation, faith-based and non-profit leaders who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.
October 4, 2018 - The Fort Wayne-Allen County Disability Advisory Council is proud to stand united with the City of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Government leaders to announce our joint participation in Disability Employment Awareness Month, which takes place annually in October. The Disability Employment Awareness Month is designed to educate people about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of American workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.”
The Fort Wayne Allen-County Disability Advisory Council strongly believes that Americans of all abilities must have access to good and safe jobs. In just over a year, there have been three major positive developments focused on disability employment that have made it clear that Fort Wayne and Allen County are places which welcome and value employees of all abilities.
October 3, 2018 - The Johnnie Mae Farm, located at 2518 Winter St., is hosting a Harvest Celebration Friday, October 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.
All remaining fruits, vegetables and flowers will be harvested and offered free of charge to residents on Friday. Collard and mustard greens, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans and peppers, should be available. After Friday, gardeners will prepare the planting beds for winter. In addition to the produce, the celebration will include free children’s activities.
October 1, 2018 - Fort Wayne UNITED leaders will participate in the Allen Superior Court Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES 29th Annual Conference on Youth, Thursday October 4 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
September 28, 2018 - In preparation for the 2019 road and bridge improvements to State Boulevard, several utilities will relocate transmission lines over the next few months. That work begins on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, when NIPSCO will relocate a gas line in the center of State. The work will require the road to close to through traffic until November 28, 2018.
A marked detour for through traffic includes Spy Run Avenue/North Clinton Street/Lima Road to Fernhill Avenue to Wells Street.
September 24, 2018 - The official hours for Trick-or-Treat 2018 have been established for the “City” of Fort Wayne. Halloween Trick-or-Treat will be observed in the “City” from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Trick-or-Treaters should only visit those homes with an illuminated exterior front light (or porch light) indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcomed.
September 24, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and his Youth Engagement Council will highlight the importance of National Voter Registration Day, which is Tuesday, Sept. 25. As a member of the U.S. Conference Mayors, Mayor Henry is joining mayors from across the country, along with the League of Women Voters, the National Urban League, and the National Conference of State Legislatures to raise awareness and encourage young people to register to vote. The partners in this effort are recognized as nonpartisan organizations.
September 20, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2019 will continue the City Administration’s commitment to investing in public safety, neighborhood infrastructure and parks.
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.
September 19, 2018 - Work on the sixth of seven neighborhood drop shafts that will connect to the deep rock sewer tunnel begins Wednesday, September 19, 2018. Crews will start clearing the area and placing signs for the closure of the intersection of Thieme Drive and Berry and Nelson streets in the West Central neighborhood.
Thieme will close to traffic during the drop shaft construction. The closure will continue through late September of 2019.
September 17, 2018 - One lane of traffic in each direction is now open on Dupont Road, but motorists should be aware that it is still a construction zone. Construction crews opened the road to traffic over the weekend.
As progress continues on the Dupont improvement project, motorists will experience slower speeds with occasional stopped traffic and lane shifts throughout the remainder of the project.
The posted speed limit through the work zone is 35 MPH. The signalized intersection of La Cabreah Lane/Dawson’s Creek Boulevard and Dupont Road will remain a temporary All-Way Stop during construction.
September 17, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department invites citizens to three upcoming FREE Community Unity Family Fun Nights! Be part of a community safety forum then enjoy a community dinner along with games and prizes for the kids. Plus, the first 50 adults to sign in at each Community Unity Night will receive a FREE book bag with school supplies. These events are great opportunities for neighbors to meet, greet and eat as they learn about how our police department is engaging to keep our neighborhoods safe.
September 14, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced that, with the support of U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, the Fort Wayne Fire Department has been 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.
September 14, 2018 - For people who have always wanted to know how Fort Wayne’s sewage treatment and drinking water processes work, City Utilities is offering free, guided tours of the Water Pollution Control (sewage treatment) Plant and Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant on select Saturdays. The first of the tours is this Saturday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Water Pollution Control Plant, 2601 Dwenger Ave. Visitors will see how the plant operates, visit the award-winning testing laboratory and view its high powered microscope, and learn about the importance of the plant for our health and safety. Tours will begin approximately every 30 minutes with the last tour starting at 11:30 a.m. The tour will involve walking on several surfaces, including gravel, and attendees should not wear open-toe shoes or flip-flops.
September 13, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry is attending the Climate Leadership Summit with the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) today in Indianapolis.
The Climate Leadership Summit is Earth Charter Indiana’s annual, statewide conference specially designed for mayors, city leaders, and community partners to discuss how to prepare for the changing climate. The Summit focuses on mitigation and adaptation through green jobs, renewable energy, public health, sustainable food, water conservation, communication and outreach, and youth engagement, among many other important topics. In addition, the Summit celebrates the progress Indiana communities have already achieved and gives cities the opportunity to share best practices.
September 12, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry will be one of four panelists at the Indiana Construction Roundtable. The event will be held today from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., at Finch Creek Fieldhouse in Noblesville, Indiana.
The panel discussion will focus on Indiana’s multi-sports venues and industry, responsible for billions of dollars of workforce, tourism and economic development. ICR’s panelists will offer an inside look at the construction, partnership and programming that is essential to success.
September 11, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Police Department family and the entire City of Fort Wayne are mourning the loss of Fort Wayne Police Officer David A. Tinsley.
Officer Tinsley passed away while serving and protecting our community. Officer Tinsley was a respected and valued member of the FWPD team, and he will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Tinsley family during this most difficult time.
We’re fortunate to live in a community that appreciates and understands the important role that law enforcement has in our everyday lives. We’re a safer and stronger City because of the men and women of the FWPD. I’ve asked that flags in the City of Fort Wayne remain at half-staff until the conclusion of Officer Tinsley’s funeral.
September 6, 2018 - Residents are invited to a free tour of MamaJo, the tunnel boring machine that will soon begin digging a five-mile sewer tunnel under the City of Fort Wayne.
“I’m anxious to have you come out and see me, and even give me a pat on the back, but please, please, leave the flip-flops and sandals at home – this is a construction site,” said MamaJo.
Standing nearly 20-feet in diameter and more than 400-feet in length, MamaJo is preparing to dig a five-mile-long sewer tunnel that will protect our rivers and neighborhoods and serve the community for generations to come.
City Utilities invites residents to the free tour of MamaJo and the tunnel work site on Sunday, September 9, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
September 6, 2018 - Crews have installed three additional banners as part of Mayor Tom Henry’s Blue Star Banner program. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.
September 4, 2018 - Area residents are invited to attend the upcoming Diversity Awards celebration scheduled for September 21 at 8:30 a.m. in the Walb International Ballroom on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus.
Cost to attend is FREE and a light breakfast is provided. Residents should RSVP by visiting www.WelcomingFW.org and clicking on the Diversity Awards menu item.
August 31, 2018 - Nineteen firefighters were welcomed to the Fort Wayne Fire Department in a graduation ceremony today at the Public Safety Academy.
The department’s 90th recruit class will begin their duty as Fort Wayne firefighters at engine houses throughout the city on September 1.
The recruits, 17 men and 2 women, participated in 20 weeks of training and will now continue their training alongside firefighters from the 18 stations that serve the City of Fort Wayne.
August 30, 2018 - Great Lakes Capital and Bradley Company, along with Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, officially cut the ribbon today to open Skyline Tower , a $42 million mixed-used 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.
August 30, 2018 - RTM Ventures and Mayor Tom Henry today announced 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. The economic development agreement is now ready to be presented to the local governing bodies responsible for approving elements of the Electric Works project.
August 29, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry was joined today by Fort Wayne Park Foundation President Rick Phillips and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel to announce a new community campaign to support the city’s newest park.
August 28, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today led a business walk in downtown Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity for Mayor Henry and City of Fort Wayne staff members to talk to and get feedback from several businesses.
August 28, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 3 in recognition of Labor Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Labor Day. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
August 28, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the members of the newly created Fort Wayne Public Art Commission.
Members of the Commission will be sworn in at 9 a.m. on August 30 in Community Development Room 324, on the third floor of Citizens Square. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Commission will hold its first meeting.
August 27, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined elected officials and residents of the Hamilton Neighborhood Association to celebrate the completion of 1-mile of alley reconstruction work. Funding for alley repair wasn’t available until this year after City Council approved an adjustment in the local income tax to go toward alley, sidewalk and riverfront improvements.
August 24, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today announced the Fort Wayne Fire Department plans to hire 25 new firefighters to fill vacancies created through retirements. Ten of the new firefighters are a result of the City of Fort Wayne receiving a $1.4 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the federal government. SAFER grants were created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help increase the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities. The grant received by the City will cover salaries and benefits for ten new firefighters for three years. Salaries and benefits will then be part of the City budget at the completion of the three years. The additional fifteen new firefighters will be part of the City’s proposed 2019 budget request. The additional firefighters will enhance the fire department’s level of service by ensuring four firefighters are on a fire apparatus at all times and will be used to fill positions that are vacated through anticipated and unanticipated retirements.
August 21, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry, City Councilman Tom Didier, City of Fort Wayne Public Works Division leaders, and Red River Waste Solutions today provided an update on garbage and recycling collection efforts in the City of Fort Wayne and steps that are being taken to improve services to residents and neighborhoods.
August 20, 2018 - Two significant segments of the Pufferbelly Trail are complete and today Mayor Tom Henry joined business owners, community leaders, elected officials and members of the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) to cut the ribbon and officially open the trail routes.
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, North Franke Park.
August 14, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today visited the University of Saint Francis campus to celebrate the unveiling of a new “Avenue of Champions” sign. The signage is placed near Bishop John D’Arcy Stadium on Lindenwood Avenue to commemorate the success of the University of Saint Francis football program. University of Saint Francis President Sister M. Elise Kriss and University of Saint Francis Head Football Coach Kevin Donley were part of today’s event. The football program is coming off of back-to-back NAIA national championships. Following the 2017 season, Coach Donley and Mayor Henry worked together to develop a way to recognize the efforts of the university and the national championship student-athletes who represent the university and Fort Wayne.
August 13, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 10 local non-profits will receive funding from the City’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.
Approximately $180,000 will be available to help low- and moderate-income residents with shelter, basic needs, employment skills, language translation and interpretation, and youth development. The Mayor made the announcement at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, which offers the Students of Success College and Career Readiness Program that will be supported by CDBG dollars.
August 10, 2018 - Fort Wayne youth who would like to learn more about local government and how they can make a difference in their community are encouraged to apply for Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council. Applications will be accepted through August 19 . Those who are accepted will have the opportunity to shadow City government employees and will work with a team of peers on projects involving the city, such as the Great American Clean Up and Fort Wayne’s Almost Famous event. They will also participate in Fort Wayne Sister Cities International and state-wide AIM, Accelerate Indiana Municipalities.
The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects.
August 10, 2018 - City officials today announced a team of professionals has been selected to design and begin implementation of Riverfront Fort Wayne Phases II and III, which will focus on preparations for public and private investment within the downtown riverfront area, including along the river’s edge.
DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, a landscape architecture and urban design firm with studios in Philadelphia and Indianapolis, will lead the team of landscape architects, architects, urban designers, engineers and economists that will design Phases II and III.
August 7, 2018 - Members of the City’s Housing & Neighborhood Services (HANDS) Board today toured five projects supported in part by the City of Fort Wayne’s federal housing dollars.
August 7, 2018 - No doubt, the hardest worker on Fort Wayne’s Deep Rock Tunnel project, at 24-hours a day, is the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Today, that worker has a name, and it’s 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.
August 3, 2018 - Fort Wayne City Utilities has received national recognition as a Utility of the Future Today in the category of Energy Generation & Recovery, for its successful power generation efforts at the Water Pollution Control Plant.
The Utility of the Future Today recognition celebrates the achievements of utilities that are transforming themselves from traditional wastewater treatment systems to resource recovery centers and are leaders in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve.
July 31, 2018 - Due to staff returning to school, McMillen Pool will close for the season at 7 pm, Friday, August 3 and Memorial Pool will close at 5 pm, August 5.
Northside Pool will remain open for the season until 5 pm Saturday, August 11.
The City’s free splash pads will remain open until the end of September, or early October, when they are winterized.
July 20, 2018 - As a precaution, City Utilities has placed pumps in neighborhoods prone to have high water during heaving rain events. With weather forecasters calling for more than 2.5 inches of rain overnight, pumps are set and will be turned on if needed, at the following locations:
July 20, 2018 - Today marked the successful completion of the Lifetime Sports Academy’s 21st summer with more than 1,000 participants this year and a total of 27,961 participants over the last 21 years. Group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 – 18. Lessons focused on skill development.
Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department provides certified coaching and highly trained professionals who direct lessons in swimming, tennis and golf. Offering instruction in three sports has been a successful formula throughout the years. The Lifetime Sport Academy has developed a solid reputation and attracts a huge number of kids each summer.
July 19, 2018 - Leaders from the City of Fort Wayne, City of New Haven, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools, Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corp. (Citilink), community leaders, and neighborhood advocates came together today at Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s office to voice concerns about a proposal that could negatively affect services provided to the public and schools and increase taxes for some homeowners.
July 17, 2018 - Fort Wayne UNITED is providing a wonderful opportunity for those looking for employment. On Saturday, July 21, 7 – 10 pm, several area employers will be available during Fort Wayne UNITED’s Late Night Basketball League to share information about positions they have available. Job Fair attendees who schedule an interview will be invited to meet with Fort Wayne UNITED before their appointment to receive one-on-one interview preparation tips and free attire to wear during the interview.
July 17, 2018 - Temporary decorative LED lighting is now brightening the underside of the Norfolk-Southern overpass that crosses Barr Street just north of Freimann Square.
Three types of lighting have been installed and each can be programmed in a variety of color combinations. The lighting company, CM Buck and Associates, is loaning the lighting to the City of Fort Wayne and the Public Works Division installed it. If the lighting performs well, and there is positive feedback from residents, the City will consider purchasing it.
July 13, 2018 - In a continued effort to make customer improvements, the City of Fort Wayne Board of Public Works launched a new web page today to allow contractors to purchase and download bid specifications from the convenience of their office or home.
The Board is partnering with Quest Construction Data Network to operate a secure site that will process payments and allow downloading for plans, specifications, addendums, bid lists and bid results. The City’s infrastructure projects bid through the Board of Public Works. Projects include improvements to public spaces, streets, sidewalks, trails, water, sewer and stormwater projects.
July 13, 2018 - Tillman Park now offers a championship caliber disc golf course. At a grand opening on July 13, 5 pm officials from the disc golf community joined Parks and Recreation Director, Steve McDaniel as they opened the Disc Golf Course at Tillman Park.
The newest disc golf course will be a championship caliber course with many par 4’s and some par 5’s as well as the normal par 3’s. As a result more prestigious events can be offered in Fort Wayne such as A Tiers and/or National Tiers.
The local Fort Wayne Disc Golf Club started planning the course in 2013. In the past five years over 4,000 volunteer hours have been invested by the club.
July 11, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Police Department's Victim Assistance Program is challenging local residents, businesses, churches, groups, and organizations to help fill 10 book bags with school supplies for local school children in need.
In partnership with Salvation Army for the Tools for School campaign, the "Book Bag Challenge" will provide school supplies and book bags for hundreds of school-aged children in Fort Wayne. The FWPD aims to provide 1,000 book bags this year.
July 11, 2108 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2018-19 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event.
July 10, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the launch of a pilot grant program for Fort Wayne neighborhoods.
Applications are now being accepted for the Neighborhood Improvement Grant, which is designed to support neighborhood projects that beautify public spaces and strengthen community involvement. Applications and information are available at www.FortWayneNeighborhoods.org by clicking on the resources menu item. Applications are due by September 3, 2018.
June 29, 2018 - The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us. The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help uscelebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.
June 29, 2019 - The 63rd basic recruit class of the Fort Wayne Police Department consisting of 21 recruits have graduated and become fully commissioned officers.
Police Chief Steve Reed stated, “As Chief of Police, I am committed to ensuring that the City of Fort Wayne continues to have the best possible police officers to serve our City, and these new officers are representation of that commitment. Two of our recruits are of Burmese decent, a first for the department, that will help to ensure that our very diverse community is properly served.”
June 28, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the lobby of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will serve as an additional cooling station due to high temperatures and heat indexes forecasted to impact our area. The cooling station will be available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. in downtown Fort Wayne. The Rescue Mission serves as the primary cooling station location in Fort Wayne. The Rescue Mission opens as a cooling station for men, women and families when temperatures reach 80 degrees. Hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
June 28, 2018 - Futsal, also known as small-sided soccer, has now found a home in Packard Park. At an official kick-off today, officials from the soccer community and Packard Park neighbors joined Mayor Tom Henry, international soccer star DaMarcus Beasley and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel as they officially opened 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.
June 28, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day. There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Wednesday. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day beginning Wednesday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Thursday, July 5.
June 26, 2018 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control wants pet owners to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday while keeping their pets safe and secure. Dogs, cats, and even small animals can easily become overwhelmed by the sudden explosions of fireworks causing panic and fear leading to a spike in runaway pets. The celebrations and picnics can also put your pets at risk.
As part of a joint effort between Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, H.O.P.E. for Animals and the Allen County SPCA all three organizations will be offering $4 microchips to dogs and cats Friday, June 29th in hopes of getting permanent identification to as many pets as possible before the busy Fourth of July holiday.
June 22, 2018 - Forecasts are calling for more heavy rain, and it’s essential for all of us to look out for our neighborhoods. City Utilities reminds residents to check stormwater drains and keep them clear of trash, leaves and other debris. With nearly 19,000 storm drains and inlets residents are asked to clear drains so that stormwater can leave neighborhood streets.
June 22, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races presented by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Riverfront Fort Wayne, and Parkview Regional Medical Center scheduled for Saturday, June 23 have been CANCELLED. Due to high water levels and anticipated additional rain, it is unsafe to hold the event on the scheduled date. If possible, the event will be rescheduled at a later date.
Visit www.RiverfrontFW.org for more information and for future activities along the rivers.
June 20, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Reverend Dr. Charles Harrison, Fort Wayne UNITED representatives, and local community and business leaders to announce that the City of Fort Wayne plans to become a TenPoint Coalition city.
The coalition is the next step in Fort Wayne’s efforts to influence the lives of young people, families and neighborhoods by implementing proactive strategies to reduce violence and emphasize the importance of education, employment and community partnerships. The City will identify a neighborhood in the community to examine the areas of crime, education, health, and housing and how to improve conditions and the quality of life for residents and explore opportunities for growth and future success. A number of cities in Indiana and across the country have or are exploring 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.
June 18, 2018 - A day after Father’s Day, Mayor Tom Henry today announced a new policy for non-union city employees providing paid parental leave. The policy would help support parents by offering paid time off to focus on bonding with their new child and adjusting to their new family situation.
Both birth and adoptive parents would be eligible for paid parental leave up to 120 hours, which would have to be taken within the first 12 weeks following the birth or adoption. Currently, the City only offers leave to birth mothers through short-term disability. Employees also would need to meet the eligibility standards for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
June 14, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry was “back on the street” today, Calhoun Street to be exact, to announce the return of the City’s Open Streets Fort Wayne event.
Joined by neighborhood and business leaders, bike riders, pickleball players and fitness instructors, Mayor Henry announced that the free Calhoun Street event promoting health, business and neighborhood connectivity has added 25 new activities this year. The 2nd Annual Open Streets Fort Wayne event will take place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
June 13, 2018 - Motorists should avoid northbound North Clinton Street today. A water main break has closed the two northbound lanes between 3500-3600 block. The area is just south of the Coldwater/Clinton split. It’s expected repairs will last into the evening hours.
June 12, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and City Councilmen Jason Arp, Tom Freistroffer, Glynn Hines, and Geoff Paddock today provided an update on residential garbage and recycling collection efforts in the City of Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne’s new garbage and recycling contractor, Red River Waste Solutions, began providing services on January 2. The City and Red River recognize there have been some issues and are working each day to address concerns. We apologize for any challenges that residents have experienced. It’s not uncommon, though, for there to be an adjustment period for any new provider.
“We’re committed to providing excellent services to residents,” said Mayor Henry. “We expect better results from Red River. My staff and I, along with City Council, are adamant that improvements need to be made to ensure garbage and recycling collection procedures and outcomes meet the needs and expectations of our residents and neighborhoods. Though we recognize that challenges are to be expected with a new provider, Red River has assured us that they’re prepared and ready to enhance their daily operations. I’m optimistic that they’re up to the task. Over the past six months, my office has heard from residents complimentary of the work that Red River is doing as well as from those expressing concerns. No provider is perfect, and it’s appropriate for us to allow them additional time to perform their duties.”
June 7, 2018 - City Utilities today announced plans to address aging water infrastructure, specifically to reduce the number of water main breaks.
With more than 1,400 miles of pipe, City Utilities is averaging more than 300 main breaks a year. So far this year the utility has had nearly 150 main breaks in the first five months of 2018. Main breaks can disrupt business and restaurant services and occasionally cause schools to close. They also create traffic problems and inconvenience residents.
June 7, 2018 - Today, White Lodging broke ground on Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Fort Wayne Downtown, which will offer all of the amenities expected by Hilton’s upper-midscale brand. The hotel will also feature a walk up Burger Bar restaurant and an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar offering spectacular views of Parkview Field and downtown Fort Wayne. The hotel is scheduled to open in the summer of 2019.
“In 2007, the City of Fort Wayne, reached out to us with the opportunity to build a hotel which would anchor a key element of a new economic engine for the city,” said Deno Yiankes, president and CEO, investments and development at White Lodging. “Today, it’s exciting to continue that vision with a second hotel, which is not only one of our nation’s most respected and well known premium brands, but also designed and localized specifically to honor the great location on Jefferson Boulevard adjacent to the Grand Wayne Convention Center and Parkview Field. We believe this is another step in continuing to bring more families, business travelers and conventioneers to experience all that downtown Fort Wayne has to offer.”
Over 25 percent of the hotel’s 136 guestrooms will be oversized suites and will be located at 226 West Jefferson Boulevard next to the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown, which was developed and managed by White Lodging. The hotel opened in 2010.
“I’m encouraged by White Lodging’s commitment to once again invest in another important project in Fort Wayne,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “Adding an additional hotel and increasing our room capacity will have a tremendous impact on our community. As a point of destination city, this new development will enhance our ability to assist with our growing convention and tourism opportunities and provide guests with a memorable experience in Fort Wayne.”
June 6, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced 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. Old National Bank, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, and Parkview Health will serve as financial sponsors for the fireworks display.
June 5, 2018 - Using technology to create a standard-setting and valuable information system that will improve service and save money, has earned the City Utilities Geographic Information System (GIS) the 2018 Excellence in GIS Award.
Presented by the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), the award recognizes GIS departments that push the envelope and demonstrate outstanding use of geospatial technology to improve the world.
June 5, 2018 - The annual report detailing how the City of Fort Wayne invested U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars in 2017 is now available for public review.
Comments regarding the report, called the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), will be accepted at a public meeting on June 13 and in writing through June 18, 2018.
The public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 13 at 6 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
June 4, 2018 - Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel kicked off the 40th Annual Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at the Community Center. The Senior Games is open to adults 50 and older and over 450 participants are expected to play this year in locations all over Fort Wayne.
May 31, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry joined members of the Regional Development Authority, state and local elected officials, neighborhood and business representatives and trail enthusiasts today to celebrate and officially open a 1.5-mile section of the State Visionary Trail, known as the Poka-Bache Connector.
The trail, located along Bluffton Road between Lower Huntington Road and West Foster Park, connects 3,817 residents and more than 170 businesses to within a half-mile radius of the trail. That proximity opens the door to connection to our trail network of more than 107 miles.
May 30, 2018 - Beginning Monday, June 4, 2018, Washington Center Road will be closed between Cross Creek Boulevard and Country Forest Drive to replace the bridge over Spy Run Creek. The closure is expected to last through October.
An official detour directs traffic to Cook Road, via Lima Road and Hueguenard Road.
May 30, 2018 - Motorists should avoid North Clinton Street between Lima Road and the split with Coldwater Road today. Crews are working three separate water main breaks between the 3400 and 3800 block of North Clinton. Repairs are expected to last through the night.
May 29, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Urban Enterprise Association (UEA) has hired Trois Hart as its new Director. Hart replaces Gina Kostoff who recently took a position with Indiana Michigan Power.
Hart joins the City of Fort Wayne with a career history in banking and most recently as the Associate Vice President of Marketing at the University of Saint Francis. She serves on multiple community boards including the Fort Wayne Downtown Development Trust and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Hart reports to the UEA Board of Directors and to Cindy Joyner, director of Community Development.
May 25, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced 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. Earlier this week, crews installed the banners of 10 service members, four of which are new banners.
May 24, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, LLC (FWNMRF) anticipates investing in six projects located throughout northeast Indiana. The six projects, and their estimated allocation amounts, include:
May 23, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today encourged the Legacy Joint Funding Committee to approve the application that’s been submitted for Electric Works.
May 23, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the launch of a new website for Fort Wayne neighborhoods. The site, available at www.FortWayneNeighborhoods.org , is also available by visiting www.CityofFortWayne.org and clicking on the top Neighborhoods menu item.
In addition to the website, the City of Fort Wayne is starting two social media channels and an electronic newsletter to help connect and inform neighborhood leaders.
May 22, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 28 in recognition of Memorial Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Monday. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 29.
May 21, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Tall Grass/Weed Program kicks off today, May 21, 2018. Neighborhood Code Compliance is responsible for enforcing the City’s Weed Program, which calls for weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches.
For the first time this year, Weed Inspectors will be 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.
May 16, 2018 - International soccer star and Fort Wayne native DaMarcus Beasley, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, and the Indiana Soccer Association announced their partnership to build Fort Wayne’s first public, small-sided “futsal” soccer courts. The Beasley Courts will be developed in Packard Park on the city’s south side by repurposing underutilized tennis courts there into small-sided soccer “futsal” courts for use by the community.International soccer star and Fort Wayne native DaMarcus Beasley, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, and the Indiana Soccer Association announced their partnership to build Fort Wayne’s first public, small-sided “futsal” soccer courts. The Beasley Courts will be developed in Packard Park on the city’s south side by repurposing underutilized tennis courts there into small-sided soccer “futsal” courts for use by the community.
May 15, 2018 - This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry joined business leaders from the Industrial Park area and City Utilities staff to break ground for the construction of a new water main on Directors Row and Secretary Drive. The new pipe will replace an eight-inch, 1961 cast iron pipe that has seen 17 water main breaks over the past five years.
May 14, 2018 - Riverfront Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department invite you to form a Dragon Boat team and register for the 4th Annual Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races! The Races will take place at Headwaters Park West on June 23 on the beautiful St. Marys River, starting with opening ceremonies at 8 am. Each team is required to have 20 paddlers, including a designated captain and drummer. (Drummers cannot weigh more than 160 lbs.) Each team that registers will racetheir boat at least twice on event day and will receive practice time. All of the necessary training and equipment will be supplied for teams during practices and on event day including boat, life vests, paddles and steerman/coach.
May 10, 2018 - Fort Wayne UNITED, in partnership with ICON Family, will be conducting additional sessions of its Choose Success Initiative (CSI) May 10-11.
CSI allows black males, ages 14-18, to be exposed to the positive outcomes of good decisions and the negative consequences of poor decisions.
May 9, 2018 - The Old Fort Bank Stabilization Project is nearing completion and now crews have begun work on stabilizing the riverbank along Headwaters Park. In front of the Old Fort, the large boulders used to armor the toe of the bank slope will protect the bank from erosion during high water events. Native shrubs, perennials, grasses and trees will be installed above the boulders. Similar techniques and similar materials will be used to stabilize the riverbanks at Headwaters, Bloomingdale and Guldlin Parks.
May 8, 2018 - More than half of the property owners living in the unincorporated portion of La Cabreah neighborhood off of Dupont Road have petitioned the City of Fort Wayne to be annexed.
If approved, this voluntary annexation would bring 174 residential properties and about 105 acres inside the City limits. Currently, the southern part of the La Cabreah neighborhood is already within the City limits. Fifty-one percent of the property owners signed the petition for voluntary annexation, which meets the threshold needed to request a voluntary annexation.
May 7, 2018 - The City’s free splash pads will be turned on Saturday, May 26 at 9 am.
Northside Pool will be open May 26 - May 28 and will reopen on a daily basis starting June 2. McMillen Pool will open for the season on June 2. Memorial Pool will open on June 16 and will be available Wednesdays through Sundays.
For additional pool information, including hours of operation, Adult Swim times, fees, Learn-to-Swim classes and pool rental, visit www.fortwayneparks.org/FamilyAquaticCenters .
May 7, 2018 - From May 7-11, Visit Fort Wayne will join convention and visitors bureaus from across the United States in celebrating the 34th Annual National Travel and Tourism Week. This annual week celebrates the power of tourism and brings awareness to what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees, to restaurant, attraction and retail workers. Some of the numbers:
5.9 million people visit Fort Wayne each year for meetings, sports tournaments and leisure.
Visitors directly spend an estimated $619 million dollars in food, lodging, and entertainment purchases.
11,198 jobs are supported by travel and tourism in Fort Wayne and Allen County.
In celebration of our industry, Visit Fort Wayne has three special events planned for Tourism Week: Thursday, May 10 Visit Fort Wayne staff will lead Frontline Training Workshop , a training session for the guest-facing employees in our industry. The front desk staff at hotels, restaurants and attractions will learn how to better serve our visitors with Hoosier Hospitality at this annual industry training event. Friday, May 11 Join us for a Visitors Center Open House from 11-4 and enjoy special deals, prizes, and DeBrand Chocolates.
Sunday, May 13
As part of Mother's Day Downtown , the Visitors Center will be open with special gifts for mom.
For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week and Fort Wayne's tourism industry, contact Dan O'Connell at 260-424-3700.
May 7, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Cindy Joyner has been promoted to director of the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division. Joyner 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 Joyner’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.
May 1, 2018 - Weather is warming up, and Fort Wayne residents are itching to get out and about. It's the perfect time to join the popular, free guided tours known as Trek the Trails.
Season nine offers new exploration on our 107-mile regional trail network beginning tomorrow. Ten of this year's routes are new, featuring recently completed trails that riders experience, embrace and enjoy. Tuesday, May 1, is the first of the rides that will take play each Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. through Sept. 25. Adults should accompany children, and all riders are encouraged to wear helmets. For a complete list of trail rides visit www.cityoffortwayne.org/trekthetrails .
April 30, 2018 - Area residents are invited to take a brief, online survey about their favorite places. The survey is available by visiting www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/survey .
The survey asks people to consider their favorite place, such as a park, lake or coffee shop. Then, the survey will ask questions about what makes that place attractive. The information will help determine the amenities local people like to enjoy in public spaces, such as nature, art or social activities.
April 30, 2018 - The Kickstart Festival Planning Committee is pleased to present Kickstart Festival 2018 in the month of May in Fort Wayne. The Kickstart Festival is a month-long celebration of bikes, music, art and theatre, ushering in a summer filled with activity in our community.
Kickstart Festival 2018 is presented by Parkview Health and participating organizations, including the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Parkview Trauma Center, Fort4Fitness, Fort Wayne Trails, Arts United, Visit Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Bicycle Friendly Fort Wayne, YLNI Farmers Market, Ronald McDonald House Charities and more.
April 27, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel were joined today by students from Smith Academy of Excellence, Trees Indiana and Superintendent of Urban Forestry Derek Veit to celebrate Arbor Day. Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel were joined today by students from Smith Academy of Excellence, Trees Indiana and Superintendent of Urban Forestry Derek Veit to celebrate Arbor Day.
April 26, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that ten local organizations will receive 2018 Commercial Façade Grants to improve their properties. This year's recipients are located in all quadrants of the city and are on well-traveled corridors.
April 25, 2018 - The Dupont Road Construction project moves into a new phase on Monday, April 30 - one that will close the road to through traffic between Lima Road and Coldwater Road for about four months.
The actual closure is between Salomon Farm and Dawsons Creek Boulevard/La Cabreah Lane. The road will be open only for local traffic and those using Dupont to visit businesses or to access their home.
Through traffic from Coldwater to Lima will have a detour of either Carroll Road or Wallen Road. Traffic delays are expected and motorists should allow for additional travel time in the area.
April 24, 2018 - As the State Boulevard improvement project continues, new lane restrictions will begin tomorrow near the intersection of Clinton Street and State. On Wednesday April 25, Clinton, just north of State will be reduced to one southbound lane as crews begin the installation of a stormwater pipe. The lane that will remain open to traffic is the one that's on the furthest east side of the road.
The lane restriction is expected to last through Thursday, May 2 when traffic will be shifted over to the two lanes that are the furthest west on Clinton.
April 20, 2018 - When the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo opens this weekend, visitors may notice something a little different with the flashing lights at the intersection of Sherman Boulevard and Franke Park Drive. The Public Works Division worked with zoo officials to enhance the light cases with animal stripes.
The City’s Traffic Operations staff designed, painted and installed the new zoo themed signal flashers that complement a new trail connection built by the City.
Opening day is always a busy time and motorists should slow down and yield to pedestrians crossing the road to visit the Zoo.
April 18, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced that Patrick Zaharako has been appointed as City Engineer. Zaharako has served the City of Fort Wayne as Assistant City Engineer and Flood Control Manager since 2013.
April 17, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division is looking for volunteers to support the City’s 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 throughout the city. 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.
April 16, 2018 - The sewer project that will protect the St. Marys River moves into a new phase on Monday, April 16, 2018, when the installation of two 60-inch-diameter pipes begins at the intersection of Harrison and Superior Streets.
To accommodate the improvements the intersection at Harrison and Superior will be closed. The closure is expected to continue through late June while two 60-inch-diameter pipes, one for stormwater and the other for combined sewage, are installed under the intersection.
April 12, 2018 - This month, Mayor Henry is reminding Fort Wayne area residents to contact 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.
April marks the start of spring digging season, and data shows that many Fort Wayne area diggers do not call 811 before they dig to have their underground utility lines marked. Hitting an underground gas or electric line can results in injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. To help reverse this trend, the Mayor partnered with Fort Wayne’s natural gas provider, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), to help get the word out on the importance of safe digging.
April 11, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today provided an update on the City of Fort Wayne’s position on the Electric Works project.
Mayor Henry reiterated that he and his administration continue to support the redevelopment plans for the former General Electric (GE) property and want to see it succeed.
April 10, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry is joining mayors across the country for the sixth annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service today, a nationwide bipartisan effort that highlights the impact of national service in tackling city problems. By unleashing the power of citizens, volunteer programs have a positive and lasting impact—making our cities a better place to live.
April 9, 2018 - The University of Saint Francis and Fort Wayne UNITED will host an upcoming L.I.V.E. (Listening to input and voices through engagement) Forum. It’s a partnership between the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences’ Criminal Justice and Criminology Program and Fort Wayne UNITED.
The event will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 at the University of Saint Francis North Campus Auditorium, 2702 Spring St. A reception with a light dinner will be held from 5:30-6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
April 3, 2018 - This week, improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists are progressing along State Boulevard. That will mean lane restrictions and construction delays this week and throughout the construction season.
Phase I of the State Boulevard project between Clinton Street and Spy Run Avenue includes the addition of a west bound travel lane to alleviate traffic that currently backs up on the Ian Rolland Bridge, a sidewalk buffered by a park strip on the south side, a wider sidewalk on the north side, decorative lighting, and an improved turn lane for eastbound traffic wanting to turn north onto Spy Run.
March 29, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry joined neighborhood leaders, members of the City Public Works Division and City Council members to announce planned 2018 infrastructure projects. A record $30 million dollars will be invested in Fort Wayne streets, roads, sidewalks, curbs and trails this construction season.
March 28, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department today celebrated the placement of two new fire trucks. The department conducted a traditional "wet down" and "push in" ceremony.
March 28, 2018 - The Indiana Department of Transportation announces that contractors plan to close all lanes of S.R. 930/Coliseum Boulevard overnight on or after Thursday, March 29, weather permitting.
Beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday, March 29, through 5 a.m. Friday, March 30, drivers can expect all lanes of S.R. 930/Coliseum Boulevard to be closed while contractors place the concrete in the deck section of the pedestrian bridge between IPFW and Ivy tech.
This local public agency (LPA) project a collaboration between PFW and Ivy Tech, using federal funds allocated by INDOT. For questions about the project, contact PFW project manager, Gregory Justice, at 260-481-6100.
March 27, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry joined representatives from Miller-Valentine Group and Vincent Village today to tour two recently completed single-family homes located on Winter Street. The homes are part of the Bottle Works Lofts development in southeast Fort Wayne.
The $14.5 million affordable housing development includes 19 lease-to-purchase single family homes, each with a detached garage, located throughout the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood. To date, 15 homes are already pre-leased.
March 20, 2018 - Celebrate spring with a round of golf! Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open for the season on Monday, March 26.
When inclement weather occurs, courses may close for a short period, or for the day, depending upon the severity of the weather. To check on course availability, or to schedule tee times, call the golf course where you plan to play.
March 20, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry joined Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll today, along with corporate and media sponsors, to announce the 2018 Foellinger Theatre summer concert lineup: “Some Kind of Wonderful!”
The concert season, which begins May 4, features Grand Funk Railroad, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and the Little River Band.
“I continue to be impressed with the quality and variety of performers that the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department provides for our community and visitors each year at the Foellinger Theatre,” said Mayor Henry. “Entertainment offerings and quality of life amenities are critical in our ability to retain and attract businesses and jobs, build on our downtown revitalization efforts and strengthen neighborhoods.”
March 16, 2018 - In order to accommodate the Dupont Road improvement project, traffic will be switched to the south side of the road beginning Monday morning, March 19. Motorists will experience delays during the switch-over but traffic will be maintained with one lane in each direction after the switch occurs.
March 15, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry joined local trail advocates, neighborhood leaders, elected officials and members of the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the next portion of the Pufferbelly Trail between State Boulevard and Fourth Street.
At just over a half-mile, the project will connect nearly 1,200 residents within a half-mile radius of the trail (1/4 mile on each side) to 50 businesses and organizations. It’s an important connection to the State Visionary Trail and is being funded in part by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation through the Regional Cities Initiative.
March 14, 2018 - RealAmerica Companies CEO/President Ronda Weybright today gave Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and local news media a tour of the mixed-use building Superior Lofts, 102 W. Superior St. Weybright said construction of the building is on schedule and the loft apartments will be open and ready for occupancy this summer.
The former Graphic Packaging facility was built in 1905 and has been empty since 2010. It’s being converted into 72 loft-style apartments, 21,000 square feet of commercial space and climate-controlled self-storage units. The building is constructed in the Art Moderne architecture style and has large windows, high ceilings, columns and concrete floors that reflect its past industrial use.
March 12, 2018 - Students from 15 high schools in Allen County will participate in the upcoming Youth Symposium for Peace through Equity and Justice. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at The Summit, 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd. and is sponsored by Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council and Canterbury School.
March 8, 2018 - City Utilities will conduct free guided tours of the Water Pollution Control Plant and Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant over the next several weeks.
The first of the free guided tours is this Saturday, March 10 from 10:00 AM to noon at the Water Pollution Control Plant located at 2601 Dwenger Avenue. Visitors will learn how the plant operates, visit the award winning lab and view its high powered microscope and learn about the importance the plant plays in our daily lives. The tour will involve walking on several surfaces, including gravel, and attendees should not wear open-toe shoes or flip-flops.
March 8, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry was joined today by City Councilmen Glynn Hines and Tom Freistroffer, as well as representatives from Arts United, to propose the creation of a Public Art Program and Public Art Commission.
A City ordinance will be introduced Tuesday, calling for the creation of the Public Art Program, which would promote and integrate public art throughout the city. The program would be overseen by a 13-member volunteer commission made up of appointments from arts organizations and arts schools, as well as the Fort Wayne City Council and the Mayor’s Office. The Art Commission would review and select art that would be displayed in public spaces; the goal would be to enhance the visual environment and strengthen the positive reputation, brand and stature of Fort Wayne and its neighborhoods.
March 7, 2018 - Now you can view images of your favorite Indiana parks and trails on Google Maps. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is happy to announce that we have collected images of local trails and pathways in partnership with Google Maps . In 2016, the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) partnered with Google to capture 360 degree panoramic images of 33 Indiana parks using Google Trekker technology. What this technology and opportunity provides, is an enhanced way for visitors to connect with these special places in Indiana like they may never have before.
The Trekker, the latest imagery-gathering apparatus, is a wearable backpack system that allows staff to venture to locations only accessible by foot. The ability to take Street View to remote, hard-to-navigate places, is a major opportunity to make the beauty and history of locations like these accessible to a global audience.
March 6, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and the Board of Park Commissioners today announced Steve McDaniel has been appointed as the new director of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department effective April 2. McDaniel is a 26-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department. He’s served as deputy director of asset management since 2007. McDaniel currently oversees the administration of all plans and activities related to the development, utilization, construction and maintenance of 86 parks, more than 135 buildings and hundreds of vehicles and equipment. In addition, he leads the maintenance operation of all City of Fort Wayne trees, playgrounds, aquatic centers, pavilions, athletic facilities, trails and pathways.
March 5, 2018 - Fort Wayne Community Development Director Greg Leatherman announced today that he will retire from his position effective April 12, 2018.
Leatherman has 20 years of experience in local government. He has served as the Community Development Director since 2014 and prior to that was the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Administrator and the Brownfield Manager. His private sector experience includes leadership positions at CBRE Sturges and ATC Environmental Consulting.
March 1, 2018 - Volunteers of all ages are asked to show their community pride and join in the annual Great American Cleanup™ on Saturday, April 21.
Residents, families, churches, youth organizations and schools can register at www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup or by calling 427-1345 , no later than Friday, March 30. Registration allows the City of Fort Wayne to accommodate volunteers with event shirts, gloves, and trash bags. Groups can select the area they wish to cleanup or City staff can assign them an area. Last year, volunteers collected more than 187,000 pounds of litter and debris during this one day effort.
March 1, 2018 - Residents from Fort Wayne and surrounding areas have four opportunities to take advantage of free Rain Garden workshops this spring. Residents can bring photos of how stormwater impacts their yard and learn how to build a rain garden that might reduce standing water on their property. Each session is taught by a City of Fort Wayne landscape architect.
Rain gardens are landscaped areas that help manage and control rain water runoff by containing it where it falls and giving the water an opportunity to soak into the ground, rather than enter a sewer. Native plants are recommended for rain garden planting because they have robust root systems that break up soil, allowing more water to soak in.
March 1, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Planning & Policy Director, Pam Holocher, was named the Indiana Planning Sagamore today. The award is the highest honor bestowed on a planner by the American Planning Association Indiana Chapter.
Holocher’s planning career spans more than 40 years. She began work for the City of Fort Wayne in 1978 and has worked in the Community Development Division the entire time. She was promoted to the Director of Planning & Policy in 2004 and remains in that position today.
February 28, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne UNITED today unveiled the Meals 4 Healing initiative that’s designed to serve families who have lost loved ones to homicide. The initiative was developed through the Fort Wayne UNITED clergy subcommittee. When a homicide takes place, families of victims will be engaged with a case worker from the Victim Assistance team within the Fort Wayne Police Department to be given the opportunity to receive meals while grieving. When the decision is made by the family to receive the service, hot meals will be delivered to their homes by a Fort Wayne UNITED church for seven days. Churches will provide the family with church contact information, free services, support groups, and victim assistance information for follow-up help, if needed. Parkview Health is also a partner in the Meals 4 Healing effort.
February 23, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today congratulated the four teams of developers and social service agencies that were awarded Rental Housing Tax Credits (RHTCs) for their projects located in Fort Wayne.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) recently announced 17 applicants statewide that will receive just over $14.4 million in the tax credits. Four of the 17 projects selected for funding are located in Fort Wayne.
February 21, 2018 - City crews are continuing to monitor river levels and surface flooding.
As river levels continue to rise, it is possible that roadways and intersections near local waterway may become covered with water. Motorists should not attempt to go through high water. If motorists come upon high water they should turn around and find an alternate route.
February 20, 2018 - To aid residents who are concerned about water rising on their property, the Street Department has placed sand and empty bags at two locations in areas prone to flooding.
Residents must bring their own shovel and fill the bags. Sand is available at the following locations:
February 19, 2018 - City Utilities crews remain active at this hour, working to protect neighborhoods from the potential of street flooding and back-ups.
Earlier today, as a precaution, crews placed 8 pumps in neighborhoods prone to street flooding. Four of those pumps are operating at this hour.
February 15, 2018 - The Model Group, developer for The Landing on West Columbia Street, celebrated the start of construction today on the $32.2 million project.
The Model Group President and CEO Steve Smith showed Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Downtown Development Trust President Mac Parker the work that has started on the block of historic buildings. Currently, construction crews are doing interior demolition and environmental abatement.
February 15, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, LLC (FWNMRF) will receive $55 million in New Markets Tax Credits allocation authority.
Of the 230 Community Development Entities (CDEs) that applied for New Markets funding from the U.S. Treasury Department, only 73, or 32 percent, won an allocation. This is the third time that FWNMRF has been awarded an allocation. The first award of $15 million came in 2008, followed by a $33 million award in 2014.
February 14, 2018 – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today delivered his 11th State of the City address. The theme for this year’s address was “Fort Wayne - On the Rise” with an emphasis on downtown development, record investments in neighborhood infrastructure projects and a commitment to public safety. The free event was held at the Grand Wayne Center.
“There’s no doubt Fort Wayne is on the rise. We’re experiencing momentum and excitement like never before as a point of destination city. We’ve become a city that believes in itself and wants to keep rising to the top,” said Mayor Henry. “Today was an opportunity to celebrate our successes, recognize our challenges and look ahead to a future full of optimism and promise.”
February 8, 2018 - Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll announced today that he will retire from his position effective March 30.
Director Moll has served as Executive Director since 2005. Under his leadership, the Parks & Recreation Department expanded neighborhood outreach programs, increased venues, added new parks and has consistently operated with a near 90% customer approval rating. One of Director Moll’s initial challenges was to turn some of the Department’s operating units into business centers. Those efforts were rewarded with stronger giving from the private sector.
February 5, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Len Poehler will retire from his position as City Controller effective March 30. Poehler has served as City Controller since January 2016. Under Poehler’s leadership, the City has strengthened its cash reserves, benefitted from enhanced long-range financial planning and earned recognition as one of the best-run cities in the country.
February 5, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today issued a request-for-qualifications to outline the next action steps in the implementation of the Riverfront Fort Wayne vision to foster future private development along our rivers.
The City is seeking Statements of Qualifications from consultants and consultant teams to prepare an Implementation Framework for future development of Riverfront Fort Wayne and to design Phases II and III of the project. These future phases will extend riverfront development northeast to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge and west as far as the Van Buren Street Bridge. Statements of Qualifications are due on March 16, 2018. Interviews with finalists will occur in April. A final selection is expected to be made in May. It's anticipated the project will take 9 – 12 months to complete.
February 5, 2018 - Earlier today, the 63rd basic recruit class of the Fort Wayne Police Department consisting of 28 recruits began their journey toward becoming fully commissioned officers.
Police Chief Steve Reed stated, “I am honored to welcome these fine young men and women to our academy. I look forward to them serving our residents with distinction and continuing our efforts at keeping our community safe.”
February 2, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today provided an update on improvements with residential garbage and recycling collection efforts.
Fort Wayne’s new garbage and recycling contractor, Red River Waste Solutions, began providing services on January 2. At the time of the new contract, the City experienced record cold temperatures, snow and ice and new employees and drivers with Red River Waste Solutions learning the collection routes. All of those combined conditions resulted in some delays and missed pickups.
The City and Red River Waste Solutions apologize for any challenges that residents have experienced over the last month. We recognize there have been some issues and are working each day to address concerns. However, it’s not uncommon for there to be a transition period for a new provider and some misses are to be expected.
February 1, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne UNITED today unveiled a new outreach video geared toward raising community awareness about the homicide challenge in Fort Wayne and the importance of preventing violence and providing positive opportunities for black men and boys.
The video takes a serious look at Fort Wayne’s homicide issue and the need for collaboration from everyone in the community to prevent future homicides. The video will be shared with organizations locally and across the country as a way to share the message of the importance of investing in the lives of individuals and families who need it most. The Chapel donated all of the video services to make the project possible.
February 1, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is the local host for this week’s annual Indiana Park & Recreation (IPRA) Conference & Expo, held at the Grand Wayne Center through today.
During the conference, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Unwind Your Mind program received the Inclusive Program Award and the Food Service Program was awarded the Inclusive Community Service Award.
January 31, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Police Department invites business owners, operators, managers and employees to an information session on the commercial chronic problem property ordinance that was passed by City Council last fall. The information session will be from 9 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Feb. 15 in Conference Room 440 at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
January 31, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today outlined the next steps for the North River property.
The City now owns the North River property, which is comprised of 29 acres bounded by Clinton, Fourth and Harrison streets. The property serves as an important gateway into downtown and will be a complement to the positive progress being made with riverfront development efforts. The site was previously used as a rail yard and scrap yard, dating back to 1902. The land has not been actively used since 2006.
January 30, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Fire Chief Eric Lahey today highlighted Fort Wayne Fire Department successes in 2017 and discussed goals for 2018 that are designed to keep residents and businesses as safe as possible.
January 29, 2018 - The Fort Wayne Police Department will open its online application process for those individuals interested in becoming fulltime commissioned police officers.
The online application process opens Thursday, February 1st, and will close Monday, April 2nd at 8:00 a.m. To apply visit our web site at FWPD.org .
Janaury 26, 2018 - A first of its kind My Brother’s Keeper Sunday will be held at churches across Fort Wayne on Sunday, Jan. 28. It’s part of the Fort Wayne UNITED initiative to bring the community togethe Churches who are part of the Fort Wayne UNITED clergy subcommittee will be sharing unified messages addressing violence and the impact of homicides on families and the community. The clergy subcommittee is led by Pastor John Suciu and Pastor Luther Whitfield.
January 24, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2018 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2017 and look ahead to plans for 2018. The theme for this year’s speech is “Fort Wayne – On the Rise.”
January 22, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today provided a public safety recap of 2017 and highlighted efforts designed to make the City of Fort Wayne as safe as possible.
January 19, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry on January 18 helped cut the ribbon on a rehabilitated home that is part of the Vincent Village campus. The home, 2702 Gay St., is the first of six that will be rehabilitated with funding that the City of Fort Wayne receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). City HUD funds will also be used to demolish another home and build a new one in its place.
Local homeless families will move from area shelters into the homes as they are completed. The families will pay rent based on their incomes.
“Thanks to a great partnership between the City and Vincent Village, we are addressing homelessness one person and one family at a time,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we are making a meaningful difference in this neighborhood and in our community.”
January 17, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed Addison Agen as a guest to the Mayor’s office and proclaimed Wednesday, Jan. 17 as Addison Agen Day in the City of Fort Wayne. Agen was joined by family and friends and City employees for the special recognition ceremony. “Addison continues to be an inspiration to all of us. She’s representing our community with dignity and class, and we’re so proud of her,” said Mayor Henry. “I wanted to set aside a special day to celebrate Addison’s accomplishments and wish her well. She has a bright future ahead of her.”
January 15, 2018 - Progress continues in street clearing efforts from the latest snow storm. A continuous heavy and wet snow re-covered streets throughout the day and crews spent most of the day on our primary roads. The Street Department began plowing at midnight and while primary roads are much improved, there is still a significant amount of work to be done. It’s estimated that nearly four inches of snow fell through the day.
January 12, 2018 - Steady sleet and dropping temperatures have created hazardous driving conditions throughout Fort Wayne. All of Allen County, including incorporated cities and towns, remains under a Winter Weather Advisory. Side streets and intersections in the City of Fort Wayne are particularly slick. Motorists should slow down and use caution when traveling throughout the day.
Just before 7:00 a.m., rain changed to sleet and temperatures dropped significantly causing driving hazards. Street Department trucks were on every route around 4:00 a.m. and are continuing salting and plowing efforts at this hour.
January 11, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected and will remain on schedule.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
January 10, 2018 - Much of the Lakeside area of the Northside Neighborhood is now part of the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of properties considered worthy of preservation.
The Lakeside Historic District boundaries are Tennessee Avenue to the north, St. Joe Boulevard to the west, Edgewater Avenue to the south, and Crescent and California avenues to the east.
January 9, 2018 - The creative work of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is showcased in the second title in AARP’s Where We Live: Communities for All Ages series, now available for free.
This edition shares new and inspiring solutions from community leaders across the nation who are responding to the most pressing needs of aging populations and are creating better environments where residents of all ages can thrive, including how Mayor Henry addressed making Fort Wayne’s streets safer to use for people of all ages through the adoption of a Complete Streets policy.
January 3, 2018 - On January 20, 2018, the tenth annual Arts United Awards will feature the first-ever Mayor's Arts Awards presented by Mayor Tom Henry. Recipients are individuals and organizations who have greatly impacted arts and culture in the city of Fort Wayne. The 2018 recipients are Ben Eisbart and Fort Wayne Youtheatre's Young Heroes of Conscience Series.
December 27, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne's Winter Contingency/Emergency Shelter Plan Partner Agencies (The Salvation Army, The Rescue Mission, United Way of Allen County, Park Center and Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network) have developed a memorandum of understanding that outlines the primary responsibilities of the above parties in the implementation of the Winter Contingency/Emergency Shelter Plan in Fort Wayne.
These organizations will work cooperatively to provide the response and resources to individuals needing shelter from health-threatening conditions related to extreme winter weather in Fort Wayne.
December 26, 2017 - City Utilities reminds residents to protect their water pipes as temperatures dip to the zero mark. Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a homeowner. Here are some tips to protect your home's pipes.
December 24, 2017 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department trucks have been on the streets since early this morning treating streets during the latest winter event.
December 21, 2017 - Street Department crews completed the annual collection of leaves raked to the curb this week. Bagged leaf collection will continue through Friday, December 29.
For bagged leaf collection, residents should use biodegradable bags, place them at the curb in front of their home and call 311 to schedule a pick-up. The collection will be scheduled within two business days.
December 20, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas and Monday, Jan. 1 in recognition of New Year’s Day. Residential garbage and recycling will not be collected on Monday, Dec. 25. Collection will be one day later for that entire week. In addition, residential garbage and recycling will not be collected on Monday, Jan. 1. Collection will be one day later for that entire week as well.
December 18, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will file a public nuisance lawsuit against opioid distributors in an effort to hold accountable the companies responsible for bringing opiates into the community and making the opioid epidemic possible. The City has hired Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP based in Indianapolis as lead counsel. The law firm has experience and expertise in high profile cases both for and against large corporations.
December 14, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a special ceremony to recognize milestone years of service for 45 outstanding City of Fort Wayne employees. “I respect and admire the work that our excellent City employees perform each day,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the commitment and dedication that these public servants demonstrate to meet the needs of residents, businesses and neighborhoods. The 45 employees we’re honoring today are great people and valuable members of our community.”
December 14, 2017 - Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is urging drivers to share the road with horse carriages during the busy weeks leading up to the holidays.
Drivers are asked to use caution when approaching a horse-drawn carriage. Even the most road-safe horse can be spooked by a fast-moving vehicle. If you must pass a carriage, do so slowly and when safe and legal. Never pass a carriage too closely. When stopped behind a carriage at a light leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the carriage. Once stopped, a carriage can shift forward or backward a few feet while waiting for the light to change. A good rule of thumb is to stop far enough back so you can see the entire back wheels of the carriage.
December 13, 2017 - Today Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, along with neighborhood advocates and community leaders, dedicated the new David Hefner Pavilion and celebrated the completion of the $1.8 million Franklin School Park project.
“The Franklin School Park project has been an excellent partnership between the nearby neighborhoods and our team at the Parks & Recreation Department,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m encouraged to see the excitement from residents as they enjoy this new community asset. The City continues to be committed to collaborating with neighborhood associations to provide unique quality of life amenities to enjoy.”
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Chief of Police Steve Reed joins with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during this holiday season. In its 30th year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Friday, December 15 to Monday, January 1 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each day.
December 12, 2017 - The latest snow event has dumped an uneven amount of snow with the southwest part of the City receiving consistent and sometimes a heavy snowfall through the day. As a result, additional trucks from areas where it wasn’t snowing were dispatched to the southwest part of the City this morning.
Crews pre-treated the streets with brine to reduce ice build-up yesterday. The latest forecasts indicate snow could continue off and on through tomorrow night and the street department will keep crews on the roads.
December 12, 2017 - This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry and the Division of Public Works celebrated the 2017 construction season, which saw $25 million invested in neighborhoods throughout the City of Fort Wayne. Similar improvements in hundreds of neighborhoods across the City will take place in 2018, when $30 million is planned to be invested in neighborhood infrastructure, an investment that includes additional funding for alleys and sidewalks.
“Strong and successful cities need neighborhood investments and that’s why one of my top priorities has been to invest in street, sidewalk, trail and lighting improvements as well as neighborhood business districts,” said Mayor Henry. “In the last four years alone we’ve invested $100 million in infrastructure enhancements, and we’re committed to making additional improvements again in 2018.”
December 11, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Shan Gunawardena has been promoted to director of the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division. Gunawardena has served as city engineer since 2012 and began his service with the City in 2007 and has held positions of traffic engineer and assistant city engineer. He also has experience as senior transportation engineer and project manager with Bonar Group and seven years of service with the Indiana Department of Transportation in leadership positions. Gunawardena has also served as a guest lecturer for IPFW’s Department of Engineering.
December 11, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry was joined today by representatives of Continental Property Group to announce a proposal to bring a $61.7 million mixed-use development to the City of Fort Wayne’s riverfront.
The project would be located on 3.34 acres at the northeast corner of Harrison and Superior streets, directly east of the new Promenade Park, which is under construction and part of the Riverfront Fort Wayne initiative. The private development would be a seven-story mixed-use development with approximately 150 apartment homes and approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space, as well as a parking garage with more than 1,000 spaces.
December 8, 2017 - Due to late falling leaves, additional pick-up days will be added in northside neighborhoods shortly after December 15, 2017. The City’s northside neighborhoods had their second pick-up last week, but many leaves had still not fallen before that second collection. As a result, the Street Department will go through northside neighborhoods again at the end of the regular leaf collection schedule.
Crews will wrap up the second final collection in central neighborhoods tomorrow, December 9. The final collection through southside neighborhoods will begin Monday, December 11, 2017.
December 8, 2017 - Residents are asked to avoid Spring Street between Franklin and St. Marys Avenue. City Utilities water maintenance crews are working to repair a water service. Freezing water is creating a thick sheet of ice and the street is closed to traffic. Motorists should plan a different route to avoid the area.
December 8, 2017 - This morning, the City of Fort Wayne Street Department is pre-treating City streets with a liquid-brine. Applying the de-icing brine substance to the street reduces ice formations that make streets slick during winter events. Additionally, the Street Department has trucks ready to go for plowing that may be needed overnight or Saturday morning.
Forecasters are calling for accumulations up to two-inches with high winds beginning overnight. Coupled with colder temperatures, that could create slick driving conditions in the morning.
December 7, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry sent a letter to members of City Council today regarding Ordinance G-17-11-12.
December 7, 2017 – The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Liaison, Palermo Galindo, has been appointed to the Indiana Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs (ICHLA) by Senate President Pro Tempore David C. Long.
The ICHLA is a state agency with no political affiliation that works for economic, educational and social equality, including the promotion of cooperation and understanding. The Commission identifies, measures and reviews programs, legislation, and investigates challenges and opportunities that affect the state’s Hispanic/Latino community. It also identifies solutions and provides recommendations to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly.
November 28, 2017 - Efforts to enhance sidewalks in the City of Fort Wayne are underway with the first neighborhood sidewalk improvement project as part of City Council’s recent passage of an increase to the local income tax.
Bluffton Road from south of Reservation Drive to Dunkelberg Road is the first of many projects to occur in Fort Wayne neighborhoods.
November 22, 2017 – The Fort Wayne Fire Department is reminding you to keep safety in mind as holiday meals are being prepared. It can be easy to get wrapped up in entertaining guests, but it is important to monitor meal preparation closely. Home cooking fires are three times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With most cooking fires starting because cooking has been left unattended, the Fort Wayne Fire Department urges you to stay in the kitchen or other food cooking areas (e.g., outside for deep fryer, grill), and follow these safety tips during meal preparation.
November 20, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 in recognition of Thanksgiving. Residential garbage and recycling collection will be pushed back one day with Thursday’s collection on Friday and Friday’s collection on Saturday.
November 17, 201 7 - City Utilities is asking residents to check neighborhood storm drains and make sure they are clear of leaves, trash and other debris so they can be free to handle stormwater. With tomorrow’s weather forecast calling for prolonged periods of rain, leaves can clog drains, causing flash flooding on neighborhood streets. After clearing the drains, make sure the leaves and debris are pushed out of the street to avoid having them float back to the drain during heavy rains.
November 17, 2017 - Efforts to enhance alleys in the City of Fort Wayne are underway with the first neighborhood alley improvement project as part of City Council’s recent passage of an increase to the local income tax.
Killea and West Leith streets from South Calhoun Street to Hoagland Avenue is the first of many projects to occur in Fort Wayne neighborhoods. “Neighborhoods are the backbone of Fort Wayne. It’s critical to invest in our neighborhoods and build on the excellent quality of life amenities in our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Thriving neighborhoods make Fort Wayne more attractive for economic development opportunities and job growth as we work to be a point of destination.”
November 16, 2017 - As Mayor, it’s my job to lead and ensure that we continue the positive momentum and investments we’re experiencing in our community. This means exploring bold ideas that can be transformational. Current innovative projects and initiatives include riverfront development, The Landing, Skyline Tower, Superior Lofts, a new Hampton Inn & Suites next to Parkview Field, the boutique hotel development led by Provenance Hotels and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, Electric Works, North River, and a downtown event center. Working with my leadership team, Allen County government, the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board, and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc., several of these projects are underway and will have a meaningful impact for generations to come. However, not all projects have reached the point where I believe they’d be a responsible investment at this time.
After much debate, study and deliberation, I’ve made the decision to delay further action by the City of Fort Wayne on the downtown event center project.
November 15, 2017 - Applications for the City’s Commercial Façade Grant program are now being accepted for the 2018 construction year. The Commercial Façade Grant program was introduced ten years ago by Mayor Tom Henry and provides local businesses the opportunity to apply for matching grants to improve the exteriors of their buildings.
Applications are available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Applications for the grants will be accepted from now through December 16, 2017.
November 13, 2017 - A milestone drew a crowd in celebration of the ribbon cutting for the 100th mile of the Fort Wayne/Allen County Trail Network.
City of Fort Wayne, City of New Haven, Allen County Commissioners, State legislators, Allen County Council members and Fort Wayne City Council members joined an enthusiastic crowd of trail supporters on the 100th mile: the Rivergreenway near the Plex North.
November 9, 2017 - A purchase agreement is in place for the City of Fort Wayne to buy the North River property from Calhoun Investments, LLC. The North River property is comprised of 29 acres bounded by Clinton, Fourth and Harrison streets and serves as an important gateway into downtown. The site was previously used as a rail yard and scrap yard, dating back to 1902. The land has not been actively used since 2006.
November 6, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry joined Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, representatives from Provenance Hotels, elected officials and community leaders today to announce a proposal to bring a 125-room boutique hotel to downtown Fort Wayne.
The $27.7 million one-of-a-kind specialty hotel would be located on City of Fort Wayne property at the northwest corner of Harrison and Main streets. The project was selected by a team of City of Fort Wayne and community leaders after issuing a request for proposals. Plans call for five floors, restaurants, ground-level retail spaces and a rooftop entertainment space.
November 6, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in recognition of Veterans Day. There will be no leaf pickup on Friday. Garbage and recycling collection will remain on schedule.
October 27, 2017 - We’re looking forward to IU Health having a presence in Fort Wayne. Fortunately, for northeast Indiana, IU Health has recognized and understands the need to ensure our citizens continue to have access to the goods and services they require and the amenities they deserve.
October 26, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry and Visit Fort Wayne officials announced four sports tournaments receiving Sports Development Business Grants at a press conference earlier today.
The City of Fort Wayne is providing $20,000 in Sports Development Grant Fund dollars to help Visit Fort Wayne book these tournaments and secure their economic spending investment for our community. The four events receiving this funding will bring an estimated 3,700 people and $1.7 million in economic impact to Fort Wayne.
October 26, 2017 - The 100th mile of the regional trail network is paved with minor edging work to be completed over the next few weeks.
To celebrate this important milestone, the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County and Fort Wayne Trails Inc. will hold a celebration event at the location of the 100th mile, a part of the Rivergreenway near The Plex North. The event will be on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
October 25, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced City of Fort Wayne Public Works Director Bob Kennedy has accepted a position in the private sector. Kennedy has served in the director position since 2007. In total, he has 33 years of service with the City. He previously served as deputy director of Public Works and City Utilities, street commissioner and accountant and purchasing agent for the City of Fort Wayne Street Department.
October 25, 2017 - Session four of the Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball League is underway. The program runs from 8-11 p.m. each Saturday evening through November 25. This Saturday evening, there will be a dunk contest, 3-point shooting contest and league games. The Fort Wayne UNITED Late Night Basketball League is held at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave. Sponsors are the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Police Department, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Domino’s and Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast. The league focuses on providing teens and young adults with a positive, structured and safe environment while exposing them to much more than basketball.
October 24, 2017 - We have finished another budget season with City Council’s passage of the City of Fort Wayne budget for 2018. With less than one percent of the proposed budget being cut, the 2018 budget ensures we’ll continue to meet the needs of residents and businesses with an emphasis on priorities requested by taxpayers – adding to our public safety personnel, a commitment to neighborhood infrastructure improvements and maintaining our award-winning Parks.
October 20, 2017 - The annual leaf season is upon us with bagged leaf collection beginning next Monday, October 23.
October 19, 2017 - In preparation for winter, City Utilities will make annual adjustments to river levels beginning this weekend.
At noon on Saturday, October 21, City Utilities will temporarily lower the St. Joseph River upstream of the St. Joseph Dam, in order to remove the flashboards on Monday, October 23. Lowering the river allows the dam’s spillway to dry up so that crews can safely remove the flashboards.
October 19, 2017 - At its annual conference, the Indiana Water Environment Association recognized the City Utilities Water Pollution Control Plant for outstanding achievement in laboratory technique and for its employee safety record. The plant received IWEA’s 2017 Laboratory Excellence Award and an Award of Merit for operating a safe operation.
To receive the safety award, judges reviewed daily safety logs and year-end reports. The lab award is given after a member of the judging panel visits the facility for an onsite inspection.
October 19, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today encouraged City residents to take an online survey about how government can better inform and engage them in ways to improve their community and neighborhoods.
The survey is available by visiting www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/survey and will only take a few minutes to complete. The survey is only nine questions, plus several demographic questions.
October 18, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners has named the members of the Riverfront Development Phase II & III Planning Group.
October 16, 2017 - Traffic delays are expected this afternoon, as crews switch traffic from the inside to the outside lanes on Coldwater Road between Essex Drive and Washington Center Road. The move will allow crews to begin work on the inside traffic lane improvements. Motorists should allow additional time for travel or may want to take an alternate route.
October 12, 2017 - Fort Wayne City Utilities will offer free tours of the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant this Saturday, Oct. 14.
October 5, 2017 - A group of local neighborhood leaders and several staff members from the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division today left for the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) taking place today-Saturday in Evansville. This year’s theme is “Neighborhoods: Where Life Happens.”
October 2, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Police Department, Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, Lutheran Health Network, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Preferred Automotive Group, Lassus Handy Dandy, and the Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union have all partnered to bring awareness to the ongoing efforts to fund the fight in the development for a cure for Breast Cancer and to help support patients inflicted with this form of cancer.
October 2, 2017 - Chief Steve Reed welcomed seven lateral officers to the Fort Wayne Police Department. The seven officers, six males and one female will today begin their abbreviated training at the Public Safety Academy.
September 28, 2017 - Airport Expressway, between Ardmore Avenue and Bluffton Road will be closed Monday, October 2, 2017 to allow Norfolk Southern to make repairs to the rail line. The road is expected to be closed through at least Friday, October 6.
Motorists should plan for additional travel time in the area. Detour signs will direct traffic to Ardmore, Bluffton and Ferguson Road during the closure.
September 27, 2017 - Eric Harris has been appointed as director of the City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center and Citizen Services Department.
Prior to his new leadership position, Harris served with Fort Wayne City Utilities. From 1992-2012, he was an audit specialist. From 2012-2017, he was assistant manager of data control.
September 25, 2017 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald and the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works Division officially opened the Maysville Circle with a ribbon-cutting and celebration of the transportation improvements that link Fort Wayne and New Haven. Maysville Circle is the roundabout that comes together at the intersection of Maysville Road, Landin Road and Trier Road.
September 21, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2018.
The balanced budget continues Mayor Henry’s commitment to providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods and businesses. The budget also reflects Fort Wayne’s position as a leader in economic development opportunities, job growth, strong neighborhoods and quality of life amenities that make our community a point of destination for investment and growth.
September 20, 2017 - Fort Wayne City Utilities will offer a rare look at the Camp Scott Wetlands from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 at 3615 Oxford Street.
From 10-11 members of the Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society will lead a free guided botanical walk around the three-quarter mile path to let visitors experience the natural beauty of Camp Scott. The wetlands provide a natural habitat for song birds, water birds and other animals.
September 19, 2017 – Mayor Tom Henry today announced the sidewalk and alley improvement projects that will occur in Fort Wayne neighborhoods as a result of City Council’s recent passage of an increase to the local income tax.
September 18, 2017 – Mayor Tom Henry today announced plans to bring a 125-room Hampton Inn & Suites hotel to downtown Fort Wayne. The hotel would be located across West Jefferson Boulevard from the Grand Wayne Center and next to the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown; it could open as soon as summer 2019.
September 15, 2017 - Hurshtown Reservoir is closed until further notice. Hurshtown Reservoir is a secure and self-contained water body owned by City Utilities. An algae bloom was observed at the reservoir late yesterday, and the reservoir was closed to people, pets and watercraft.
September 12, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Regional Trail Network has taken a step closer to the 100-mile mark with the completion of the first phase of the Six Mile Creek Trail.
Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined Councilman Glynn Hines, McDonald’s Restaurant owner Ted Williams, New Haven/Adams Township Park Superintendent Mike Clendenen, neighborhood leaders, and trail advocates to cut a ribbon celebrating the completion of the trail. The Six Mile Creek Trail adds another mile to what will eventually be a 26-mile continuous loop linking the trail to the City of New Haven and Fort Wayne’s Rivergreenway.
September 11, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry will be a featured panelist at the Climate Leadership Summit to be held Wednesday in Indianapolis. The Summit is designed to inspire action to create climate resilient communities across Indiana. Topics of discussion will include green jobs, public health and youth engagement. The event is led by Earth Charter Indiana, McKinney Family Foundation and the City of Indianapolis.
Septembe 8, 2017 – The Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA) honored the Fort Wayne City Utilities’ Biosolids and Composting Facility with the 2017 Residuals & Resource Recovery Award for Excellence in Operating.
Fort Wayne’s award recognizes the facility for being cost-effective, environmentally safe and for providing residents with a product that recycles nutrients, improves soil conditions, and conserves natural resources.
September 8, 2017 - The official hours for Trick-or-Treat 2017 have been established for the city of Fort Wayne. Trick-or-Treat will be observed from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. Trick-or-Treaters should only visit those homes with an illuminated exterior front light (or porch light) indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcomed.
September 5, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry will lead his first Walk and Talk from 11-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8 at Parkview Field. The event is free and open to the public and will serve as an opportunity for Mayor Henry to talk to and get feedback from residents. The Walk and Talk is an example of Mayor Henry’s commitment to engagement, innovation and performance. The Mayor also seeks feedback and suggestions related to City government services through the City’s website, Mayor’s Night In events, neighborhood and business walks, and social media.
September 5, 2017 – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald today announced Fort Wayne and New Haven will assume direct bridge repair and maintenance responsibilities for their respective cities. An interlocal agreement between Allen County and several municipalities expires in October. Under that agreement, Fort Wayne and New Haven pay Allen County each year for bridge repairs and maintenance. In 2017, Fort Wayne paid $1.35 million and New Haven provided $70,000 in funding. However, the request from Allen County for Fort Wayne in 2018 is going to be approximately $2.7 million and almost $470,000 for New Haven, both considerable increases.
August 30, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in recognition of Labor Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Labor Day. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
August 24, 2017 - All traffic lanes on Coldwater Road between Coliseum Boulevard and just south of Essex Drive are open this evening, as crews prepare to move into Phase II of the Coldwater improvement project.
On Monday, August 28, crews will begin Phase II, which runs from Essex Drive to Washington Center Road. Traffic will be re-directed to the inside lanes in each direction while crews work on the outside lanes between Essex and Washington Center. Motorists should expect travel delays during these restrictions.
August 21, 2017 - Fort Wayne UNITED will participate in the 2017 Cities United Convening Aug. 23-25 in Minneapolis. The theme for this year’s convening is “United for Change, a Roadmap to Safe, Healthy and Hopeful Communities.” The event will provide coaching and capacity-building strategies to cities committed to making sure black men and boys and their families are living in communities that are safe, healthy and hopeful.
August 18, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry has joined mayors from across the country to sign the Mayors’ Compact to Combat Hate, Extremism and Bigotry. The effort is led by the Anti-Defamation League and U.S. Conference of Mayors.
August 10, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announced today that the sculpture "Convergence" by artist Linda Howard has been chosen to be the visual anchor of the Promenade Park entrance. The sculpture is expected to be installed in Promenade Park in June 2018. August 10, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announced today that the sculpture "Convergence" by artist Linda Howard has been chosen to be the visual anchor of the Promenade Park entrance. The sculpture is expected to be installed in Promenade Park in June 2018.
August 7, 2017 - The Fort Wayne UNITED initiative is continuing proactive efforts to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help ensure the safety of all residents with a focus on black men and boys. More than 180 youth and young adults as part of Fort Wayne UNITED are scheduled to take part in the Global Leadership Summit on Aug. 10-11 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Participants will learn about leadership concepts, conflict resolution, communication and many other components of effective leadership. On Aug. 10, the young men and women will have the opportunity to have lunch with several community leaders from 1-2:30 p.m. as part of the Fort Wayne UNITED Leaders Luncheon.
August 6, 2017 - Due to Promenade Park construction beginning Monday, August 7, there will be lane restrictions along Superior Street between Wells and Calhoun streets in the westbound lanes. Lane restrictions are being set on Superior to protect the work zone and allow for construction traffic. Lane restrictions along Superior will remain in effect throughout the project.
August 4, 2017 - Due to staff returning to school, Memorial Pool will close for the season at 5 pm, Saturday, August 5 and McMillen Pool will close at 7 pm August 5. Northside Pool will remain open for the season until 5 pm Saturday, August 12. The City’s free splash pads will remain open until the end of September, or early October, when they are winterized.
August 3, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has purchased two “Typhoon H-Pro with Real Sense Drones” that will be put into service allowing the on-board technology to assist the department with several different applications.
August 2, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today led a business walk in downtown Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity for Mayor Henry and City of Fort Wayne staff members to talk to and get feedback from several businesses.
July 27, 2017 - Even Keel Event Productions President Rick Kinney was joined by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), City Council members, neighborhood residents and supporters today to celebrate the start of renovation and expansion of the Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road.
July 25, 2017 – Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a graduation ceremony for individuals who participated in this year’s City of Fort Wayne Summer Internship Program. This year, 15 people completed internships with the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department.
July 24, 2017 – Crews have installed three additional banners as part of Mayor Tom Henry’s Blue Star Banner program. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.
July 21, 2017 - Today marked the successful completion of the Lifetime Sports Academy’s 20th summer with more than 1,000 participants this year and a total of 26,950 participants over the last 20 years. Group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 – 18. Lessons focused on skill development.
July 20, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2017-18 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event.
July 19, 2017 - Motorists using Coldwater Road should be on the alert tomorrow as lane restrictions will change from the current configuration. On Wednesday, traffic will be re-directed to the outside lanes in each direction on Coldwater between Coliseum Boulevard and Essex Drive, and road construction crews will begin work on the inside lanes of Coldwater. North of Essex Drive motorists will be directed to the inside lanes while gas-line crews are relocating a pipe. Additionally, left turns at Coliseum and English Lane will not be allowed during this portion of the construction.
July 17, 2017 – Five nationally recognized artists have been invited to submit proposals to create an iconic sculpture that will be the visual anchor of the Promenade Park entrance.
Fort Wayne, IN – Neighborhood associations in and around Fort Wayne can earn money this summer by painting fire hydrants within their neighborhoods. City Utilities will provide the paint and the necessary tools, and will pay neighborhood associations $5.00 for each hydrant painted within their addition.
July 11, 2017 - Tonight’s vote by a majority of City Council members to adjust the local income tax to fund future phases of riverfront development and invest in neighborhood sidewalks and alleys is a win for our entire community. It’s a next step to help ensure we continue to experience momentum with a thriving downtown, strong neighborhoods and a positive business climate with job growth and expansion projects as a point of destination city.
July 7, 2017 – Come Play in the Streets is the call to residents for the first-ever Open Streets Fort Wayne event. The free, fun-filled day will temporarily close Calhoun and nearby connecting streets this Sunday to vehicles and open it to walkers, bike riders, roller skaters and fun activities such as giant inflatable games for kids. Nearly 100 free activities will be featured at Open Streets Fort Wayne July 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
June 29, 2017 - The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.
June 29, 2017 - Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today joined representatives from City Council, the Board of Park Commissioners, the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority and Riverfront Fort Wayne investors for a groundbreaking ceremony on the future site of Promenade Park.
June 28, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has announced street closures for the 2017 Three Rivers Festival parade, fireworks and other events.
June 28, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day. There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Tuesday. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day beginning Tuesday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Wednesday, July 5.
June 21, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Park Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce its support of Promenade Park by raising funds for the construction of the Fort Wayne Park Foundation Compass Pavilion. With generous contributions from area foundations and individuals, the Foundation raised $1,000,000 which was generously matched with $500,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. In addition, the Park Foundation pledged $150,000 from its unrestricted endowment funds to support the project.
June 21, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry will attend the 85th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The event will be held Friday-Monday in Miami Beach. Topics of discussion will include immigration, healthcare, federal budget, national economy, climate protection, homeland security and community development block grants.
June 20, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne and IPFW are partnering to develop a mobile app for people who use the City of Fort Wayne’s greenways and trails system. Computer Science Senior Capstone Teams at the university are working with the City’s Greenways & Trails Department on an app to help collect data on trail usage and trail conditions. The project is set to benefit the entire community.
June 19, 2017 - One of Fort Wayne’s main corridors is now more welcoming to visitors traveling downtown from the south.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, 6th District City Councilman Glynn Hines and Lafayette Place Neighborhood Association President Westley Falcaro cut the ribbon today on the improved greenspace at the northwest corner of Lafayette Street and Pettit Avenue.
June 15, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Police Department is graduating its 62nd Basic Recruit Class today. The class is comprised of one female and 25 males.
The recruits spent the last 21 weeks in the academy working on their core curriculum such as Criminal Law, Traffic Law, Firearms Training, Defensive Tactics, Physical Conditioning, Emergency Vehicle Operation, First Responder First Aid, C.I.T. (Crisis Intervention Team Certified), and Geo-Fort Wayne just to name a few.
“The City of Fort Wayne is committed to providing the best public safety services possible,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our new officers are dedicated individuals who’ve been called to make a lasting and meaningful difference in our community. We’re fortunate to be able to add additional personnel to the Fort Wayne Police Department to serve and protect residents, neighborhoods and businesses.”
June 15, 2017 - At a ceremonial groundbreaking today, the largest construction and public investment project in the City’s history began a journey that will extend for five miles underneath the City at a depth of 200-feet below the earth’s surface. Mayor Tom Henry joined members of the Fort Wayne City Council, neighborhood leaders, world-renowned construction contractors and City Utilities staff members to break ground for the Three Rivers Protection and Overflow Reduction Tunnel (3RPORT). The deep-rock tunnel is a major portion of the effort to clean-up Fort Wayne’s rivers and protect neighborhoods from basement back-ups and street flooding.
“The tunnel project will have significant environmental and economic benefits for generations to come,” said Mayor Henry. “To be a point of destination City, it’s critical that we invest in projects that will have a lasting and meaningful impact. A successful future for our community and region depends on safe, effective and efficient wastewater treatment facilities and best practices.”
June 14, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will again be the location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show on Tuesday, July 4. Lutheran Health Network and Old National Bank will again serve as financial sponsors for the fireworks display. The Fort Wayne 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.
June 13, 2017 - Fort Wayne City Councilman Dr. John Crawford, Fort Wayne City Council President Tom Didier, Fort Wayne City Council Vice President Tom Freistroffer and City Councilman Glynn Hines today provided an update on the proposal to invest in neighborhood sidewalks and alleys and riverfront development through an adjustment to the local income tax.
An ordinance to increase the local income tax by .15 percent is scheduled to be introduced at tonight’s City Council meeting. A public hearing and City Council discussion on the proposal will occur on Tuesday, June 27. A second public hearing and continued City Council discussion and final vote are scheduled for Tuesday, July 11.
June 13, 2017 - Dennis Johnson and Jordan Bridges are the recipients of this year’s Albert G. Jennings Scholarship and will both attend Purdue University in West Lafayette. Scholarships are given to college bound freshmen and are chosen based on their scholastic achievements, school and community involvement, written essay and interview. Applicants are also required to complete 20 hours of community service with the Parks & Recreation Department’s Neighborhood Programs during the summer to help them gain more understanding of what the Albert G. Jennings Scholarship represents as they complete hands-on work.
June 12, 2017 - The decision announced today by Community Health Systems to remove Brian Bauer as CEO of Lutheran Health Network is concerning to me. Brian is a respected and valuable member of our community. I consider Brian a friend and have been impressed by his leadership and commitment to Lutheran, Fort Wayne and the region.
June 9, 2017 - Crews have installed three additional banners as part of Mayor Tom Henry’s Blue Star Banner program. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. Earlier today, crews installed the banners of three service members: Major Scott M. Bailey, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Logan R. Blauvelt, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Cody Tyler, U.S. Air Force
June 8, 2017 – Mayor Tom Henry today announced Fort Wayne has been named an “Ability City” by Ability Indiana. The designation recognizes Fort Wayne’s long-standing commitment to supporting the employment of individuals with disabilities at employment centers across the greater Fort Wayne area.
June 7, 2017 – Representatives from Hill’s Pet Nutrition today presented a check for $10,000 to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control’s education department.
The funds will go toward community outreach to promote responsible pet ownership including reducing pet overpopulation by promoting spay and neuter efforts.
June 5, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll kicked off the 39th Annual Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at the Community Center. The Senior Games is open to adults 50 and older and over 400 participants are expected to play this year in locations all over Fort Wayne.
June 2, 2017 - I am deeply concerned about President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Climate change greatly impacts our quality of life and economic well-being.
The City of Fort Wayne has a strong commitment to sustainability, which we have done through increasing energy independence at the sewage treatment plant, changing traffic signals to energy efficient LED lighting, and encouraging recycling. We are investing in our stormwater and sewer systems to improve the quality of our rivers, which is leading to a revitalization of our neighborhoods and downtown and attracting businesses that bring more jobs to our area.
Despite this setback on the federal level, our local efforts to improve our environment will continue.
May 31, 2017 -- Mayor Tom Henry joined Public Works’ staff members and students and staff from Study Elementary to break ground for new sidewalks at Justin Study Park. The sidewalks will connect more than 100 homes and provide students with a safe walking route to school.
Sidewalks, which will connect five subdivisions to three entrance points at Study Park and connect to the school, will be built this summer.
May 30, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by the City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center, community supporters and neighborhood leaders to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 311 Call Center in Fort Wayne.
May 30, 2017 - Recent heavy rain has left portions of the Fort Wayne Regional Trail Network under water. This week’s Trek the Trails free community bike ride will begin at Kreager Park tomorrow, Tuesday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. It was originally to start at Moser Park but the trail at Moser Park is under water.
Riders should meet in the parking lot near the softball diamonds of Kreager Park at 7801 N. River Road. This week’s ride will journey through residential areas and connect to the rail on Landin Road.
May 25, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry and leaders of the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races today presented a check for $25,000 to the Parkview Foundation as the recipient of funds raised from last year’s Dragon Boat Races. The funds will go to the Patient Care Assistance Fund which will help meet many needs of patients and families at the new Parkview Cancer Institute.
May 24, 2017 - Heavy rains are causing flash flooding on streets throughout the City tonight. City crews are operating pumps to alleviate street flooding and protect residents. Ten pumps are operating in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Crews began working on flood issues late this afternoon and additional city crews were called in at around 5:30 this evening. They will work through the night to clear drains and respond to flooded areas.
If residents can safely clear debris that is clogging street drains by using a tool like a rake or shovel, they may want to do so to protect their neighborhoods from street flooding and sewer back-ups.
Motorists should not attempt to drive through water that is across the road.
If residents have home flooding they should call 311 and listen to the prompts to reach sewer maintenance. If there is an emergency such as downed power lines or medical issues residents should call 911.
May 24, 2017 – Construction contracts for the first phase of riverfront development were approved by City Council Tuesday evening with an 8 – 0 vote.
The approved construction contracts totaled $17,154,558.
May 27, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in recognition of Memorial Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Monday. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 30.
May 23, 2017 - UNCF Fort Wayne Leadership Council will hold its Second Annual Fort Wayne Mayor’s Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27 at Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd. in Fort Wayne. Hosted by Mayor Tom Henry, the event will be attended by business, civic and education leaders in support of UNCF’s work to provide Fort Wayne students with resources to get to and through college. Mr. Sherrod Woods will deliver the keynote address.
May 23, 2017 – Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control (FWACC) was contacted last week by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) requesting their assistance with the removal of several Great Dane and German Shepherd dogs residing in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in a nearby county.
May 20, 2017 - Residents turned out on a cool and rainy Saturday to pitch in for Fort Wayne's Great American Cleanup™ today.
Today's preliminary numbers:
More than 150,000 pounds of debris and trash collected
1,050 tires collected
170 televisions collected
More than 5,500 volunteers
230 groups and organizations participated
May 19, 2017 - More than 5,000 individuals and 230 groups will take to the streets, trails, and riverbanks this weekend as part of the City’s Great American Cleanup™ on Saturday, May 20, 2017. The volunteers represent churches, youth groups, schools, businesses, and neighborhood associations throughout the City.
May 17, 2017 - Fort Wayne is being honored with a Playful City USA designation for the eighth time for its efforts to make it easy for all kids to get the balanced and active play they need to thrive. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable.
“Receiving national recognition as a Playful City USA demonstrates our collective commitment to providing unique quality of life amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The Parks & Recreation Department assists us in our efforts as a point of destination community that’s experiencing momentum and investments like never before.”
“The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing numerous ways for children and adults to bring more play into their lives. Kids especially need caring and engaged adults to help them develop and grow and that’s what we provide with our children’s programs,” said Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll. “For adults, it’s easy to continue being active throughout your life when you’re having fun.”
May 17, 2017 - The City’s free splash pads will be turned on Saturday, May 27 at 9 am.
Northside Pool will be open May 27 - May 29 and will reopen on a daily basis starting June 3. McMillen Pool will open for the season on June 3.
May 16, 2017 - The Hobson Road rehabilitation and improvement project begins this week between East State Boulevard and Coliseum Boulevard.
The project is designed to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
May 11, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry and the Public Works Division unveiled the list of 2017 transportation infrastructure projects that will enhance mobility, improve safety and strengthen neighborhoods.
Nearly 500 individual projects in more than 130 neighborhoods will be visible throughout the spring, summer and fall and in all parts of the City.
May 9, 2017 - Recent heavy rain has left high water across the route of tonight’s scheduled Trek the Trails community bike ride. Flooding across the Towpath Trail, the location of tonight’s ride, has left parts of the trail impassable. Therefore, the ride has been cancelled.
May 9, 2017 – Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s Blue Star Banner program will continue in 2017. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.
May 8, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry will be a featured speaker at this week’s International Trail Symposium in Dayton, Ohio. Mayor Henry will participate in the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Elected Officials Panel – The Importance of Political Leadership at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9.
May 6, 2017 - After several hours without rain weather forecasters have downgraded earlier predictions. The St. Marys River is expected to crest tomorrow. Pumps that were set up to protect neighborhoods have been turned off but City Utilities and Public Works personnel will remain on duty to monitor the river and levees until the river has crested.
May 5, 2017 - Crews from City Utilities and the Division of Public Works have been working around the clock to monitor and respond to any challenges due to this week’s rain.
May 4, 2017 - City Utilities is asking residents to check neighborhood storm drains and make sure they are clear of leaves, trash and other debris. With expected heavy rains this week it is important for drains to be open to take in stormwater to help reduce street flooding.
May 4, 2017 - Cityscape Flats LLC, an investor in Greater Fort Wayne Inc., will celebrate the opening of its 143,000-square foot luxury apartment community by DOMO Development and Weigand Construction Co., Inc. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Thursday, May 4, at 11 a.m. Cityscape Flats is located next to Parkview Field on Jefferson Boulevard between Ewing Street and Fairfield Avenue.
Cityscape Flats features 163 luxury apartment homes comprised of five studios, 118 one-bedroom and 40 two-bedroom units. There are nine different floorplans featured in the three- and four-story buildings. Apartments include spacious designs and tall ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, modern light fixtures and stainless steel appliances. This development includes 14 for sale luxury town homes, estimated to be completed fall 2017.
May 3, 2017 – Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today joined community leaders and riverfront advocates to provide an update on the status of riverfront development in the City of Fort Wayne. Construction contracts for the first phase of riverfront development are scheduled to be introduced to City Council on May 9. Discussion on the contracts and a preliminary vote could occur on May 16 with possible final passage on May 23. The contracts have also been reviewed by the Riverfront Advisory Committee and will be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners for approval on May 11.
May 2, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry took to the street today to announce the City’s first-ever Open Streets Fort Wayne event.
Joined by neighborhood and business leaders, BMX stunt riders and pickleball players, Mayor Henry announced the Calhoun Street event that promotes health, business and neighborhood connectivity. The initial Open Streets Fort Wayne event will take place on Sunday, July 9, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
April 28, 2017 - A significant project that will enhance safety and improve Coldwater Road for motorists and pedestrians, begins Monday, May 1. The improvements will replace the road surface, enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists, improve storm drainage and augment the area with trees and landscaping.
April 28, 2017 - City Councilman Dr. John Crawford today discussed his proposal to invest in riverfront development and neighborhood sidewalks and alleys. Councilman Crawford was joined by fellow Council members Tom Didier, Tom Freistroffer, Glynn Hines, Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Mayor’s Administration and officials from Fort Wayne Community Schools at today’s news conference.
April 28, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Board of Public Works today provided protections for property owners regarding the placement of new utility poles in the public right-of-way. In response to residents’ growing concerns about the placement of large utility poles and in light of recently passed legislation by the Indiana General Assembly regulating such placement for the use of small cell technology, the Board designated the City’s right-of-way to be an area where new utilities must be underground or buried.
April 28, 2017 - Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll was joined today by 2nd Graders from Fairfield Elementary School, Trees Indiana and Superintendent of Urban Forestry Derek Veit to celebrate Arbor Day. Johnny TinCap was also on hand to celebrate with the children.
April 27, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center received the Game Changer Award, presented by Oracle Service Cloud at this week’s Modern Customer Experience Conference hosted by Oracle in Las Vegas. Fort Wayne was recognized for achieving game-changing results as a support organization through the use of the Oracle Service Cloud. Specifically, the City’s 311 Call Center was awarded for providing quality experiences to its customers through integration, feedback, data collection and analysis.
April 26, 2017 — The Kickstart Festival Planning Committee is pleased to present Kickstart Festival 2017 in May in Fort Wayne. The Kickstart Festival is a month-long celebration of bikes, music, art and theatre, ushering in a summer filled with activity in our community. Responding to an increasing interest and demand for events related to biking, this year the Kickstart Festival has added even more to the array of fun, including the Ride Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Tour, Le Tour de Fort, the Fort Wayne Music Festival and a special presentation of the bicycle movie classic, Pee‑Wee’s Big Adventure.
April 24, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Weed Program kicks off today, April 24, 2017. The Neighborhood Code Department is responsible for enforcing the City’s Weed Program, which calls for weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches.
Reports of high grass or weeds that exceed nine inches will be accepted beginning today; the public should call 311 or 260-427-8311 to report a possible violation.
Test Results Confirm Water is Safe
April 22, 2017 - Tests on drinking water completed today show that the water free from any contamination and is safe. Therefore, Fort Wayne City Utilities and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management ended the precautionary boil water advisory effective immediately. All residents may now use water from the tap for drinking and cooking with no further need for precautions. The water is safe to use.
April 21, 2017 - As many of you are aware there was a power outage/surge at the American Electric Power/I&M substation near Lawton Park. Immediately after the outage the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant generators kicked-in, as they are designed to do, and the plant was operating at full capacity within a matter of minutes. By mid-day we had analyzed data throughout the distribution system and discovered that there was a 60 second loss of pressure in some parts of the community. As a result of pressure loss we contacted the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and together we have decided to issue a precautionary boil water advisory for a portion of the community.
April 19, 2017 — SIRVA Inc., an industry-leading global relocation and moving services provider, announced it is relocating its Fort Wayne, IN office which houses its moving operations for its Allied and NorthAmerican van line brands. SIRVA signed a lease to occupy 63,000 square feet of office space on six floors in the Indiana Michigan Power Center at 110 East Wayne Street in downtown Fort Wayne and plans to relocate to the space in October 2017. SIRVA’s move is another sign of the economic revitalization and resurgence in downtown Fort Wayne.
April 19, 2017 - AWS Foundation, in collaboration with the Fort Wayne Fire Department, will offer free Safety Kits to families of children with special needs. The kits are designed to safeguard against wandering and other dangerous situations involving children with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
April 18, 2017 - The Board of Park Commissioners invites the community to attend a public meeting to review proposals for the partnership with Indiana Tech to construct a new track and field facility, softball stadium, and athletic training and office facility in Memorial Park. Plans to relocate memorials within the park will also be discussed.
The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm, Thursday, May 4 at the Memorial Park Pavilion, 2301 Maumee.
April 13, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department invites you and the family to FREE Community Unity – Family Fun Nights! Drop in for a community dinner, games and prizes for the kids, and a neighborhood safety forum. It’s a great chance for neighbors to gather together to meet, greet and eat…and learn about how our police department is engaging to keep our neighborhoods safe.
April 13, 2017 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that nine local organizations will receive 2017 Commercial Façade Grants to improve their properties. This year's recipients are all located on well-traveled urban corridors that the City is working to revitalize.
The local organizations include Ziegler’s Window Coverings, Legacy Heating & Air Conditioning, 07 Pub, Shine and Hardin LLP, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Headwaters Counseling, Tom Steele Tires, Punch Films and Yellow Retirement Communities. Together, they will receive approximately $218,000 in City funding and have pledged to contribute just more than $938,000 in private investment to do everything from install new windows to paint and add new stone exteriors.
April 11, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) has approved $5,170,480 in Regional Cities funding for Riverfront Development Phase 1.
Hello friends,
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control has become a finalist in the Hill's Shelter Heroes video contest. We made a video highlighting the dedicated service of one of our volunteers, Dot. She is without a doubt a Shelter Hero.
VIEW THE VIDEO HERE
We have so many wonderful and hard working volunteers that it was difficult to choose one to focus on for this video, but Dot is one volunteer who definitely goes above and beyond. This video highlights her particular contributions to the shelter, but it truly does take a village. We rely on the daily support of dozens of volunteers. This video is about just one. We want to say thank you to all of our volunteers. We couldn't do it without you.
April 10, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Fort Wayne Bike Share’s annual membership fees will now be just $30, half of last year’s rate. For a limited time, residents can get an additional $5 off by using the code Gobike365.
The City introduced Fort Wayne Bike Share in April 2016 and received an excellent response. More than 900 people became members, logging approximately 1,700 trips. In order to encourage more membership growth and participation, the City will implement the new rates immediately.
April 10, 2017 - Both trail users and non-trail users can take an online survey about the Fort Wayne Regional Trail Network. The efforts are part of the 2017 Indiana Trails Study conducted by the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
The goal of the study is to collect data on trail use, health factors related to trail use, and the economic impact of trails throughout the State of Indiana.
In order to not interrupt those on a tight time schedule, volunteers will hand residents a card and ask them to go online to complete the survey.
April 4, 2017 -- Mayor Tom Henry is joining mayors across the country for the fifth annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service today, a nationwide bipartisan effort that highlights the impact of national service in tackling city problems. This day gives our community an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s unsung heroes--citizens who volunteer not for recognition but who use their time and talents to help solve community challenges and make cities like Fort Wayne a better and brighter place for everyone.
March 31, 2017 - The Allen County Board of Commissioners, the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore David Long today hosted a dedication ceremony to commemorate a portion of Hillegas Road being named the Eugene E. Parker Memorial Way in honor of the late Fort Wayne native and professional sports agent.
March 27, 2017 - Student members of the Animal Care Teen (ACT) program at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control will be holding their annual “Stuff the Whisker Wag’n” service event on Saturday, April 1 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. They are requesting that the public donate much needed canned food for homeless shelter dogs and cats. ACT students focus on this event in preparation for the arrival of spring litters and strays. Last year, Animal Care & Control cared for nearly 11,000 dogs and cats.
March 22, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today shared his concerns about federal budget proposals that could negatively impact essential services in the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry’s news conference included community leaders from several local organizations that could face service cuts. Earlier in the day, Mayor Henry hosted a convening with the leaders to discuss federal budget matters that could affect local service providers.
March 22, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners has announced that Megan Butler has been promoted to the position of Program and Events Manager for Riverfront Fort Wayne. Butler has a long history of promoting and planning events for downtown Fort Wayne. She is currently the Adult Programming and Volunteer Coordinator at the Botanical Conservatory. Previously, she worked as the Downtown Improvement District’s Event Manager and as Visitor Services Specialist at Visit Fort Wayne. Butler also serves on the marketing committee of Friends of the Rivers and is Vice Chair of the Purdue Extension Board.
March 21, 2017 - Recent heavy winds that downed power lines and tree limbs early this month also sprayed trash and debris in neighborhoods throughout the community. A larger than normal amount of trash and debris are polluting our roadways, ditches and neighborhoods and the City’s Solid Waste Department is in need of volunteers for the annual Great American Cleanup .
March 20, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined officials from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Indiana, Fraternal Order of Police and Fort Wayne UNITED to unveil Blue Bucket Brigade, a community awareness program designed to enhance relationships and partnerships among community organizations, law enforcement and youth.
The goal of the Blue Bucket Brigade is to open doors and build bridges to better serve families and at-risk youth with positive activities and mentoring. The first phase of this program will include and build upon programming similar to offerings provided by Fort Wayne UNITED, a mayoral initiative designed to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help ensure the safety of all residents with a focus on black men and boys.
As part of the initiative, law enforcement officials and members of the Boys & Girls Clubs will collect donations through the use of blue buckets in high traffic retail and business locations throughout Allen County from mid-May through Labor Day. They will be present at community events, holding Lunch and Learns at various businesses and participating in numerous engagement programs.
March 20, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is excited to announce that Barenaked Ladies will perform at Foellinger Theatre on Sunday, July 23. Tickets for the concert will go on sale at 8 am, Friday, March 24 for $89/$49/$29, $3 ticket fee.
Barenaked Ladies is still together after nearly three decades, producing 14 studio albums which have collectively sold more than 14 million copies. The band has won eight Juno Awards, earned multiple Grammy nominations, a U.S. chart-topping single, “One Week,” and the theme song to one of TV’s most popular shows, The Big Bang Theory.
March 16, 2017 - Celebrate spring with a round of golf! Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open for the season on Wednesday, March 22 at noon.
March 15, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry today picked North Carolina to win the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Mayor Henry filled out a March Madness bracket at his office at Citizens Square and provided analysis for his selections. It’s the first time Mayor Henry has filled out a bracket since becoming Mayor.
“The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is a fun time of year, and we were inspired to celebrate March Madness with our own selection ceremony,” Mayor Henry said. “I wish every team, player and coach all the very best in this year’s tournament.”
Mayor Henry picked Duke, Florida St., Louisville and North Carolina to reach the Final Four and had Duke vs. North Carolina in the championship game.
March 10, 2017 - Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. On Thursday, the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners, Red Bird Properties and Cambray and Associates closed on the final three riverfront properties located in the area planned for Riverfront Development Phase 1. The properties will be transferred to the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners and the condemnation lawsuits will be dismissed.
Purchase of the properties was funded by the collective efforts of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. The Downtown Development Trust facilitated the transaction. The Board of Park Commissioners will be able to take possession of the land by August 15 or before.
“We’re continuing to make positive progress in our collective efforts to enhance the riverfront to become a point of destination attraction for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I’m encouraged by the ongoing support and excitement from the public and the momentum and investments we’ll experience as a result of developing the riverfront.”
Testing for any environmental issues on the land will begin in the near future. Construction on the north bank is slated to begin in July, with construction on the south bank expected to begin in August. The project completion date is still targeted for late 2018.
The first phase of riverfront development will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting. Development will occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.
The team leading the design work is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar. The project is managed by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department with The Hagerman Group serving as Construction Manager.
March 1, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Police Department has opened the online application process accepting those individuals who are presently full-time, commissioned police officers looking to lateral to the Fort Wayne Police Department and for those individuals who are looking to apply for the upcoming basic recruit class.
The online application process will close Monday, May 1, 2017. Those interested can apply online at http://www.fwpd.org/ .
Anyone with questions concerning the application process should call the Fort Wayne Police Academy at (260) 427-2911 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
February 28, 2017 - What's happening at Riverfront Fort Wayne.
Birdwatching on the TrailsSundays, March 5 & April 2 8 – 9 am, Nature Walk 9 – 10:30 am, Bike Ride Meets and departs from the Historic Wells Street Bridge, N. Wells St., Free Admission Want to learn about birds and plants along our rivers? Join Riverfront Fort Wayne in partnership with Fort Wayne Trails for a naturalist-led spring walk and/or bike ride. Attendees will learn to celebrate nature with an emphasis on migratory birds, waterfowl, resident birds, riverine flora and invasive species. Attendees may join the walk, the bike ride or both. In the event of inclement weather, please check the Riverfront Fort Wayne Facebook page for cancellations. All Ages. Free. No reservations required.
February 28, 2017 - Three national leaders are visiting Fort Wayne to assist Fort Wayne UNITED in a strategic planning process that will further expand efforts to help all black males in the community reach their full potential.
Fort Wayne UNITED is a mayoral initiative announced by Mayor Tom Henry in July 2016. It places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program that advocates for and implements policies and practices to ensure equity and opportunity for black fathers, brothers, and sons at home, work, school, and community through collaborative efforts.
Mayor Henry today welcomed Leon Andrews and Timothy Evans from the National League of Cities and Anthony Smith, the CEO of Cities United. The three leaders are in Fort Wayne to help launch subcommittees for Fort Wayne UNITED and begin an in-depth strategic planning process.
February 23, 2017 - Beginning March 1, 2017, Kelly Lundberg will lead the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services as the new Deputy Director for Community Development. Lundberg takes the position previously held by Heather Presley-Cowen, who recently left to pursue her business as a consultant.
“Kelly has extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations, as well as the operations of Housing and Neighborhood Services,” said Greg Leatherman, Community Development division director. “I know she will carry on our commitment to expanding access to safe and affordable housing and supporting our work to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
Lundberg has worked for the City of Fort Wayne since 2004 and is currently the Compliance Supervisor for the City’s Purchasing Department. Previously, she worked in the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services as an Administrator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a Master’s of Public Management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IPFW.
February 22, 2017 – The Fort Wayne Fire Department is placing three new fire engines into service this week.
Fire Station 9 on East Pontiac Street, Fire Station 10 on North Anthony Boulevard and Fire Station 11 on East Rudisill Boulevard are receiving the new engines.
February 22, 2017 – The Fort Wayne Fire Department is placing three new fire engines into service this week.
Fire Station 9 on East Pontiac Street, Fire Station 10 on North Anthony Boulevard and Fire Station 11 on East Rudisill Boulevard are receiving the new engines.
The engines are 2017 Pierce Saber Pumpers with Cummins diesel engines, 750 gallon tanks and 1,250 gallon per minute pumps. The new rigs hold up to six firefighters, extrication equipment, ladders, hoses and medical supplies.
February 21, 2017 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Landscape Architect Alec Johnson, along with representatives from the Great Lakes Commission, and the DNR’s Indiana Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE), kicked off the St. Marys Small Scale Streambank Stabilization project. The Great Lakes Commission awarded the project $80,000 over a two year period, and Indiana DNR LARE awarded the project $100,000 this year for construction and $32,000 last year for design.
February 21, 2017 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Landscape Architect Alec Johnson, along with representatives from the Great Lakes Commission, and the DNR’s Indiana Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE), kicked off the St. Marys Small Scale Streambank Stabilization project. The Great Lakes Commission awarded the project $80,000 over a two year period, and Indiana DNR LARE awarded the project $100,000 this year for construction and $32,000 last year for design.
This project, taking place at Headwaters Park and the Old Fort, is the first of many projects recommended by the Riparian Master Plan the City of Fort Wayne commissioned at the end of the Riverfront Master Planning process. The projects address erosion, invasive plant species, and create riparian buffers necessary to improve water quality and user experience of those enjoying our rivers. In addition to this bank stabilization project, the Parks and Recreation Department is coordinating numerous other riparian projects and facilitated volunteer work days last year to clean riverbanks and remove invasive plant species.
This bank stabilization project is an ecological solution to a natural problem. Over the years, flooding on the St. Marys River has eroded the steep bank by Headwaters Park and the Old Fort at the rate of approximately 1 foot per year. A significant amount of soil has been washed into the rivers as a result of this erosion. In addition to losing approximately 10' of park land over the last 10 years, the eroded soil has been deposited into the river. This project utilizes a combination of natural armoring and natural vegetation to stabilize the bank, create a riparian buffer, and prevent further erosion.
“This project is a positive example of the progress we’ll continue to make as we invest in our rivers through the riverfront development initiative,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our rivers serve as a point of destination as we enhance quality of place amenities and economic development opportunities to move Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana forward in the right direction.”
The term riparian buffer is used to describe lands adjacent to streams and rivers where vegetation is strongly influenced by the presence of water. They are often thin lines-of-green containing native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that line the stream banks. They are also called vegetated buffer zones. A healthy riparian area is evidence of wise land use management.
Riparian buffers are important for good water quality. Riparian zones help to prevent sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides and other pollutants from reaching a stream. Riparian buffers are most effective at improving water quality when they include a native grass or herbaceous filter strip along with deep rooted trees and shrubs along the stream. Riparian buffers provide valuable habitat for wildlife. In addition to providing food and cover, they are an important corridor or travel way for a variety of wildlife.
Riparian vegetation slows floodwaters, thereby helping to maintain stable streambanks and protect downstream property. By slowing down floodwaters and rainwater runoff, the riparian vegetation allows water to soak into the ground and recharge groundwater. Slowing floodwaters allows the riparian zone to function as a site of sediment deposition, trapping sediments that build stream banks and would otherwise degrade our streams and rivers.
The bank stabilization project is expected to be completed by the end of April, 2017.
February 16, 2017 - Earlier today, the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB) released schematic designs and cost estimates for a possible downtown event center.
The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County Commissioners requested that the CIB lead the request for proposals process and hire an architectural and engineering firm to develop schematic designs as well as a thorough evaluation of programming options and cost of construction.
Fort Wayne and Allen County leaders are appreciative of the time, effort and commitment it took to complete this work. The CIB led a professional and diligent process to engage the expertise of national firm Sink Combs Dethlefs and local firms Elevatus Architecture, Design Collaborative and Hoch Associates.
February 15, 2017 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today delivered his 10th State of the City address. The theme for this year’s address was “Fort Wayne – Point of Destination” with an emphasis on the City’s investments in neighborhood infrastructure, public safety and downtown development. The free event was held at the Grand Wayne Center. “Now more than ever before, I’m optimistic about Fort Wayne’s future. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished and what’s ahead for our community,” said Mayor Henry. “Together we’re better to address challenges and continue the momentum and successes we’re experiencing. Being a point of destination is critical in our efforts to provide quality of place amenities to set ourselves apart as a leader in attracting and retaining jobs, businesses, individuals and families.”
February 8, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners, Red Bird Properties and Cambray and Associates have reached agreements on the core settlement terms for property acquisitions and relocation expenses of the final three riverfront properties located in the area planned for Riverfront Development Phase 1.
February 7, 2017 - RealAmerica Companies today celebrated the beginning of construction on Fort Wayne’s newest downtown living option, Superior Lofts, 102 W. Superior St.
Superior Lofts is located near the planned Phase I Riverfront Fort Wayne development and will convert obsolete manufacturing space into residential and retail/restaurant space. The former Graphic Packaging facility was built in 1905 and has been empty since 2010.
The $9.8 million project will rehabilitate and restore the historic industrial building into 72 high-end apartments, 21,000 square feet of new commercial space and climate-controlled self-storage units that will meet the needs of downtown residents and businesses. RealAmerica recently developed Randall Lofts, 616 Harrison St., and continues to have a waiting list for residents wanting to rent apartments at the historic building.
February 6, 2017 - Quick and efficient communication with the public can make all the difference in an emergency. Thanks to a new alert system, public safety officials in Fort Wayne and Allen County hope to achieve that.
At a news conference today, officials with the city, county and the Consolidated Communications Partnership announced the implementation of a new county-wide emergency notification system known as Swift911.
January 31, 2017 - Residents continue to flock to our trails in record numbers. Year-end totals for 2016 show a record 568,138 trail users, a 17.5 percent increase that smashes the previous record set in 2012 of 483,581 by nearly 85,000 users. Growth in the trail network has not only made it easier for residents to access trails in their neighborhood but to safely connect to the entire community.
Since 2008, the City’s trail mileage has grown from 33 to 73. Add that to trail connections outside of the City limits and we see a Fort Wayne area trails network of more than 96 miles.
This year will bring more good news for trail users with new connections and additional miles to navigate that will reach a milestone of more than 100 miles of trails in the network by September.
“A commitment to trail development assists us in our efforts to make Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana a point of destination for residents and businesses,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I’m encouraged by the growth and excitement we’re experiencing with our trail system. We’re a leader in providing quality of life amenities that are critical to the current and future success of our City and region.”
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The Traffic Engineering Department is responsible for roadway operations, maintenance and program implementation. The Traffic Engineering Department strives to provide safe and efficient movement of vehicles, people and goods through the community advocated by established regulations and the elected administration, including: to produce the maximum level of traffic service with limited resources for capital improvements and operation; to develop new engineering techniques to move people and goods safely and efficiently; and to create and maintain a communication channel between the administration and the public.
To contact the Traffic Engineer, please call (260) 427-1172 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For Questions regarding Neighborhood Traffic Calming, traffic signals or traffic impacts, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SFor Questions regarding Neighborhood Traffic Calming, traffic signals or traffic impacts, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Services offered by the Traffic Engineering Department: nts.
Accident Studies & Collision Diagrams
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Services offered by the Traffic Engineering Department: nts.
Accident Studies & Collision Diagrams
GENERAL INFORMATION
Services offered by the Traffic Engineering Department: nts.
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Traffic Engineering works with various city departments, private contractors, construction contracts, developers and businesses on requests for closures or restrictions.
Full road closures are typically avoided unless work operations or safety is compromised. The city permits work on city streets, but work on roads such as Coliseum Blvd (SR 930), Lima Road (SR 3), Clinton & Lafayette (US 27), Illinois Rd (SR 14) are permitted by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
In 2018, there were 1,400 closure/restriction permits approved for work on city streets. Below are links showing active projects or work within the city.
View the interactive road closure map (TREC THE FORT) HERE .
View the current road restrictions list HERE .
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Services offered by the Traffic Engineering Departmen t:
Accident Studies & Collision Diagrams
Amendments to City Traffic Code
Complaint Requests & Investigations
Emergency Detours & Street Closures
Pedestrian Studies
Planning & Design of Traffic Control
Review Buildng Permit Applications
Review Proposed Residential, Commercial & Industrial Access Permits
School Crossing & Safety Studies
Traffic Studies & Surveys (Obtaining factual data, analysis of data, recommendations)
To report traffic signs down OR traffic or pedestrian signals out at an intersection:
Please call 311 or 260.427.8311 - OR - report here on-line.
TRAFFIC CALMING
Traffic Calming is a program offered by the city to help residents work with the city on potentially making changes to residential streets to help slow or change traffic patterns.
Below are links outlining this program.
TRAFFIC MAPS
There are various maps useful to our department and the public specific to traffic within the city limits.
Below are links to useful information such as speed limits, classifications, and ADT.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING STANDARDS
Standards used by Traffic Engineering may be useful in your planning or understanding of traffic.
Below are links used by the department for guidance in design or construction of traffic facilities.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REGULATIONS
Title VII of the City Code outlines general traffic regulations such as operation, parking, and definitions.
Below are links which may help clarify some of these regulations within the city.
STREET LIGHT ENGINEERING
Go to Street Light Engineering page
To report a street light or alley light out please call 427-8311 or 311
Please provide the pole number located on the yellow verticle tag labeled Street Light, the address of the light and a contact name and number in case there is a problem with the light.
TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
The Traffic Operations Division is responsible for the installation and maintenance of Street Lights, Signals, Signs, Pavement Markings, and City Communication lines within the city.
The City of Fort Wayne owns 299 traffic signals within the city limits, and additionally maintains approximately 100 traffic signals within Allen County.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING (MLK) BRIDGE
The MLK Bridge was completed in July of 2012.
The MLK Bridge not only serves a purpose as a beautiful memorial to Dr. King, but it also serves as a gateway entrance into downtown Fort Wayne.
* Lighting Programs
MEMORIAL PARKWAY
The Division of Public Works will work with local residents on establishing Memorial Parkways. Memorial Parkways will be designated with signage along the route approved by the department.
CONTACT US
Traffic Engineering
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January 24, 2017 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2017 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2016 and look ahead to plans for 2017. The theme for this year’s speech is “Fort Wayne – Point of Destination.”
January 24, 2017 - Tonight’s vote by City Council to approve Legacy funding in the form of a loan for The Landing project shows our collective effort to continue the momentum and investments we’re experiencing in the City of Fort Wayne.
Quality of place is a key component to economic development efforts. A vibrant, urban neighborhood such as The Landing will enhance our region’s ability to recruit and retain talent and bolster our ability to attract and grow businesses and employers.
The Landing will serve as a gathering place and provide a unique setting for housing, retail, office and restaurant options in a live, work and play environment that people and businesses are seeking.
The Landing will combine the rehabilitation of historic buildings with art, culture and entertainment to draw a diverse and engaged demographic to our urban center.
Our downtown is thriving, neighborhoods are growing and we’re seeing a positive business climate with job growth and expansion projects.
In order to continue this success, we can’t stop. We must be committed to moving forward in the right direction to make Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana a point of destination.
By working together, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference in our community and region.
January 23, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Police Department’s 62nd basic recruit class consisting of 32 recruits began today. It's a 21-week journey toward becoming fully commissioned police officers.
January 17, 2017 - Celebrate winter with a visit to downtown Fort Wayne on Saturday, January 28! The 6th Annual Winterval festival promises a full day of indoor and outdoor winter fun for all ages.
January 17, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will inaugurate a new, free, around town series of concerts called Live at Lunch , beginning on Thursday January 26, 2017 at the Sweetwater Sound Cafeteria, and Friday January 27, 2017 at Citizens Square. Both performances begin at 12:00 noon. Conducting the concert will be the Philharmonic’s assistant conductor Caleb Young. Subsequent concerts will be announced at a later date.
Live at Lunch is similar to the Philharmonic’s former pop-up series called Random Acts of Music. Designed to reach people in their own workplaces or convenient public settings, the experience is casual and relaxed. Audiences are free to sample part of the hour-long concert or stop by for just a few minutes. Live at Lunch brings the great classics right to the public, on their own terms.
January 17, 2017 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Steve Reed today outlined proactive efforts designed to address public safety issues in the City of Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne and cities across the country are experiencing increases in homicides, shootings and drug overdoses. As a result, the Fort Wayne Police Department continues to adjust public safety practices and work with the community to address these challenges.
January 9, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission is requesting proposals to develop an underutilized property in downtown Fort Wayne. The Redevelopment Commission owns property at the northwest corner of Main and Harrison streets, adjacent to Randall Lofts and The Landing, and just blocks from the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne.
January 6, 2017 - Fort Wayne City Utilities announces the promotion of Phil GiaQuinta to the position of Key Customer Account Manager. GiaQuinta will oversee wholesale contracts with neighboring communities, along with unique large customers who rely heavily on water and sewer services for their day-to-day operations and future growth. Many of these customers are also the largest employers in Allen County.
January 5, 2017 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department invites you to Riverfront Fort Wayne’s Educational Series on Monday, January 9, 6:30 – 8 pm at Calhoun Street Soup, Salads & Spirits, 1915 S. Calhoun St. This is the first event in a series of three panels that will address separate topics about our rivers. Each panel will occur on the second Monday of each month in January, February and March.
December 28, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Police Department is working toward a safe New Year’s Eve in Fort Wayne. We want everyone to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely. In this spirit, we would like to remind everyone of the dangers associated with celebratory gunfire. Shooting indiscriminately into the air can put you and your neighbors at great risk for injury and even death.
December 27, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2 in recognition of New Year’s Day.
December 19, 2016 - Proponents of the proposed Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus passenger rail line have support from Federal and State agencies to take the first step in establishing the new rail line.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and members of the Northern Indiana Passenger Rail Association (NIPRA) were joined by mayors and representatives from dozens of communities along the proposed route today at the Baker Street Train Station in Fort Wayne. They announced the recent engagement with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct an Alternatives Analysis and Public Input process that are required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) under federal law to begin the project.
“I’m encouraged by our collective efforts to develop innovative plans to make Fort Wayne a point of destination,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “The support from the FRA allows us to begin the process of establishing passenger rail service through Fort Wayne, northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. By working together, we’re committed to making a meaningful difference by bringing more transportation options and economic development opportunities to our region.”
“This is the result of years of hard work and dogged determination on the part of many of us,” said NIPRA spokesperson and Fort Wayne City Councilman Geoff Paddock. “The return of passenger rail to Fort Wayne will be a huge boost for economic development in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. It will add momentum to our booming downtown and help revitalize neighborhoods that surround the train station. It is gratifying that the FRA and INDOT see there is an untapped market for rail service in Fort Wayne. We thank them for working with us over the past few years to reach this moment.”
December 18, 2016 - Many streets remain ice-covered, slick and hazardous due to freezing temperatures coupled with packed snow and ice.
December 17, 2016 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews have been placing salt and sand on neighborhood streets today and will continue doing so through the night.
December 15, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a special ceremony to recognize milestone years of service for 97 outstanding City of Fort Wayne employees. “We have excellent City employees. They set a tremendous example of what it means to be a public servant,” said Mayor Henry. “As Mayor, it’s encouraging to see the commitment and dedication displayed by City employees on a daily basis.”
December 14, 2016 - Due to increased interest in the City’s Commercial Façade Grant program, the deadline for 2017 applications has been extended two weeks, until December 29, 2016 at 5 p.m. Applications and information about the program are available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/facade . Anyone with questions about the program may contact Grants Specialist Lindsey Maksim at 311 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Once completed, applications may be submitted in the City’s Community Development offices, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., suite 320.
December 14, 2016 - With this week's cold temperatures, it’s important to take steps to prevent frozen water pipes and meters. Customers can protect pipes or meters by running a small stream of water, about the diameter of a pencil lead, to keep the flow going. This small amount of continuous water flow can help prevent frozen pipes and meters.
December 14, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Opportunity Advisory Council. The purpose of the Mayor's Opportunity Advisory Council is toadvise the Mayor in regard to current procurement and employment processes by providing best practice recommendations designed to continuously promote and strengthen the City's diversity policies and procedures within the organization to effectively reflect and serve the community.
December 13, 2016 - Fort Wayne City Council tonight approved a request of $10 million in Legacy funding to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development. City Council also approved The Hagerman Group, a construction management and general construction company based in Fort Wayne, to be construction manager on the project.
“I’m encouraged by this evening’s vote as we came together united to approve Legacy funding for riverfront development,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Investing in our riverfront will assist us in the continued efforts to make Fort Wayne a point of destination. The positive momentum and excitement we’re experiencing in our community and region will be enhanced by our collective commitment to developing the riverfront.”
December 13, 2016 – Police Chief Steve Reed today joined with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during this holiday season. In its 29th year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Thursday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Jan. 1 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
December 12, 2016 - The 24-hour snow fighting operation will head into day three as Street Department crews continue plowing and salting through the night. Drivers are working 12-hour shifts to keep the City moving.
December 12, 2016 - This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry and the Division of Public Works celebrated the 2016 construction season that saw $25 million invested in neighborhoods throughout the City of Fort Wayne. Nearly 500 projects in more than 140 neighborhoods saw improvements to streets, sidewalks, new trails, ADA ramps, lighting and street landscaping. Projects ranged from arterial street improvements including the realignment, streetscape and safety improvements on Maumee Avenue, the addition of trails, new lighting and street reconstruction of McKinnie Avenue, and the resurfacing Stellhorn Road and North Clinton Street. Major improvements including streets, sidewalks and ADA ramps were made in the neighborhoods of Eagle Lake, Eagle Creek, Arlington Park, Hoevelwood, Hickory Grove, Casselwood Terrace, Tower Heights and Village Green. Trails were completed this year on Hanna Street, Liberty Mills Road and Covington Road.
December 12, 2016 - Street Department crews continued plowing and salting through the night and into this morning.
December 11, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews are continuing 24-hour plowing and salting tonight in an effort to keep the City moving. Crews are concentrating on main arterial roads and connector streets to keep them as clear as possible for emergency vehicles.
December 11, 2016 - Streets remain snow covered in Fort Wayne as snow continues falling this morning. Plow truck drivers from the Street Department began plowing yesterday evening and plowed through the night.
December 10, 2016 - A portion of the St. Joseph Pathway Trail will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 12. The detour near Spy Run Avenue Extended between State Boulevard to Parnell Avenue is expected to be in place through late June 2017.
December 9, 2016 - The Park Board approved the Final Phase One Riverfront Development Designs at Thursday’s Park Board Meeting. Those interested in viewing updated renderings may visit www.RiverfrontFW.org .
December 8, 2016 - Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. The Riverfront Advisory Committee on Tuesday reviewed updated Riverfront Development designs and has unanimously recommended that the Park Board approve the Final Phase One Riverfront Development Designs. The Park Board will consider the recommendation during today’s 4 pm meeting at the Botanical Conservatory.
December 7, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today provided an update on the 2016 capital improvement projects in our parks and facilities operated by the Parks & Recreation Department. Over 60 projects were started and completed in 2016 and more than 30 projects are still in progress. In total, the City of Fort Wayne invested close to $3 million in Parks & Recreation Department improvements in 2016.
“Fort Wayne is a recognized leader in providing quality of life amenities because of our commitment to investing in parks,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum and excitement we’re experiencing in our City. We’re fortunate to be in a community that values and appreciates the importance of maintaining our parks. Collectively, we’re making a meaningful and lasting impact.”
December 4, 2016 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews were called in this afternoon and have been salting main arterial streets and intersections throughout the City. It's expected crews will work through the night.
December 2, 2016 - Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department will recommend The Hagerman Group, a construction management and general construction company based in Fort Wayne, to be construction manager of the first phase of riverfront development. This recommendation is subject to Park Board and City Council approval.
The Hagerman Group is privately owned and consists of two operational companies, Hagerman Construction Corporation (HCC) and Hagerman, Incorporated (HI). HI provides general contracting, construction management, design-build and owner’s representative services. The firm was founded in 1908 and maintains Indiana offices in Fort Wayne and Fishers. The company is a family-owned business and is currently in its fourth generation of Hagerman leadership. The contract investment would be $753,700, part of the projected construction investment which will not exceed $20 million. The first phase of riverfront development will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting and the projected construction investment will not exceed $20 million. Development would occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.
November 29, 2016 - The Division of Public Works tonight made a presentation to the Fort Wayne City Council on the City of Fort Wayne’s proactive efforts to invest in neighborhood sidewalk improvements. Division Director Bob Kennedy and Transportation Engineer Mario Trevino shared details about sidewalk repair procedures, construction of new sidewalks and funding.
November 24, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne today lost a legend with the passing of Bob Chase. The legendary Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster was a humble and honorable man who was loved by so many.
In 2013, Mayor Tom Henry presented Bob with a “Key to the Fort,” which goes to individuals who’ve made an extraordinary commitment to the community through a lifetime of stewardship and involvement. The Key is a hand forged replica of the iron key that was at the Fort in the days of Anthony Wayne, circa 1790. Only four Fort Wayne residents have received a Key to the Fort.
November 21, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in recognition of Thanksgiving.
November 17, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) today announced it has reached an agreement with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) on the future of local ambulance services in an effort to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) to the public. As part of the agreement that would take effect Jan. 1, 2017, pending approval from the TRAA Board of Directors, the FWFD will receive funding from TRAA to offset the investments made by the City of Fort Wayne that will result in a firefighter paramedic or advanced EMT on every fire engine. This will allow for advanced life support to be at an emergency scene through the FWFD to begin providing life-saving care upon arrival.
Also as part of the agreement, the FWFD will no longer pursue becoming the sole operator of ambulance services in the community. TRAA and Paramedics Plus will continue to provide ambulance services. “We’re encouraged by the partnership and collaboration that took place to move emergency services forward in our community,” said Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey. “It’s critical to provide the most efficient and effective care possible to the public. We’re looking forward to future successes as we work together to serve and protect Fort Wayne.”
November 16, 2016 - City officials joined Laycoff’s Tavern owner Jim Sullivan today to celebrate the completion of his restaurant’s exterior remodeling, supported in part by a Commercial Façade Grant.
Laycoff’s, 3530 N. Clinton St., received a 2016 Commercial Façade Grant from the City’s Community Development Division and used the matching grant to give the restaurant a brand new look. The $20,000 grant, along with Sullivan’s investment of more than $20,000, updated the restaurant exterior with a new stone façade, a resurfaced and re-striped parking lot, new paint, a new sign and lighting.
“Laycoff’s is a great example of what the Commercial Façade Grant program is all about,” said Community Development director Greg Leatherman. “The grant allows local entrepreneurs to beautify high-traffic corridors, attract more customers and strengthen their neighborhoods.”
November 15, 2016 - Fort Wayne is experiencing positive momentum and investments in our downtown and neighborhoods like never before. We’re unique in that we’ve put aside significant capital for financial growth and stability through the Legacy fund. It’s money to help transform our City into all that it can be. Earlier this evening, City Council discussed the current and future viability of the Legacy fund. The public can be assured that Legacy is an asset that’s here for us now and in the future.
November 14, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne is providing area residents an opportunity to salvage architectural details from homes that are slated for demolition in the Brookview-Irvington Historic District neighborhood, per the Memorandum of Agreement for the State Boulevard Reconstruction Project Designation Number 0400587.
November 14, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry’s recovery from heart bypass surgery continues to go well. He has been released from the hospital and is resting comfortably at home. Mayor Henry will be working from home for the next several days. He anticipates returning to regular work activities at Citizens Square soon.
November 9, 2016 - The Legacy Joint Funding Committee tonight approved a request of $10 million in Legacy funding to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development. The nine-member committee is responsible for reviewing requests for Legacy funding. The committee is comprised of three members of Mayor Tom Henry’s administration, three members of City Council, and three citizen members (one selected by the Mayor, one selected by City Council, and one selected by the committee).
November 4, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.
October 31, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined community leaders and riverfront advocates to announce a request of $10 million in Legacy funding will be made to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development. The Legacy Joint Funding Committee will review the request at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 in Room 030 at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. Pending a positive recommendation from the Legacy Joint Funding Committee, the funding request would proceed to City Council with introduction scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22, possible discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 6, and possible final vote on Tuesday, Dec. 13. “This request demonstrates our commitment to making Fort Wayne’s riverfront a world-class development and positions us to be considered for financial contributions from other organizations,” said Mayor Henry. “Riverfront development is critical to the current and future success of our City and region. We must continue to emphasize quality of place amenities to attract and retain talent and businesses and make Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana a point of destination to invest in.”
October 29, 2016 - At a ceremony Friday evening, Sustainable Indiana 2016 inducted three City of Fort Wayne initiatives into the Green Lights Hall of Fame.
The City’s efforts with greening our vehicle fleet, using renewable energy to power portions of the Water Pollution Control Plant, and planting rain gardens to help protect our rivers were chosen as leading programs that promote a sustainable future in Indiana.
“I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum our investments are creating, not only for today but for a sustainable future," said Mayor Tom Henry. "We're honored to be recognized for proactively building a better City that's efficient and effective at meeting the needs of our community."
October 28, 2016 - Structural improvements to the Rivergreenway boardwalk near Roosevelt Park between Van Buren Street and West Main streets are scheduled to begin next week.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 1, the Rivergreenway will be closed between Van Buren and Main and trail users will be rerouted to the sidewalk across the Van Buren Bridge to Main. The ramp connecting to the west side of the Van Buren Bridge will remain open to allow safe access under the bridge and to the sidewalk on the west side.
October 27, 2016 - The $40 million Skyline Tower project is the final piece of an overall downtown development initiative of nearly $110 million that features Ash Skyline Plaza, home to the national corporate headquarters of Ash Brokerage, along with retail office and commercial space and the Skyline Garage. The redevelopment of this previously blighted block is comparable to the investment in Parkview Field, the Harrison, the parking garage and the Courtyard by Marriott hotel.
The City of Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission is contributing proceeds of a $4 million bond, paid through tax increment financing (TIF) to the Skyline Tower.
The City of Fort Wayne’s subsidiary organization, Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, closed and financed a $17.5 million allocation of federal New Markets Tax Credits to support the new mixed-use Skyline Tower. This provided $5.9 million in equity to the project.
October 25, 2016 - Tonight’s passage of the 2017 City of Fort Wayne budget means a continuation of our commitment to providing needed services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. The balanced budget focuses on what residents have asked us to do. We’ll be adding 28 new police officers, continuing our record investments in neighborhood infrastructure improvements, and enhancing quality of life amenities. The budget reflects Fort Wayne’s position as a leader in economic development opportunities, job growth, and strong neighborhoods that make our community a point of destination.
October 21, 2016 - At its annual Executive Management Conference this week, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) honored Fort Wayne City Utilities with the Platinum Award for Excellence in Utility Management .
Of the more than 150,000 water and sewer providers in the country, Fort Wayne was one of only 10 chosen for this prestigious honor and the only water provider in Indiana to win the Platinum Award.
October 19, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald, representatives from Fort Wayne Trails and community and neighborhood leaders have broken ground for phase one of the Six Mile Creek Trail.
Today’s groundbreaking was for phase one, a nearly one-mile long trail expansion from South Phoenix Parkway at Southtown Centre to the intersection of Tillman Road and Lemar Drive.
While this is only phase one of the Six Mile Creek Trail, when the full, multi-phase trail is complete, it will contribute significantly to connectivity in the community by providing a 26-mile continuous loop linking Moser Park in New Haven, Fort Wayne’s Rivergreenway and the Six Mile Trail.
“Investing in trails is critical to the current and future success of our community and region,” said Mayor Henry. “It’s great to see trail development in southeast Fort Wayne as we continue our commitment to enhancing quality of life amenities that make our City a point of destination for individuals, families, and businesses.”
October 18, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today commended the beginning of construction on the $40 million Skyline Tower project in downtown Fort Wayne. The mixed-use development, led by Great Lakes Capital, a real estate private equity firm with offices in Fort Wayne and South Bend, features apartments and office and retail space along Wayne and Webster streets in downtown. The project consists of 124 apartments, as well as retail and office space totaling 170,000 square feet. Retail, featuring a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, will be located on the first floor, while office space will occupy the second floor, and floors 3-12 will accommodate apartment units. The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission’s portion of the project is $4 million paid through tax increment financing (TIF). The Skyline Garage with 1,077 parking spaces, which is owned and operated by the Commission, will provide parking for the retail, commercial, and residential spaces. The City of Fort Wayne’s New Markets Revitalization Fund played a significant role in the development by pledging New Markets Tax Credits.
October 17, 2016 - City of Fort Wayne trail usage saw a third quarter increase of nearly 24,000 trail users compared to past years. A total of 188,711 walkers, joggers, and cyclists took to our trails in the third quarter of 2016 breaking the previous third quarter high mark of 154,828 set in 2012.
The 22 percent third quarter growth followed the all-time record high month set earlier this year in June when 73,226 residents were on our trails. The previous high mark for June was 55,432 set in 2012.
October 13, 2016 - A commitment to improve safety on a major roadway and enhance a neighborhood and park has been fulfilled. This afternoon Mayor Tom Henry and Indiana Tech President Dr. Arthur Snyder joined City Council members, residents from the East Central neighborhood, students from Indiana Tech and staff members from three City of Fort Wayne divisions to celebrate the improvements to Maumee Avenue.
At a ribbon cutting ceremony today, the group celebrated the straightening of Maumee Avenue to remove a sharp curve that had been the sight of more than 50 accidents since 2005.
October 4, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) today announced it will pursue becoming the operator of local ambulance services to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) to the public. The FWFD has been assisting in providing emergency care for 30 years and is part of the fabric of emergency services in Fort Wayne. The decision to pursue the operation of ambulance services is to provide better response times to save lives and the most efficient care possible. Fort Wayne firefighters respond to over 8,000 EMS calls per year and are first on the scene of emergency situations more than 75 percent of the time. Placing ambulance services under the direction of the FWFD would result in a paramedic on every fire engine allowing for advanced life support to be at an emergency scene sooner. In addition, the change would maximize productivity and better utilize the resources the FWFD has to meet the needs of the community. This year alone, the FWFD has successfully reversed 89 heroin overdoses all before an ambulance arrived on the scene.
October 4, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced City of Fort Wayne Director of Public Safety Rusty York will retire effective December 1. York has served as director of public safety since January 2014. He served as police chief from 2000-2014. York has 39 years of public safety experience. As director of public safety, York oversees the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Fire Department, and Animal Care & Control Department and is responsible for reviewing and ensuring that staffing levels in the police and fire departments meet the needs of the City. The chiefs of the police and fire departments and director of Animal Care & Control report to York.
October 3, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department invites you to Surprise Cinema!, a Riverfront Fort Wayne event on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Guldlin Park. The pre-show activities begin at 6 pm with the movie beginning at 8 pm. Surprise Cinema! is a one-of-a-kind immersive movie experience in partnership with Cinema Center and funded in part by Amplify Art!, the Arts United Crowdfunding platform.
September 29, 2016 - With the passing of Linda Vandeveer, the light in Fort Wayne has been dimmed a little. She and her husband Jerry have been tireless advocates for law enforcement, firefighters and the vibrancy of the near south side of the city for decades.
September 29, 2016 - A group of local neighborhood leaders and association presidents today left for the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference taking place today-Saturday in Champaign-Urbana, Ill. This year’s theme is “Making Our Neighborhoods Stronger.” Mayor Tom Henry talked with participants to wish them well and thank them for their leadership and commitment to making Fort Wayne a better place.
September 27, 2016 - Now more than ever, it’s important for all of us to work together to continue to make Fort Wayne a great place to live, work, and play. We must remain committed to ensuring essential services continue to be provided to residents and children and protect homeowners from having to pay higher property taxes. Now is not the time to change course and put our future at risk. That’s why I’m encouraged by City Council’s action tonight to defeat the proposal that would have eliminated the business personal property tax on new business equipment. I applaud Councilmen Barranda, Crawford, Didier, Hines and Paddock for voting against the proposal.
September 26, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) is taking proactive steps to address chronic problem properties (CPP) in the City of Fort Wayne. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, an ordinance is scheduled to be introduced that would help public safety personnel reduce repeat nuisance calls for service at problem properties. Discussion and passage of the ordinance is expected to occur in October. The effort is designed to enhance public safety efforts to keep the community as safe as possible.
September 22, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2017. The balanced budget continues Mayor Henry’s commitment to providing needed services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. The budget also reflects Fort Wayne’s position as a leader in economic development opportunities, job growth, strong neighborhoods and quality of life amenities that make our community a point of destination for investment and growth. “We’re seeing momentum, investments, and excitement in Fort Wayne like never before. I’m encouraged the 2017 budget places a priority on public safety, neighborhood infrastructure, and our award-winning Parks,” said Mayor Henry. “Strong leadership and placing an emphasis on moving our community forward in the right direction with fiscal discipline is resulting in thriving neighborhoods, a positive business climate, and new jobs.” The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $158 million. This budget does not include Fort Wayne City Utilities, which has its own budget funded by ratepayers. 2017 budget highlights: *Academy class for the Fort Wayne Police Department to hire 28 new police officers. The additions will allow the FWPD to have more than 460 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public. *Continuation of commitment to neighborhood street, road, and sidewalk improvement projects - $23.8 million *Investments in maintenance projects in City Parks - $7.7 million, which includes funding from a park bond to be considered by the Board of Park Commissioners and City Council *Utilize the State of Indiana’s allowable tax levy to assist in preserving funding to provide essential services
September 16, 2016 - Crews have installed eight banners along West Jefferson Boulevard as part of the Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.
September 14, 2016 - On Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-noon, Friends of the Parks of Allen County invites citizens to partner with area parks departments, businesses, neighborhoods, and community volunteers to plant new trees in our parks and public spaces during the Great Tree Canopy Comeback.
September 13, 2016 - As fall approaches, the Fort Wayne Public Works Division is entering the final stretch of the 2016 road improvements in our neighborhoods and on our major thoroughfares.
On Wednesday morning, paving crews will begin asphalt resurfacing on Stellhorn Road. E&B Paving will be working tomorrow between Hobson Road and Reed Road. The project on this multi-lane road is expected to take two weeks.
Traffic will be maintained in both directions throughout the resurfacing but motorists should expect delays.
September 9, 2016 - Leaders from the City of Fort Wayne, City of New Haven, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools and Southwest Allen County Schools came together today at Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s office to voice concerns about a proposal that could negatively affect services provided to the public and schools and increase taxes for some homeowners. A resolution has been introduced at City Council that would eliminate the business personal property tax on new business equipment. The resolution is scheduled to be discussed at City Council meetings on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 with public comment at both meetings. The plan could save select businesses from paying certain taxes, which would shift the tax burden to local governments, schools, and homeowners. Taxes collected on business personal property total over $51 million per year countywide to help fund police and fire protection, neighborhood infrastructure improvements, enhancements to parks and assist school systems to educate children, provide bus transportation, and other important education initiatives.
September 7, 2016 - The official hours for trick-or-treat 2016 have been established for the City of Fort Wayne. Trick-or-treat will be observed from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31.
September 2, 2016 - The Citizens Square parking lot will have restrictions beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6. Maintenance and repair work will take place over the next 60 days.
September 1, 2016 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, along with neighborhood advocates and community leaders, led a grand opening ceremony for the first phase of Franklin School Park, located at 1903 St. Marys Ave.
“We continue to see positive momentum and investment in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m encouraged by the enhancements being made in our parks and neighborhoods. The new Franklin School Park is a tremendous asset for our community to enjoy. We’re meeting the needs of residents and providing quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne great.”
Phase 1 features the maintained and restored arches from Franklin School, still in their original locations. The arches were inspiration for the overall theme of the new park. A much anticipated one-of-a-kind splash pad is now open from 9 am – 9 pm. This phase also included bench seating, sidewalks and restrooms installed in the partially remodeled school garage. Solar voltaic panels mounted on the roof of the pavilion will help reduce the cost of electricity. Trees will be planted this fall throughout the park to provide shade.
August 31, 2016 - Indiana Tech today officially opened its new bike share station on the City of Fort Wayne’s bike share system. Indiana Tech President Dr. Arthur Snyder and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry were joined by Tech students, city and community representatives for a ribbon-cutting event at the university’s campus in Fort Wayne.
The new station is located on the north side of Andorfer Commons on the Indiana Tech campus, at the corner of East Washington Boulevard and Schick Street. Students along with members of the public may check out bikes from the station 24 hours a day.
August 25, 2016 - The City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services (OHNS) has completed the first rehab of one of six West Central homes. News media were given a tour of the completely remodeled 1121 Fulton St. today.
The City purchased six vacant and abandoned homes in the historic neighborhood in 2014; all either have been or will be rehabilitated and offered for purchase to moderate- to middle-income residents. All buyers have had, or will have, significant input into the remodeling process so the homes can be customized to their preferences.
August 23, 2016 - Fort Wayne continues to be a place people are talking about. We’re experiencing momentum and investment in our downtown and neighborhoods like never before. Earlier this evening, my administration presented an update on the status of the Legacy fund that is assisting us in our efforts to be a point of destination and a national leader in creating and retaining jobs and providing businesses and residents with an excellent quality of life. Fort Wayne is unique in that we’ve put aside significant capital for financial growth and stability through the Legacy fund. It’s money to help transform our City into all that it can be.
August 22, 2016 - Police Chief Steve Reed and Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed nine lateral officers to the Fort Wayne Police Department. The nine officers, seven males and two females, will begin their abbreviated training at the Public Safety Academy.
August 22, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2016-17 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event.
August 18, 2016 - The Board of Park Commissioners and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll today announced Mark Becker will serve as a deputy director for the Parks and Recreation Department to serve in a leadership role in riverfront development efforts. Becker’s previous experience in city government includes serving as deputy mayor, director of community development, and director of economic development for the City of Fort Wayne. He will begin his new duties Sept. 1. Becker continues to be owner of Becker Consulting, which provides professional consulting and community development services in the region. “Mark brings unique talents and experiences that will be a tremendous complement to our community’s commitment to redeveloping our riverfront,” said Moll. “Teamwork and leadership are critical to the current and future success of Riverfront Fort Wayne. Having a dedicated and respected leader like Mark as part of this effort puts us in position to make a meaningful difference and continue the positive momentum in our City.”
August 17, 2016 - It’s clear that our growing trail network is adding to the quality of life in Fort Wayne and residents are flocking to our trails in record numbers. For the second month in a row, trail usage saw historically high usage. Our infrared trail counters recorded 66,858 walkers, joggers and cyclists in the month of July.
That mark is 22,000 more than July 2015 when 44,729 residents used the trails. The July count is just down from this year’s June count, which had an all-time monthly high of 73,226 users.
August 16, 2016 - Applications for the City’s 2017 Commercial Façade Grant program are now available online. Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to review the material and contact the Grants Specialist to see if their project meets the criteria.
Applications are available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/facade . Grants Specialist Lindsey Maksim is available by calling 311 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Maksim will speak or meet with potential applicants in order to explain the program and determine if a project is eligible before paperwork is filed. Applications will be accepted November 11 through December 12, 2016.
The Commercial Façade Grant program was introduced nine years ago by Mayor Tom Henry and provides local businesses the opportunity to apply for matching grants to improve the exteriors of their buildings.
August 9, 2016 - The Fort Wayne UNITED program is continuing proactive efforts to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help ensure the safety of all residents with a focus on African American men and boys. More than 50 African American boys and girls are scheduled to take part in the Global Leadership Summit on Aug. 11-12 at the Grand Wayne Center. Participants will learn about leadership concepts, conflict resolution, communication, and many other components of effective leadership. On Aug. 11, the young men and women will have the opportunity to have lunch with several community leaders from 1:15-2:30 p.m.
August 9, 2016 - Residents and trail enthusiasts joined Fort Wayne Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer, members of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, and the City of Fort Wayne’s Greenways and Trails staff today to break ground for the Liberty Mills Road trail extension.
The half-mile long phase of the trail directly connects more than 300 residents along Liberty Mills Road and more than 2,000 residents who live within a half-mile walking distance of the trail.
August 9, 2016 - Cooling stations will be available for the public due to high temperatures and heat indexes forecasted to impact our area.
August 1, 2016 - A swearing-in ceremony was held today for new Police Chief Steve Reed. Mayor Tom Henry, Public Safety Director Rusty York, members of the Fort Wayne Police Department, and family and friends of Police Chief Reed took part in today’s event.
July 27, 2016 - As progress on the Maumee Avenue realignment project moves forward, motorists will experience some delays.
Resurfacing work will restrict traffic to one lane beginning Thursday, July 28. Motorists may want to use a different route through the weekend. The road is expected to be back to two lanes by Monday, weather permitting.
July 26, 2016 - A contract for final design, engineering development, construction documents, project bidding, and construction administration for the first phase of riverfront development will be discussed and possibly receive final approval at tonight’s City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 030 on the garden level at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. The contract investment of $1.7 million is part of the $6 million in Legacy funding previously approved by City Council. As part of tonight’s discussion, Parks and Recreation Department Director Al Moll will provide an update on progress that’s been made since last week’s City Council meeting to move riverfront development efforts forward under the leadership of Mayor Tom Henry.
July 26, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission is proposing that City Council rescind three TIF districts (officially known as Economic Development Areas) and create one Riverfront-Columbia TIF district. The proposals will be introduced to City Council this evening.
The three areas to be rescinded include the Washington Center Coldwater Road district, the Moeller Meyer Road district and the Baker Street district. TIF, or tax increment financing, districts are set up to assist in the development of a designated area. They allow any new property tax revenue generated by increases in assessed value within that area to be used for public infrastructure projects.
July 26, 2016 - Due to staff returning to school, Memorial Pool will close for the season at 5 pm, Sunday, August 7 and McMillen Pool will close at 7 pm August 7.
Northside Pool will remain open for the season until 5 pm Saturday, August 13.
On Sunday, August 14, Northside Pool will offer a Dippin’ Dogs Swimming Event for dogs that have a Pooch Pass to Pawster and/or Camp Canine dog parks.
July 22, 2016 - Today marked the successful completion of the Lifetime Sports Academy’s 19th summer with more than 1,200 participants this year and a total of 25,950 participants over the last 19 years. Group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 – 18. Lessons focused on skill development.
Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department provides certified coaching and highly trained professionals who direct lessons in swimming, tennis and golf. Offering instruction in three sports has been a successful formula throughout the years. The Lifetime Sport Academy has developed a solid reputation and attracts a huge number of kids each summer.
July 20, 2016 - Local social service agencies and the City of Fort Wayne today announced that cooling stations will be available for the public due to high temperatures and heat indexes forecasted to impact our area.
July 20, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the Fort Wayne UNITED program. It’s a mayoral initiative designed to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help ensure the safety of all residents with a focus on African American men and boys. Mayor Henry was joined at today’s announcement by criminal justice, non-profit, clergy, health, and education leaders, along with representatives from the Fort Wayne Police Department. For the past several months, this dedicated team has been working to make Fort Wayne the best community possible and move Fort Wayne UNITED forward. Fort Wayne UNITED places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program to make a meaningful difference with an emphasis on listening, input, letting voices be heard, and engagement. The vision is for every black male in Fort Wayne to be respected and valued with an opportunity to reach their full potential. The mission is to advocate for and implement policies, practices, and procedures to ensure equity and opportunity for black fathers, brothers, and sons at home, work, school, and community through collaborative efforts. Goals to lead to positive outcomes include engagement of black men and boys, the community, policymakers, philanthropic community, and data gathering. “I’m encouraged by the innovative approaches being implemented to move our City forward in the right direction,” said Mayor Henry. “Now more than ever, we must come together as a community to trust and support one another. In Fort Wayne, we strive each day to be a safe and welcoming place as we work to be a leader in reducing violence among young people. It’s great to see individuals, families, community groups, and law enforcement united behind a cause to be supportive of efforts to meet the needs of every person who calls Fort Wayne home.”
July 19, 2016 - A contract for final design, engineering development, construction documents, project bidding, and construction administration for the first phase of riverfront development will be discussed at tonight’s City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 030 on the garden level at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. Final passage could occur on Tuesday, July 26. The contract investment of $1.7 million is part of the $6 million in Legacy funding previously approved by City Council. Last month, Mayor Tom Henry joined community leaders and riverfront advocates to unveil the schematic designs for the first phase of riverfront development to enhance Fort Wayne and the region.
July 15, 2016 - In the City of Fort Wayne’s continued commitment to public safety and providing positive opportunities for young people, Mayor Tom Henry today joined the Fort Wayne Police Department and Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries Center for a closing ceremony for children participating in the Jr. Police Academy public safety summer camp. This is the second year for the camps designed to teach the importance of public safety, character development, strengthening relationships between youth and police officers and firefighters, and education. Additional activities included field trips, sports, games, and daily reading time.
July 15, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry proclaimed today Sister Cities International Day in the City of Fort Wayne. Sister Cities International Day commemorates 60 years since the Sister Cities International organization was founded as an initiative by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.
July 15, 2016 - Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) recognized Mayor Tom Henry with the IPFW Champion award on Thursday evening at the Steel Dynamics Keith E. Busse IPFW Alumni Center.
"It is a true delight to honor someone who has invested so much time and energy on behalf of our campus and students," said Chancellor Vicky Carwein.
Mayor Henry has been involved with IPFW throughout his eight-year term as mayor. He delivered his 2010 State of the City Address from campus, welcomed the community to the RiverFest events, and was part of the IPFW Sculpture with Purpose project.
July 8, 2016 - In support of the Three Rivers Festival, City Utilities is inviting residents to tour the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant on Tuesday, July 12 from 2:30-6 p.m. with the last tour beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The walking tour will give visitors an opportunity to see the plant in operation, interact with staff members, and enjoy the architecture of the Collegiate Gothic style building.
July 7, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Steve Reed has been appointed as police chief for the City of Fort Wayne effective Aug. 1. Reed has been with the Fort Wayne Police Department since 1993. Most recently, he’s served as assistant police chief since January 2014. In addition, Reed has held positions of director of training at the Fort Wayne Police Academy, deputy chief southwest division, captain of investigative division, sergeant of internal affairs, homicide team sergeant, and detective. Prior to joining the Fort Wayne Police Department, Reed served as a patrol officer for the Butler City Police Department and confinement officer for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. “Public safety is critical to the current and future success of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Steve is a true professional and a man of integrity who is ready for this leadership position. His communication skills and a commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone in our City are clear indications he is the right person to lead the Fort Wayne Police Department.” “This is a tremendous honor to be asked to serve as police chief for the City of Fort Wayne,” said Reed. “The Fort Wayne Police Department’s commitment to being the very best will continue as we work together with residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and law enforcement agencies to ensure our community is as safe as possible. Open communication and innovative approaches to public safety will enhance our ability to meet the needs of our City.”
July 6, 2016 - There will be an information session for the public to learn more about the riverfront schematic designs and next steps and be the first to see the new branding materials for Riverfront Fort Wayne. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7 at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St. The event is free and there will be refreshments. Last week, Mayor Tom Henry joined community leaders and riverfront advocates to unveil the schematic designs for the first phase of riverfront development to enhance Fort Wayne and the region. Development would occur in eight areas on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.
June 30, 2016 - Continuing his proactive efforts to help residents in southwest Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry is asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to reduce the sewer rate increase requested by Aqua Indiana. Mayor Henry is concerned the 30 percent increase being sought by Aqua Indiana is too much and has asked City Utilities to file a request to have that rate reduced by the IURC. “It’s critical for customers of Aqua Indiana to be treated fairly,” said Mayor Henry. “We are advocates for lower rates as we continue our efforts to provide sustainable and affordable services for residents and businesses to move our community forward in the right direction as an economic development and quality of life leader.”
June 30, 2016 - Baseball players with the Elmhurst Little League at Mason Park, 5800 Mason Dr., will soon have new green screens at the diamonds as a way to improve the game experience for players, umpires, and fans. In addition, batting cage screens and netting will be upgraded to make batting practice safer for players and coaches.
Installation work is taking place this week. The project is a result of a partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne TinCaps through the Play Ball initiative, a joint effort between the United States Conference of Mayors, Major League Baseball, and Minor League Baseball.
June 29, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined community leaders and riverfront advocates to unveil the schematic designs for the first phase of riverfront development to enhance Fort Wayne and the region. Development would occur in eight areas on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area. “Our time is now to make Fort Wayne’s riverfront a world-class development,” said Mayor Henry. “We must be committed to moving our City forward to continue the positive momentum we’re experiencing. Our rivers can bring all of us together to demonstrate to current and future residents and employers that our community is a place to invest in. We’re positioned for a great future as a jobs and quality of place leader.”
June 28, 2016 - Investing in neighborhood infrastructure projects continues to be a top priority of my administration. We’re committed to addressing the conditions of our streets and roads so we can sustain and enhance Fort Wayne in order to keep and attract residents, businesses, and jobs. One of the essential elements in accomplishing our infrastructure goals is to recognize that additional revenue streams are needed to support our neighborhood investments.
Two potential areas for municipal consideration are annexation and additional taxation of existing residents. Because of the neutral financial impact it would have had on City residents, my office chose annexation as the preferred method of revenue generation to meet infrastructure needs and grow our community for the future. This attempt, though, was ultimately voted down by City Council. Earlier today, I reluctantly signed the wheel tax ordinance that was pursued and passed by City Council. It was not an easy decision. However, we simply can’t stop investing in our infrastructure system and jeopardize Fort Wayne’s momentum. Various factors, including City Council’s decision to move away from annexation and a reduction in revenues from the motor vehicle highway fund/gasoline tax put us in a difficult situation.
June 28, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Jim Schellinger and officials from Transpoint Intermodal LLC broke ground today on a new $13.5 million cargo transfer facility on Fort Wayne’s southeast side, where the company plans to create up to 64 new jobs by the end of 2019.
“The City of Fort Wayne continues to be a leader in job and business growth with a commitment to enhancing innovative economic development opportunities in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “Transpoint’s investment in southeast Fort Wayne is a tremendous win for our City and the region. It will result in good jobs for local residents, help attract more related businesses such as distribution centers and provide another consistent and cost-effective transportation option for key employers throughout our region.”
The new Transpoint facility will be the first of its kind in northeast Indiana and will be located on approximately 74 acres near the intersection of Adams Center and Paulding roads. It will be developed as an intermodal ramp used to load and unload international shipping containers from truck-to-rail or rail-to-truck. The anticipated 64 full-time, permanent jobs will have an average annual salary of approximately $50,000.
June 23, 2016 - Riverfront Fort Wayne is inviting all area residents to join the Faces of the Fort celebration on the Historic Wells Street Bridge, Thursday, June 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event will celebrate the installation of Faces of the Fort, a community art project that involves more than 200 painted beach balls hung from four bridges and floated on the St. Marys River from the Historic Wells Street Bridge to the confluence. The party will include a brief presentation at 6 p.m., followed by music and food trucks. In the event of storms, the event will take place at Wunderkammer Company, 3402 Fairfield Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46807.
June 23, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 10 local non-profits will receive funding from the City’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.
Approximately $360,000 will be available to help low- and moderate-income residents with shelter, basic needs, employment skills and youth development.
The Mayor made the announcement at Wellspring Interfaith Social Service’s Clothing Shoppe, which, along with the Wellspring Food Bank, will be supported by CDBG dollars.
June 22, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) Board and residents of nearby neighborhoods celebrated the opening of portions of the Hanna Street and Renaissance Pointe trails today.
“The new additions to our trails system are essential to enhance connectivity for residents in southeast Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re seeing as we work together to invest in quality of life amenities that make a meaningful difference. Our City continues to move in the right direction with positive momentum like never before.”
Renaissance Pointe Trail: Construction of the newest section of the Renaissance Pointe Trail began March 11, 2016 and is substantially complete. In addition to the trail, which extends two blocks, 26 existing curb ramps and landings that were in poor condition were replaced. Five new ADA-compliant curb ramps and landing areas were also constructed and 53 street lights were installed.
Hanna Street Trail: Construction began on the first phase of the Hanna Street Trail on November 2, 2015 and was complete by November 25, 2015. Phase I of the Hanna Street Trail, which is six-tenths of a mile on the east side of Hanna, stretches from Wallace to Pontiac streets. The Hanna trail is the beginning of a multi-phase extension that will eventually total five miles from Berry Street downtown to Tillman Road on the south.
June 21, 2016 - Dogs and cats can easily become overwhelmed by the sudden explosions of fireworks causing panic and fear. Animal Care & Control wants pet owners to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday while keeping their pets safe and secure. Pets that have never attempted to run off before may bolt through a screen door, jump a fence or dig under a gate to get away from loud sounds.
June 17, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will again host Dragon Boat Races as part of the Riverpalooza festivities to take place Saturday, June 25 at Headwaters Park West. The unique event will be presented by the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council and is designed to provide an event for the public to enjoy the outdoors, our rivers, and all that our City has to offer.
June 16, 2016 - The 2016-2020 Draft Consolidated Plan and 2016 Draft Annual Action Plan outlining how the City of Fort Wayne will invest U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars through 2020 are now available online for public review.
June 16, 2016 - This coming Monday, June 20, Riverfront Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library are kicking off a weekly summer family Storytime on the Bridge.
Storytime on the Bridge will offer kids of all ages songs, great stories, silly rhymes and lots of smiles on the Historic Wells Street Bridge. Story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m. Families are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs.
June 14, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department served over 90,000 free meals to youth, ages 5 – 18, in 2015 and now plans to start providing more. In conjunction with the beginning of the Department’s weekday summer programming which runs June 6 – July 29, breakfast will be served at four additional playground sites: Hamilton, Lafayette, Lakeside and Packard Parks. The breakfasts will consist of 1 serving of milk (when refrigeration is available), 1 serving of fruit or vegetables and 1 serving of whole grain. It’s anticipated that up to 10,000 more breakfasts will be served this year. Breakfast, lunch and a snack have been provided at Jennings, Cooper and Weisser Community Centers and Memorial Park for over twenty years. McMillen Park Community Center was added to the list when it opened in 2014.
June 13, 2016 - Nine additional concerts have been added to the Foellinger Theatre Concert Season since the schedule was announced on February 23. The concert lineup is below, with an asterisk next to concerts added after February 23.
June 7, 2016 - Today, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll welcomed a new business to downtown Fort Wayne and to the Parks & Recreation Department. Empyrean Café will serve breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks in its new location inside the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
The Empyrean Café provides fresh, innovative and scratch-made menu items paired with exceptional service--all located in a welcoming, modern atmosphere suited to today’s downtown urban clientele.
“Empyrean will be a wonderful spot for lunch and allow Conservatory visitors to make a day of it as they enjoy the many attractions in downtown Fort Wayne,” said Director Al Moll.
The Empyrean Café will be open Tuesday through Saturday 8 am – 5 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8 pm, and Sunday from 8 am – 2 pm.
June 7, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced the Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will be the location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show on Monday, July 4. Lutheran Health Network and Old National Bank will again serve as financial sponsors for the fireworks display. The Fort Wayne TinCaps will be hosting a baseball game that evening beginning at 6:35 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.
June 6, 2016 - Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll kicked off the 38th Annual Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at Courthouse Green. The Senior Games is open to adults 50 and older and over 400 participants are expected to play this year in locations all over Fort Wayne.
The cost to participate in each event is $1 for those who signed up by May 20, and $2 for each event after the early registration date. Registrations will still be accepted two business days prior to the event. Most events require little or no experience, and although some of the events are more strenuous, like pickleball or canoeing, there are many choices people of all physical abilities can participate in, such as card games, fishing, darts and billiards. More than 50 volunteers are needed to run and coordinate the Senior Games each year.
June 2, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s newest summer camp is all about our rivers, the role they have played in the history of our city and how they are still used today. Campers will gain a better understanding of our rivers, their challenges and their benefits, as well as an enthusiasm for our waterways. It’s a week of exciting games, water activities and even science experiments. The Allen County Partnership for Water Quality, or ACPWQ, is partnering directly with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department in the creation of this engaging educational camp.
Camp will be held at Shoaff Park Riverlodge on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and Thursday will be a special day of fun in downtown Fort Wayne. Ages 8-12. Fee: $100.
June 1, 2016 - Ash Brokerage made its downtown move official Wednesday, June 1, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside its hallmark three-story atrium. Invited guests and media were on hand for the occasion, which happened to mark the four-year anniversary of the date CEO Tim Ash originally shared his vision for a new headquarters with employees.
Ash Brokerage now occupies the top three levels of the Ash Skyline Plaza, a collaborative project that includes a city-owned parking garage, street-level retail space and a level of leased commercial space. In his remarks, Ash thanked the many people who contributed to the project’s success, including Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Larry Weigand, CEO of Weigand Construction, who also spoke at the ceremony.
May 31, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined residents of the East Central neighborhood and Indiana Tech to break ground on a safety improvement project on Maumee Avenue.
The project will straighten the road at the current curve to enhance safety between Harmar and University streets near the Indiana Tech campus.
Besides the alignment improvement, other project features are designed to reduce speeds in the area. These features include brighter lighting on lower posts, landscaping including trees on the side of the road and the reduction of lane width to 11 feet from the current 12 feet.
The project also incorporates neighborhood enhancements including new storm inlets and stormwater pipes, new curbs and new ADA ramps.
“Investing in infrastructure projects near neighborhoods and education and business corridors is critical in our commitment to enhancing Fort Wayne as a great place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re making tremendous strides as we continue with proactive and innovative efforts to improve streets and roads and position our community and region as a quality of life leader.”
May 27, 2016 - As part of the effort to encourage residents to install rain gardens on their property, Fort Wayne City Utilities is teaming up with the locally owned Riverview Nursery to provide an opportunity to purchase native perennial plants and to find out how those plants can help support butterflies.
Many rain garden plants provide nectar and larval food for butterflies, such as Marsh Milkweed, a host plant for the monarch butterfly, and Golden Alexander, the host for black swallowtails.
The event on Saturday, May 28, is being coordinated with the creation of a monarch waystation, a habitat for monarchs providing not only milkweed but also other nectar and shelter plants. Residents are invited to help plant this area that will become a certified waystation through Monarch Watch (http://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/ ) and learn more about the importance of native plants and monarch butterflies.
May 25, 2016 - More than 30 signs and buoys are being installed along the St. Joseph and Maumee rivers to promote awareness of the dangers of low-head (small) dams.
A committee made up of representatives from The Pelorus Project, the City of Fort Wayne (Utilities, Community Development and Fire), Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council, Northeast Indiana Water Trails, Tri-State Watershed Alliance, A Better Fort and The Indiana Silverjackets (a voluntary inter-agency natural hazard mitigation team working to protect life, property and resources) came together after last year’s tragic drowning of a kayaker to work to improve safety along the rivers.
The signs will warn of the dangers of dams and the strong recirculating currents created just downstream of the dams. The signs and buoys will be placed in the water, on the riverbanks and on bridges near the St. Joseph dam, the Hosey Street dam and the Leo Cedarville dam.
May 25, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne appreciates and supports GE’s commitment to moving forward to explore future development opportunities. GE’s collaboration with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is a clear indication of a collective commitment to find an appropriate use for the campus. I’m also encouraged by GE’s willingness and interest in having continued dialogue with my office and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. as we come together as a community to explore ways to redevelop an important corridor in the core of our City.
May 24, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 in recognition of Memorial Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Monday. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week.
May 23, 2016 - Riverfront Fort Wayne is kicking off a series of historic boat tours beginning this Sunday, May 29.
Beginning May 29, residents ages 12-adult can take a relaxing pontoon boat ride on select Sunday evenings at one of three times, 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30 p.m. Each tour can accommodate 10 people and the cost is $12 per person. Boats will launch from Headwaters Park West. Pre-registration and payment is required online by visiting www.FortWayneParks.org and then following the menu to Register/Reserve Now to Adult Programs/Trips to Special Event.
May 19, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne has once again earned the title of Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists.
The League recently announced that 34 communities have earned the Bicycle Friendly title for the first time or have successfully renewed their designation. Every four years, a community must apply to keep its designation. There are now 372 Bicycle Friendly Communities across the United States. The Bicycle Friendly Community award recognizes a community’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. Fort Wayne first earned the title in 2012.
May 18, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s Blue Star Banner program will continue in 2016. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. Through the first two years of the initiative, 52 banners have been displayed to honor service members. Earlier today, crews installed the banners of five service members: Lieutenant Christopher T. Gerber, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Christopher M. Jozwiak, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Brandon Parrish, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Chase Poling, U.S. Navy Lance Corporal Andrew Waikel, U.S. Marine Corps
May 18, 2016 - Local artists will reveal their Riverfront Fort Wayne art benches on Saturday, May 21 prior to the start of the Fort for Fitness Spring Cycle.
The City of Fort Wayne partnered with Artlink Contemporary Gallery to work with local artists in the transformation of ten former Citilink bus stop benches into attractive, functional works of public art. The benches will be displayed from 7 to 10:30 a.m. along Main Street in front of the Auer Center. Artists will be available at 9:30 a.m. to greet the public and talk about their work.
May 18, 2016 - Fort Wayne is being honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation for the seventh time for its efforts to make it easy for all kids to get the balanced and active play they need to thrive. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable.
The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is always searching for new ways to provide positive opportunities for leisure time. A recent initiative was the introduction of FootGolf at McMillen Park Golf Course. This family-friendly combination of golf and soccer was also featured during Lunch-On-the-Square events in the summer of 2015 with the use of a portable FootGolf box, similar to a Cornhole box. And in 2016, the Department purchased two Ga Ga Pits, which are used for a one-ball version of dodge ball played in an octagonal pit. The children in McMillen Park Community Center’s afterschool program enjoyed one of the Ga Ga pits this spring. This summer, the Department is introducing Ga Ga Pits at Lunch-On-the-Square as well as the Lifetime Sports Academy.
“Our Parks & Recreation Department is one important reason why we’re experiencing positive momentum and investments in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Fort Wayne is moving in the right direction by encouraging healthy and active lifestyles. Being a Playful City USA demonstrates our community’s commitment to being a leader in providing world-class amenities for the public to enjoy.”
May 17, 2016 - At a press conference today, the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) announced that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has approved their recommendation to fund Fort Wayne’s Skyline Tower Project. The grant will be awarded in the amount of $2.8 million -- the first disbursement of Regional Cities Initiative funds for Northeast Indiana.
"Skyline Tower is going to be a tremendous addition to our downtown as we continue to see momentum and record investments in Fort Wayne," said Mayor Tom Henry. "The City of Fort Wayne appreciates and values the commitment by the IEDC and RDA to move unique initiatives forward to enhance current and future economic development opportunities. Projects like Skyline Tower strengthen our position as a regional destination place for individuals, families and businesses."
May 16, 2016 - As part of national Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to give bike commuting a try.
On their way to work, residents are invited to stop at Headwaters West for the City’s Bike to Work Day breakfast from 6:30 to 8 a.m. During the breakfast, cyclists can enjoy free coffee, bagels and fruit courtesy of Parkview Health. “Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need and enjoy the tremendous amenities we have in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m encouraged by the interest we’re seeing in biking and trails in our community. The unique quality of life in our City is one of the reasons we’re experiencing positive momentum and investments to move Fort Wayne forward.”
May 12, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is applying for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to make improvements to Shoaff Park.
The public is invited to provide input on the proposed improvements at a special meeting May 25th , 6 pm at the Shoaff Riverlodge Pavilion.
To be discussed: restrooms, pavilion, picnic area and trails around the sprayground at Shoaff.
May 10, 2016 - As the community continues to debate the merits of the City of Fort Wayne’s annexation plan, a lot of discussion has centered around the potential impact on schools. We want to make sure the public is aware of the City’s ongoing attempts to reach compromises and keep open lines of communication with those who could be affected by annexation. Northwest Allen County Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Chris Himsel has been aggressive in his opposition to the annexation. His focus has been on the potential elimination of bus service as a direct result of annexation. As Dr. Himsel continues to place blame on the City’s annexation plan for the district’s budget woes, his scare tactics distressing parents and students is both disingenuous and fails to allow for a dialogue seeking collaboration on Fort Wayne and the region’s future.
May 9, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, and representatives from Weigand Construction and Ash Brokerage cut the ribbon on the Skyline Garage today.
Construction started on the garage in July 2015 and it was open to contract parkers in January 2016; it is now open to the general public. The 1,077-space parking garage will serve employees of Ash Brokerage, residents of the Skyline Tower to be built by Great Lakes Capital, and other retail and commercial tenants in the Ash Skyline Plaza.
May 5, 2016 - For the third year in a row, the City of Fort Wayne will see record investments in street, sidewalk, ADA ramp and trail upgrades. At an afternoon news conference in the Eagle Lake neighborhood, Mayor Tom Henry announced the City of Fort Wayne’s aggressive commitment to neighborhood improvements that will see nearly 500 projects completed in 2016.
More than $25 million will go to neighborhood infrastructure improvements in 2016. In the Eagle Lake addition, where residents joined Mayor Henry to celebrate the projects, more than $670,000 is being invested to repair concrete streets, sidewalks, curbs and add new ADA ramps.
May 4, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne is once again hosting a speaker series this summer at the Envision Fort Wayne Center, 916 S. Calhoun St.
Throughout the summer, a variety of topics will be discussed over breakfast on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
April 28, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Weed Program kicks off this year on Monday, May 2. The Neighborhood Code Department is responsible for enforcing the City’s Weed Program, which calls for weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches.
Reports of high grass or weeds that exceed nine inches will be accepted beginning May 2; the public should 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.
Reports from the public of possible weed violations will be addressed beginning the week of Monday, May 2, after the Weed Inspectors have completed training.
April 27, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne is partnering with Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries Center to provide public safety camps for local children. This is the second year for the camps designed to teach the importance of public safety, character development, strengthening relationships between youth and police officers and firefighters, and education. Additional activities will include field trips, sports, games, and daily reading time.
April 26, 2016 - My administration and City Council tonight took an important step forward to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring Fort Wayne is a jobs and quality of life leader. The introduction of the fiscal plan for the North IV annexation is the first step in the process to continue the growth and positive momentum being experienced in our City. It’s vital for cities to grow, and the annexation proposal would provide our community with a tremendous opportunity to thrive and succeed. This is about sustaining our entire City – every resident – every quadrant – every neighborhood as a place where businesses, individuals and families want to invest and live.
April 26, 2016 - A new Riverfront Fort Wayne community art project, called Faces of the Fort, gets underway this week. The project allows community members the opportunity to paint oversized beach balls that will be installed on the rivers and hung from bridges in downtown Fort Wayne.
The beach balls will be prepared (blown up and given base coats of paint) on Wednesday, April 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wunderkammer Company, 3402 Fairfield Ave. Media are invited to stop by and take photos/video of the preparation.
April 26, 2016 - The Kickstart Festival Planning Committee is pleased to present Kickstart Festival 2016 in May in Fort Wayne. The Kickstart Festival is a month-long celebration of bikes, music, art and theatre, ushering in a summer filled with activity in our community. Responding to an increasing interest and demand for events related to biking, this year the Kickstart Festival added nine events.
Kickstart Festival 2016 is presented by Parkview Health and participating organizations include the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Parkview Trauma Center, Parkview Sports Medicine, Fort4Fitness, Turnstone, Fort Wayne Trails, Arts United, Visit Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Bicycle Friendly Fort Wayne and YLNI Farmers Market.
All of the events presented through the Kickstart Festival are either free or carry a very modest ticket or registration price. The events are listed on the Kickstart Festival Calendar attached and are described in more detail at the Kickstart Festival Website, www.kickstartfortwayne.com .
April 23, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry joined Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Steve McDaniel, the Volunteer Center and Lowe’s of Fort Wayne today to thank volunteers for participating in the inaugural Great Park Pick Up and to unveil the Parks & Recreation Department’s new, fully stocked landscape tool trailer.
“It’s great to see our community come together as we work to make a meaningful difference and enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne. We’re fortunate to have a tremendous Parks & Recreation Department that people enjoy and support,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the momentum and investment we’re experiencing throughout our City.” “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a large group of citizens volunteer their time for three hours on a Saturday!” said Director Al Moll. “Park staff moves as quickly as we can in the spring, but community involvement makes the job faster and more gratifying. Many thanks to the generous donation of landscape tools from Lowe’s, allowing us to invite more groups to join our Adopt-a-Playground program!”
April 22, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry’s administration today provided an update on the North IV annexation plan that would add nearly 23 square miles and approximately 22,000 people in an effort to continue the growth and positive momentum being experienced in Fort Wayne. The next step in the process is the introduction of the annexation fiscal plan to City Council on Tuesday, April 26. The fiscal plan includes data covering the annexation area, service provision requirements and fiscal impacts of the annexation on the City of Fort Wayne, taxpayers and Allen County taxing units. Tuesday’s meeting will include a presentation by the City administration on the fiscal plan and a request of City Council to introduce the fiscal plan for discussion and possible approval at City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, May 10. If the fiscal plan is adopted, it doesn’t represent the final vote on annexation. It’s a requirement as part of the overall annexation process. The annexation ordinance will be introduced in May. A public hearing on the annexation ordinance will occur in July with an expected final vote on the annexation ordinance to take place in August. If approved, the annexation would go into effect on January 1, 2017. “It’s vital for cities to grow, and this annexation would provide Fort Wayne with a tremendous opportunity to enhance our ability to thrive and succeed as a community moving in the right direction,” said Mayor Henry. “The annexation plan isn’t about funding downtown development projects. This is about sustaining our entire City as a place where businesses and residents want to invest. We must be committed to enhancing job and economic development opportunities and maximizing our ability and right to annex urban and suburban areas that meet the growth plan criteria as locations that are suitable to be annexed to be part of our City.”
April 20, 2016 - Earlier today, at an awards ceremony in Carmel, Mark Gensic, an engineer with Fort Wayne City Utilities, received the Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers, Indiana Chapter. The award recognizes a licensed professional engineer-leader who has demonstrated superior ethics and leadership in their profession.
Gensic, a 36-year veteran in the engineering field, has worked in both the private and public sector. In his role with City Utilities, Mark has led the design and construction of hundreds of projects to improve efficiency and service. Those projects have included multiple expansions at the City’s wastewater treatment plant, which have greatly increased capacity and will serve many future generations.
April 18, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center is upgrading its software system to better serve residents. The public may still call 311 for assistance. Voice prompts will direct callers to the appropriate department.
April 15, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today launched the City’s first Bike Share effort in partnership with Leadership Fort Wayne and Zagster, Inc.
The City’s new Bike Share program includes 25 cruiser bikes that are available at five downtown locations for riders to checkout for on-demand, local trips (map attached). Anyone can ride by purchasing a day pass or joining with a monthly or annual membership. Rides for members are free for up to an hour, then $3 per hour after. An annual membership can be purchased for $60 and a monthly membership for $15. Riders join the system using a simple app or text messages; instructions are found here: www.zagster.com/fortwayne
“Hosting a bike sharing system demonstrates that Fort Wayne is a vibrant, healthy and engaged community,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re committed to making Fort Wayne a great place to live, visit and work, and the addition of bike sharing is a great way to enhance our quality of life and keep our community moving in the right direction.”
April 14, 2016 - This Saturday, community leaders will join trail enthusiasts for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the first trail connection from Waynedale to the Rivergreenway.
Last fall, the City of Fort Wayne completed construction of a new sidewalk along Lower Huntington Road that widens over the bridge crossing the St. Marys River and connects to a new 8-foot-wide trail ramp connecting to the St. Marys Pathway.
Teaming with the City, the Waynedale Trails & Sidewalks Initiative is sponsoring a 6.5-mile bike ride on the trail to Foster Park and a 2-mile walk to Tillman Park beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. The event, Trails Trek at the Point, is supported by the Penguin Point restaurant, where participants will gather prior to the start of the ride and ribbon cutting.
April 13, 2016 - Riverfront Fort Wayne is hosting a naturalist-led nature walk and bike ride this Sunday, April 17, beginning at 8 a.m. on the historic Wells Street Bridge. The event is free and open to the public and suitable for all ages.
The event will allow residents to learn about the birds and plants along Fort Wayne’s downtown rivers, with an emphasis on migratory birds, waterfowl, resident birds, riverine flora and invasive species. The naturalist-led walk will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., followed by a 90-minute leisurely paced bicycle ride led by Fort Wayne Trails.
April 13, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today moved forward on an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to secure a home buyout grant to purchase eight properties damaged by last June’s floods.
This grant is part of the pre-mitigation program which funds purchases when residents have told the City of Fort Wayne that they want to be bought out after experiencing repeated flood damage. The homes on the list were pre-identified and submitted as part of the application. City staff worked to pre-identify homes that suffered flood damage last summer along the Fairfield Ditch and the St. Marys River. “I continue to be encouraged by the progress we're making in securing funding to help residents with flood buyouts," said Mayor Henry. "We're committed to protecting neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life in our community. Our collective efforts are making a meaningful difference.”
April 5, 2016 -- Riverfront Fort Wayne is kicking off a new Riverfront Education Series with a panel discussion about river water quality on April 12 at 6:30 p.m. The discussion takes place at Calhoun Soups Salads & Spirits (CS3), 1915 South Calhoun St., and the event is free and open to the public. The guest panelists include Frank Suarez, City Utilities; Dr. Robert Gillespie, IPFW Biology Department; Matt Jones, Allen County Partnership for Water Quality; and Dan Wire, Tri-State Watershed Alliance. The discussion will revolve around the quality of water in our three rivers and what is being done to improve that water quality. Guests will be invited to ask questions and share their ideas for improving the water quality of our rivers.
March 31, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne is calling on residents of all ages to help with this year’s Great American Cleanup™.
The Great American Cleanup™ is about sprucing up our community, showing our civic pride and coming together to keep Fort Wayne beautiful.
This year’s Great American Cleanup™ is on Saturday, May 21. Volunteers are asked to pre-register so that the City can accommodate them with event t-shirts, gloves and trash bags.
Individuals, families and groups can register at www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup , or by calling 311 no later than Monday, April 25.
March 29, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne is aware of GE’s decision to remove the GE sign at the Broadway campus due to safety reasons and to protect the sign to avoid deterioration. The City of Fort Wayne, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and GE are involved in proactive discussions about the future of the GE property. “We continue to have positive discussions with GE about the future of the campus. Everyone realizes this is an effort that’s going to take time,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Collaboration will be key in moving forward to find an appropriate future use of the campus. We’re encouraged there’s open communication designed to find ways to make a meaningful difference for the community.”
March 29, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center has been named a top 100 small call center in North America for 2016.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Fort Wayne’s Citizen Services Department’s call center has ranked in the Top 100 Small Call Center category by BenchmarkPortal. The award includes private and municipal centers staffed by 50 or less employees.
March 24, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today unveiled plans to make it easier for residents to partner with the City of Fort Wayne to fix neighborhood sidewalks and curbs.
Mayor Henry’s plan restructures the cost sharing program for repairing neighborhood public sidewalks, increasing the financial contribution from the City and decreasing the investment requested from property owners. Through the City’s Barrett Law petition program, the City will increase its participation to 50 percent of the concrete sidewalk and curb projects petitioned by residents for public walks abutting their property. Previously, the sidewalk repair was a 60/40 split with residents paying 60 percent of the improvement costs and the City paying 40 percent.
March 22, 2016 - As a show of support to the victims and their families in Belgium, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge will display the colors of the Belgian flag tonight. "Our bridge is a landmark that symbolizes people coming together and tonight I know the thoughts and prayers of Fort Wayne residents are with the victims and families of Belgium," said Mayor Tom Henry.
March 21, 2016 - Sweetwater founder and president Chuck Surack today announced the committee established to consider the viability of a downtown arena has presented its recommendations to Mayor Tom Henry. The committee has unanimously recommended the City of Fort Wayne should pursue building a downtown arena. The committee concluded a multipurpose entertainment center would further strengthen Fort Wayne’s position as a leader in economic development opportunities and quality of place amenities that set us apart as a place where businesses, individuals and families want to invest.
The committee began meeting in June 2015 and was led by Surack. The committee examined finance, governance, facilities, and programming. All of the areas studied showed the community has the capacity to move forward with a sports and entertainment venue.
March 14, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry’s administration today announced an annexation plan that would add nearly 23 square miles and approximately 22,000 people in an effort to continue the growth and positive momentum being experienced in Fort Wayne. The North IV annexation boundaries are Gump and Hursh roads to the north, City of Fort Wayne limits to the south, Schwartz Road to the east, and Dunton Road to the west. Portions of St. Joseph, Perry, Cedar Creek, and Milan townships are part of the annexation area. The proposed North IV annexation is part of a progression of annexations north of the current boundary lines. As the urban area expands and more development occurs, the City gradually annexes to capture the urban growth. State law recognizes that municipalities need a way to capture urban growth that surrounds their boundary lines. For decades, leaders have worked to ensure the City limits reflect the population of the urban area.
The ability to annex recognizes that many residents benefit from a city’s streets, police and fire protection, parks, and water and sewer utilities. Annexation also creates greater tax equity because more of the residents who benefit from living near a large city help share the costs of maintaining that city and its services. “This growth plan is an opportunity to enhance Fort Wayne’s position as a leader in providing excellent services to residents and businesses,” said Mayor Henry. “We must be proactive and innovative to move our community forward in the right direction as a growing and prospering City where individuals, families and businesses want to be. By working together, we can build on the momentum and investment we’re experiencing.”
March 4, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the contract for the schematic designs of a riverfront promenade will be introduced to City Council on Tuesday, March 8.
The contract will be discussed on Tuesday, March 15, with possible final passage on Tuesday, March 22. The investment for the initial contract is $390,000, which is part of the $6 million in Legacy funding previously approved by City Council. This is the first of likely multiple contracts that will go to City Council for approval.
Future contract work will include final design and engineering development, construction documents, project bidding and construction administration. Riverworks Design Group will also coordinate all permitting with various federal, state, and local agencies. Pending final approval by City Council, Riverworks Design Group anticipates they will complete the schematic designs in the July timeframe. Completion of the future contracts will take approximately 15 months. It’s possible construction on the promenade could begin in 2017.
“This is an important next step in our efforts to continue the momentum and excitement about the future of our riverfront area,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’re in position to develop unique projects along the riverfront that will strengthen our position as a local and national leader in economic development opportunities and quality of place amenities.”
March 2, 2016 - As the next step in the City’s Blight Elimination Program, the Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) Board is inviting owners of blighted and vacant homes to consider selling their properties so they can be demolished.
March 1, 2016 - Another Indiana county is now part of the area’s Foreign-Trade Zone, which will allow more area businesses to take advantage of reduced U.S. Customs expenses on imported or exported materials.
The U.S. Department of Commerce approved the City of Fort Wayne’s application to include Randolph County in Foreign-Trade Zone 182’s service area that currently includes Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, LaGrange, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. Until now, Randolph County was the only county in Indiana that was not part of any Foreign-Trade Zone’s service area.
“We’re looking forward to our region working with Randolph County and offering the advantages of being located within the Foreign-Trade Zone,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This innovative approach will help boost economic development efforts and allow more businesses to maximize opportunities to promote growth for international business.”
February 25, 2016 - The Lieutenant Governor’s Office today announced the recipients of 2016 Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is pleased to announce that the Coca-Cola Building project is a recipient of one of the allocations.
The HANDS Board and Mayor Henry gave their enthusiastic approval to the project proposal that was submitted to the State by Miller Valentine (developer), Vincent Village (the local non-profit partnering in the development) and Martin Riley Architects and Engineers. The City of Fort Wayne owns the historic Coca-Cola Building, located in Renaissance Pointe, 1631 E. Pontiac St., and scattered sites within the nearby neighborhood.
February 19, 2016 - Fort Wayne City Utilities will host three public forums to share information with residents about the upcoming Deep Rock Tunnel project. The tunnel is part of the Long Term Control Plan to reduce combined sewer overflows into our rivers.
The free events are open to anyone in the community and will allow attendees to interact with displays and hands-on activities, view a short presentation and have an opportunity to talk with tunnel design and construction experts.
February 19, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced Police Chief Garry Hamilton will lead the Fort Wayne Police Department’s new community relations division effective August 1. Hamilton will remain as police chief until August 1, which will allow him to lead public safety efforts through the busiest time of the year for the department and have a role in the transition process. Hamilton will join Mayor Henry and Public Safety Director Rusty York in the decision making process to hire the next police chief. A new police chief will be named in the coming months. The creation of a community relations division has been under consideration for several months as a way to further enhance the department’s commitment to being approachable and accessible to maximize relationships with neighborhoods, meet with community and neighborhood leaders regularly, open lines of communication, and improve the quality of life in Fort Wayne. As deputy chief of the division, Hamilton will lead proactive efforts to engage and communicate with residents and neighborhoods to continue to build trust and open communication on public safety matters. The position change was at Hamilton’s request as he has a heart and passion for dedicating his time to help residents and bring law enforcement efforts closer to neighborhoods and businesses.
February 16, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey to announce the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s hiring initiative to add 26 new firefighters to the department. The application process opened today and is available at www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org . The application deadline is May 1. Applicants must hold either an Indiana Paramedic License or a National Registry Paramedic Certification upon application. Applicants must be 21 years old by May 1, 2016, and cannot turn 36 years old by January 1, 2017. The 89th recruit class is expected to begin in early fall, with graduation in late December.
February 12, 2016 - Great Lakes Capital is proud to announce Ruth’s Chris Steak House as their first floor anchor tenant in Fort Wayne’s new Skyline Tower. The luxury steakhouse will add Fort Wayne to a very small, distinguished list of cities that enjoy their prime steak, nationwide.
February 11, 2016 - As outlined in yesterday’s State of the City Address by Mayor Tom Henry, the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is working with the non-profit agency NeighborLink to help more residents make home repairs.
A $120,000 Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will assist NeighborLink in completing up to 40 projects for homeowners that meet income qualifications. Projects up to $5,000 in both labor and material cost will be considered.
February 10, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today delivered his ninth State of the City Address. The theme for this year’s address was “Moving Fort Wayne in the Right Direction.” Highlights from Mayor Henry’s State of the City Address included successes in riverfront and downtown development, job growth and economic development, public safety, and investments in neighborhood infrastructure projects.
February 9, 2016 - Local social service agencies and the City of Fort Wayne today announced due to wind chill conditions forecasted to impact our area in the next few days, the community’s winter weather contingency plan will be activated for the third time this winter season. Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 10, in addition to the community’s primary warming center hosted by the Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St., the City of Fort Wayne will also open a warming center. City’s warming center schedule: Wednesday; Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.; 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday; Community Center, 233 W. Main St.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
February 3, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry and the Fort Wayne Downtown Development Trust today announced The Model Group has been chosen to redevelop The Landing along West Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne. The Landing will serve as a gathering place for housing, businesses, and entertainment. There is 110,000 square feet available for first floor retail and entertainment and upper floor residential units. The Landing’s redevelopment will represent the most significant mixed-use redevelopment of existing downtown property in decades.
February 1, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Garry Hamilton today announced the Fort Wayne Police Department’s hiring initiative to add 26 new police officers in 2017. The application process opened today and is available at www.fwpd.org . The application deadline is April 1. Written and fitness exams are anticipated to occur in the May-June 2016 timeframe. The scheduled starting date for the 62nd Recruit Class of the Fort Wayne Police Department is January 2017, with graduation scheduled for summer 2017. All new officers will experience six months of supervised assistance before being released to solo patrol.
January 27, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today presented Belinda Lewis with a “Key to the Fort” award at a special ceremony at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control on Hillegas Road. Family, friends, and community supporters attended today’s event. Lewis is retiring from her position as director of Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control effective at the end of this month. The Key to the Fort goes to individuals who’ve made an extraordinary commitment to the community through a lifetime of stewardship and involvement. The Key is a hand forged replica of the iron key that was at the Fort in the days of Anthony Wayne, circa 1790. The original key is at the History Center. The key, with its highly unusual tumbler structure, came to the History Center from an early 20th Century donation from the family of Mayor Franklin Randall, who was Fort Wayne’s mayor during the Civil War. “Belinda is very deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Mayor Henry. “We appreciate and value Belinda’s years of service and dedication to improving the lives of animals and educating the community about the importance of caring for animals. She’s a true professional and we wish her a great retirement.” Lewis is just the fourth Fort Wayne resident to receive a Key to the Fort from Mayor Henry. The other recipients were the late Charles Redd, a former City Council member and community activist, the late Jane Avery of Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, and Bob Chase, legendary Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster and WOWO personality.
January 25, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined leaders of the Fort Wayne Fire Department to welcome the 17 members of the department’s 88th recruit class. The recruits are beginning a16-week process to become firefighters for the City of Fort Wayne. The anticipated graduation date is May 13. Breakdown of the new recruit class:
12 Caucasian males 2 Caucasian females 2 Hispanic/Latino males 1 African American male “Nothing is more important than the safety of our residents,” said Mayor Henry. “We work each day to ensure our community is as safe as possible. We have an outstanding fire department committed to being the best. We’re fortunate to be in position to add new firefighters as we continue to move our City in the right direction.”
January 22, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2016 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2015 and look ahead to plans for 2016. The theme for this year’s speech is “Moving Fort Wayne in the Right Direction.”
January 19, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Amy-Jo Sites has been appointed director of Fort Wayne Animal & Care Control. Sites will replace Belinda Lewis who is retiring. Sites will begin her new duties on Monday, Feb. 1. Sites has been with Animal Care & Control since 2004. Her duties have included deputy director from 2011-current and office supervisor from 2004-2011. Sites has extensive experience and knowledge in community relations, crisis and emergency communications, finance, employee and operations management, and customer service, all areas of importance in Animal Care & Control.
January 17, 2016 - As we experience freezing temperatures in the area, residents should take precautions to prevent their pipes from freezing.
Tips to protect your home include:
January 15, 2016 - Local social service agencies and the City of Fort Wayne today announced due to temperature and wind chill conditions forecasted to impact our area in the next few days, the community’s winter weather contingency plan will be activated for the second time this winter season. Beginning Sunday, Jan. 17, in addition to the community’s primary warming center hosted by the Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St., the City of Fort Wayne will also open a warming center. City’s warming center schedule: Sunday; Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.; 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. (this is due to the Community Center being previously reserved for a special event) Monday-Tuesday; Community Center, 233 W. Main St.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Rescue Mission’s level one warming center is open every day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 40 degrees. Their level two warming center is open every day with additional space from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 32 degrees.
January 13, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Great Lakes Capital (GLC) will develop the residential component of the major development project in downtown Fort Wayne. A development agreement between the City of Fort Wayne and GLC was signed today and the financial commitments for GLC’s private investment are in place for the residential development to be known as “Skyline Tower.” GLC is a real estate private equity firm with offices in Fort Wayne and South Bend. The $40 million investment will consist of the construction of 124 apartments, as well as retail and office space totaling 170,000 square feet. Retail will be located on the first floor, office space on the second floor, and 10 floors of apartment units. “I’m encouraged by the momentum we continue to see in our downtown,” said Mayor Henry. “GLC will be a great partner, and we appreciate their commitment to Fort Wayne as we work together to move our community forward in the right direction. Providing additional housing and retail opportunities in the heart of our City strengthens our position as a destination place for individuals, families, and businesses. We’ve done our due diligence to ensure the residential piece is reflective of the tremendous investments taking place in our downtown and community as a whole.”
“Collectively, GLC and Bradley Company collaborate to build and manage long term,” said Brad Toothaker, President and CEO of Bradley Company and Managing Partner of GLC. “This project is the quintessential model of a public-private partnership with businesses and the community coming together to create a project that truly moves the needle for the region as it elevates the landscape of Fort Wayne’s downtown.” Both companies, Great Lakes Capital and Bradley Company, have committed to relocating their offices into Skyline Tower, which guarantees nearly 70 professionals will occupy a substantial portion of the newly created office space.
January 12, 2016 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected and will remain on schedule.
January 11, 2016 - Social service agencies and Mayor Tom Henry today met at the Rescue Mission in downtown Fort Wayne to reemphasize the community’s proactive winter weather contingency plan. The Salvation Army, Rescue Mission, United Way of Allen County, Park Center, and Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network work collaboratively with the City to provide the response and resources to individuals needing shelter from health-threatening conditions due to weather conditions. The winter weather contingency plan agreement took effect in July 2015. The community’s primary warming center is hosted by the Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St. The Rescue Mission’s level one warming center is open every day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 40 degrees. Their level two warming center is open every day with additional space from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 32 degrees. As agreed upon by the partner agencies, the City’s warming center at the Community Center is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and is activated because of varied weather situations. Weather factors would include precipitation, forecasted conditions of 10 degrees or below and wind chills of near zero or below.
January 8, 2016 - Local social service agencies and the City of Fort Wayne today announced due to precipitation and wind chill conditions forecasted to impact our area in the next few days, the community’s winter weather contingency plan will be activated. Beginning Sunday, Jan. 10, in addition to the community’s primary warming center hosted by the Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St., the City of Fort Wayne will also open a warming center. City’s warming center schedule: Sunday; Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.; 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. (this is due to the Community Center being previously reserved for a special event) Monday-Wednesday; Community Center, 233 W. Main St.; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Rescue Mission’s level one warming center is open every day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 40 degrees. Their level two warming center is open every day with additional space from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 32 degrees.
January 7, 2016 - A check covering 75 percent of the funds needed to buyout 18 flood-prone homes was presented to Mayor Tom Henry today.
Mary Moran, a Hazard Mitigation Officer representing the Indiana Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), handed Mayor Henry an oversized check for $862,946.
FEMA funding will combine with a required 25 percent from local funds provided by the City of Fort Wayne and the Maumee River Basin Commission (MRBC). The local contribution is $287,649. Funding covers voluntary buyouts of up to 18 homes in flood-prone areas throughout the City.
“This is a positive step forward to be able to secure funding to assist our residents with the buyouts,” said Mayor Henry. “Protecting neighborhoods from flooding has been a top priority of my administration. I’m encouraged that our investments are making a meaningful difference to enhance the quality of life for neighborhoods.”
December 17, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a special ceremony to recognize milestone years of service for 82 outstanding City of Fort Wayne employees. “City employees set a great example each day of what it means to provide excellent service to the public,” said Mayor Henry. “As Mayor, I take great pride in their efforts and appreciate their commitment to meeting the needs of our community.”
December 15, 2015 - Being selected for Regional Cities funding by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is a tremendous step forward for our region. I continue to be encouraged by the momentum and investment we’re seeing by working collectively to make a meaningful difference throughout northeast Indiana. We’re a region moving in the right direction.
December 15, 2015 - Chief of Police Garry Hamilton joins with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during the holiday season. In its 28th year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Thursday, Dec. 17 to Friday, Jan. 1 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The Holiday Cab program provides a great community service,” Chief Hamilton said. “We applaud and support their mission to reduce impaired driving and get everyone home safely.”
“The goal of the program has always been to prevent the tragedies that can and do occur when motorists drive drunk or impaired,” said Rita Junk, Holiday Cab administrator.
December 11, 2015 - Justin Brugger has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Fort Wayne City Utilities. Brugger will replace Len Poehler who was named City Controller earlier this week. Brugger will begin his new duties on January 1, 2016. Brugger currently serves as Director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and manages the staff of the Redevelopment Department within the City’s Community Development Division. Brugger has been in his current position since May 2014. Under Brugger’s leadership, recent redevelopment projects have included the Ash Skyline Plaza and Skyline Garage development; Cityscape Flats housing near Parkview Field; South Fort Wayne Retail initiative; a new tax increment finance (TIF) district in the Quimby Village area; U.S. 30 corporate office park; construction of shell buildings for economic and business growth; and Transpoint Intermodal’s cargo transfer site.
December 9, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Pat Roller will retire from her position as City Controller effective December 31. Roller has served as City Controller since 2004. She’s been instrumental as the City’s lead financial expert. Working with Mayor Henry as the City’s budget architect, Roller ensured the City’s balanced budgets provided needed services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses and reflected the City’s position as a leader in economic development, job growth, strong neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne a destination place for families and businesses. Her extensive knowledge in working with CEDIT, TIF, and other funding streams has made a meaningful difference in the success of numerous projects in our community. Her strong relationships with the Department of Local Government Finance, State Board of Accounts, and other state offices related to city government finance have made Fort Wayne a respected and valued partner across Indiana. In addition, Roller led Mayor Henry’s Fiscal Policy Group. In 2013, Mayor Henry, Fiscal Policy Group members, City Council, and neighborhood and business leaders worked together on the passage of a financial plan to save money and bring additional revenue to the City. The results have included an increase in the number of police officers and firefighters, record amounts of neighborhood street, road, and sidewalk improvements, and needed enhancements and maintenance to City Parks. Property tax caps have forced local governments to fund essential services with less revenue. Under Roller’s leadership, Fort Wayne’s proactive fiscal approach to enacting successful financial strategies to ensure sustainability and viability now and in the future has lessened the negative impact in our community. “I want to thank Pat for her service and dedication to the residents of the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Pat is a true public servant and professional who committed herself to helping make our City the best that it can be. I appreciate all that she’s done to place the City in a strong fiscal position moving forward.” “It’s been a privilege to serve as City Controller,” said Roller. “I love this community. Fort Wayne is home. I’m honored to have been part of the progress and momentum that’s occurring in our City. I truly value the experience I had.”
December 8, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will move forward with a proposal for the creation of a Quimby Village Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district.
Leaders from the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, south Fort Wayne neighborhoods, and area businesses joined Mayor Henry and elected officials at the Clyde Theatre in Quimby Village.
“We want to be in position to help encourage economic growth,” said Mayor Henry. “This effort, combined with the recent hiring of a specialized retail recruitment firm, will assist us in our ability to enhance retail opportunities and private investment in south Fort Wayne.”
The proposed TIF district is roughly bounded by Bluffton Road to the south, Broadway to the east, Nuttman and Kinsmoor avenues to the north and Brooklyn Avenue to the west.
Creation of the district will allow any new tax revenue generated by improvements within the area to be used for public infrastructure projects, such as roads, streetlights, sidewalks, etc.
December 7, 2015 - The Envision Fort Wayne Center, 916 S. Calhoun St., is now open by appointment only throughout the months of December, January and February. Residents may call 311 to schedule a date to visit the Envision Center and see the current displays, which feature architectural renderings from the Riverfront Fort Wayne Master Plan and information pertaining to the Regional Cities initiative. Residents are also welcome to schedule a time to use the Envision Center for community meetings and events.
December 3, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted visitors from Taizhou, China as part of the sister cities partnership between Fort Wayne and Taizhou. Mayor Henry and leaders from Taizhou conducted a signing ceremony to commemorate the renewal of the sister cities relationship. Fort Wayne and Taizhou have been sister cities since 2012. “I’m thankful for the sister cities partnership. The focus on learning and citizen diplomacy is to be commended,” said Mayor Henry. “Fort Wayne and Taizhou share a commitment to making our cities and countries as places that give back and think of others. We’re honored to be part of a global effort aimed at friendship and peace.”
December 3, 2015 - Riverfront Fort Wayne has named Alison Gerardot the Riverfront Fort Wayne Programming and Events Manager. Gerardot is a contract employee charged with creating and managing events along the downtown riverfront. She reports to a Riverfront Fort Wayne Implementation Committee led by the City of Fort Wayne.
“We visited and talked with people in other communities that have undertaken riverfront development,” said Pam Holocher, deputy director of Community Development. “We learned that programming is critical to generating support and enthusiasm for riverfront development; residents need reasons to visit the riverfront and see its beauty and value.”
December 2, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the City of Fort Wayne is contracting with Indigo Centers to attract more retail to south Fort Wayne. Indigo Centers is a Birmingham, Mich., retail real estate firm specializing in advisory and consulting, leasing, brokerage, investment sales, property management and retail recruitment.
A recent analysis of commercial opportunities in south Fort Wayne found demand for as many as 120 new retail shops and restaurants in the areas roughly bounded by downtown to the north, Lower Huntington and Tillman roads on the south, Hessen Cassel Road on the east, and the St. Marys River and Waynedale to the west. That same analysis, conducted by Gibbs Planning Group, recommended hiring a business retail recruitment specialist.
“We remain committed to increasing economic development in south Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “We know there are opportunities for growth, and I’m looking forward to positive outcomes as we continue to work together to provide needed retail options to residents and move our City forward in the right direction.”
November 25, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced a team of professionals has been selected to engineer and design a promenade as part of the community’s riverfront development efforts. Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, and American Structurepoint, was chosen by the Riverfront Implementation Committee comprised of local government, business, and neighborhood leaders. Design Collaborative, Hoch Associates, and Engineering Resources are based in Fort Wayne. American Structurepoint has offices in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. The Forum Studio has offices in Chicago and St. Louis. A final contract with Riverworks will be finalized in the next month. The contract will then be taken to City Council for approval. Earlier this year, City Council approved $6 million in Legacy funding for portions of riverfront development work for the next two years. The contract with Riverworks will be part of the previously-approved $6 million. The timeline and compensation for Riverworks’ services will be worked out in the final contract. As part of the contract, Riverworks will create schematic drawings, final designs, and construction documents for the promenade. Riverworks will also coordinate all permitting with various federal, state, and local agencies. Riverworks was selected through a competitive request for proposals process. Several respected firms and experts in riverfront development from across the country submitted proposals. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making with our collective efforts to develop the riverfront,” said Mayor Henry. “This next step in the process is important as we build on the excitement and momentum being generated by innovative projects in the City of Fort Wayne. It’s great to have the best local and national talent working on this unique opportunity along our riverfront.”
November 23, 2015 - A showcase of the arts welcomed residents to Superior Circle tonight as music filled the air and Mayor Tom Henry joined with dance performers and art supporters to celebrate Fort Wayne’s newest landmark, the gateway sculpture 'City.' The sculpture is designed by local artist George Morrison and offers an abstract view of a city skyline.
The sculpture at Superior Circle is part of the gateway improvement initiative from the Community Development Division. Artist George Morrison worked with City planners and Arts United to develop a unique art piece that could reach across generations and become a conversation piece for the Fairfield/Ewing corridor and future riverfront development.
In 2014, City Council committed to plans for the Front Door Fort Wayne Plan to add to the aesthetics of the community by making our gateways more inviting and places of destination.
The project is funded by the gateway fund through the City’s Community Development Division and concludes a two-year collaboration between City staff, Morrison and Arts United.
“The arts are essential to the quality of life in our community. It’s fitting that we highlighted the arts with tonight’s dedication,” said Mayor Henry. “As we celebrate the arts, we also recognize the significance of infrastructure improvements to corridors throughout our City. Enhancements to streets and roads, along with our new gateway sculpture, assist us in our efforts to continue the positive momentum we’re experiencing.”
November 23, 2015 - Local residents Sarah Wright, Beth Keeton and Ryan Benton are all winners in the Riverfront Fort Wayne Selfie Scavenger Hunt. The winners were drawn at random from a list of completed entries and will each receive a $50 gift certificate to either Don Chava’s, Don Hall’s Gas House or Club Soda.
In order to enter the contest, residents had to find at least ten of the 25 objects (architectural features, signs, plaques, sculptures, etc.) from an official listing on the Riverfront Fort Wayne web site. Then, participants had to take selfies with the objects and post them to their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages using the hashtag RiverfrontFW.
November 20, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne leaders and organizers and sponsors of this past spring’s Dragon Boat Races/Riverpalooza event today presented a check for $10,000 to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. “We’re honored to be able to assist Cancer Services in their efforts to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Fort Wayne is fortunate to have organizations like Cancer Services who work each day to improve the quality of life for those experiencing challenges.”
November 14, 2015 - As a show of support to the victims and their families in France, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge will display the colors of the French flag tonight.
November 10, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Cities United initiative invites residents to attend the upcoming Unity in the Community basketball game featuring members of the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments. The game is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Indiana Tech Schafer Center, 1600 E. Washington Blvd.
Admission to the game is $3, or $2 with the donation of a canned good. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne.
Cities United is a national partnership, organized by the National League of Cities (NLC), to eliminate violence-related deaths of African American males. The Fort Wayne Cities United effort is working to foster and support positive relationships among African American youth, law enforcement and the community.
November 4, 2015 - You may have noticed new traffic signals with black backgrounds popping up this week in Fort Wayne as 3,000 traffic signal heads at 320 intersections in Fort Wayne, New Haven and throughout Allen County will have the new look, which makes the lights easier to see against the black background during a sunny day. The new LED lighting fixtures are replacing existing LEDs that are at the end of their lifespan. The lights are the new safety standard from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Both Allen County and the City of New Haven contract with the City of Fort Wayne for their traffic signal maintenance. Fort Wayne applied for and received $2.03 million from the U.S. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to cover the cost of the new lights.
November 4, 2015 - A dedication ceremony and launch took place this afternoon for the second completed restoration project of the Community Hoops program, sponsored by partners Purdue Athletics and Managed Health Services (MHS). This program is restoring and rebuilding basketball courts in communities across Indiana. Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll was joined by former Purdue basketball player Brian Cardinal with Purdue Cardinal Community Hoops, Purdue athletics director Morgan Burke, assistant men’s basketball coach Greg Gary, along with Kevin O’Toole from MHS and youth from Jennings Recreation Center, to dedicate the newly restored outdoor basketball court at the Center.
“We’re grateful to the Purdue Cardinal Community Hoops program partners for helping us continue to improve the quality of life in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Offering our City’s youth more options like basketball on a new court doesn’t only help them stay active, it teaches them leadership and team building skills that will help them become future leaders in our community.”
“The goals of the Community Hoops program are to get kids outside, get them active and exposed to the game of basketball, and to have fun playing,” said Cardinal, who played for the Boilermakers from 1997 to 2000 and subsequently enjoyed a 12-year NBA career. “Sports can serve as a wonderful foundation for a healthy lifestyle while also developing leadership qualities.”
November 2, 2015 - Construction began on the first phase of the Hanna Street Trail earlier today. Phase I, which is 0.6 of a mile on the east side of Hanna, will stretch from Wallace to Pontiac streets. The trail is the beginning of a multi-phase extension that will eventually total five miles from Berry Street to Tillman Road. This first phase of the Hanna Street Trail will connect residents to the existing Renaissance Pointe Trail and several destinations such as Brightpoint, Fort Wayne Urban League, Allen County Public Library-Pontiac Branch, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Reservoir Park, Renaissance Pointe YMCA, Bowser Park and churches in the area.
Funding for the project comes from the City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services through federal Community Development Block Grants.
October 29, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today led a groundbreaking ceremony with neighborhood advocates to mark the beginning of phase one construction of Franklin School Park, located at 1903 St. Marys Ave. The City’s investment in this first phase is nearly $760,000 for design, construction and arch restoration.
“This unique project will be a tremendous benefit to residents and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re committed to meeting the needs of our community. A new park is a great benefit and asset that enhances the quality of life amenities we offer in Fort Wayne. Franklin School Park is another example of the positive momentum we’re experiencing in our City.”
The City and neighborhood leaders worked together to ensure the property would be a desirable community asset and the resulting plans include a one of a kind splash pad, benches for seating, sidewalks connecting the new park with the neighborhood, a new restroom facility in the partially remodeled school garage, site lighting and landscaping.
October 27, 2015 - Statement from Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry on the passage of the 2016 City of Fort Wayne budget.
October 27, 2015 - Heavy rains in autumn when leaves are falling can result in street flooding if leaves block storm sewer inlets. With rain storms expected Tuesday night and Wednesday, City Utilities is asking residents to help reduce the likelihood of street flooding by cleaning leaves off street drains.
Residents can protect their neighborhoods and homes from flooding by raking leaves off storm inlets before the rain begins to fall. If streets do flood later tonight or tomorrow, residents may be able to reduce standing water by removing wet leaves that have accumulated in street gutters and have caused inlets to become blocked.
October 27, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today joined neighborhood leaders in dedicating the Renaissance Pointe Urban Farm, 2518 Winter St.
The project includes the complete rehabilitation of former fire station 9, which was retired as a fire house in the 1950s because it could not accommodate large, modern fire trucks. A new heating and ventilation system, refurbished windows and state-of-the-art commercial kitchen have been installed in the fire house. Custom-made carriage doors, which are reminiscent of the original doors, were also added. Just behind the building, three-quarters of an acre is ready for community farming.
“The City and the private sector have invested millions of dollars in new and rehabilitated housing, streets, sidewalks and trails in this area,” said Mayor Henry. “The Renaissance Pointe Urban Farm is another piece of our work to revitalize the neighborhood and empower residents to live healthy lives.”
October 22, 2015 - For the eighth year in a row, the City of Fort Wayne’s Fleet Department is receiving recognition with the 2015 Government Green Fleet Award. The award honors federal, state, and local government fleets in North America that have achieved success in greening their fleet in a number of ways.
The award goes to the top 50 green fleets each year. This year, Fort Wayne ranked number eight on the list and was the only Indiana government fleet to win the award. The award is sponsored by American City and County magazine.
Fort Wayne was recognized for its commitment to replacing retiring vehicles with fuel efficient vehicles. The 1,826 motorized vehicle fleet includes efficiencies with more than 500 vehicles able to use the environmentally friendly E85 fuel, 365 vehicles using environmentally friendly biodiesel fuels, 60 hybrid vehicles, and 10 electric cars. These vehicles reduce costs and protect the environment.
“I continue to be impressed with the outstanding work being performed by the City’s Fleet Department,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Fort Wayne is a recognized national leader in providing excellent fleet services. Having a top 10 fleet demonstrates our commitment to ensuring City vehicles are safe and operating efficiently to better serve residents and businesses.”
The 2015 award is based on data from the 2014 calendar year. There are 38,000 government fleets in North America.
The City of Fort Wayne’s fleet includes police cars, fire trucks, dump trucks, street sweepers, backhoes and many other work vehicles. These working vehicles are driven collectively more than 10 million miles each year.
October 22, 2015 - Non-profit organization Fort Wayne Trails, in partnership with the Indiana DNR, Life Bridge Church, City of Fort Wayne, Allen County and numerous donors, celebrated the dedication and opening of the newest sections of the Pufferbelly Trail today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Life Bridge Church Trailhead, 12719 Corbin Rd. in Fort Wayne.
The newest section of the Pufferbelly Trail from Dupont Road to Life Bridge Church provides over 1.6 miles of new pathway for safe travel on foot or bicycle and includes the church's new public trail access and trailhead. The Life Bridge Church Trailhead will serve as the current northernmost point of the Pufferbelly Trail in Allen County, while the trail undergoes development to extend both north and south in future years.
"The Pufferbelly Trail is a tremendous asset to our community," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "Our trails system makes us unique and an attractive place for people to live, work, and play. I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum we're experiencing in our City as we work together to make a meaningful difference."
The Pufferbelly Trail extension was made possible by a combination of funds from over 25 donors, including the gift of the church's new trailhead by Mark Deister. "Even though I don't own a bike and live 30 minutes away, I wholeheartedly believe that the trail access was the right thing to do for the well-being of the community," said Deister. "Life Bridge Church has already seen over a thousand people using the new trail and access, and we couldn't be happier to have added this opportunity to improve the health, quality of life, and the economic viability of our community."
October 21, 2015 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents from several neighborhoods in an area along Maplecrest Road to cut a ribbon in celebration of significant neighborhood improvements. The area includes Haley Elementary School where many students cross Maplecrest, a street with a 17,000 daily vehicle count.
Recently completed street and sidewalk improvements have enhanced safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. “I’m encouraged by the tremendous progress we’re making in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’re moving Fort Wayne forward in the right direction by implementing effective infrastructure projects that meet the needs of our community. The record-breaking work we’re performing in neighborhoods demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality of life amenities that we offer as we continue to experience positive momentum in our City.”
Over the past two years, the City has invested nearly $45 million in neighborhood infrastructure enhancements. It’s an effort that has improved nearly 150 miles of streets, roads, and sidewalks. This year’s investment is more than $21 million.
The 14-block upgrade to Maplecrest is a significant improvement for residents and motorists alike. More than 120 elementary students live east of Maplecrest and the project offers safer connectivity for students walking to school as well as pedestrians walking to businesses in the nearby Georgetown shopping and business district.
Numerous meetings were held to get input from area residents as to what design features they would like to see integrated into the project design. Discussions included neighborhood leaders from Lofton Woods, Valley Forest, Georgetown Place and the Georgetown Square shopping center. Many of the suggestions for landscaping, barriers, crosswalks and lighting came directly from neighborhood input.
October 14, 2015 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and Fort Wayne City Utilities for a 150th Birthday Party. The guest of honor was the City's first brick sewer built 150 years ago in 1865, the end of the Civil War.
As part of today's birthday celebration, a cake displaying a brick sewer was cut as a fun way to commemorate an important milestone in Fort Wayne sewer history.
Coincidentally, this year also happens to be the 150th anniversary of the oldest continuous labor union in the United States, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.
Utility officials still marvel at the craftsmanship that went into building the round, brick sewers, which went into service in Fort Wayne in 1865. Located under Harrison Street, this 54-inch diameter sewer structure stretches from Berry Street to Superior Street and continues to serve our community. “It’s important for us to recognize history and appreciate the craftsmanship that’s displayed in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re fortunate to be part of a community with individuals committed to doing their very best each day in their selected professions. By working together, we’re experiencing positive momentum in our City as we move forward in the right direction as an attractive place for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
October 14, 2015 - Beginning October 15, Riverfront Fort Wayne is launching a selfie scavenger hunt that encourages residents to get out and explore the downtown riverfront area.
In order to take part, residents need to visit www.RiverfrontFW.org for an official listing of scavenger hunt objects (architectural features, signs, plaques, sculptures, etc.) that are located in the Riverfront Fort Wayne study area. Then, participants must take a selfie with at least ten of the objects and post them to their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages using the hashtag RiverfrontFW.
Residents have from October 15 to November 15 to submit their selfies and qualify to enter a drawing for one of three $50 gift cards to Club Soda, Don Hall’s Old Gas House or Don Chava’s Mexican Grill. Full instructions and photos of the objects are online at www.RiverfrontFW.org/scavenger .
October 14, 2015 - The City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services (OHNS) is seeking residents interested in buying a home in the West Central Neighborhood. The City owns eight blighted homes in the historic neighborhood; the homes will be rehabbed and offered for purchase to moderate- to middle-income residents.
Potential buyers will choose to work with an approved, City-registered developer who will purchase and rehabilitate the home to the City’s standards, with significant input from the buyer. The City will invest up to $3,500 in closing costs that must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the buyer. The buyer must contribute a minimum of $1,000 in closing costs. Additionally, buyers will be eligible for residential tax abatements, which are available to any resident purchasing or improving any home in the core of the City.
The addresses of the homes are: 1302 W. Jefferson Blvd., 1111 W. Jefferson Blvd., 815 W. Jefferson Blvd., 1025 Wilt St., 1222 Jackson St., 1121 Fulton St., 1227 Kinsmoor Ave. and 1838 Broadway. The end result of the program will not just increase the value of homes being improved, but will positively impact property values for the entire neighborhood by increasing home ownership opportunities.
“Our assistance will help turn previously blighted and vacant properties into neighborhood gems, as well as help raise appraised values in West Central,” said Heather Presley-Cowen, director for the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services.
The City expects a financing gap between the final appraised value and the amount invested by the developer to rehab the home; that gap will be financed by the City up to 45 percent of the as-completed appraised value. All funding for this program comes from the City’s allocation of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars.
A recent housing market potential study indicated an unmet demand for home ownership opportunities in this historic neighborhood adjacent to downtown. The City’s efforts will help fill this demand and stabilize property values.
Residents must meet income qualifications in order to purchase one of the homes. More information is available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/housing/housing-programs or by calling 260-427-2134.
October 13, 2015 - Applications for the City’s 2016 Commercial Façade Grant program are now available online and during an informational meeting on October 21. The Commercial Façade Grant program was introduced eight years ago by Mayor Tom Henry and provides local businesses the opportunity to apply for matching grants to improve the exteriors of their buildings.
Applications are available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/facade and during the informational meeting on Wednesday, October 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Omni Room, lower level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
The 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 the Community Economic Development Income Tax, or CEDIT fund.
Since Mayor Henry kicked off the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008, 82 façade improvement projects have been completed or are in the process of being completed, generating a private investment of almost $4.6 million. The city requires applicants to provide dollar-for-dollar matching funds in order to receive the grant, but the program has been so successful that the City has leveraged $3 in private funds to every $1 of public funds (3:1 public/private leveraging).
Applications for the grants will be accepted from November 12 through December 11, 2015; Questions may be directed to 311 or to Aliza Tourkow, grants manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
October 12, 2015 - The City’s five-year and one-year plans for investing Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars are now available for review.
All HUD dollars must be used to improve the quality of life for low- to moderate-income residents. Both the 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and the 2016 Annual Action Plan identify needs that are not currently being met in the community and possible ways to meet those needs. Goals in the plans touch on issues related to: access to rental housing, housing development, purchase and/or rehabilitation of houses, homelessness, self-sufficiency, services for low-income families, public services, and public facilities and improvements.
Draft copies of the plans are available for review online at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/housingplans . They are also available to read in hard copy at the Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., and at the front desk of the City’s Community Development offices, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 320. Residents may email feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail their comments to Attn: Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 320, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Input received from the public will be included in the final plans that the City submits to HUD.
October 8, 2015 - Recent construction improvements along Lower Huntington Road brought more than an improved road for motorists. Safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists were part of the project, and for trail users the project brings the first connectivity to the Rivergreenway for neighborhoods in the Waynedale area.
The neighborhood improvements include a new sidewalk on the north side of Lower Huntington from Winchester Road to the Rivergreenway. The sidewalk widens over the bridge crossing the St. Marys River and then connects to the new 8-foot wide trail ramp. Besides connecting several Waynedale neighborhoods to the Rivergreenway and Foster and Tillman parks, the improvement offers trail users safe access to businesses in the Waynedale area.
In the past 10 years, the number of trail miles within the City of Fort Wayne has grown from 21 to 66. Our trails are part of the 85-mile trail network that stretches throughout Allen County.
October 7, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry's drive to bring residents of southwest Fort Wayne and Allen County the City Utilities water they asked for is complete. This evening, Mayor Henry joined residents who signed petitions; developers who've been able to move forward with projects now that they have the infrastructure providing an ample supply of water with good pressure; City Utilities staff and City Council members to mark the occasion.
Mayor Henry pushed the button for the final disconnection from the old water system, symbolizing the completion of converting more than 13,000 customers of the former Aqua Indiana southwest water system to City Utilities. As they’ve done with each transition phase, residents joined Mayor Henry for a ceremonial toast with water.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment as we achieved what our residents asked for. Providing quality, reliable water at affordable prices makes our City more attractive for residents and businesses,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re going to continue to see positive momentum in our community through these efforts. Private development projects and economic development opportunities are increasing as we’re now able to provide the infrastructure that’s needed to move Fort Wayne forward in the right direction.”
October 6, 2015 - City crews have installed three additional banners as part of the Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The banners that were placed honor: *Staff Sergeant Mark Federspiel, U.S. Marine Corp *Specialist Tristan James Noll, U.S. Army *Specialist Dustin York, U.S. Army
October 6, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne is inviting residents to share their ideas for how North Anthony Boulevard can be more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
Residents have two ways to provide input. First, they can visit a workshop on Monday, October 12, 2015, 6-8 p.m. at Lakeside Park Pavilion #2, 1401 Lake Avenue . Or, residents may stop in at Lakeside Pavilion #2 any time October 12 – October 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to visit with consultants working on the project.
The consultants will examine options for North Anthony Boulevard from Niagara Drive to Crescent Avenue. Ideas that may be considered include trails, protected bike lanes and bike lanes. This section of North Anthony has been identified as a key corridor for improvements in the Bike Fort Wayne Plan. It serves as an important route for northeast side bicyclists to travel to and from downtown.
Recommendations for the project will be presented on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 6-8 p.m. in the Lakeside Park Pavilion #2. Residents can review the recommendations and provide further input before plans are finalized.
Engineering for the project is expected to take place in 2016. Construction would begin in 2017.
October 6, 2015 - Successfully meeting all daily federal and state requirements on more than 10,000 tests in 2014 has earned the Fort Wayne City Utilities Water Pollution Control Plant national recognition.
The plant has been awarded the 2015 Gold Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for meeting the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits every single day in 2014. In presenting the award, the agency found that Fort Wayne's plant was compliant on every category monitored.
Sewage treatment plants and many other facilities, such as industries that discharge treated wastewater to a river, lake or stream, have NPDES permits issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The permits specify the amount of various compounds found in treated wastewater that the facility may discharge without degrading water quality in the stream that receives the effluent.
Named the P. L. Brunner Water Pollution Control Plant, the Fort Wayne facility provides sewage treatment for more than 315,000 area residents in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Leo-Cedarville, Maysville, Grabill, Zanesville, Huntertown, Arcola and many homes and businesses in unincorporated areas of Allen County. Currently, the plant has the capacity to treat 70 million gallons of sewage per day and improvements are currently under construction that will take that number to 85 million gallons per day by the end of this year.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the plant’s operation, which began in 1940. It was formally dedicated in March 1941. In its first year of operation, the plant treated 14.5 million gallons of sewage per day. In honor of the anniversary and the Peak Performance Award, City Utilities will host free public tours of the plant. Located at 2601 Dwenger Ave., the guided tours will be this Thursday, October 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the last tour beginning at 5:30 p.m. The tour will involve walking on several surfaces, including gravel, and attendees should not wear open-toe shoes or flip-flops.
October 5, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and City staff tonight led a neighborhood walk in the Southeast Waynedale neighborhood in southwest Fort Wayne. Each year, Mayor Henry and City staff lead several neighborhood and business walks as a way to talk to and get feedback from residents.
October 5, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today provided an update on the 2015 capital improvement projects in our parks and facilities operated by the Parks & Recreation Department. Over thirty projects were started and completed in 2015 and more than fifteen projects are still in progress, with all expected to be finished by the summer of 2016. In total, the City of Fort Wayne has invested close to $2 million in Parks & Recreation Department improvements in 2015.
“I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making in the ongoing commitment to enhance our parks,” said Mayor Henry. “Our parks are an essential component of the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in Fort Wayne and it’s important that we invest in them.”
October 5, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today praised the efforts of a group of local neighborhood leaders and association presidents who attended this past weekend’s Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) in Bowling Green, Ky.
The RNNC is comprised of neighborhood representatives from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. It’s designed for grassroots, corporate, government, foundation, faith-based and non-profit leaders who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities. The conference offered community leaders the opportunity to obtain training and access information needed to reinforce their leadership skills and make sound suggestions to city government.
The Urban Enterprise Association provided grants that made it possible for many of the neighborhood leaders to attend.
The City of Fort Wayne most recently hosted the RNNC conference at the Grand Wayne Center in 2012.
Fort Wayne is home to more than 400 neighborhood associations. Mayor Henry engages with neighborhood leaders and encourages residents to provide feedback that will help city government better serve the entire community.
October 4, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. are inviting the public to help determine the future of downtown Fort Wayne. Residents are invited to the Downtown Blueprint Block Party, Thursday, October 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. on The Landing. A brief program will get underway at 5:30 p.m.
Free food and music will be available, as well as the opportunity to provide input about future plans for the downtown area. The Downtown Blueprint is Fort Wayne’s strategic plan for downtown revitalization. First completed in 2002, then updated in 2005, it’s now time to refresh the vision for the heart of the City.
“Downtown and all of Fort Wayne have made tremendous progress over the last decade,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “That did not happen by accident, however; it is the result of thoughtful planning and hard work from City government, the private sector, neighborhood leaders and many other partners. I’m looking forward to continuing the positive momentum we’re experiencing in Fort Wayne as we work together to develop bold initiatives to keep our community moving in the right direction.”
October 2, 2015 - With pet owners in tow, dogs everywhere are invited to take a 1.5-mile walk through Headwaters Park West – Rothschild Pavilion as part of *Petco Foundation Presents* - 28th annual Walk for Animals to help fight animal neglect and cruelty through education and community outreach. This year’s event, will be held on Sunday, October 11. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., walk begins at 1p.m. . Pledge forms are available at Animal Care & Control and local veterinary hospitals. You can also register electronically at www.fwacc.org or at the Walk on October 11th . Registration fees or donations can be submitted at the Walk. All participants win a shirt based on donations raised, enjoy good friends and sample vendor products.
$35 minimum pledge requirement per adult or child, or
$120 minimum pledge per family from one household.
We are excited once again to welcome WANE-TV’s Gina Glaros to MC this year’s Walk. In addition, six fantastic prize packages are awarded based on dollar amounts raised and turned in on October 11th. Clubs and businesses with four or more people can form a Dog Pack and get a keepsake photo of their group at the event! The 2015 Walk for Animals is dedicated to Rudy who will be in attendance at the walk with his new owner. Rudy arrived at the shelter and was adopted only to find he had an inoperable heart condition (see story attached). Rudy was fostered, loved and eventually adopted by an Animal Care & Control Volunteer who gave Rudy his forever family. Although we do not know what Rudy’s future holds we do know that for whatever time he may have left, he is loved.
October 2, 2015 - Street Department crews will be visible in every neighborhood in the City over the next several weeks, collecting leaves in two separate trips through each Fort Wayne neighborhood. This vital City service begins on Monday October 19, 2015.
“This is an important benefit we provide to our neighborhoods. It’s a service that offers convenience, enhances a neighborhood’s appearance, and improves the quality of life in our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
There are two ways to have your leaves picked-up this fall. Residents can rake leaves to the curb or park strip in front of their home making sure they are ready for pick-up by 7 a.m. on Monday of their designated week, as leaf collection may occur on any day of the designated collection week. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves, and cars should not be parked over the leaves.
The second way is to place leaves in biodegradable bags at the curb, and call 311 to schedule a pick-up. This option allows residents to set their own schedule for pick-up. Bagged leaves will be collected within two businesses days of their call to 311.
October 1, 2015 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents of the Haverhill neighborhood in southwest Fort Wayne, to celebrate the construction that made major improvements in their neighborhood and recap progress that's been made on projects throughout the City.
The City is seeing record-breaking investments in neighborhoods, with nearly $45 million in the past two years. The City's investment in streets and sidewalks this year is more than $21 million.
September 30, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging residents to volunteer at a new Project READS site opening soon in the McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St. The City of Fort Wayne’s participation in the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which emphasizes the importance of reading at grade level by third grade, helped bring the program to the community center.
“Early literacy is critical as we invest in the future of our children,” said Mayor Henry. “I encourage residents to volunteer an hour of their time each week to make a difference in a child’s life, and by doing so, make our community a better place for everyone.” Project READS is a local non-profit agency dedicated to helping K-3 students achieve grade-level reading goals. Volunteers are asked to commit one hour per week during after school hours to help students improve their literacy skills. Interested volunteers should visit www.AboutEducation.org to learn more.
September 28, 2015 - The official hours for Trick-or-Treat 2015 have been established for the City of Fort Wayne. Trick-or-Treat will be observed from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Trick-or-Treaters should only visit homes with an illuminated exterior front light (or porch light) indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcomed.
September 24, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the $27 million Cityscape Flats residential development across from Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry was joined by project developer Domo Development, LLC, City leaders, elected officials, downtown advocates and neighborhood leaders. Project highlights: *163 unit multi-family complex consisting of five studio, 118 one bedroom, and 40 two bedroom apartments *14 row houses *173 space parking garage *Streetscape improvements *The 3.59 acre area is bordered by Ewing Street on the east, Fairfield Avenue on the west, West Jefferson Boulevard on the north, and Brackenridge Street on the south.
September 23, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by City staff for a business walk at Southgate Plaza. The walk served as an opportunity for Mayor Henry to talk to and get feedback from several businesses.
Each year, Mayor Henry and staff members lead a series of business and neighborhood walks to interact with business owners and residents.
September 21, 2015 - Today marks another milestone in construction of the Ash Skyline Plaza, as one of the final steel beams was put in place for the downtown development, which currently includes the Ash Brokerage headquarters, the city-owned parking garage, street-level retail space and additional commercial space.
During the ceremony, representatives of Ash Brokerage, the City of Fort Wayne, Weigand Construction, MSKTD and Associates, and Hoch Associates signed the final beam, which was then lifted into place on the top level of the southeast corner of the building.
Ash and City officials are pleased with the progress and eager to see the expected positive impact the project will have on the city. Construction remains on target – the parking garage is set for completion in December, while the retail, commercial and Ash office spaces remain on target for completion in May 2016. Approximately 100 people are working on the site currently – when work begins indoors over the winter, that number will nearly triple.
September 18, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and City Controller Pat Roller today discussed the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2016. The balanced budget for 2016 continues Mayor Henry’s commitment to providing needed services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. The budget also reflects the City’s position as a leader in economic development, job growth, strong neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne a destination place for families and businesses. “I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum and unprecedented excitement we’re experiencing in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Leadership and a commitment to being fiscally responsible have positioned our community for continued success. Our 2016 budget places a strong emphasis on moving Fort Wayne forward in the right direction as we invest in public safety, infrastructure, and parks to make our City the very best as a national leader as we meet the needs of residents, neighborhoods, and businesses.”
September 17, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and City staff tonight led a neighborhood walk in the Hoevelwood neighborhood in southeast Fort Wayne. Each year, Mayor Henry and City staff lead several neighborhood and business walks as a way to talk to and get feedback from residents.
September 17, 2015 - Riverfront Fort Wayne is offering plenty of options for residents to enjoy the downtown riverfront, including free music and a free movie night.
Food Trucks and Music: On Friday, September 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., residents are invited to listen to the sounds of the duo The Fierce Invalids, which plays traditional acoustic blues. This free event takes place on the Historic Wells Street Bridge and everyone is invited. Pizza Bomba and Affine trucks will offer food for purchase.
Movie Night: On Sunday, September 27, beginning at 8 p.m., residents are invited to a free showing of “Casablanca” the 1942 classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Weather permitting, the event takes place on the Historic Wells Street Bridge and organizers recommend residents bring lawn chairs and blankets.
September 17, 2015 - This week, nine months after becoming City Utilities’ customers, residents of southwest Fort Wayne hit a milestone of saving more than $1 million collectively on their water bills. And today, Mayor Tom Henry joined residents of Sycamore Hills to celebrate the savings and the delivery of City water to their neighborhood. Sycamore Hills was the first southwestern neighborhood to start a petition to have the City supply water instead of Aqua Indiana. In addition to several that submitted petitions, over 40 different neighborhoods contacted the City, voicing displeasure with Aqua’s rates and service levels, and expressing a desire to switch to City Utilities.
Mayor Henry’s commitment to enhancing water services for southwest Fort Wayne began in 2008 shortly after he took office and successfully completed the transition of northern Aqua Indiana customers to City Utilities. Mayor Henry also met with the neighborhood’s leaders about their concerns during the 2012 drought and moved forward with a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to encourage the State of Indiana to take a closer look at residents’ concerns about water quality and pressure. As he has with each phase of the water transition in the southwest part of the City, Mayor Henry today joined residents with a water toast to good tasting, clean water from City Utilities. With today’s transition, all of the neighborhoods within Fort Wayne city limits are now receiving City Utilities water. “By working together, we’ve made a tremendous improvement to water services in southwest Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Providing high quality and affordable water is another example of why we’re experiencing positive momentum and excitement in our community. We’re a leader in meeting the needs of residents, neighborhoods, and businesses as we invest in the future and move Fort Wayne forward in the right direction.”
September 11, 2015 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department today hosted a ceremony celebrating the placement of Engine 6 into service. The department conducted a traditional "wet down" and "push in" service. Engine 6 is a 2015 Sutphen Monarch Pumper with a Cummins diesel engine, 750 gallon tank and 1,250 gallon per minute pump. The new rig holds up to six firefighters, extrication equipment, ladders, hose and medical supplies. This apparatus replaces a 2001 Pierce engine.
September 10, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and local education and employer partners today announced details for the first Education-Employer Forum to be held in the City of Fort Wayne.
The forum will take place from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept, 17 at the Public Safety Academy: Ivy Tech South Campus, 7602 Patriot Crossing. The forum is free and open to the public. The event is designed to assist individuals with obtaining information and input from local educators and employers on how to get connected to good jobs in the community. Through panel discussions, roundtables, and information booths, areas of focus will include apprenticeships, certification, financial aid, expungement, education opportunities and family resources. “Although unemployment is down and we’re experiencing positive momentum in Fort Wayne, we know there are people in our community who are having a difficult time finding a job,” said Mayor Henry. “We must be willing to address this challenge to ensure all residents have a chance to succeed. Partnerships with our local colleges and universities and employers can improve residents’ lives and well-being. By investing in our future, we’ll enhance our ability to provide opportunities for successful jobs.”
September 10, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Artlink Contemporary Gallery are inviting local artists to submit design ideas for ten wooden benches that will be installed along the downtown riverfront. Designs will be accepted now through November 1, 2015 with winning artwork selected through a jury process. Each winning design will earn the artist a $500 honorarium.
“We continue to make great progress in our efforts to create a downtown riverfront everyone can enjoy,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We are moving forward in three areas – promenade design, programming and riverbank maintenance – in order to establish a regional destination that will be a source of pride for residents.”
September 9, 2015 - Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the parent organization of the Indiana Pacers, has acquired the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the National Basketball Association’s Development League, it was announced today.
Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. With the acquisition, the Mad Ants become the 10th D-League team to be wholly owned by an NBA franchise and now all 19 D-League teams are singly-affiliated with NBA franchises.
“We are proud to extend the Pacers brand into Northeast Indiana and excited about continuing the tradition of professional basketball in Fort Wayne,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Herb Simon. “We will work closely with the Mad Ants staff to provide support and expertise on both the business and basketball sides and we hope to build on their enthusiastic fan base.”
The Mad Ants were previously owned by the Fort Wayne Basketball Group, LLC, which was led by majority investors John Zeglis, Julie Potter, and Jeff Potter. Jeff Potter, former president of the Mad Ants, will continue with the team as its president of business operations.
August 25, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry joined residents, river supporters and City Utilities’ staff to celebrate a significant milestone of reducing combined sewer overflows (CSO) to no more than one per year on the St. Joseph River. The achievement complies with federal mandates and shows the number of combined sewer overflow events on the river is down to only one in a typical year – an accomplishment that is four years ahead of schedule.
Since entering into an agreement with federal and state regulators for compliance with clean water mandates in 2008, City Utilities has met every deadline. Today’s celebration recognizes a win for neighborhoods near the St. Joseph and for all residents of Fort Wayne as we focus on renewed interest in the value of our rivers and how they can improve quality of life and lead to economic growth.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment to achieve as we continue to work together to make a meaningful difference for residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. Our commitment to being good stewards of the environment and our rivers sends a strong message that we value being a leader in providing excellent services and enhancing the quality of life we enjoy in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry.
Over the past eight years, City Utilities has invested more than $12 million in neighborhood projects along the St. Joseph River. These efforts have protected nearly 500 homes from basement backups and street flooding and reduced the number of overflows on the river in a typical year from 13 to one. These efforts have kept 16 million gallons of overflow out of the river and the investments have created and supported nearly 300 jobs.
August 24, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and the Fort Wayne Fire Department today announced two new initiatives designed to enhance health and public safety in the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry, Public Safety Director Rusty York, and Fire Chief Eric Lahey visited Fire Station 7 on Lindenwood Avenue to discuss how Narcan and metronomes are assisting firefighters in providing lifesaving care. Narcan is an opiate antagonist that helps with the survival rate of heroin overdose victims. Narcan is now available on all fire apparatus, which is resulting in faster administration to patients in need of the medication. From January 1, 2015-August 3, 2015, the Fort Wayne Fire Department and EMS have responded to 115 overdose patients in need of Narcan. Over the last 10 days, Fire Station 7 has responded to two overdose cases where Narcan was administered. Officials from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health attended today’s announcement to show support of Narcan being available on fire apparatus and discuss the challenges associated with drug abuse. Another way the Fort Wayne Fire Department is improving patient care is through the use of metronomes. Studies show that good compressions delivered at a steady rate is a crucial factor in delivering quality CPR. Sweetwater has donated 40 metronomes that will help firefighters deliver quality compressions to individuals in a health emergency. Sweetwater Founder and President Chuck Surack was recognized at today’s event for Sweetwater’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community. “Our community’s commitment to health and public safety is evident by the public and private sectors coming together to say we must continue to advance our City to be the best,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re fortunate to be part of a City that’s moving in the right direction with positive momentum and a vision for ensuring we’re always looking for ways to enhance our ability to help those in need and address serious issues to keep Fort Wayne residents safe and healthy to be able to enjoy the quality of life amenities we have to offer.”
August 20, 2015 - A new elevator is now operating at the Carriage House, thanks in part to City of Fort Wayne Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars. The elevator allows the Carriage House to expand its operations to the second floor of its building, located at 3327 Lake Avenue.
The Carriage House has more than 1,500 current members and the expansion will allow the non-profit to serve any individual, regardless of mobility challenges. The Carriage House adds more than 100 new members each year. Founded in 1997, the Carriage House is a certified "Clubhouse Model" program with the singular mission of assisting people in their recovery from mental illness and reintegration into the community. The Carriage House works with local businesses to provide employment placements for people looking to return to work in the community.
“We are proud to help Carriage House install a new elevator and serve more people in our community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This is just one way the City uses CDBG funds to help local non-profits serve our most vulnerable residents.”
“This project would not have been possible without City of Fort Wayne funding,” said Alexander Wilson, executive director of the Carriage House. “We are grateful to the City and all our donors for making it possible for Carriage House to expand its services and assist more people as they recover from mental illness.”
August 19, 2015 - The third annual Prayers for the City hosted by Mayor Tom Henry will take place from 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 at the University of Saint Francis North Campus Auditorium, 2702 Spring St. The service is free and open to the public.
Representatives of many of Fort Wayne's diverse religious traditions will come together to pray for our City, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists and others.
The program will include Native American sacred drumming; traditional Hindu dance; prayers for understanding and unity, peace with justice, compassion and action, commitment and engagement; and a community reading of Pope Francis’ ‘A Prayer for the Earth.’ “Fort Wayne is a diverse community that shares many different faiths that we can embrace and celebrate together,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’re making a meaningful difference for residents as we learn more about and understand the importance of acceptance and peace.”
August 18, 2015 - In January 2016, the 88th recruit academy of the Fort Wayne Fire Department will begin its 18 week training program in order to fill 15 positions vacated through retirements.
The application period is now open and applications can be submitted online at www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org . The application period will close September 25, 2015 at 4 p.m.
The written aptitude test will be administered on September 26, 2015 at 8 a.m. at the Grand Wayne Center. A tutoring session for the aptitude test will be offered on September 12, 2015 at the Public Safety Academy.
"We're fortunate to be in position to add 15 firefighters to our department," said Mayor Tom Henry. "Our commitment to public safety is one of the reasons we're experiencing positive momentum and investments in our community. We must meet the needs of residents and businesses to continue to move Fort Wayne forward in the right direction."
August 18, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne TinCaps have formed a partnership as part of the Play Ball initiative, a joint effort between the United States Conference of Mayors, Major League Baseball, and Minor League Baseball. Play Ball focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages widespread participation in related activities. During the month of August, mayors across the country are implementing the initiative with the goal of strengthening the connection between communities and baseball. The City and TinCaps are encouraging families and individuals to find time to play catch, run bases in the backyard, and implement baseball activities into family gatherings. In addition, the City and TinCaps are working on programming details for special events and opportunities for the Play Ball program as part of the 2016 baseball season for the TinCaps at Parkview Field.
August 10, 2015 - Riverfront Fort Wayne is offering plenty of options for residents to enjoy the downtown riverfront, including free music, a free movie night and a painting experience. Some of the offerings in August include:
Wine and Canvas: On Friday, August 21, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., residents are invited to take part in a Wine and Canvas painting experience at a cost of $35 per person. This month’s painting is the Fort Wayne skyline at dusk (see below). Participants must be 16 years or older to attend and must sign up prior to the event at www.wineandcanvas.com . The event takes place on the Historic Wells Street Bridge, but in case of rain, it will be moved to the Envision Center at 916 S. Calhoun St.
Food Trucks and Music: On Friday, August 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., residents are invited to listen to the sounds of the duo The Fierce Invalids, which plays traditional acoustic blues and some old time country. This free event takes place on the Historic Wells Street Bridge and everyone is invited. Pizza Dive and Sol Kitchen food trucks will offer food for purchase.
Movie Night: On Sunday, August 30, residents are invited to a free showing of “The Mask,” the 1994 superhero comedy starring Jim Carrey. The event takes place on the Historic Wells Street Bridge. Weather permitting, the movie will begin at dusk, around 8:00 p.m.
August 7, 2015 - With Fort Wayne Community Schools students returning to class Tuesday, the City of Fort Wayne has been working this summer to make the transition for students walking or biking to school safer through improvements to intersections, additional crossing guards and maps for parents and guardians to help plan safe pedestrian routes to schools.
“With additional students walking or biking to school this year, multiple City departments have worked to help students arrive at school and go home safely each day,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The safety of all our City’s residents is a priority for me, so it was important to involve the City of Fort Wayne in helping families make the transition to No Transportation Zones.”
Crosswalk improvements: Almost 150 piano-key style crosswalks, providing improved visibility, at high-volume intersections have been painted with another 42 to be done by next month. An additional 193 traditional crosswalk markings on residential streets are part of this project. Almost 400 stop bars, large horizontal lines in the traffic lane, have been or will be painted.
August 6, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has awarded the City of Fort Wayne $32,000 for riverbank stabilization and restoration along the St. Marys River.
“We continue to make great progress in our riverfront development work,” said Mayor Henry. “This is another step forward in our efforts to revitalize our downtown riverfront and make it a destination for both residents and visitors.”
The $32,000 will be matched with $8,000 in Legacy funds for a total project cost of approximately $40,000. The money will be used to stabilize the riverbank in areas where significant erosion is occurring. Large rocks and trees will be added to help prevent erosion and restore habitat.
August 3, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the Fort Wayne Fire Department will hire 15 new firefighters. Ten of the new firefighters are a result of the City of Fort Wayne receiving a $1.4 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the federal government. Mayor Henry visited Fire Station 9 on Pontiac Street in southeast Fort Wayne and was joined by Fire Chief Eric Lahey and Public Safety Director Rusty York to make the announcement. SAFER Grants were created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help increase the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities. The grant received by the City will cover salaries and benefits for 10 new firefighters for two years. Salaries and benefits will then be part of the City budget at the completion of the two years. The additional five new firefighters would be part of the City’s 2016 budget. The additional firefighters will enhance the fire department’s level of service by ensuring four firefighters are on a fire apparatus/equipment at all times and fill positions that are vacated through anticipated and unanticipated retirements. “Public safety is a top priority as we work together to ensure the City of Fort Wayne is as safe as possible for residents and businesses,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re fortunate to be in position to increase the number of firefighters we have to meet the needs of our community. Under Chief Lahey’s leadership, the Fort Wayne Fire Department is a leader in making a meaningful difference for all of us. We continue to be committed to building on the positive momentum we’re experiencing in our City.”
July 30, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and City staff last night led a neighborhood walk in the Concordia Gardens neighborhood in northwest Fort Wayne. Each year, Mayor Henry and City staff lead several neighborhood and business walks as a way to talk to and get feedback from residents.
July 29, 2015 - Today, Mayor Tom Henry and residents of several southwest neighborhoods gathered in the Covington Reserve neighborhood to lift their glasses to the sky. A water toast, to celebrate the success of the neighborhoods that organized petition drives to connect to City water and the success of saving southwest residents more than $800,000 collectively since the switch to City Utilities began eight months ago.
At today’s ceremony, Mayor Henry thanked residents and City staff and then turned on a fire hydrant to start the flow of City Water. This connection, the largest connection phase since City Utilities took ownership of the old Aqua southwest territory, includes 35 neighborhoods and more than 4,000 customers.
“Nine years ago, residents told me they wanted city water and lower bills, I heard them. Our team worked diligently to bring residents our award-winning, high quality water,” said Mayor Henry. “Our neighborhood leaders worked long hours to collect signatures for a petition drive. This is a story of residents and neighborhoods coming together, working closely with our team to enhance our quality of life for the future.”
Since December of 2014, all customers in the southwest service area, formerly served by Aqua Indiana, have benefited from City Utilities lower water rates even though they weren’t all connected to City water at that time. Those lower fees have saved the average customer about $75 so far.
July 27, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne has issued a request for proposals to create schematic drawings, designs and construction documents for the Riverfront Fort Wayne promenade.
The request for proposals was posted on the City’s website http://bidding.cityoffortwayne.org/city.php , as well as emailed to consultants who may want to submit designs. The selected consultant team must have qualifications in landscape architecture, engineering, architecture and urban/graphic design. Proposals are due by 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2015. It’s anticipated a team will be selected by the end of October.
“This is an important next step in creating a riverfront destination that will spur economic growth,” said Mayor Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the excitement and momentum we’re experiencing in our City. Our community worked together to create a vision of a downtown riverfront with something for everyone. Now, it’s time to take action on that vision and develop the specific designs needed to build the promenade.”
July 24, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews continue to lead cleanup and restoration efforts in response to the June 27 wind storm that caused damages throughout the entire City. City officials today announced that current totals for cleanup and repair efforts are over $500,000. As a result of the expenses, the City of Fort Wayne will go before the Allen County Solid Waste Management District Board of Directors to ask for $250,000 to assist with cleanup and repair efforts. The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28 in Room 035 on the Garden Level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. The Allen County Solid Waste Management District has funds available to assist municipalities with the disposal of solid waste materials when unanticipated weather events occur. The funds are generated in part through tipping fees paid by solid waste ratepayers in the City of Fort Wayne. The Allen County Solid Waste Management District was established in 1991 when the Indiana State Legislature enacted House Bill 1240 requiring counties to form Solid Waste Management Districts. All Districts were charged with the responsibility of developing waste management/reduction plans to decrease Indiana’s dependency on landfills. “By utilizing Solid Waste Management District funds, we’re able to meet the needs of the community with available funding that assists us in our commitment to delivering excellent services to residents,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
July 22, 2015 - Riverfront Fort Wayne has two great events planned for this weekend, a wine and canvas painting activity and the free showing of the movie Despicable Me . Both events will take place on the historic Wells Street Bridge.
On Friday, July 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. residents are invited to take part in a wine and canvas painting experience at a cost of $35 per person. Participants must be 16 years or older to attend and must sign up prior to the event at www.WineandCanvas.com . In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Envision Center at 916 S. Calhoun St.
On Sunday, July 26 at 9 p.m. residents can gather on the historic Wells Street Bridge and watch a free showing of Despicable Me . Weather permitting, the minions will be on screen at sundown.
July 17, 2015 - The following is a statement from Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry on the passing of Jane Avery, the executive director of the Community Harvest Food Bank:
“The passing of Jane Avery is a significant loss for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. I am honored to have known Jane over the years. Her caring spirit for all allowed her to make the Community Harvest Food Bank a national leader in serving the hungry with compassion and dignity. She also excelled at creating partnerships to further the foodbank’s reach. Her contribution to the community will continue for a long time to come with the innovative programs she implemented at Community Harvest and the can-do attitude she embodied.”
July 16, 2105 - Governor Mike Pence today announced a federal award of $862,946 to Fort Wayne to purchase and demolish 18 flood-prone structures. “This effort in Fort Wayne is about protecting Hoosiers by removing these properties from harm’s way,” Governor Pence said. “In addition to eliminating the flood-damage property risk to the owners, it also keeps Hoosiers safer and prevents repetitive stress to Indiana’s economy. I appreciate the cooperation among the local, state and federal personnel who worked together to move this initiative forward.”
The grant came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and was announced through the FEMA Region V Office in Chicago.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said today’s development is part of a decade-long effort to protect residents and property from floods.
“This is positive news for residents in the City of Fort Wayne as we continue our efforts with state and federal partners to protect our communities,” Mayor Henry said. “In the last 10 years, we’ve moved forward with many proactive flood control improvement projects throughout Fort Wayne. These projects have included storm pipes, earthen berms, flood walls, the creation of more green space to handle flood water and the purchase of more than 100 homes that were prone to flooding. Our investments are making a meaningful difference to assist residents and enhance the quality of life for neighborhoods.”
July 15, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne officials want to remind the public that tree limbs, branches, and debris are no longer allowed at Foster and Swinney parks. Those locations are closed as drop-off sites. Residents may continue to dispose of tree limbs, branches, and debris at the City’s biosolids facility. There is a $1 fee for up to 260 pounds and prorated to $17 per ton. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday. The facility is located at 6202 Lake Ave.
July 14, 2015 - As we continue to experience unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne, it’s important for all of us to remain committed to working together to make a meaningful difference in our community. Earlier tonight, Fort Wayne City Council voted against the Enterprise Pointe project planned for the West Rudisill Boulevard area. I would like to thank Ambassador Campus Properties and Brightpoint for proposing an innovative project with potential for positive opportunities to enhance Fort Wayne. Our residents and neighborhoods should also be commended for taking the time to study the issue, discuss the proposal in detail, and demonstrate strong passion for our City. I would encourage Ambassador and residents in the neighborhoods in the area near Ambassador’s property to come together to pursue a productive dialogue on options for a compatible use for the property. My Administration plans to have discussions with Brightpoint on possible options for locations in a downtown setting that might be a better fit for the housing and business model that was proposed.
July 14, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and City staff tonight led a neighborhood walk in the Brookside Estates neighborhood in northeast Fort Wayne. Each year, Mayor Henry and City staff lead several neighborhood and business walks as a way to talk to and get feedback from residents.
July 13, 2015 - A recently finalized analysis shows opportunities for commercial growth in south Fort Wayne, including as many as 120 new retail shops and restaurants in the areas roughly bounded by downtown to the north, Lower Huntington and Tillman roads on the south, Hessen Cassel Road on the east, and the St. Marys River and Waynedale to the west.
The report, conducted by Gibbs Planning Group, indicates that south Fort Wayne households could support an additional 247,000 square feet of retail and restaurant development, as well as 9,100 square feet of commercial space and up to 70 new hotel rooms.
The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division contracted with Gibbs in 2014. To complete the analysis, Bob Gibbs and his associates visited Fort Wayne several times and spoke with property owners, City officials, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. officials, retailers, neighborhood residents and commercial and residential industry experts.
An online and paper survey of area residents was conducted to understand preferences for development. Population, consumer expenditure and demographic data were used to conduct the final analysis. In the surveys, residents indicated a strong desire for sit-down restaurants and coffee shops in the study area.
Gibbs offers several recommendations for spurring south-side development including: hiring of a specialized business recruitment specialist, creation of TIF districts in key commercial areas, continuing residential development and neighborhood stabilization efforts, and the creation of a dedicated business improvement district. The report also provides specific evaluations and recommendations for three key south Fort Wayne commercial areas: Southgate Plaza, Quimby Village and Southtown Centre.
“I’m encouraged by the report’s findings as we continue our commitment to making enhancements and increasing economic opportunities in south Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This analysis provides updated information and recommendations that will assist us in our efforts as we evaluate the best options for action steps to increase retail, restaurant and hospitality growth and access to services for our residents.”
July 9, 2015 - The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will consider a proposal for the construction of a shell building near Ardmore Avenue and Airport Expressway to encourage continued economic growth in the City of Fort Wayne. The Hagerman Group owns the land and would build the shell building, which would be flexible space that could be finished once an owner or tenant is secured. Many businesses look for quick turnaround times when making a decision about where to locate. Having a shell building that can be quickly completed helps economic development professionals attract new businesses to the area. The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. work collaboratively to identify projects to enhance economic development opportunities. The Redevelopment Commission will consider whether to reimburse Hagerman for interest on a loan taken to construct the building. The reimbursement would continue for up to five years and only as long as the building is not occupied. The Redevelopment Commission has approved similar agreements in the past, such as the shell building near Interstate 69 and Goshen Road now occupied by Nishikawa Cooper, LLC (NISCO).
July 8, 2015 - The following are street closures for Three Rivers Festival events. Friday, July 10 from 6 p.m. through Sunday, July 12 at 11 p.m. for Art in the Park
E. Main from Clinton to Lafayette Barr from Main to BerryFriday, July 10 from 7 p.m. through Saturday, July 18 at 11 p.m. The left curb lane of S. Clinton by Headwaters Park from the MLK Bridge to Superior, effective 24-hours/day
July 6, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews continue to lead cleanup and restoration efforts in response to recent weather-related damages throughout the community. Tuesday will be the last day for Foster Park West as a drop-off location for residents to get rid of tree limbs, branches, and debris. Foster Park West will close as a drop-off site at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
July 6, 2015 - The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department is seeking volunteer groups to clean up storm debris in our parks. Litter, branches and twigs are scattered throughout most of our 86 parks, due to the excessive wind and flooding damage we’ve experienced in the last several weeks. We request the public’s help in making our green spaces safe and inviting again.
July 2, 2015 - City crews today installed four banners along West Jefferson Boulevard as part of the Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The banners that were placed today honor: *Specialist Cory Brandenburg, U.S. Army *Specialist Alex S. Luttman, U.S. Army *Petty Officer Third Class Jenna V. Parker, U.S. Navy *Petty Officer Second Class Michael T. Ryan, U.S. Navy The Blue Star Banner program started under Mayor Tom Henry’s leadership in May 2014.
July 2, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews continue to lead cleanup and restoration efforts in response to recent weather-related damages throughout the community. The Parks and Recreation Department and contractors are working to address nearly 150 downed street trees. The cleanup of downed trees on homes will be substantially completed this evening. Additional street tree cleanup efforts in residential neighborhoods will continue for another week. There are also nearly 100 downed trees in City parks. Those trees will be addressed in the coming weeks and months after trees are removed from homes and neighborhoods. Swinney Park West and Foster Park West remain open as drop-off locations for residents to get rid of tree limbs, branches, and debris. Due to the amount of items that have been dropped off at Swinney Park, that location will close on Sunday evening.
July 2, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today helped dedicate a new home on the Vincent Village campus. The home, 2719 Bowser Avenue, was built in part with funding that the City of Fort Wayne receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A local family that struggled with homelessness is now living in the home and paying rent based on their income.
“Thanks to a great partnership between the City and Vincent Village, another family has a place to call home,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we are providing opportunities for some of our most vulnerable residents and addressing homelessness one family at a time.”
“Without this partnership, building a brand new home would not have been possible,” said Denise Andorfer, executive director of Vincent Village. “The City works with us on many levels to address homelessness. When our partnership allows a hard-working family to move out of the Vincent House Transitional Shelter and into a home of their own, it is life-changing. We would also thank our generous donor of the original house, John Tippman Sr., because without his generosity, this address would still be a blighted and abandoned home.”
June 30, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews continue to lead cleanup and restoration efforts in response to weather-related damages throughout the community. The City’s Police, Fire, Public Works, City Utilities and Parks departments are all working in a proactive manner to deal with recent weather challenges. The Parks and Recreation Department and contractors are working to address nearly 150 downed street trees. Residents are urged to stay away from fallen trees and branches that are on power lines. The cleanup of downed trees on homes could be completed by Thursday evening. Additional street tree cleanup efforts in residential neighborhoods will take the next few weeks. There are also nearly 100 downed trees in City parks. Those trees will be addressed in the coming weeks and months after trees are removed from homes and neighborhoods.
June 29, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews continue to lead cleanup and restoration efforts in response to weather-related damages throughout the community. The City’s Police, Fire, Public Works, City Utilities and Parks departments are all working in a proactive manner to deal with recent weather challenges. The Parks and Recreation Department and contractors are working to address more than 100 downed street trees. Residents are urged to stay away from fallen trees and branches that are on power lines. The cleanup of downed trees on homes is expected to take the rest of this week. Additional street tree cleanup efforts in residential neighborhoods will take several weeks. Swinney Park West and Foster Park West have been added as drop-off locations for residents to get rid of tree limbs, branches, and debris. In addition, the City’s biosolids facility has waived fees for residents wanting to get rid of tree limbs, branches, and debris. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday. The facility is located at 6202 Lake Ave. Residents will not be able to dispose of tree root balls. The City encourages residents to utilize Swinney Park West, Foster Park West, and the biosolids facility. “We ask for the public’s patience as we’re doing all we can to expedite the process to bring our community back to normal operations. This effort will take time,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I continue to be encouraged by the commitment and dedication we’re seeing from City employees and residents who are working together to make a difference.”
June 27, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews have been working since this morning to respond to weather-related damages throughout the community. The City’s Police, Fire, Public Works, City Utilities and Parks departments are all working in a proactive manner to deal with today’s weather challenges.
This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry toured the City to assess the damages sustained due to today’s weather. “I want to thank City employees and residents for working together as we deal with weather challenges in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “Residents should continue to use caution around high water and downed trees. City crews will be continuing clean-up efforts and we’re constantly monitoring weather conditions.” The public should be aware that 911 services are back at regular operation. All non-emergency calls should be directed to the City’s 311 service. The City’s Citizen Services Department will be taking calls through the 311 call center until 6 p.m.
June 27, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne crews have been working all morning to respond to weather-related damages throughout the community. The City’s Police, Fire, Public Works, City Utilities and Parks departments are all working in a proactive manner to deal with today’s weather challenges. The public should be aware that there is limited 911 capabilities at this time. All non-emergency calls should be directed to the City’s 311 service. The City’s Citizen Services Department is open and taking calls through the 311 call center. Several streets are closed due to high water and trees being down. In addition, there are scattered power outages throughout the City. Motorists should treat intersections without a traffic signal as a four-way stop. The Parks and Recreation Department and contractors are working to address downed street trees.
June 26, 2015 - The City’s flood clean-up efforts continue.
Residents have two options to get rid of the sandbags they used to protect their personal property during the recent flooding. For immediate disposal, residents can take the sandbags to the City Utilities Biosolids facility at 6202 Lake Ave. The City is waiving the normal disposal fees, and residents who bring sandbags to this location can dispose of them for free. The Biosolids facility is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday. The facility will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Residents can also have sandbags picked up at their home by placing them at the curb in front of their house and calling 311. Because of the large volume of debris and sandbags, along with the busy summer schedule of road improvement projects, the pick-up at the curb is not immediate. The sandbags will be collected within two weeks of the call to 311. When calling 311, residents should be specific with the address where the sandbags are placed at the curb.
June 25, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and social service partners today signed a memorandum of understanding for a winter weather emergency shelter plan in the City of Fort Wayne. Today’s announcement is a continuation of the community’s commitment to helping those in need. The City of Fort Wayne, Salvation Army, Rescue Mission, United Way of Allen County, Park Center, and Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network will work collaboratively to provide the response and resources to individuals needing shelter from health-threatening conditions due to weather conditions.
June 24, 2015 - Riverfront Fort Wayne presents “Food Trucks and Music on the Wells” on the Historic Wells Street Bridge this Friday, June 26, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Everyone is invited and there is no charge for the music. RSVPs are not necessary.
Music will be provided by Needless to Say, a jazz combo made up of musicians from Soft N’ Heavy and the B45s. Cochonnet Cart (Affine) and Whip n’ Chill will also be on hand to sell food and treats.
June 23, 2015 - The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the 4th of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks. Did you know sparklers can reach 1,800 Degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Injury Report estimates that in 2013 approximately 11,400 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. More than half of the injuries were burns, and most of the injuries involved the head (including face, eyes and ears) hands, fingers and legs. Children and young adults under the age of 15 accounted for more than 40 percent of the estimated injuries. Research also found that 1 in 4 children with fireworks related injuries were bystanders in backyard displays. Safety is always the key to any activity and this includes fireworks. For your safety as well as that of your loved ones, neighbours and the community, the Fort Wayne Fire Department suggests you enjoy your fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, the FWFD encourages you to use them responsibly and take the necessary safety precautions.
Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. While setting off fireworks wear eye protection and never hold fireworks in your hand to light. Eye protection should be worn at all times. Use in a clear, open area. Keep the audience a safe distance away from the shooting site. Do not alter any fireworks device or make your own fireworks. Light only one firework at a time. Never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any "dud" firework item. Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby. Please remember to be considerate of pets, as fireworks can cause them a great deal of stress.
June 22, 2015 - Foster Park will remain closed while Parks & Recreation work crews remove the debris left by flood waters. With more rain in the forecast and several sections still under water, there is no way to predict when the park will be open for play again. The Department asks the community for patience and understanding while we do everything we can to return Foster Park to normal as quickly as possible.
June 22, 2015 - A number of roads remain closed due to high water. Berry at Thieme and College Smith from Covington to Engle Freeman from Portage to Covington Taylor from Freeman to Brooklyn
June 21, 2015 - Conditions on the St. Marys River continue to improve.
Pumping operations continue in several neighborhoods.
Several road closures remain in effect.
Tillman from Lower Huntington to Calhoun
North River from Maysville to Landin
Winchester from Shamrock to Airport Expressway
Berry from Thieme to College
Geneva from Henrietta to Elyetta
Smith from Covington to Engle
Taylor at Fillmore
Covington at Fillmore
Freeman from Portage to Covington
Taylor from Freeman to Brooklyn
June 20, 2015 - The water level on the St. Marys River in Fort Wayne is down more than six inches from where it crested at 19.83 feet yesterday afternoon. Streets that remain closed include: Tillman Road – From Lower Huntington to Calhoun Street Fairfield Avenue – From Southfair Court to Lower Huntington North River Road – From Maysville Road to Landin Road Winchester Road – From Shamrock to Airport Expressway Berry Street – From Theime Drive to College Street Geneva – From Henrietta St to Elyetta St Smith Road - Covington Road to Engle Rd Freeman Street - Portage Blvd to Covington Rd Taylor Street – Freeman Street to Brooklyn Avenue Taylor Street at Fillmore Street Covington Road at Fillmore Street
June 20, 2015 - The St. Marys River crested yesterday afternoon at 19.83’. As of 6 a.m., flood waters are down more than an inch. Flood waters on the Fairfield Ditch receded more than 2” since yesterday afternoon. Roads closed this week because of high water remain closed.
June 19, 2015 - Conditions are holding steady on the Fairfield Ditch and the St. Marys River. The sandbagging efforts in the Freeman Street and Belle Vista areas were completed last night.
We do not need volunteers for sandbagging at this time.
June 18, 2015 - The St. Marys River continues to rise and is not expected to crest until 8 p.m. tomorrow at 19.9 feet. City staff will work through the night to continue flood fighting efforts. This evening, volunteers are continuing to sandbag in the Belle Vista neighborhood and the 2600 block of Freeman Street. Tomorrow, beginning at 9 a.m., we are asking for volunteers to fill sandbags at the City of Fort Wayne Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette St.
June 18, 2015 - Please be advised that the following roads are closed to traffic for safety reasons due to high water. Tillman Road – From Lower Huntington Road to Calhoun Street Fairfield Avenue – From Southfair Court to Lower Huntington Road North River Road – From Maysville Road to Landin Road Hanauer Road – From Cook Road to Wallen Road Winchester Road – From Shamrock Road to Airport Expressway Berry Street – From Theime Drive to College Street Geneva – From Henrietta Street to Elyetta Street Smith Road - Covington Road to Engle Road Freeman Street - Portage Boulevard to Covington Road Taylor Street – Freeman Street to Brooklyn Avenue Belle Vista Neighborhood streets Old Trail Neighborhood streets
June 18, 2015 - Volunteers are needed in the following locations: *The Belle Vista Neighborhood at the intersection of Cle Elum and Rosalia - sandbagging
*Near the intersection of Southfair Court and Fairfield Avenue - sandbagging
*City of Fort Wayne Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette St. – to fill bags
June 18, 2015 - The Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne on a 30 Day Challenge event to improve health and wellness. The goal of the challenge is for children and Boys and Girls Clubs staff members to drink the ideal amount of water for their body size for 30 days. This fun activity promotes teamwork, friendly competition, creativity and dedication toward a common goal of promoting healthy living. There is also an educational component to assist children in learning more about the benefits of drinking water. A special thank you to Fort Wayne Metals for providing water bottles for all participants.
OPF4 is a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016. To date, more than 1,100 individuals have signed up to participate.
To learn more about OPF4, visit www.OPF4.com .
June 18, 2015 - We need volunteers to help with sandbagging to raise the height of the levee in the Waynedale neighborhood of Bradbury/Prairie Grove/Broadripple. The Fairfield Ditch is creeping over the levee.
Work will begin about 7 a.m. and should be complete by noon. Volunteers should have gloves and may want to wear boots.
Residents can access the area by turning north from Lower Huntington Road -- onto Bradbury. The area that will be sandbagged is about five blocks north of Lower Huntington Road.
June 17, 2015 - Rain remains in the forecast and the St. Marys River continues to rise.
Sand remains available to residents wanting to protect their property. The sand and empty bags are available at Portage Middle School, 3521 Taylor Street, and at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road. Residents will need a shovel to fill the bags. Six additional truckloads of sand have been taken to these locations since we first made sand available just before noon yesterday.
Crews are working to reinforce the clay dike at Thieme and Berry in the West Central area.
This morning’s heavy rain has caused additional street flooding at the intersection of Tillman Road and Calhoun Street. Crews are continuing to monitor the area.
Water levels on the Fairfield Ditch have dropped by more than a foot allowing streets to open and bringing relief to residents in the Belle Vista neighborhood. Water levels are also down in the Bradbury, Prairie Grove, and Broadripple area where some homes were damaged by floodwater yesterday. To help residents clean-up debris, four roll-off garbage containers will be delivered to the neighborhood early tomorrow morning.
City Utilities has nearly 20 pumps placed to protect neighborhoods from floodwater at this hour. Eight additional pumps, brought in from other cities, will arrive late this afternoon. A few pumps being used last night were damaged by flood waters and are not usable today.
Public Works and City Utilities staff worked 12-hour shifts to keep flood fighting efforts a 24-hour operation.
June 17, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2015-16 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event.
Applications will be accepted through July 20 and are available at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec.html . An applicant must be a city resident and enrolled as a sophomore-senior for the 2015-16 school year.
*All applicants must include a completed application form from the website.
*Finalists must take part in an in-person interview. Interviews will take place July-September.
*Space on the council is limited and is a one-year commitment. Applications may be turned in to the Mayor’s Office, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., 4th floor, or mailed to: Mayor’s Office, Attn: Karen L. Richards, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry Street, 4th floor, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
June 17, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Visit Fort Wayne officials today announced four sports tournaments will receive Sports Development Business Grants.
The City of Fort Wayne is providing $20,000 in Sports Development Grant Fund dollars to help Visit Fort Wayne book these tournaments and secure their economic spending. The four sports tournaments will bring in an estimated 3,000 people and $798,405 in direct spending.
The sports tournaments receiving grants are:
Professional Bowlers Association, PBA's 50+ Open, August 14‐16, 2015 and Super Senior Open, August 9‐12, 2015 (1,400 attendees)
United States Pickleball Association Great Lakes Regional Tournament, August 14‐16, 2015 (300)
National Junior Prospects Hockey League All‐League Showcase, November 13‐14, 2015 (1,400)
United States Association of Blind Athletes National Goalball Championship, June 16‐18, 2016 (150)
June 17, 2015 - The St. Marys River continues a slow rise and with rain in the forecast, City crews will continue monitoring and working in neighborhoods with high water.
*Sand remains available to residents who need to take it to protect their property. The sand and empty bags are available but residents will need a shovel to fill the bags. Sand is located at Portage Middle School, 3521 Taylor Street, and at the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road.
*Crews completed construction of an earthen levee to reinforce the existing levee in the Bradbury/Prairie Grove/Broadripple area. Water levels in the Fairfield Ditch have been slowly dropping since midnight.
*Crews completed construction of a clay dike at the intersection of Thieme Drive and Berry Street in the West Central Neighborhood. The dike is holding back additional water to the area.
*Crews completed the construction of a clay dike at Tillman Road and Calhoun Street. The St. Marys River level is creeping up and the river is nearing spill elevation. At this hour, there is no flooding outside of the roadway.
*Our thanks to the more than 30 volunteers who helped with sandbagging efforts in the Belle Vista neighborhood. Water levels in the Fairfield Ditch have been slowly dropping since midnight. At this hou,r we are not asking for additional volunteers.
*22 pumps were operational through the night in neighborhoods throughout the City.
*Public Works and City Utilities staff worked 12 hour shifts to keep flood fighting efforts a 24-hour operation.
June 16, 2015 - As high river levels continue to impact neighborhoods, City staff members remain active in efforts to combat rising water levels. Much like last night, additional staff from Public Works and City Utilities will be on duty through the night, with some even canceling vacations to assist in flood fighting efforts. *Tonight, volunteers are sandbagging using 50,000 bags prepared by the Street Department and delivered to the Bella Vista neighborhood. *City crews are building an earthen levee in the Bradbury/Prairie Grove/Broad Ripple neighborhood to reinforce an existing levee. *City crews along with contractors are building clay dike in the area of Berry Street and Thieme Drive to protect the West Central Neighborhood. *City crews are building a clay dike in an area of Tillman Road. *Earlier today, in an effort to help residents along the Junk Ditch near the Freeman, Taylor and Ardmore area, the City delivered truckloads of sand to parking lots at Portage Middle School, 3521 Taylor Street, and the Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road. *Bags are provided, however residents are to bring their own shovel to fill the bags so they can take them to protect their property. *Last night, City Utilities placed 14 pumps at various locations around the City. *8 additional pumps were borrowed, shipped in from Indianapolis and placed in various neighborhoods.
June 16, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne is asking for volunteers to help sandbag and protect homes in the Belle Vista, Bradbury, Prairie Grove and Broad Ripple neighborhoods. The Street Department is delivering sandbags and volunteers are needed to place the bags and protect the residences. Volunteers are needed beginning at 6 p.m. and should wear gloves and boots.
June 16, 2015 - The City’s Division of Public Works will place sand and empty bags at two locations for residents to access. Residents must bring their own shovel to fill the bags. The sand should be in place by 11 a.m.
June 11, 2015 - Improvements to the West Jefferson Boulevard gateway from the west will get underway tomorrow and continue through mid to late September. Lindenwood Avenue just north of West Jefferson Boulevard is currently closed to traffic and will remain closed for approximately three weeks. West Jefferson Boulevard at Catalpa Street near Rockhill Park will be restricted to one lane both directions as soon as the work on Lindenwood is complete. On West Jefferson, crews will not work during rush hours, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
The railroad elevation over West Jefferson at Catalpa and the elevation at Lindenwood just north of West Jefferson will both be cleaned and painted; brush and debris will be removed from alongside the bridges. New LED lighting will also be installed underneath the West Jefferson elevation in order to create a welcoming entrance into the downtown area.
Improving the West Jefferson corridor and other City gateways is part of Mayor Tom Henry’s commitment to creating a welcoming community that appeals to businesses and residents. The work is a recommendation of the Front Door Fort Wayne Plan, which is a comprehensive 10-year strategy to transform the City’s primary gateways. The plan was developed with input from the public and a 14-member citizen advisory committee.
June 3, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Lutheran Health Network and Old National Bank will serve as financial sponsors for the Fourth of July fireworks display in Fort Wayne. Lutheran Health Network and Old National Bank each will contribute $20,000 per year for the next three years. The Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will again be the location for this year’s show on Saturday, July 4. The Fort Wayne TinCaps will be hosting a baseball game that evening. The fireworks planned for Parkview Field will now be part of the fireworks being released from the Indiana Michigan Power Center. 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.
June 2, 2015 - The Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program will have activities and an information booth as part of Lunch on the Plaza led by the Downtown Improvement District. Lunch on the Plaza is held at the Indiana Michigan Power Center Plaza from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. every Thursday from June-August, weather permitting. In addition to FootGolf and Cornhole on designated weeks and the information booth, OPF4 is encouraging the public to take a 30 Day Challenge to improve health and wellness. Suggested actions include standing instead of sitting, drinking more water, and eating more fruits and vegetables.
June 1, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll kicked off the 37th Annual Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at Courthouse Green. The Senior Games is open to adults 50 and older and over 400 are expected to play this year in locations all over Fort Wayne.
The cost to participate in each event is $1 for those who signed up by May 22, and $2 for each event after the early registration date. Registrations will still be accepted two business days prior to the event. Most events require little or no experience, and although some of the events are more strenuous, like pickleball or canoeing, there are many choices people of all physical abilities can participate in, such as card games, darts and billiards. More than 50 volunteers are needed to run and coordinate the Senior Games each year.
“We’re fortunate to live in a community that values seniors and provides unique program opportunities,” said Mayor Henry. “This year, the Senior Games will host events at several locations throughout Fort Wayne. This is a great way for our participants to experience all that our City has to offer. I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum and excitement we’re experiencing as we work together to make a meaningful difference.”
May 27, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will host the first-ever Dragon Boat Races in our community as part of the Riverpalooza festivities to take place May 29-30 at Headwaters Park West. The unique event will be presented by the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council and is designed to provide an event for the public to enjoy the outdoors, our rivers, and all that our City has to offer. Dragon Boat Racing is a rapidly growing sport that combines rich Chinese traditions, competition, teamwork and fun. Often, dragon boats are emblazoned with bright colors, dragon scales, and a dragon head and tail. Typical dragon boats are 46 feet long and feature 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersman. During the course of the race, the job of the drummer is to keep an effective beat in order to synchronize the paddlers. Actual races are usually between 200-2000 meters and can last up to 10 minutes. Teams will race a 300 meter course on the St. Marys River beginning at Headwaters Park West and ending at the Wells Street Bridge. “Having activities along the rivers are important as we continue our commitment to riverfront development and future opportunities along our riverfront,” said Mayor Henry. “It’s part of what makes Fort Wayne a leader in quality of place and a destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
May 27, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s Public Safety Roundtable members today participated in interactive scenarios at the Public Safety Academy: Ivy Tech South Campus to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement. Participants also learned about the importance of how Fort Wayne Police Department officers are trained. Today’s roundtable was the third in a series of public safety discussions that will occur over the next several months. The roundtable format started in 2014 and is designed to explore how Fort Wayne’s diverse community can come together to ensure the overall safety of all residents.
May 20, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by community leaders to announce the study of a downtown arena in the City of Fort Wayne has been completed and the results have been released to the public. As a next step in the process, Chuck Surack, founder and president of Sweetwater, will lead a study committee comprised of local business and community leaders to further evaluate the financial viability of a possible downtown arena. Committee members include: *Shane Araujo, 3BG Supply Co. *Tim Ash, Ash Brokerage *Bruce Boxberger, Carson Boxberger *Ian Boyce, Dickmeyer Boyce Financial Management *Kathy Callen, Old National Bank *Scott Glaze, Fort Wayne Metals *Tiffany Gooden, Hall & Gooden LLP *Mike Nutter, Fort Wayne TinCaps *Mike Packnett, Parkview Health *Jonathan Ray, Fort Wayne Urban League *Chuck Surack, Sweetwater *Dennis Sutton, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Board of Trustees *Andrew Thomas, Ridge NAPA Auto Parts *Gary Wasson, Embassy Theatre Board of Directors *Doug Wood, PNC *Bill Zielke, Board of Park Commissioners The City invested $39,000 in the study conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners as a way to gauge the viability of a downtown facility as a result of the success being experienced in community and complement the events being offered at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and the Embassy Theatre.
May 14, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Police and Fire Departments will lead three public safety camps for kids this summer as part of a community partnership initiative. Mayor Tom Henry, Public Safety Director Rusty York, Police Chief Garry Hamilton and Fire Chief Eric Lahey made the announcement at Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries Center, which will host the camps. Additional public safety personnel, camp organizers, and community leaders attended today’s event to demonstrate support and commitment to helping children succeed.
The camps will focus on public safety, character development, and education. Additional activities will include field trips, sports, games and daily reading time. “Junior Police Academy” will be held June 22-26 for ages 13-16 “Junior Firefighter Camp” will be held July 6-10 for ages 8-12 “Bridge Day Camp” will be held July 13-24 for ages 7-14
May 12, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry will host a Mayor’s Night In from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18. The event will be held on the fourth floor at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
Residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government or services.
May 7, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll announced today that the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Park System with a free, community party in Headwaters Park East on July 28, 5:30 – 9:30 pm.
“Our world-class park system makes us unique and it’s one of the reasons why the quality of life in Fort Wayne continues to impress everyone,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m looking forward to celebrating the 110th anniversary with numerous events that our entire community can enjoy.”
“As a special gift to the community, to help replenish our tree canopy, we’ll plan 110 trees in each council district,” said Director Moll.
Here are some of the highlights of the July 28th celebration:
Free hot dogs, chips, water and cupcakes, while supply lasts
Trek the Trails ride at 6 pm
Carnival Games
Inflatables
Horse-drawn wagon rides
Face painting
Fire Department, SWAT, K9 Team appearances
Entertainment Stage with Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, youth center performances and at 7:15 the band Trichotomous Hippopotamus will perform.
May 6, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that he has appointed Mark Becker to serve on the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. Becker will replace Steve McElhoe who recently announced his retirement as a member of the Redevelopment Commission. Becker will begin his duties on the Redevelopment Commission this month. Becker’s previous experience as a local community leader includes serving as deputy mayor, director of community development, and director of economic development for the City of Fort Wayne; executive director of the Northeast Indiana Fund; and president and CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Becker currently serves as a consultant for Parkview Health. “Mark brings a lot of knowledge and experience that will serve the Redevelopment Commission well as we continue to see growth and future opportunities in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “I appreciate Mark’s willingness to serve in this important role. His dedication and professionalism will make a meaningful impact.”
April 23, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced positive progress is being made in the City of Fort Wayne’s riverfront development efforts, including the first grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry was joined by community leaders to provide a status report on the initial steps being taken to enhance the City’s riverfront. At the same time, Jane Gerardot, chairperson of the board of directors of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, announced an initial grant of $42,000 for a riparian development master plan. At the request of Mayor Henry at his State of the City Address, a Riverfront Implementation Committee has been working to coordinate the riverfront plan and is focusing on a series of initiatives to move riverfront development forward. Highlights of next steps in the riverfront plan: *Property appraisals *Environmental studies *Development of riparian plan for maintenance/riverbank cleanup/implementation *Perform soil boring work along the riverfront to assess any challenges that may exist *Planning for special programming to include a variety of activities along the riverfront *Engineering and design contracts for promenade *Headwaters Junction feasibility study *Ecology Center feasibility study *Property acquisition To make the next steps in the riverfront plan possible, the City Administration will request $6 million in Legacy funding. The City’s funding request will provide a budget for portions of riverfront development work for the next two years and will be introduced to City Council on Tuesday, April 28. Discussion and possible passage of the request will occur at City Council on Tuesday, May 12. “I’m encouraged by the continued excitement and momentum we’re experiencing as we come together to make riverfront development a top priority,” said Mayor Henry. “We believe the next steps that have been laid out will position us for future economic growth and an enhanced quality of life for everyone as we collaborate to make our riverfront a lasting legacy for our community.”
April 21, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center has been named a top 25 small call center in the United States and Canada for 2015.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Fort Wayne’s Citizen Services Department’s call center has ranked in the Top 100 Small Call Center category by Benchmark Portal. The award includes private and municipal centers staffed by less than 100 employees.
“I continue to be impressed with the excellent customer service being provided by our call center team,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The public is using our 311 service and it shows. We have a dedicated staff committed to meeting the needs of our community. We’re honored to be recognized as one of the best departments in the entire country.” “We are very excited to be ranked among the top 25 small call centers in U.S. and Canada. The 311 Call Center remains committed to ensuring that each citizen encounter is positive and productive. This award symbolizes our staff’s great dedication to serving our citizens with a spirit of excellence on a daily basis, said Julie Sanchez, director, Citizen Services Department, City of Fort Wayne.”
The City launched its 311 program in 2007 to make government more accessible. Since then, services provided by 311 have continued to expand as Citizen Services currently assists 22 City departments. In 2014, the call center handled nearly 200,000 calls, a record year for the department.
April 17, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s Blue Star Banner program will continue in 2015. The Blue Star Banner initiative started in May 2014 and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. Last year, more than 30 banners were displayed to honor service members. Earlier today, crews installed the banners of service members who remain deployed.
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 will be displayed through November and then removed during the winter months.
April 15, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 10 local non-profits will receive funding from the City’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars. Almost $240,000 will be available to help low- and moderate-income residents with shelter, employment skills and youth development.
This year, the following non-profits will receive grants:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne (Passport to Manhood), Cedars Hope (Homelessness to Independence), Easter Seals Arc (Meaningful Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities), Hope House (Employment Services for Homeless), Just Neighbors (Services for Homeless), Literacy Alliance (Pre-GED Classes), Lutheran Social Services (Cup of Kindness), Volunteer Center @ RSVP (Mobile Benefits for Homeless), SCAN (Courtyard Services for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care), and Volunteers of America (Veterans Employment). The City receives CDBG dollars annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Because of recent federal cuts to CDBG allocations, many cities have stopped funding non-profit services. Mayor Henry, however, continues his commitment to these services.
April 13, 2015 - Improvements to the West Jefferson Blvd. gateway from the west are moving forward. Today, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will consider a $337,000 contract for cleaning and painting the railroad elevations and installing lighting in order to create a welcoming entrance into the downtown area. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Room 030 on the Garden Level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
The work is proposed for bridges over West Jefferson at Catalpa Street and Lindenwood Avenue just north of West Jefferson. They will be cleaned and painted an orange-red color, and brush and debris will be removed from alongside the bridges. New lighting will also be installed underneath the West Jefferson bridge. Design Collaborative conducted the design and spec work for the elevation improvements and will serve as the construction manager of the project. Work is expected to begin in late spring and conclude in late summer.
“This is part of a continued effort to enhance our City’s gateways,” said Mayor Henry. “By improving this entrance to our community, we make our City more welcoming and attractive to businesses, visitors and residents. We want to promote civic pride and, more importantly, attract new businesses and their employees.”
April 10, 2015 - The spectacular light display on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge will show team spirit for the Mad Ants, TinCaps and Komets over the next several days.
Saturday, April 11, the bridge will be Crimson and Yellow for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants as they play on in the D-League playoffs.
On Sunday, April 12, the bridge will be Green and Red to celebrate the beginning of the Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball season.
And finally, on Thursday, April 16, the bridge will be Orange and Black to show pride for our Fort Wayne Komets Hockey Club, as it begins ECHL playoff action next Friday.
April 9, 2015 - Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana tonight presented its Advocate of the Year Award to Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. The award is given to an elected or appointed state or municipal office or an employee from a state or municipal office in recognition of efforts that have had a significant impact on the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
April 9, 2015 - A power surge at an Indiana Michigan Power substation earlier today caused a brown out at the Three Rivers Water Filtration plant. The loss of power shut off the pumps at the plant for about a minute. As power was restored, the pumps came back on but the pressure change may have stirred up sediment in pipes in the distribution system as well as in the pipes we have in our homes and businesses. As a result, some residents may notice a slight discoloration to their water. If residents notice a slight brown tint, they should run the water for a few minutes to flush their line before using the water. The power loss was related to an issue at I&M’s substation near Lawton Park. The plant is operating at full strength tonight and City Utilities is working closely with I&M to resolve the issue.
April 9, 2015 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll was joined today by Mayor Tom Henry, sponsors from local corporations and media outlets as he announced the 2015 summer concert lineup at Foellinger Theatre: “Listen to the Music.”
The concert season, which begins May 15, will feature nationally acclaimed musicians such as The Doobie Brothers , Tommy James & The Shondells , Willie Nelson , the Steve Miller Band, The Beach Boys and The Temptations .
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 14 at 8 am. To guard against overpaying for Foellinger Theatre tickets on a ticket scalping site, the Department recommends that patrons go directly to www.foellingertheatre.org and click on “Purchase Theatre Tickets.” That link will lead patrons to a list of concerts with their correct ticket prices and a seating chart, as well as an option to purchase directly from the Parks & Recreation Department. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Parks & Recreation office at 260-427-6000 or by visiting 705 East State Blvd., Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.
“This concert season promises to be bigger and better than ever,” said Director Moll. “We are grateful for our sponsors, without which we couldn’t offer such competitive ticket prices. And with Pacific Coast Concerts bringing in some great acts, we are going to have a fabulous summer!”
April 8, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced today that four new homes are now for sale in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood. Biggs Development recently put the three-bedroom, 1,200 square foot ranches on the market at a price of $72,500. The City provided the land to Biggs and will match a new homeowner’s down payment of $1,000 with another $1,000.
“The City of Fort Wayne continues to invest in Renaissance Pointe and in all our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “Thanks in part to a great partnership with Biggs Development, more residents have an opportunity to own a new home at an affordable cost.”
Biggs Development, which also developed 66 lease-purchase homes in Renaissance Pointe that were completed in 2012, launched this new line of homes in response to growing demand for short-term lease-purchase and immediate for-sale new homes in the area. Buyers of the new homes could be a resident currently leasing a home or someone new to the neighborhood. Anyone interested in learning more about buying one of the new homes should call Biggs/Ideal Homes at 260-724-9131 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
April 7, 2015 - The Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will host “Kids in the Kitchen” at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at the McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St. The event is free and families will learn how to get children involved in the kitchen by making their own healthy snacks and helping to prepare meals.
March 26, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today testified at the Indiana State Senate Appropriations Committee meeting in support of funding for the Regional Cities initiative.
March 26, 2015 - Our community is united and excited for riverfront development and how we can build tremendous assets for everyone to enjoy. With the recent completion of the riverfront development study, we must move forward to create a riverfront experience that enhances our quality of place and sets us apart as a regional attraction for visitors, businesses, economic development opportunities, and jobs. We’re working proactively to have discussions with the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health to reach a sensible resolution for The Deck’s outdoor dining operations. My office is prepared to do all we can to make sure the needs of our residents and businesses are being met.
March 25, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry continued his commitment to neighborhood infrastructure improvements today as he joined residents of the Hillcrest neighborhood to announce this year’s street, sidewalk and trail improvements. For the second year in a row, the City will invest more than $20 million in transportation infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails.
Additionally, City Utilities will be investing more than $35 million this year, improving neighborhood sewer and water infrastructure. The Utility projects will improve service for more than 10,000 customer accounts, an estimated 25,000 residents, across the City.
The Hillcrest improvements demonstrate a commitment to neighborhoods and an efficient use of funding by coordinating work to save money and minimize neighborhood interruption. The Hillcrest enhancement is collaboration with NIPSCO: placing new gas lines; City Utilities: installing new storm, sanitary and water lines; and Public Works: repairing streets, sidewalks, and installing new ADA ramps.
“Careful planning leads to major improvements for neighborhoods that will strengthen our community for generations to come,” said Mayor Henry. “We continue to make significant investments in our neighborhoods. By working together, our neighborhoods are strong and vibrant. We’re making an impact and building on our momentum.”
The unprecedented improvements led by Mayor Henry, coupled with other neighborhood programs, are strengthening neighborhoods, building pride and improving property values.
March 24, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that eight local businesses will receive 2015 Commercial Façade Grants to improve their properties. This year's awardees will receive approximately $218,000 in City funding and have pledged to contribute just over $685,000 in private investment to do everything from installing new windows to creating more attractive roof lines.
“This program is good for local businesses and neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “It helps businesses improve their properties and attract customers, while at the same time strengthening commercial corridors in the heart of our community.” Today’s news conference was held at Doolittle Electric, 2046 S. Lafayette St. Dave and Candace Doolittle purchased the building eight years ago and are working to renovate it inside and out while expanding their business. In addition to Doolittle Electric, the building will house a photography studio and property management business. The façade grant will help Doolittle pay for new windows, doors, lighting, signage and awnings. (See attached rendering of changes to the façade.)
“I believe dilapidated buildings in an area can discourage people from venturing into an uncharted territory,” said Dave Doolittle, co-owner of the property. “Through Mayor Henry's grant program we can improve these areas, enabling people to consider options such as living, shopping and new small business opportunities. The city has had many pockets of success. Through grants like this we can continue connecting those pockets into one unified success. Doolittle Electric is proud to be a partner in this success story.”
Mayor Henry introduced the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008 as part of his ongoing commitment to help local businesses thrive and expand, particularly in the heart of the City. 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.
March 13, 2015 - Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined Fort Wayne officials today to watch a blighted property in the Pontiac Place neighborhood located at 2801 Euclid Ave. be demolished as part of the Indiana Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination Program (BEP).
“The Blight Elimination Program helps municipalities around our state remove blighted houses that burden local governments and citizens alike,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “Through our efforts, we anticipate the demolition of nearly 4,000 blighted properties statewide resulting in improved property values and productive end uses to enhance neighborhoods through the local redevelopment activities.”
Statewide, the program has made a total of $75 million in blight elimination funds available to reduce foreclosures through stabilization of residential property values. Today’s demolition is among the first from the total of $7.5 million allocated to the City of Fort Wayne in two separate awards. These funds will be used to demolish, green and maintain approximately 315 blighted properties in Fort Wayne.
“Indiana’s Blight Elimination Program is a helpful tool in the fight to prevent avoidable foreclosures,” said U.S. Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Timothy Bowler. “Through Indiana’s efforts, neighborhoods that have experienced the negative effects of vacant and blighted properties will soon see the benefit of these federal funds. We are proud to continue to work with the leadership of Indiana in their efforts to revitalize and stabilize hard hit communities.”
Administered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), the goal of the BEP is not just to demolish abandoned homes and improve the resulting lots, but ultimately prevent avoidable foreclosures and stabilize property values in Indiana communities.
“Fort Wayne puts a priority on strengthening neighborhoods, and the Blight Elimination Program is a key part of our efforts,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “Removing homes that are vacant and dangerous helps stabilize property values and create safe and healthy neighborhoods.”
March 12, 2015 - While we all welcome warmer temperatures, it can sometimes create a quick snow and ice melt in our rivers. Quick melts often create a slightly different smell in the water from what usually feeds into our Filtration Plant from the St. Joseph River. We can assure you that the water has gone through our normal, high quality filtration process and is safe to drink even though some residents may notice a change in smell and taste. The issue should clear up in a couple of days. Again, the water is safe to drink.
March 11, 2015 - The Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program invites the public to participate in the Walk a Mile with Champions event on Saturday, March 21. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Athletic Center Fieldhouse on the IPFW campus. The free event is designed for individuals and families to take part in a fun exercise opportunity to promote fitness and wellness. Attendees will be able to walk with and meet representatives from IPFW, Fort Wayne TinCaps, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and University of Saint Francis. Children will enjoy getting to meet and interact with Don the Mastodon, Johnny TinCap, the Mad Ant, and Johnny Cougar. In addition, everyone is encouraged to bring their medals and trophies of accomplishments to celebrate Fort Wayne as a City of champions. “We’re a City of champions and this unique event is a great reminder of the positive momentum and investments we’re seeing in our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We’re working each day to enhance our quality of life and make the City of Fort Wayne the best place to live, work, and play.”
March 10, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne has been named a Top 10 Best Run City in America by WalletHub. In order to identify the most efficiently operated cities in America, WalletHub analyzed 65 of the most populated U.S. cities on how efficiently they spend on three key expenditure categories, including education, police, and parks and recreation. "This is tremendous recognition for the City of Fort Wayne as we continue to build on our momentum and invest in the future of our community," said Mayor Tom Henry. "By working together, we're seeing job and business growth, thriving neighborhoods, and an excellent quality of life."
March 6, 2015 - A march commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the “Blood Sunday” march in Selma, Ala., will take place Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m.
The march from North Side High School to Freimann Square will cause temporary lane restrictions on State Boulevard and Clinton Street. Westbound lanes on State, from North Side to Clinton, will be closed to motorists a few minutes before the march begins. Once on Clinton, the march will use the two eastern lanes of Clinton into downtown. The far west lane of Clinton will remain open for emergency vehicles and truck traffic, but other motorists will be re-routed.
Traffic will be halted on Spy Run Avenue for a few minutes as participants cross Spy Run to access Clinton. The march is expected to take about 40 minutes and streets will reopen to all traffic immediately after the march.
March 3, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne will reopen a warming station and overnight shelter as a result of very cold conditions that are expected to reach Fort Wayne beginning Wednesday evening. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., will be open beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 until 8 a.m. Friday, March 6 for anyone in need of a warm place to stay as a result of the winter weather conditions.
The City’s Police, Fire, Public Works, and City Utilities departments are all prepared with full personnel in position to respond accordingly to any potential weather situations. The City of Fort Wayne has been proactive in providing warming stations and overnight shelters to assist those in need, and recently, the State of Indiana, through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, selected Fort Wayne as one of four pilot communities to reach chronically homeless individuals with the most need for supportive services to bring them into permanent housing.
March 3, 2015 - Due to freezing rain and slick streets, the City’s garbage and recycling vendor, Republic Services, has stopped collection for the day. All Tuesday routes will be collected on Wednesday and garbage and recycling will run one day behind the rest of the week with Friday collections occurring on Saturday.
March 2, 2015 - The Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program will be part of the upcoming Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance’s Doctor’s Day event on Saturday, March 7. OPF4 team members will be at Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s Doctor’s Day marks the 20th year for the event. Mayor Tom Henry is scheduled to provide opening remarks as part of the celebration. OPF4 and Summit City Bicycles and Fitness are partnering on an interactive exhibit, “Energy Creates Power.” Visitors will be able to use stationary bikes that will be linked to a computer to calculate watts generated through movement. Participants can enter a drawing for a prize for most watts generated in a fixed period of time.
February 27, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne is aware of GE’s decision to demolish an office building on their property on the east side of Broadway near McCulloch Park for safety purposes. The City of Fort Wayne and GE are involved in proactive discussions about the future of the GE property.
February 27, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne will continue to have warming station and overnight shelter available for those in need for one more evening as temperatures and weather conditions are expected to improve. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., will close as a warming station/overnight shelter at noon today.
February 24, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today voiced his support for proposed legislation that would assist with transportation needs for children in the Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) district. A portion of Senate Bill 478, which is under consideration in the Indiana General Assembly, would allow a redevelopment commission to provide revenue to a school corporation's transportation fund from property tax proceeds allocated to the redevelopment commission in a tax increment financing (TIF) allocation area. The bill also specifies that the amount of revenue that may be provided to the school corporation may not exceed the amount of property tax revenue received by the redevelopment commission that is attributable to the school corporation's transportation fund tax rate. The proposal would also require approval by the legislative body of the unit that established the redevelopment commission and by the redevelopment commission. Senate Bill 478 has been passed by the Indiana Senate and has been sent to the Indiana House of Representatives for consideration. If the bill receives final approval, FWCS would be required to petition the City of Fort Wayne to request the additional TIF funding. Mayor Henry emphasized that if the legislation passes, he will call on the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and Fort Wayne City Council to make the necessary approvals at the local governmental level.
February 24, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne continues to have a warming station and overnight shelter available. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., is open as a warming station/overnight shelter until further notice. The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., is no longer open as a warming station/overnight shelter.
February 23, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne has completed phase two of the transition to City Utilities water for customers in southwest Fort Wayne. Officials from Lutheran Hospital, several local businesses, and residents joined Mayor Henry for today’s progress report on the City’s efforts and highlight the importance of water pressure, quality, and reliability for public health and public safety. With the completion of phase two, 4,500 customers are now connected to City water. “To be a City where people want to live and businesses want to grow, we must have a water infrastructure that’s built for the future to meet the needs of our community,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re building on our momentum as we provide residents and businesses with essential services to keep us healthy and safe.”
February 20, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne and community partners will continue to have warming stations and overnight shelters available for the next several days. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., will close as a warming station/overnight shelter at noon today. The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., will open as a warming station/overnight shelter beginning at noon today. The facility will remain open until further notice. Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., will be open as a warming station/overnight shelter from 6 p.m. this evening until 8 a.m. Saturday. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., will reopen as a warming station/overnight shelter at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
February 16, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne will continue to have a warming station available until further notice. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., is open 24 hours a day for anyone in need of a warm place to stay as a result of the winter weather conditions.
February 15, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne has warming stations available for anyone in need of a warm place to stay as a result of the winter weather conditions. The Omni Room on the garden level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., will be open from 6 p.m. this evening until 6 a.m. Monday. Visitors are asked to enter the doors on the northwest corner of the building. The McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St., is open until 8 p.m. this evening. The Community Center, 233 W. Main St., will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. beginning Monday.
Feb. 14, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne has opened warming stations for anyone in need of a warm place to stay as a result of the winter weather conditions. The Omni Room on the garden level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., is open now until 8 a.m. Sunday. Visitors are asked to enter the doors on the northwest corner of the building.The McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St., is open until 8 p.m. this evening and will be open from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday. “We want all residents to be as safe as possible. We’re committed to ensure we have resources available to the public,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Let's work together and be sure to check on friends and neighbors as we anticipate very cold temperatures over the next several days.”
February, 11, 2015 - THANK YOU, NANCY, FOR THAT WARM INTRODUCTION. FRIENDS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, HONORED GUESTS, RESIDENTS OF FORT WAYNE, WELCOME. I’M HONORED TO BE WITH YOU TODAY TO TALK ABOUT MY VISION TO BUILD ON THE MOMENTUM WE’RE EXPERIENCING IN THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE. I WANT TO THANK THE GRAND WAYNE CENTER FOR HOSTING TODAY’S EVENT. IT WAS 10 YEARS AGO THAT THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION WAS FINISHED ON THIS TREMENDOUS ASSET FOR DOWNTOWN. THIS WORLD-CLASS FACILITY, WHICH IS ALSO CELEBRATING ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY, IS ONE REASON WE’RE A CITY MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE GRAND WAYNE CENTER AND VISIT FORT WAYNE, WE’VE BECOME A HOT SPOT FOR TOURISM WITH A CENTRAL LOCATION, GREAT FACILITIES, AND HOOSIER HOSPITALITY. IN FACT, FIFTEEN NEW MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS ARE COMING TO OUR CITY THIS YEAR. AND, NEARLY 9,000 LOCAL JOBS ARE DIRECTLY SUPPORTED BY VISITOR SPENDING. I’VE LIVED IN FORT WAYNE ALMOST ALL OF MY LIFE. AND, THERE’S AN EXCITEMENT IN OUR CITY THAT I’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE, AND I SUSPECT YOU'VE SEEN IT, TOO. PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES AROUND OUR STATE AND NATION ARE TAKING NOTICE OF FORT WAYNE. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THAT FORBES MAGAZINE NAMED US ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP 19 OPPORTUNITY CITIES. AND, WE’VE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST CITIES FOR PEOPLE UNDER 35. THIS POSITIVE ATTENTION WE’RE RECEIVING IS THE RESULT OF ALL OF THE HARD WORK WE'VE DONE TO POSITION US AS A DESTINATION PLACE AND A GEM OF THE MIDWEST. WE'RE MAKING A NAME FOR OURSELVES AS A CITY THAT OTHERS LOOK TO EMULATE. AS I MEET WITH MAYORS FROM ACROSS INDIANA AND OUR GREAT COUNTRY, I’M OFTEN ASKED, HOW ARE YOU HAVING SO MUCH SUCCESS IN FORT WAYNE? WELL, WE HAVE A GREAT STORY TO TELL, AND EVERY CHANCE I GET, I DO JUST THAT. WE MUST CONTINUE TO BUILD ON OUR MOMENTUM.
February 4, 2015 - The City’s riverfront consultant, SWA Group, tonight recommended building a waterfront promenade as the first phase of enhancements to Fort Wayne’s downtown riverfront. The recommendations came at the Grand Wayne Center during the Big Reveal, which is the final public meeting of the riverfront study process. SWA Group provided detailed renderings of what the promenade could look like. The first sections of promenade could extend along both the south and north banks of the St. Marys River beginning at the Historic Wells Street Bridge and stretching east toward Harrison Street.
February 3, 2015 - Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, 4320 Coldwater Rd., and Operation Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) will host a college night from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8. Visitors will learn about quick and easy recipe ideas, tips for shopping on a budget, and how to eat healthy on the go. There will also be prizes, and pizzas will be sold at a reduced price. OPF4 is a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness, and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016. To date, nearly 950 individuals have signed up to participate in OPF4. Last month, OPF4 launched a Teams function, a fun and interactive tool to increase exercise and healthy living opportunities while competing with friends, relatives, and co-workers. To learn more about the Teams function and to get started, visit www.OPF4.com/teams .
February 3, 2015 - The Housing and Neighborhood Services (HANDS) Board today recommended that the City of Fort Wayne enter into a contract with Growing Minds Educational Services and Urban Grow to operate an urban farm in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood.
The farm will be located at 2518 Winter St. and will be the City’s pilot site for establishing a template for development of urban farms in Fort Wayne. It is located in a food desert, or an area with very little access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
City plans for the property include the adaptive re-use of former fire station 9, which is located on the site, into a community center with a commercial kitchen and space for a farmers market. Surrounding property will be developed into farmland.
February 2, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry is inviting citizens to see the top photos of the Riverfront Fort Wayne photo contest during the February 4 Big Reveal event. One of the photos that will be displayed is attached; it was taken by Wendy Quinn.
The Big Reveal is the final public meeting of the riverfront study process. It begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Anthony Wayne Ballroom of the Grand Wayne Convention Center and everyone is invited. During the event, riverfront consultant SWA Group will present their final recommendations for revitalizing Fort Wayne's downtown riverfront. A reception that features live music and refreshments will follow the presentation.
Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 - City trucks are entering neighborhoods to plow side and residential streets. Crews will work through the night to finish plowing our neighborhoods.
The City's main roads have been plowed and salted. Motorists should use caution as some areas have packed down snow and ice that may be slick.
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 - Republic Services will not collect garbage and recycling in the City of Fort Wayne on Monday, Feb. 2 due to today’s heavy snowfall. Garbage and recycling collection will run one day behind for the rest of the week, with Friday’s collection being on Saturday.
City plow truck drivers will continue clearing arterial streets while it continues to snow and if high winds create drifting. Crews will plow through the night and at this time we are expecting to get into the residential streets by around noon on Monday.
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 - City of Fort Wayne plow trucks worked through the night and will continue a 24-hour operation during this winter storm. Crews will focus on the main arterials as it continues to snow.
January 28, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2015 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2014 and look ahead to plans for 2015. The theme for this year’s speech is “Building on our Momentum.”
January 27, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry and social service partners today announced the City of Fort Wayne has been chosen to participate in a pilot program to assist the homeless population. The State of Indiana, through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, selected Fort Wayne as one of four pilot communities to reach chronically homeless individuals with the most need for supportive services to bring them into permanent housing. Along with Bloomington, Evansville, and Lafayette, Fort Wayne will be selecting a coordinated assessment tool to identify the eligible individuals and the appropriate housing options. The first phase of the pilot program focuses on individuals who have a disabling condition, such as a substance abuse disorder, mental illness, or a developmental disability, and either have been continuously homeless for a year or more or have had four episodes of homelessness in the last three years. Through the assessment process, other resources will be identified for those who do not fit the specific target population. “We are a City that cares about one another,” said Mayor Henry. “This is a unique opportunity as our entire community continues proactive efforts to assist those in need of help and direction. Thank you to our social service agencies that are committed to being part of the solution as we come together to make a meaningful difference.”
January 22, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Police Department leaders today provided a progress report to the community that the City of Fort Wayne experienced an overall reduction in crime of more than 14 percent in 2014, highlighted by a 62.5 percent reduction in the number of homicides. Robberies and burglaries were also down more than 20 percent as compared to 2013 numbers.
Mayor Henry and law enforcement officials were joined by members of the Mayor’s Roundtable on Public Safety to recap public safety successes in 2014 and look ahead to initiatives in 2015. Highlights of public safety efforts in 2014: *Homicides declined by 62.5 percent. The 12 homicides represented the lowest total in over 20 years. *Burglaries dropped by 26 percent *Robberies were down by 22 percent *Property crimes dropped by 14.6 percent *Violent crimes declined by 14 percent *Larceny declined by 11 percent *Assault dropped by 6 percent *Vehicle thefts were down by 5.7 percent *Overall crime declined by 14.5 percent *Formation of the Gang and Violent Crimes Unit *More open communication with residents *15 officers graduated from the Fort Wayne Police Department Recruit Class
January 20, 2015 - The Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program will be part of the upcoming Winterval event on Saturday, Jan. 31. OPF4 team members will be at Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., to lead information sessions and a stair climb challenge. Doors will open at 10 a.m. Beginning at 10:30 a.m.; OPF4 will lead presentations every half-hour on the benefits of exercise, wellness, and family activities. Following the presentation, individuals and families will be able to take part in the stair climb event. Participants who complete the climb will receive an OPF4 wristband. The last presentation will be at 4:30 p.m. Doors close at 5 p.m. OPF4 is a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness, and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016. To date, over 900 individuals have signed up to participate. To learn more about OPF4, visit www.OPF4.com . For more information about Winterval and the other program offerings at various locations throughout the City, visit www.WintervalFW.com .
January 15, 2015 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne and Domo Development, LLC, based in Indianapolis, have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a $27 million residential development across from Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne. The project, Cityscape Flats, will feature apartments, row houses, parking garage, and streetscape improvements. The 3.59 acre area is bordered by Ewing Street on the east, Fairfield Avenue on the west, West Jefferson Boulevard on the north, and Brackenridge Street on the south. Project highlights: *167 unit multi-family complex consisting of studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments *8 row houses *177 space parking garage The development will be $20 million in private investment, with the City’s investment being up to $7 million. The City’s participation will include the parking garage and streetscape work and will come from existing tax increment financing (TIF) funds and tax phase-in. No property taxes would be used to fund the City’s portion of the project. “I continue to be encouraged by the unprecedented growth and development taking place in the heart of our City,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re committed to meeting the high demand for downtown housing options. The City of Fort Wayne is moving in the right direction as we invest in the future and enhance economic and quality of life opportunities.”
January 14, 2015 - Area citizens are invited to celebrate the conclusion of the Riverfront Development Study and see the final recommendations from the riverfront consultants at a public meeting on February 4, 2015.
“Thousands of residents have attended public meetings, submitted ideas, taken part in special events and served on committees to help create a unique and engaging vision for our downtown riverfront,” said Pam Holocher, deputy director of Community Development. “It will be exciting to see all those efforts come together in a plan that will be a catalyst for the continued growth and success of our city and region.”
The event gets underway at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 5:45 p.m. After, attendees can enjoy live music and refreshments and a display of the winners from the Riverfront social media photo contest, organized by Artlink. The celebration takes place at the Grand Wayne Center in the Anthony Wayne Ballroom.
January 13, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by community leaders to provide a progress report on efforts to redevelop The Landing along West Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne. The City of Fort Wayne has worked with the Downtown Development Trust, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to acquire seven buildings and two parking lots. The acquisitions now position the community to move forward to attract a developer to create a new mixed-use development in the heart of the City. There is 110,000 square feet available for first floor retail and entertainment and upper floor residential units. “This is a great step forward as we continue to work together to invest in our City,” said Mayor Henry. “The Landing project will assist us in our ongoing efforts to meet the high demand for downtown housing. I’m also encouraged that residents and visitors will have another location to live, work, and play as we continue to build on our successes and move forward in a meaningful way.”
January 12, 2015 – Earlier today, the Fort Wayne Police Department’s 61st Basic Recruit Class consisting of 26 recruits began their journey toward becoming fully commissioned officers.
The federal government through the COPS program provided the City with a grant totaling $1.25 million to help fund this class. The Fort Wayne Police Department is authorized to a staffing level of 460 officers but due to recent retirements has fallen below that number.
Chief Garry Hamilton stated, "When they successfully complete their five months of training, these fine men and women will have demonstrated their commitment to law enforcement. That is a great privilege, since there is no higher responsibility than preserving public safety and trust."
“We’re making tremendous progress in our proactive efforts to be the safest city possible,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I appreciate and respect the commitment and dedication that’s displayed each day by our Fort Wayne Police Department officers. I’m also encouraged by the diversity and professionalism of the members of our new recruit class. We’re investing in our future to protect residents and businesses.”
January 9, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne will continue to have a warming station available for the public through Saturday. The Omni Room on the garden level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday. Visitors are asked to enter the doors on the northwest corner of the building.
The warming station is designed for individuals in need of a location to stay warm for a short period of time. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., is open as a warming station until 8 p.m. today.
January 8, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne will continue to have a warming station available for the public through Friday. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., is open as a warming station until 8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday. The warming station is designed for individuals in need of a location to stay warm for a shorter period of time. Plans could change as needed.
January 7, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne will continue to have a warming station available for the public through Thursday. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Center, 233 W. Main St., is open as a warming station until 8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday. The warming station is designed for individuals in need of a location to stay warm for a shorter period of time. Plans could change as needed.
January 7, 2015 - The Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) initiative today announced that a new Teams function has been added to the program’s website. The Teams function is a fun and interactive tool to increase exercise and healthy living opportunities while competing with friends, relatives, and co-workers. To learn more about the Teams function and to get started, visit www.OPF4.com/teams . “I encourage everyone to join a team as we work together to improve health and wellness in our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This is a great way to start 2015 and have some fun as we challenge one another to consider lifestyle changes that incorporate exercise and fitness.”
January 6, 2015 - The City of Fort Wayne today announced that a warming station will be available for the public. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department will open the Community Center, 233 W. Main St., as a warming station from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The warming station is designed for individuals in need of a location to stay warm for a shorter period of time. Plans could change as needed. Wind chill values are expected to be -15 during the day on Wednesday. Wednesday night’s low is expected to be -11 with wind chill values of -25. “We want to ensure that all residents are as safe as possible this winter. We’re being proactive in our efforts to ensure we have resources available to the public,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I want to encourage everyone to be safe and be sure to check on friends and neighbors as we anticipate very cold temperatures over the next few days.”
December 18, 2014 - Extra flood protection is now in place for residents of the Fernwood Avenue and Dalevue Drive neighborhood. Chronic and repeated flooding has impacted this low-lying area along the Fairfield Ditch since the 1950’s. After another flood in the spring of 2013, Mayor Tom Henry went to the neighborhood, met with residents, and took the necessary steps to move flood protection efforts forward.
Today, Mayor Henry joined residents of the neighborhood to cut a ceremonial ribbon with sandbags, often used in flood-fighting, attached to the ribbon.
“Keeping our neighborhoods healthy creates a momentum that makes Fort Wayne a desirable place to live. I’m pleased with the improvements to protect this neighborhood from flooding and I know it means a lot to the residents,” Mayor Henry said. “I thank them for their patience and for working closely with our staff on this important project.”
Six homes were voluntarily purchased and removed from the neighborhood to create more green space to absorb floodwater. In addition, the City moved forward with installation of a larger, 48-inch stormwater pipe and additional inlets to take water away from the area, and an earthen berm to hold back high water overflowing from the Fairfield Ditch.
December 17, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed beginning at Noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24 in recognition of Christmas. Residential garbage and recycling collection will be pushed back one day with Thursday’s collection on Friday and Friday’s collection on Saturday. City offices will resume regular business hours on Monday, Dec. 29.
December 17, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry led a roundtable discussion this morning with about a dozen community and neighborhood leaders to discuss the effectiveness of local public safety initiatives and programs. Public Safety Director Rusty York, Police Chief Garry Hamilton and Allen County Sheriff-Elect David Gladieux served as moderators of the discussion. Henry’s first “Mayor’s Roundtable on Public Safety” provided an opportunity for an open dialogue about local law enforcement agencies’ proactive public safety efforts. The meeting also focused on how the community can work together and communicate with police officers to enhance public safety services provided moving forward. Today’s roundtable was the first in a series of public safety discussions that will occur over the next several months. The roundtable format is designed to explore how Fort Wayne’s diverse community can come together to ensure the overall safety of all residents.
December 16, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is asking residents to complete an online survey about shopping and dining preferences in south Fort Wayne. Anyone who shops, dines or lives in urban south Fort Wayne (roughly south of Jefferson Boulevard), is encouraged to complete the survey. (see attached map.)
The survey is being conducted in conjunction with a Market and Retail Analysis examining current and projected commercial market conditions in south Fort Wayne. Gibbs Planning Group of Birmingham, MI, an experienced consulting firm specializing in urban retail planning, is completing the study for the Community Development Division.
Using market data, demographics, interviews with local business people and the survey results, Gibbs will provide an analysis of current market conditions and identify potential for retail, dining, entertainment, personal and professional services, grocery or specialty food shops, lodging and office uses. The report will also make recommendations for enhancing the business climate in south Fort Wayne.
The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T3V7G76 . Hard copies are available at the City’s Community Development Offices, suite 320, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. or by calling 311. The deadline for submitting a response is January 9, 2015.
December 16, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today participated in his third weigh-in for the Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program. Mayor Henry today weighed in at 190 pounds. At last month’s weigh-in, Mayor Henry also weighed 190 pounds. At his October weigh-in, Mayor Henry weighed 203 pounds. Mayor Henry visited East Allen University for the weigh-in and spoke with students about the importance of health. Mayor Henry has committed to increase his physical activity, eat healthier, lose 15 pounds, and participate in next year’s Fort4Fitness event.
December 15, 2014 - Demolition work began today at the former Franklin School site on St. Marys Avenue. Mayor Tom Henry and community and neighborhood leaders attended today’s launch of the demolition process. The City of Fort Wayne is investing more than $330,000 for the demolition of the property. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will lead the effort to convert the site into a City park. Green space work and the installation of a splash pad are scheduled to begin in 2015. Final design and cost estimates will be finalized in the coming months. The City and surrounding neighborhoods have worked together to ensure the property would be viable as a community asset. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making in the ongoing commitment to enhance our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’re making a meaningful difference as we invest in the future of our City.”
December 11, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Artlink Contemporary Gallery are inviting area residents to take part in a Riverfront Fort Wayne photo contest. Participants are invited to share their favorite Fort Wayne river-related photos through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram beginning December 15, 2014; the last day for submissions is January 15, 2015.
Participants will have a chance to win a $90, $70 or $50 prize as well as have their photos become part of a traveling photography exhibit. The exhibit will be revealed at the Riverfront Fort Wayne final plan celebration, which will take place February 4, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
“Thousands of area residents have participated in the Riverfront Fort Wayne study; they’ve given us their ideas and opinions and taken part in clean-ups and riverboat rides,” said Mayor Henry. “This is another great opportunity for the public to share their enthusiasm for the future of our downtown riverfront. I continue to be encouraged by the possibilities for riverfront development as we work together to invest in our community.”
There are three ways to enter the photo contest. Participants can:
Post a photo to their Facebook page and use the hashtag #RiverFrontFW;
Tweet their picture and include @artlinkftwayne, @CityofFortWayne and #RiverFrontFW;
Or Instagram their picture and include @artlinkftwayne and #RiverFrontFW.
All photos will be posted to a Facebook album on Artlink’s page by January 19. After January 19, people can vote for their favorite photo. The three photos with the most “likes” before January 23, 2015, will win the cash prizes. The 25 photos with the most likes will be included in the traveling photo installation project.
December 4, 2014 - City Utilities water is now flowing to residents in phase one of the southwest transition to City water. Mayor Tom Henry today joined residents in the Abbey Place Villas neighborhood to flush a fire hydrant and drink a toast with City water. Today, nearly 2,200 customers in phase one, an area between Bass Road to the north and Jefferson Boulevard to the south, were connected to City water. The remainder of the more than 12,500 customers will be connected in phases over a 10-month period.
While some residents will be phased in over the next several months, all residents in the former Aqua Indiana service area are now receiving the lower billing rate of City Utilities. Collectively, this will result in a savings of nearly $1 million for the more than 12,500 customers in the area.
December 3, 2014 - This afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry signed the final documents to complete the purchase of Aqua Indiana’s water system in southwest Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry was joined by Aqua Indiana’s Tom Bruns for a signing ceremony at Citizens Square. City Utilities will now begin the conversion process to bring City Utilities water services to residents in the former Aqua southwest service area. In order to accommodate pipe connections, residents will be connected in phases that will take place over the next several months. The first neighborhoods will be converted to City water beginning tomorrow, with nearly 2,200 customers being connected this week. “This is another positive step in our efforts to meet the needs of residents, neighborhoods, and businesses in our community. Our southwest residents have called for City water for years, and today I’m proud we can fulfill my promise of bringing our award-winning water to all Fort Wayne residents,” said Mayor Henry. “A commitment to reliable and high quality water at an affordable price for all residents demonstrates that Fort Wayne is a leader as we invest in the future to improve economic development opportunities and job growth, and enhance the tremendous quality of life we enjoy. It’s encouraging to see that the unprecedented momentum we’ve been experiencing in our community now extends to our utility services.”
December 1, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the 2014 construction season is wrapping up with unprecedented investments made in neighborhoods throughout the City of Fort Wayne. More than $20 million was invested in neighborhood infrastructure projects. Highlights included 50 miles of paving, 10 miles of concrete reconstruction, brick street work, 12 miles of chip and seal repairs, sidewalk improvements, and curb and ramp repairs. Community and neighborhood leaders joined Mayor Henry’s for today’s announcement in the Southwick neighborhood in southeast Fort Wayne where a major concrete reconstruction project was completed this year. “I’m encouraged by the positive momentum we continue to see as we invest in our future,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’re a leader in focusing on neighborhoods, building on our excellent quality of life, and positioning Fort Wayne for economic and job growth.”
December 1, 2014 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has been chosen as the recipient of a 2014 Awards of Excellence Award from the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) for the McMillen Park Community Center project. IPRA will present the award publicly at a special awards banquet at the IPRA State Conference in Michigan City on January 15, 2015.
Each year, IPRA Awards of Excellence are presented to individuals and agencies across Indiana to honor their efforts--both personally and professionally--in the field of Parks and Recreation. Winners are evaluated by their peers in the industry based upon a scoring system for quality of the project, impact on the community, creative solutions as well as other criteria.
“The Parks & Recreation Department is proud to receive an award for this outstanding Legacy project,” said Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll. “We share the honor with the entire community for their suggestions during the public input process. This accomplishment would not be possible without the support of Mayor Tom Henry, the City Council and the Board of Park Commissioners.”
November 25, 2014 - The public is invited to hear a presentation about the potential for additional residential development opportunities in downtown Fort Wayne.
Results of the study will be presented during the HANDS (Housing and Neighborhood Development Services) Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 11:30 a.m., Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street, Garden Level Room 030. Results of a study by Zimmerman/Volk Associates from Clinton, New Jersey will be presented during the meeting. The study examines downtown Fort Wayne, including the riverfront study area, and its potential for residential development. Zimmerman/Volk completed similar studies for Fort Wayne in 2006 and 2010.
November 25, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and City Councilman Glynn Hines joined area preschool children today to dedicate the McMillen Park Kid’s Korner Indoor Playground. The accessible playground is the largest indoor playground in the region.
Children of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the 2,500 square foot, accessible playground. The theme of the playground, “Imagination in Motion,” encourages social interaction, cooperative and imaginative play, along with cozy places and auditory stimulation. It also includes a NEOS 360, like the popular interactive game at Taylor’s Dream in Kreager Park. NEOS combines the speed and fun of electronic games with aerobic exercise, delivering a workout comparable to jogging or playing soccer, raising heart rates by an average of 20%.
“The McMillen Park Community Center continues to be a tremendous asset for Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re providing unique opportunities for children as we work together to make a meaningful difference and enhance the quality of life we enjoy.”
“This playground was one of the most requested projects, from youth and their parents, during the public input planning sessions we held to determine the best use of this property,” said Director Moll. “It has truly become a community-wide endeavor, with 96% of the playground funded with private donations. It will be a well-used, well-loved activity center for children of all abilities.”
Funding for Kid’s Korner was donated by: McMillen Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, AWS Foundation, Journal Gazette Foundation, Wilson Foundation, Rolland Foundation, Arnold Foundation, and the Downtown Optimist Club.
November 24, 2014 - One traffic signal outage remains - State at Edith.
November 24, 2014 - Ten traffic signals are without power as of 4 p.m. Temporary stop sign pedestals have been placed at these intersections.
November 24, 2014 - Seventeen traffic signals throughout the City of Fort Wayne are not working as a result of power outages. Crews are working to place stop signs at the intersections. Motorists approaching a non-functioning signal that does not have a stop sign should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
November 21, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne has been awarded an additional $2.8 million to help stabilize neighborhoods by demolishing and redeveloping abandoned homes. The new funding is in addition to $4.7 million that was received earlier this year. The dollars come from the Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination Program (BEP), which provides an opportunity for local units of government in all 92 Indiana counties to compete for funding to help eliminate blighted homes and decrease foreclosures. The funding will allow the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and Neighborhood Code Enforcement to demolish and redevelop more than three times the number of vacant homes that are normally taken down in a year. The City estimates over 300 vacant homes will be demolished and redeveloped with the funding. The properties will be selected because they are: 1) vacant 2) in extremely poor condition 3) can be easily acquired and 4) are on highly visible corridors (streets and roads). The City anticipates that some demolition work from the initial $4.7 million award will begin before the end of the year.
November 20, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 in recognition of Thanksgiving. Residential garbage and recycling collection will be pushed back one day with Thursday’s collection on Friday and Friday’s collection on Saturday.
November 19, 2014 - Riverfront Fort Wayne consultants are drawing up their final proposals and offering one last opportunity for public input. A Riverfront Improvement Priorities survey is now online and will take residents just minutes to complete.
The survey can be found at www.RiverfrontFW.org ; the link is on the right side of the home page. The survey asks people to prioritize the riverfront elements that are most important to them based on the latest plans presented at public meetings on October 29 and 30. For example, residents are asked to choose among elements such as a promenade, entertainment areas, urban ecology center, outdoor adventure area, historic steam locomotive attraction, recreation activities and more.
“We are now starting to consider costs and feasibility,” said Pam Holocher, deputy director for planning and policy. “We won’t be able to implement everything that’s being proposed in the short term, so we need to hear from citizens about their priorities for the overall plan, as well as the potential phase I area.”
The survey will be available online through December 12, 2014. The final proposals from the consultants are expected to be unveiled in February 2015.
November 12, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today participated in his second public weigh-in to demonstrate his commitment to the Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program. Mayor Henry today weighed in at 190 pounds. At last month’s weigh-in, Mayor Henry weighed 203 pounds. Mayor Henry has committed to increase his physical activity, eat healthier, lose 15 pounds, and participate in next year’s Fort4Fitness event. The event took place at the McMillen Center for Health Education. As part of today’s weigh-in, Mayor Henry spoke with students from Canterbury School about the importance of health.
November 12, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry will host a Mayor’s Night In from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17. The event will be held on the fourth floor at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. Residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government or services.
November 5, 2014 - The Operation F4 – Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) team will host a lunchtime learning session from noon-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at the YMCA Central Branch, 1020 Barr St. At the free event, participants will learn how to: *Manage food cues that trigger overeating *Handle the urges and social pressures to overindulge *Create delicious, healthy holiday recipes to keep you on track *Develop a healthy mindset to better manage your weight and life
October 29, 2014 - Fort Wayne’s riverfront plan is one step closer to being finalized and envisions a unique waterfront experience. The City’s riverfront consultant, SWA Group, unveiled the latest version of the proposal at a public meeting this evening. The draft plan calls for a focus on nature, recreation and development with construction of a riverfront promenade being the first phase of the plan.
The promenade would be located on both the north and south banks of the St. Marys River. It would incorporate two levels, one lower to the water and one higher that would connect to shopping, dining and residential areas along Superior Street. Rooftop terraces and pedestrian bridges would also be part of the promenade area, as would Headwaters Junction, a rail-themed attraction and home to the historic 765 steam locomotive.
“We’re envisioning a waterfront experience unique to Fort Wayne,” said Kinder Baumgardner, president of SWA Group. “The combination of elements in this draft plan will create something extraordinary, something you will only find in Fort Wayne.”
October 29, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center received a 92% approval rating in its most recent customer satisfaction survey. Nearly 400 City residents participated in the survey. “We’re fortunate to have a tremendous 311 system in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “We continue to receive positive feedback from residents who depend on us each day to provide services to move our community forward. The 311 Call Center is an important investment that continues to grow and succeed.”
October 22, 2014 - This afternoon, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved the City of Fort Wayne’s plans to purchase the Aqua Indiana southwest water system.
The approval now moves the transaction into closing proceedings.
“I continue to be encouraged by the progress we’re making in our efforts to meet the water needs of residents and businesses in southwest Fort Wayne. Today’s approval by the IURC is another step in the right direction,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We’re committed to providing reliable and high quality water at an affordable price for all residents as we work together to invest in our neighborhoods, enhance our quality of life, and be a leader in job growth.”
Closing is expected to take 30 days. Once completed, City Utilities staff members will begin the conversion process. In order to accommodate pipe connections, residents will be connected in phases that will take place over the next 10-12 months. The first neighborhoods will be connected within a few days of the completed sale late next month. On the day the sale is complete, all of the 12,000 water customers in southwest Allen County will receive lower bills for water usage even though the phase-in process will not be complete. Residents will receive a letter in the mail detailing the timeline for connection and can access additional information at www.cityoffortwayne.org/aquatransition .
October 17, 2014 - The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has achieved reaccreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This notable accomplishment was announced at the Best of the Best Ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2014 Congress and Exposition.
“The continued commitment to investing in our Parks is making a meaningful difference for residents and neighborhoods,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “To be recognized as a national leader in providing excellent Parks services is a tremendous honor. I’m encouraged by the unprecedented momentum we’re seeing in Fort Wayne, and I salute our entire Parks team for their efforts to enhance the quality of life that we enjoy in our City.”
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is one of only 135 park and recreation agencies in the country to currently hold national accreditation, and one of only 41 that have been accredited for 10 years or more. Fort Wayne is also the largest organization accredited in Indiana, with Bloomington, South Bend and Carmel achieving the distinction as well.
October 16, 2014 - Area citizens are invited to see the latest updates to the Riverfront Fort Wayne design concepts at one of two public input meetings. Both meetings will take place downtown at the Grand Wayne Center in Convention Hall A. The meetings are set for:Wednesday, October 29 , 2014, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. with a presentation at 5:45 p.m. andThursday, October 30 , 2014, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with a presentation at 11:15 a.m.
October 14, 2014 - Two additional Blue Star Banners have been placed along West Jefferson Boulevard. Under Mayor Tom Henry’s leadership, the Blue Star Banner program started in May and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The total number of banners on display is 36. The two new banners honor: Airman Joshua Emrick, United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Bruce W. Freed, Jr., United States Air Force
October 7, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today participated in a public weigh-in to demonstrate his commitment to the Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program. The event took place as part of Development Day at the University of Saint Francis. OPF4 is a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness, and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016. OPF4 was created by Fort Wayne resident Chris Blake and endorsed by Mayor Henry. To date, more than 600 individuals have signed up to participate in OPF4. Mayor Henry today committed to increase his physical activity, eat healthier, lose 15 pounds, and participate in next year’s Fort4Fitness event.
October 2, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will lead a “Walk a Mile with the Mayor” event at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Foster Park, 3900 Old Mill Rd. Participants are asked to meet at Pavilion 1. The walk is open to the public and is part of the new Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) program. OPF4 is a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness, and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016. To date, more than 600 individuals have signed up to participate in OPF4. The innovative program was created by Fort Wayne resident Chris Blake and endorsed by Mayor Henry.
October 1, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne has accepted President Barack Obama’s call-to-action to become a My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) community. The MBK Community Challenge seeks to address opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.
MBK builds upon the City of Fort Wayne’s ongoing participation in the Cities United partnership, a national effort aimed at eliminating violence-related deaths of African American males.
Both initiatives demonstrate Mayor Henry’s continued commitment to making Fort Wayne as safe as possible while investing in the future of the City. “We are honored to be part of these efforts because they enhance the prospects for achievement and success of our youth,” said Mayor Henry. “As we continue to enhance the quality of life in our community, it’s important that our youth experience that success as well, so that families in Fort Wayne become stronger and our neighborhoods become more connected.”
October 1, 2014 - The Operation F4 – Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) team will host the first “No Sweat” event from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at Parkview Field. “No Sweat” highlights: *Lunchtime learning on how to get fit, eat smart, and feel good *Tips on how to prepare a better breakfast and healthy lunches *Healthy snack ideas *How to stretch and reduce stress at work *Learn how to incorporate healthier habits at home *Proper warm-ups for children and adults before exercising Partners for the event are Empowered Sports Club, HOPE Fitness & Sports Training, LONGevity Fitness, OZ Strength and Conditioning, and Sud’n Impact Gym. The free event is part of the OPF4 program, a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness, and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016. The innovative program was created by Fort Wayne resident Chris Blake and endorsed by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. To date, more than 600 individuals have signed up to participate in OPF4.How OPF4 works: -Sign up as individuals or teams and enter current health information as directed. -Individuals will learn how to structure exercise and eating for healthy results. -Individuals/teams will be able to log in and track progress. Calculators will automatically tabulate the City’s collective results.Resources for individuals/companies to get connected with OPF4: Website: www.OPF4.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperationF4 Twitter: @OpF4FW Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
September 29, 2014 - A planning services contract for the voluntary annexation of a piece of farmland along U.S. Highway 30 will be presented for approval at today’s Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission meeting. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Room 030 on the Garden Level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. The area is bounded by U.S. Highway 30 on the south, Flaugh Road on the west, Washington Center Road on the north and Kruse Homestead on the east. The owner of the farmland is requesting the annexation, making it a “Super Voluntary Annexation,” according to Indiana law. The City of Fort Wayne has no plans to annex any property adjacent to the farmland. Property owners in the proposed annexation area have been notified of the proposal. An informational meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 7914 W. Cook Rd.
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission has an option to purchase the farmland, but before acquisition can take place, the land must be annexed into the City of Fort Wayne. Resolutions for the voluntary annexation will be introduced to Fort Wayne City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 14. If City Council approves the annexation of the land, it would be marketed for development as a corporate office park.
The U.S. 30 corridor has been identified as a priority for business development. The voluntary annexation presents an opportunity for the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission to acquire the land and work with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. to continue efforts to attract high-paying jobs to the region. A public hearing regarding the annexation will be held at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 030 at Citizens Square.
September 26, 2014 - The Legacy Joint Funding Committee will hold its first meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Room 030 on the Garden Level in Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. Under the Legacy review process approved by City Council in August, a nine-member committee will be responsible for reviewing requests for Legacy funding. The committee is comprised of three members of Mayor Tom Henry’s administration, three members of City Council, and three citizen members (one selected by the Mayor, one selected by City Council, and one selected by the committee). The committee is designed to enhance the City’s Legacy initiative. Committee members: *Al Moll, Director, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department *Heather Presley-Cowen, Deputy Director, City of Fort Wayne Community Development Division *Stephanie Crandall, Legislative & Business Liaison, City of Fort Wayne *Ron Turpin, citizen member appointment of Mayor Henry *Tom Didier, City Council *Geoff Paddock, City Council *Tom Smith, City Council *Charles MacPherson, citizen member appointment of City Council *The final citizen member will be selected by the committee at Tuesday’s meeting Legacy funds come from two sources: the City Light Lease Settlement reached between the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power; and the Fort Wayne Community Trust, established by the City over 30 years ago using a portion of the annual Light Lease payments. The funds are designed to provide catalytic investment, leverage additional resources, and directly benefit residents of Fort Wayne.
September 25, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will select a new developer for the residential component of the major development project in downtown Fort Wayne. Hanning & Bean Enterprises has chosen to not continue its involvement in the project as outlined in the Development Agreement that the City and Hanning & Bean signed in May for the Skyline Terrace residential component. The City has received and is now pursuing multiple inquiries from residential development firms about the potential for a new residential development at the site. Up to $6 million in Community Revitalization Enhancement District credits from the State of Indiana will remain in place and be a key tool in securing a new developer for the location. The Ash Skyline Plaza, home of the national corporate headquarters for Ash Brokerage, the City-owned Skyline Garage and retail components are moving forward as planned. “Like many Fort Wayne residents, I am excited to see the unprecedented growth and development taking place throughout downtown,” said Mayor Henry. “I am also encouraged to see Tim Ash’s ongoing commitment to investment and jobs in the heart of our city. With the momentum Fort Wayne is experiencing, our team is confident that qualified residential developers will want to be part of this key project to compliment the Ash headquarters, parking garage, and retail space.” Tim Ash, chief executive officer of Ash Brokerage, joined Mayor Henry for today’s announcement and reemphasized his support and commitment to the downtown development.
September 23, 2014 - The public is invited to take a guided walk alongside the St. Marys River and learn about proposed riverfront development concepts. Local architects will take part in the walks and sketch people’s ideas for what they envision along the downtown riverfront.
Two walks are scheduled: October 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. October 7 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Both walks start at Fort Wayne Outfitters/Bike Depot, 1004 Cass St. RSVPs are requested but not required by calling 311 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Parking will be available to the north and south of Fort Wayne Outfitters/Bike Depot.
September 22, 2014 - Three additional Blue Star Banners have been placed along West Jefferson Boulevard. Under Mayor Tom Henry’s leadership, the Blue Star Banner program started in May and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The total number of banners on display is 34. The three new banners honor: Senior Chief Tad C. Lochner, United States Navy Corporal Brian J. Pierce, United States Army Airman First Class Andrew M. Shavlik, United States Air Force 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. The deadline to submit applications for this year is Tuesday, Sept. 30. Banners will be displayed through early November and then removed for protection from the weather. The banners will be displayed again beginning in April 2015. Individuals or companies interested in making a donation to the Blue Star Banner program by being a sponsor may contact Karen Richards, Mayor's Office, (260) 427-2146 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
September 18, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry and City Controller Pat Roller today discussed the City’s proposed budget for 2015. The balanced budget for 2015 will continue the Administration’s commitment to providing needed services to residents and businesses and positioning the City for future investments to be a leader in economic development, job growth, great neighborhoods, and an excellent quality of life. The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $150 million. This budget does not include Fort Wayne City Utilities, which has its own budget funded by ratepayers. “We’re seeing unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “With strong leadership and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, our budget positions our community to be able to invest in the future as we continue to enhance public safety, streets and roads, and our parks. By working together, we’re making a meaningful difference.”
September 15, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that he has appointed Tim Pape to serve on the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB). Pape replaces Gil Haynie who passed away last month. Pape serves as managing partner for Carson Boxberger in Fort Wayne and specializes in corporate and governmental affairs. He is a community leader and advocate with a passion for making Fort Wayne a leader in economic development and downtown revitalization. “Tim will be a tremendous asset as a member of the CIB,” said Mayor Henry. “I appreciate his commitment and willingness to serve and make a positive difference. By working together, we’re experiencing unprecedented momentum in our community. Tim’s leadership skills make him an ideal selection for this important position.”
September 5, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 75 bike racks and their installation are available for free to qualifying commercial property owners.
In order to qualify, properties should be frequented regularly by customers or visitors, should be located within City limits, and should be located one-half mile or less from a trail. Property owners should call 311 if they are interested in having a bike rack installed.
“This is a great way to promote healthier lifestyles and economic development,” said Mayor Henry. “I encourage local businesses to take advantage of the free bike racks and build their customer base so it includes people who pedal as well as those who drive.”
The City's Bike Fort Wayne Plan calls for bike racks to be installed throughout the community, particularly at businesses and visitor destinations. The Bike Fort Wayne Plan is a City Council-approved strategy to promote active transportation as a way to lessen traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as promote healthier lifestyles. To date, the City has installed approximately 225 bike racks. Most of the funding comes from federal CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement) dollars.
September 4, 2014 - A commitment to developing healthier lifestyles was unveiled today as part of an innovative program created by Fort Wayne resident Chris Blake and endorsed by Mayor Tom Henry. Operation F4 - Fight for a Fitter Fort (OPF4) is a community wellness initiative to encourage individuals to implement lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition, wellness, and activities. OPF4’s mission is for residents to lose a collective 500,000 pounds by the end of 2016.
September 3, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Visit Fort Wayne are ready to welcome more than 1,000 officials from cities and towns across Indiana. The 2014 Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) Annual Conference & Exhibition will take place September 9-11 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center and will feature dozens of workshops for municipal government employees and elected officials.
“I’m pleased to once again be the host city for the IACT annual conference,” said Mayor Henry. “The conference gives us the opportunity to show hundreds of leaders from throughout the state the great things happening in Fort Wayne.”
September 3, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by local religious and community leaders to announce plans for the second annual “Prayers for the City” event. The prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, 431 W. Berry St. The service is free and open to the public. Those who aren’t able to attend are asked to pray for the city in their places of worship. The event will feature prayers, singing, dances, and readings. Religious traditions represented will include Buddhism; Christianity; Hinduism; Judaism; Islam; Sikhism; and Unitarian Universalism. Mayor Henry developed the program with assistance from Rev. Dr. Terry Anderson, Executive Director of Just Neighbors Interfaith Hospitality Network and Senior Advisor to the Mayor. “We’re fortunate to live in a community that shares many different faiths that we can embrace and celebrate together,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re experiencing unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne by working together and understanding the importance of diversity and acceptance. Prayers for the City is a tremendous opportunity to show unity and appreciation for all residents.”
September 2, 2014 - The Envision Fort Wayne Center, 916 S. Calhoun St., is now open four days a week instead of three. Residents are invited to stop in the Envision Center Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The new hours provide more access over the lunch hour, when the center has been the busiest. Residents may also make an appointment to visit the center at another time by calling 311; they may also schedule time to hold a club or neighborhood meeting in the center. In addition to the regular hours, the center will also be open during Visit Fort Wayne’s “Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown,” Sunday, September 7, 2014, from noon-5 p.m.
August 28, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced his appointments to the Legacy review committee. Under the Legacy review process approved by City Council earlier this week, a nine-member committee will be responsible for reviewing requests for Legacy funding. The committee is comprised of three members of Mayor Henry’s administration, three members of City Council, and three citizen members (one selected by the Mayor, one selected by City Council, and one selected by the committee). The committee is designed to enhance the City’s Legacy initiative. Mayor Henry’s appointees: *Al Moll, Director, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department *Heather Presley-Cowen, Deputy Director, City of Fort Wayne Community Development Division *Stephanie Crandall, Legislative & Business Liaison, City of Fort Wayne *Ron Turpin, Head of Financial Operations - Distribution, Lincoln Financial Group
August 28, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed families of 17 deployed service members to his office. The family members visited the Mayor’s office to view the Blue Star Banners that will be placed along West Jefferson Boulevard in the coming days. The Blue Star Banner program started in May and recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. Today’s announcement of 17 additional banners brings the total number of banners to 31.
August 27, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by City staff for a business walk in downtown Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity for Mayor Henry to talk to and get feedback from several businesses.
August 26, 2014 - The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) recently honored City TV’s Housing and Neighborhood Services (HANDS) informational video with a Hometown Media Award. The video was created by government access videographer Pat Stelte. The Hometown Media Awards recognize the best community media programming of 2013, including work produced by students, independent producers and access center professionals. There were nearly 1,000 entries in a variety of video and multi-media categories, including the Government Profile Professional category that the HANDS video won. The video, http://afw.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=8f0101ea8603eb8fa2020b0a76926b4f , explains the mission and purpose of the HANDS Board, which is a community based board that exists to strengthen Fort Wayne neighborhoods and reduce barriers to reinvestment through building, developing and supporting public-private partnerships. More information about HANDS is available at http://fwcommunitydevelopment.org/hands .
August 25, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in recognition of Labor Day. There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Labor Day. The collection schedule will be pushed back one day for the entire week.
August 6, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced his administration has developed a review process to enhance the City’s Legacy initiative. Under the Legacy review process, a seven-member committee will be responsible for reviewing requests for Legacy funding. The committee will be comprised of three members of Mayor Henry’s administration, two members of City Council, and two citizen members (one selected by the Mayor and one selected by City Council).
In addition to the Mayor’s office and City Council making requests for Legacy funding, the establishment of the review process will allow private and non-profit entities the opportunity to apply for Legacy funding. Proposals will be evaluated based on the guiding principles set forth in the original Legacy ordinance and the subsequent recommendations made by the Legacy Task Force and Legacy Champion Teams. Committee members will also be given the flexibility to consider unique opportunities that may emerge. The committee will provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on which proposals meet the criteria to be considered for Legacy funding. At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, a resolution will be introduced requesting the implementation of the review process. The resolution will be discussed on Tuesday, Aug. 19, with possible final passage on Tuesday, Aug. 26. “Legacy is an important part of the unprecedented momentum we’re seeing in Fort Wayne. Being able to invest in projects that set us apart from other communities makes our City a leader in economic development, job growth, great neighborhoods, and an excellent quality of life,” said Mayor Henry. “The guidelines we’ve updated continue our commitment to ensuring that the Legacy fund is a valued community asset.”
August 6, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and the mayors of eight other cities announced today that they will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) within the week calling for cooperation in development of a Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus passenger rail corridor.
The Indiana cities include Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Plymouth, Valparaiso and Gary. The Ohio cities represented are Columbus, Marysville, Kenton and Lima. The MOA calls for the parties "...to systematically and incrementally develop the higher speed rail (“HSR”) intercity system in cooperation with existing freight rail operators and owners of right‐of-way along a corridor from Chicago to Columbus through northern Indiana hereafter known as the Northern Indiana/Ohio High Speed Rail Initiative."
August 5, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry and neighborhood and business leaders broke ground for the roundabout and two-way street conversion at Superior, Wells, Fairfield and Ewing.
"Demonstrating a commitment to enhancing our transportation system positions us as a leader in economic development, job growth and job retention, and strong neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “The roundabout project is another example of the unprecedented momentum we’re experiencing in Fort Wayne. By working together, we’re investing in our future and making a meaningful difference for residents and businesses.”
The roundabout will connect the five-legged intersection of Wells from the north, Fairfield and Ewing from the south and Superior from the east and west. Upon completion of the roundabout, Ewing and Fairfield will be converted to two-way traffic to meet the evolving needs of an area that continues to change.
Besides serving as a gateway the roundabout will improve air quality by allowing traffic to flow into the intersection, thus eliminating lengthy idling at a traffic signal.
July 29, 2014 - Next week, motorists will be able to journey either north or south when traveling on Ewing Street. The street will be converted from one-way travel heading north to a two-way street heading north and south. The two-way conversion goes from Superior Street to Jefferson Boulevard where it connects to the already two-way Ewing.
The two-way conversion will allow for the preparation and construction of the roundabout at Fairfield/Ewing/Superior and Wells. At the same time that Ewing converts to two-way, Fairfield will close to traffic between Superior Street and Main Street to allow for the west side of the roundabout to be constructed. Fairfield will be converted to 2-way when construction moves to the east side of the roundabout.
July 24, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry and City staff tonight led a neighborhood walk in the Bloomingdale neighborhood. The walk served as an opportunity to talk to and get feedback from citizens. Tonight was Mayor Henry’s second neighborhood walk of 2014. Several more walks are planned for this summer and fall.
July 23, 2014 - Fort Wayne’s riverfront consultants met with the public this evening to present initial concepts that call for a balance of Nature, Recreation and Development along the downtown riverfront. SWA Group was hired in November 2013 to complete a riverfront study, which will be the first comprehensive look at enhancing the city’s rivers and will provide a road map for world class investment. This is the second in a series of public meetings about the future of the downtown riverfront; the next public meetings will be in October with final study results expected in January 2015.
“It’s important to remember that the ideas presented this evening are just preliminary,” said Pam Holocher, deputy director of community development. “SWA will take what they heard from the public at meetings this evening and tomorrow and further refine their concepts in order to design a riverfront unique to Fort Wayne.” “We’re impressed with the level of public engagement in Fort Wayne,” said Kinder Baumgardner, principal with SWA Group. “After studying hundreds of public comments and listening to local residents, one theme stands out—the community wants a balance of Nature, Recreation and Development along the downtown riverfront.”
July 22, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne is bringing Indiana’s public access counselor, Luke Britt, to give a public presentation about the state’s public access laws at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 in the Omni Room in the lower level of Citizens Square. Britt will cover the requirements and responsibilities of local government and the public for Indiana’s Open Meetings Law and Access to Public Records Act.
“As the mayor of Indiana’s second-largest city, I am committed to openness and transparency in conducting the public’s business here at the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We have put unprecedented amounts of data on the City’s website during my time in office, which allows anyone access to this information at any time. This session with the public access counselor is an opportunity for members of the public to have a better understanding of these laws that cover local government’s actions.”
July 18, 2014 - Once again, City Council has presented an ordinance that I had to veto because of the disrespect it shows the great employees of our City - this time, the public safety officers.
The last time I vetoed an ordinance, the voices of our non-public safety employees obviously fell on deaf ears. On July 8, when Council approved G-14-05-17 (as amended) impacting the employment of public safety officers, they clearly neglected to talk to those affected. It’s unfortunate that Council amended an ordinance that had been tabled for weeks rather than going through the process of introduction, discussion, and passage. This approach did not allow taxpayers and public safety personnel, particularly the Fort Wayne Police Department, the opportunity to gain a full understanding of the impact of Council’s decision.
July 18, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry proclaimed today “DaMarcus Beasley Day” in the City of Fort Wayne. Beasley visited the Mayor’s office this morning to receive the proclamation and recognition in honor of his soccer accomplishments and commitment to Fort Wayne.
July 17, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by City staff for a business walk at Covington Plaza in southwest Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity for Mayor Henry to talk to and get feedback from several businesses.
Each year, Mayor Henry leads a series of business and neighborhood walks to interact with the public. The walks are an example of Mayor Henry’s commitment to engagement, innovation, and performance. The Mayor has also sought feedback and suggestions related to City government services in various other ways, including the City’s website, at Mayor’s Night In events, and social media.
July 17, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Visit Fort Wayne officials today announced four new sports tournaments will take place in Fort Wayne and attract 25,000 visitors to the community.
The City of Fort Wayne is providing $20,000 in Sports Development Grant Fund dollars to help make the tournaments possible. Visit Fort Wayne estimates the economic impact to be $4.25-$4.5 million.
July 16, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today hosted a recognition event to celebrate the safe return of the first recipient of a Blue Star Banner. Brian Kiess works in the City’s Division of Public Works and recently returned home from deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve. Mayor Henry presented the Blue Star Banner to Kiess to keep. Kiess was the first service member to have a banner displayed in his honor as part of the City of Fort Wayne’s new Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. Mayor Henry announced the program at a news conference in May. When a service member returns home, the banner is taken down and presented to the individual.
July 15, 2014 - The public is invited to respond to concepts for Fort Wayne’s downtown riverfront at one of two public input meetings. Both meetings will take place downtown at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library in the theater. The meetings are set for:
Wednesday, July 23, 2014, 5:30-7:30 p.m. with a presentation at 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 24, 2014, 11 a.m.-1p.m. with a presentation at 11:15 a.m.
“Enhancing our downtown riverfront is critical to maintaining our city’s momentum,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “As we enter the next phase of the Riverfront Fort Wayne study, citizen input is more critical than ever. I invite everyone to get involved and let us know what you’d like to see happen along our rivers.”
July 15, 2014 - Government and community leaders today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the next phase of construction on the Pufferbelly Trail. This year’s work on the Pufferbelly Trail will extend 1.25 miles from Dupont Road to Carroll Road. Work is scheduled to be completed in late September. Brooks Construction is the contractor for the project. The project cost for the phase from Dupont to Carroll roads is $729,000. Financial partners are the City of Fort Wayne, City Utilities, Allen County, Fort Wayne Trails, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through a grant from the federal government.
July 13, 2014 - This week, City Utilities offers three opportunities for residents to learn more about the unfunded federal mandates to improve our sewer system. A formal presentation and public question and answer session is scheduled for Monday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Northrop High School.
Additionally, Open House events will take place on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. These events offer an opportunity for residents to drop by anytime during the two-hour time span to ask questions of staff members.
During all session residents can learn about the improvements made in the first 6 years of the court ordered Consent Decree, what improvements will take place in the next 5 years and how these mandates will be funded.
The City is under court order to greatly reduce the number of combined sewer overflows going to our rivers, reduce sewage that backs up into homes, and operate and maintain the sewer system through continued repair and rehabilitation.
July 10, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today thanked residents for responding enthusiastically to the City’s recent Riverfront Fort Wayne survey. The survey results can be found at http://www.riverfrontfw.org/images/RF_Uses_and_Activites_Survey_Results.pdf .
“Nearly 2,600 people took our survey about what they’d like to see along the downtown riverfront,” said Mayor Henry. “People are clearly excited about the momentum they see in our community and are looking forward to the continued growth and vibrancy that enhancing our riverfront will encourage.”
The Uses and Activities Survey was primarily filled out online with some hard copies completed at Riverpalooza and several locations throughout Fort Wayne. Respondents expressed support for a wide variety of uses along the riverfront, including sitting places, mixed use development, winter activities, and entrepreneur space. They indicated overwhelming support for recreational opportunities both on and alongside the river, as well as for natural habitat space.
July 10, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne continues its innovative recycling ways with a new program designed to increase recycling in locations where it’s not always accessible. The new, “Borrow-a-Bin” program will launch this weekend with the upcoming Three Rivers Festival. The program will have 50 event-ready recycling carts that can be loaned to event organizers, free of charge; the program targets common event recyclables -- such as bottles and cans.
“Ever since we launched our One Cart recycling program, community awareness about the importance of recycling has sky-rocketed. Eighty percent of the community is participating in our recycling program and many organizations have been asking us how they could have recycling at their special event or festival. Our Borrow-a-Bin program allows event goers to pitch-in recyclable products and keep them out of a landfill,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of the Division of Public Works.
The carts are a combination of garbage and recycling. The recycling portion is a clearly marked bag that is conveniently attached to the side of the cart. Studies show that more recyclables are collected with less contamination when containers are adjacent to the garbage container. Having the recyclables in the sturdy bag also makes it easier to transport. Each bag holds approximately 225-250 bottles and cans.
July 1, 2014 - City crews today installed 16 banners along West Jefferson Boulevard as part of the Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The banners that were placed today honor: Staff Sergeant Allissa C. Barnhorst, United States Army Reserve and Fort Wayne Police Department Staff Sergeant Mark Barnhorst, United States Army Reserve Technical Sergeant Jeremy Chandler, United States Air Force Reserve Lance Corporal Austin G. Dunakin, United State Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Benjamin H. Fischer, United States Army Lieutenant Junior Grade Christopher T. Gerber, United States Navy Master Sergeant Annette L. Graham, United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Cody Gull, United States Army Lance Corporal Gabriel Jacobson, United States Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Cody Miller, United States Army Gunner Mate Jacob Miller, United States Navy Second Class Petty Officer Mark Miller II, United States Navy Sergeant Michael Mitchell, United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal David Grames Sanchez, United States Marine Corps Private First Class Austin P. Vorndran, United States Army First Lieutenant Benedict Frank Zilka III, United States Army
July 1, 2014 - As announced in May, One Summit Square in downtown Fort Wayne is the new location for this year’s fireworks show on Friday, July 4.
There will be a few street closures on Friday from 4-11 p.m.
*Calhoun Street from Jefferson Boulevard to Berry Street
*Wayne Street from Harrison to Clinton streets *Washington Boulevard from Clinton to Harrison streets will be closed from 10:15-10:45 p.m.
June 30, 2014 - The Fort Wayne TinCaps and the City of Fort Wayne today announced they have partnered to provide the public the opportunity to watch tomorrow’s World Cup soccer match between the United States and Belgium on the video board at Parkview Field. The match begins at 4 p.m. Admission is free and concessions will be available for purchase.
June 27, 2014 - Fort Wayne City Utilities will begin a series of informational meetings to update residents on the federally mandated sewer improvement progress, discuss what will happen in the next five years and share funding and rate information for those projects. The City is under court order to greatly reduce the number of combined sewer overflows going to our rivers, reduce sewage that backs-up into homes, and operate and maintain the sewer system through continued repair and rehabilitation. City Utilities will introduce an ordinance to the City Council in July for a series of rate increases to support the next phase of sewer improvements. Three public meetings will take place to discuss the plans with residents.
June 27, 2014 - The Botanical Roots Concert Series will begin on Friday, July 25 with rock band JD Wilkes & The Dirt Daubers. This eclectic downtown concert series featuring music from a wide diversity of regional heritages and cultural backgrounds is in its ninth year and promises to be more entertaining than ever before.
2014 Botanical Roots Concert Series: July 25th JD Wilkes & The Dirt Daubers (Rock)
http://thedirtdaubers.net/ www.facebook.com/thedirtdaubers
JD Wilkes is forging his own path through a distinctly unfettered career in music, visual arts, film and writing. He has recorded and toured with musical projects ranging from the acclaimed punk-blues outfit The Legendary Shack Shakers to the old-time acoustic trio of the earlier Dirt Daubers days, to his current focus on the hard-driving, swampy rock that is the Dirt Daubers’ Wild Moon . JD’s frenetic performance style and all around raucous stage presence finds its sweet spot up front for the Dirt Daubers. Longtime collaborators Rod Hamdallah (of The Shack Shakers) on electric guitar, drummer Preston Corn, and Jessica Wilkes on upright bass round out the live show with well-honed instrumental skill. As husband and wife, JD and Jessica Wilkes trade off on lead vocals, with Jessica’s smoky tone and forthright delivery serving as a terrific foil to JD’s growling, frenzied baritone.
August 1st Zion Lion (Reggae)
http://www.zionlionreggaeband.com/ Zion Lion is the “baddest” band to hit the Kalamazoo music scene. The members are a combination of several bands from the Kalamazoo area that crossed paths along the way and decided to form what we believe to be the right mix of reggae, African zouk, mucosa, zoukous and some Afro-latin influences. Some of the members have had the honor of opening and sharing the stage with local, national and international reggae artists such as Freddie McGreggor, Pato Batun, Winston Jarrett, Culture, Beenie Man, Lucky Dube, Mikey Dread and the Meditations.
These musicians have played in small clubs to large cultural festivals including, the Kalamazoo Island Festival, Kalamazoo Black arts festival, Grand Rapids Caribbean Festival, Muskegon Summer Festival, Louisville Reggae Festival and Rock Island Caribbean Festival, to name a few. You can't help but get up and dance and have an "IRIE FEELIN' " whenever you hear Zion Lion. August 8th John Németh (Blues)http://johnnemeth.com/ Boise, Idaho, is hardly the place anyone would conjure up as a hotbed of soul music. But for John Németh, it’s where his love for the genre began—and the starting point for a journey that’s taken him from his first gigs fronting a teenaged band to five Blues Music Award nominations in 2013 alone. It’s where this preternaturally talented son of a Hungarian immigrant gained his early chops on the harmonica, building on the style of rootsy heroes like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. In early 2013, Németh traded his life on the west coast to settle down in Memphis, Tennessee. “I moved to Memphis because it is the epicenter for soul and blues,” Németh confirms. “The wealth of knowledge runs deep in the instincts of its musicians and its studios.” Memphis Grease, the long-awaited follow up to Németh’s fourth solo studio release, 2010’s Name The Day! , embodies everything that sets this artist apart from the revivalist pack: it’s innovative and unique while epitomizing the absolute best of the genre. August 15th Jessica Hernandez & The Delta’s (Indie Soul)http://jessicahernandez.net/ www.facebook.com/JessicaHernandezandTheDeltas “Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas have already been rocking the local music circuit in hometown Detroit, but their soulful sound is bound for bigger things.” – Paste Magazine Comprised of five charismatic tracks that highlight the raw talent of this Detroit act, Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas’ Demons EP is out now via Instant Records. Showcasing influences as diverse as the gypsy punk outfit Gogol Bordello and pensive singer/songwriter Tom Waits, Jessica brings a soulful attitude that is far beyond her years to each of her songs. August 22nd Orgone (Funk)
http://orgonespace.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orgone/98121449576
It started with a boardwalk, a bar, and two kids united by a passion for raw soul recordings. For over a decade, Orgone has been steaming up stages all over the country and drenching the biggest music festivals in sweat. Now, the band is back in its home-grown studio, KillionSound, crafting and recording its seventh full-length album featuring their new powerhouse singer Adryon de León. Orgone’s sound is a cold-blooded blend of deep soul, rare funk, and afro-disco with a raw rock star edge that is uniquely LA. Shifting effortlessly from slyly slinky to seismically cinematic, the music remains tough and uncluttered. For their heart-pounding live performances and classic, gritty recordings, Orgone has been called by Dusty Groove America, “One of the heaviest acts we’ve heard in years.”
August 29th Nikki Hill (Blues)
http://nikkihillmusic.com/
www.facebook.com/nikkihillmusic
Hill and her band (who Nikki deems ‘The Pirate Crew’) are climbing to the top of the roots music scene step by step and leaving jaws on the floor along the way. With a no-filter energy, they take all the flavors of American roots music and deliver a sound that will make you believe in rock and roll again! Nikki’s gritty and raw voice with Stax soul dynamics, driving rhythm guitar from Matt Hill, and a tight rhythm section provided by Ed Strohsahl and Joe Meyer come together and make a sound that just sounds like the truth.Hailing from Durham, North Carolina, Nikki comes by her Deep South soul honestly. Her musical roots began while singing in gospel choirs at church as a child. A stint living in nearby college town Chapel Hill introduced her to many different styles of music and the awareness of music (and more importantly, unique and non-mainstream music) as a possible career. After pairing up with her guitar-playing husband Matt Hill, they have made an unstoppable team and have established themselves as roots rock and roll powerhouses! The Botanical Conservatory invites the community to grab a lawn chair, settle in, and enjoy music that’s fun and funky, creative, and upbeat. Bands are selected from regional and national touring acts with an emphasis on uniqueness, quality, and representation of a specific musical style. Shows are Friday nights through August 29. Local bands will warm up the scene. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage allowed. Admission is $6 at the gate. Youth ages 12 and under are admitted free with a parent or guardian. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; shows start at 8:30 p.m. and the events take place outdoors, rain or shine. The Conservatory is located in downtown Fort Wayne at 1100 S. Calhoun Street. Botanical Roots is sponsored by The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, 96.3 XKE Fort Wayne’s Classic Rock, Whatzup, PBS39, Fort Wayne Metals Research, the Downtown Improvement District and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. For more information phone 260/427-6440 or go to www.botanicalconservatory.org .
June 26, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the City of Fort Wayne has been awarded $4.7 million to help stabilize neighborhoods by demolishing and redeveloping abandoned homes.
The dollars come from the Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination Program (BEP), which provides an opportunity for local units of government in all 92 Indiana counties to compete for funding to help eliminate blighted homes and decrease foreclosures. A total of $75 million is available through several rounds of funding.
“This is great news as we continue to see unprecedented momentum in our City,” said Mayor Henry. “I want to congratulate our Community Development staff who worked so hard to put together a detailed application. This effort is all about stabilizing neighborhoods and increasing property values.”
The funding will allow the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and Neighborhood Code Enforcement to demolish and redevelop three times the number of vacant homes that are normally taken down in a year. The City estimates approximately 200 vacant homes will be demolished and redeveloped with the funding. The properties will be selected because they are: 1) vacant 2) in extremely poor condition 3) can be easily acquired and 4) are on highly visible corridors (streets and roads).
June 25, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Friday, July 4 in recognition of Independence Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling collection on Friday, July 4. Regular Friday collection will be pushed back one day to Saturday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Monday, July 7.
June 24, 2014 - Tonight’s vote by a majority of City Council members to override my veto of the ordinance to end collective bargaining for non-public safety union employees is disappointing and unnecessary. At a time when we’re experiencing unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne by working together, six members of City Council decided to lead a divisive effort to hurt award-winning city employees and send a message to our residents and businesses that their philosophy on unions means more than investing in our future, attracting and retaining jobs, and being a leader in quality of life and neighborhood enhancements. I want to thank Councilmen Hines, Paddock, and Shoaff for standing up for what is right. They are leaders and strong advocates for our community.
June 23, 2014 - Fort Wayne City Utilities is moving into the next phase of efforts to improve our sewer system, protect our neighborhoods, and reduce sewer overflow into our rivers. Our efforts in the 18-year Consent Decree and Long Term Control Plan are already having positive impacts on our community. The plan is creating economic development opportunities and will have far-reaching, quality of life enhancements for generations to come. The next phase will continue that positive momentum and move the City closer to compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. By working together and making wise investments, we are winning the future.
How we got here - Consent Decree
The City is under court order to greatly reduce the number of combined sewer overflows going to our rivers, reduce sewage that backs up into homes during wet weather events, eliminate sanitary sewer overflows, and operate and maintain the sewer system’s reliability through continued repair and rehabilitation. Negotiations with the United States Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency went on for more than 10 years before an agreement was reached in late 2007. The agreement is attended to bring the City into compliance with the Clean Water Act.
When Fort Wayne’s combined sewer system was designed it was state-of-the-art. Federal standards allowed sewers to overflow into the river when they were overloaded. But after World War II, more and more homes added indoor plumbing and, as the City grew, so did the amount of flow going into Fort Wayne’s sewers.
As our country became more environmentally conscious, laws and regulations changed and the combined sewer system was no longer an accepted practice.
The Consent Decree requires City Utilities to reduce the number of overflow events from the current average of 71 times a year. The plan orders Fort Wayne to reduce those overflows to no more than an average of 4 on the St. Mary’s and Maumee and 1 on the St. Joseph. The aggressive schedule requires a massive investment in system improvements over an 18-year period.
Clean Rivers Task Force
Realizing that the unfunded Federal mandate was going to require the community to fund the improvements, Mayor Henry formed the Clean Rivers Task Force in 2008. The group represented leaders from neighborhoods, businesses, education, health care and elected officials. Task Force members looked at a number of options -- such as property taxes, sales tax, income tax, Federal grants and rate adjustments -- to pay for the required improvements. In the end, the committee recognized that the sewer utility needed to look to rates, not taxes, for the revenue needed to make the improvements.
City Utilities is a not for profit, municipally-owned utility that does not receive property tax dollars. 100% of the revenue collected goes back into system improvements and maintenance and operations.
First 6 Years Offers Protection: 2009-2014
The community has shown tremendous support for this effort, realizing that moving forward with these projects is not only a court ordered requirement, but the right thing to do. Fort Wayne’s rivers are a valuable asset and that’s evident by the interest shown in the current riverfront study. Residents are paying close attention to the work being done by the Riverfront Development Taskforce. They are embracing our rivers and the opportunities they bring to quality of life in our community.
While an 18-year Consent Decree plan can seem daunting, we are making progress to help the community realize the dreams our riverfronts can bring. After six years, we are a third of the way through the plan and have seen some tremendous benefits.
Upgrades at our water pollution control plant have allowed us to treat an additional 1 billion gallons of sewage a year over what we could treat in 2008. That’s 1 Billion gallons of sewage that would have gone into our rivers without treatment, or into our streets or basements.
We have completed numerous neighborhood sewer separation projects that are helping to protect more than 6,500 homes from basement backups and street flooding. In fact, in one neighborhood, Smith/Roosevelt, we have not had any basement backups since completing our separation project.
In system maintenance, we are now lining more than 14 miles/70,000 feet of sewer pipe. That’s a significant cost savings of about 80 percent when compared to completely replacing a pipe. These efforts are protecting nearly 6,000 homes from backups.
Moving Forward – 2015-2019
In the next five years, sewer separation projects are planned for the Lakeside area, State and Coliseum, the near northwest and south along the St. Mary’s. These improvements -- coupled with large interceptors -- are key to helping us protect neighborhoods from street flooding and reducing basement back-ups.
Of course, the most attention and focus the community will be looking at in the next five years is the deep rock tunnel. Engineering design for the tunnel will begin this year. And those contracts will go to the City Council for approval in the next few weeks. The tunnel will be 5-miles long and stretch Foster Park, through downtown and to our water pollution control plant on Dwenger Avenue. It will be between 150 and 250 feet below the surface with a diameter of 12-16 feet.
This is the most important component in our efforts to meet the Federal mandates of the Consent Decree, as it will biggest impact on reducing sewer overflows. Construction of the tunnel will begin in 2017. It will be completed in 2023.
Next Steps in Funding:
After searching for alternative funding sources to meet the Federal unfunded requirements, City Utilities will ask the City Council to move forward with a series of rate increases to support the next phase of improvements. The request will be introduced to Council next month. Again, City Utilities is a not for profit, municipally-owned utility that does not receive property tax dollars. An estimated 90 percent of the fees collected by City Utilities over the next five years will go into capital improvement projects -- construction improvements to the sewer system that will help us meet Federal unfunded mandates and avoid fines and further sanctions. The remaining 10 percent will go towards operations and maintenance costs.
When City Utilities entered into the Federal agreement, we told customers the mandates to reduce sewer overflows would increase rates annually from 2009 to 2025. Through efficient management and good bids, we were able to avoid an increase in 2014. However, as we continue to move forward, meeting Federal mandates requires new investments that will help our community for generations to come.
Again, the Federal mandates required by the Consent Decree are unfunded and the requirements must be met at the local level, with no delays, no missed Federal deadlines, and completion of all items in the agreement by 2025. Next month, City Utilities will introduce the sewer fee structure for the next 5 years. Fees for the typical customer, using 5,000 gallons of water, will increase by an annual monthly average of $3.44 per month, through 2019.
Today's announcement reinforces our commitment to invest in the future, to invest in ourselves, to invest in our community.
The City remains committed to keeping our utility rates as affordable as possible, while maintaining superior quality utility service and meeting the requirements of federal mandates.
We have done our best to be cost conscious by being efficient and looking for ways to reduce expenses and save money. Our bond rating is strong and that’s allowed us to save on interest rates. Our efforts have allowed us to still meet the Federal schedule while not having a rate increase in 2014, even though it was projected early on. But now we have to do what’s necessary – continue to invest, continue to remove sewage from basements and streets, treat and keep as much of it away from our rivers, and keep our promises to the EPA and most importantly, to our community and our rivers.
Public Meetings
Two public meetings will take place next week to update customers about the Federal mandate and to discuss funding for neighborhood sewer system improvements coming in the next 5 years.
June 30, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m.
Omni Room in the basement of Citizens Square
200 East Berry Street (parking in lot north of the building)
July 2, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m.
McMillen Park Community Center
3900 Abbott Street (parking near entrance)
June 24, 2014 - Citizens Square’s café in the garden level of 200 E. Berry St. will reopen Monday, July 7 with a rotating list of 10 lunch vendors, including seven vendors new to downtown. One food service operator will provide lunch service every day. Open to the public as well as City and County employees, Citizens Courtyard will offer lunch from 10:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Bagel Station will provide a breakfast menu from 6:30-10 a.m. Monday-Friday.
“A” week vendors are: Monday: Moe’s Southwest Grill Tuesday: The Bagel Station Wednesday: Panda Express Thursday: Subway Friday: Mancino’s "B" week vendors: Monday: Fazoli’s Tuesday: Pizza Hut Wednesday: Ceruti’s Thursday: Bandido’s Friday: KFC Citizens Courtyard will be closed on weekends and city-county holidays.
June 16, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry is seeking applicants for his Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for the 2014-15 school year. The Council’s vision is to be a service-learning group comprised of youth members. The members provide a voice for the youth of Fort Wayne to local government by engaging their peers, creating innovative solutions, and working on projects. The program also includes panel discussions, guest speakers, and the opportunity to be involved in a special event. Applications will be accepted through July 21 and are available at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec.html . An applicant must be a city resident and enrolled as a sophomore-senior for the 2014-15 school year. *All applicants must include a completed application form from the website.
*Finalists must take part in an in-person interview. Interviews will take place July-August.
*Space on the council is limited and is a one-year commitment. For more information, contact Karen L. Richards at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
June 13, 2014 - I have decided to veto the ordinance passed by City Council that would end collective bargaining for non-public safety union employees. This has been a divisive issue that sends the wrong message and is a step backward for our community. By working together, we’ve experienced unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne. Through innovative and engaging partnerships, we’ve built a nationally-recognized, affordable, and high-performing city government. Now is not the time to risk the progress we’re making in our community by rushing through an ordinance that takes away the rights of our award-winning city employees. We win the future by making smart choices, not by jeopardizing the formula for success and demoralizing our city team.
June 12, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today led a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the beginning of construction on a $98 million downtown development that will transform Fort Wayne’s skyline. The Ash Brokerage Corporation and Hanning & Bean Enterprises development is a public-private partnership, which includes a new national corporate headquarters for Ash, a residential component led by Hanning & Bean, retail space, and a publicly owned parking garage. The development is bordered by Wayne, Harrison, Berry, and Webster streets and utilizes nearly a full square block. Tim Ash, chief executive officer of Ash Brokerage and Bill Bean, VP of Hanning & Bean Enterprises joined Mayor Henry, community leaders, other elected officials, and neighborhood advocates for today’s ceremony. Officials from Ash Brokerage today announced its new building will be known as “Ash Skyline Plaza.” The Hanning & Bean housing component will be known as “Skyline Terrace.”
June 11, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will receive $33 million in federal funding for future development projects.
The funding comes from New Markets Tax Credits, which are designed to spur economic development in low-income areas. 310 organizations nationwide applied for the tax credits but only 87 were awarded a total of $3.5 billion from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Fort Wayne is the only Indiana entity to receive the funding.
“This is a major win as we continue to see unprecedented momentum in our City. I want to commend our City employees for their tremendous efforts in assisting us in receiving these financial resources,” said Mayor Henry. “The new funding positions our community for additional economic development opportunities and new jobs to make Fort Wayne a business investment and quality of life leader in northeast Indiana and the Midwest.”
June 10, 2014 - Tonight’s vote by a majority of City Council members to end collective bargaining for non-public safety union employees is a step backward for our community. It’s a divisive approach that sends the wrong message, and I will veto the ordinance that was passed this evening. We’re experiencing unprecedented momentum in the City of Fort Wayne by working together. Through innovative and engaging partnerships, we’ve built a nationally-recognized, affordable, and high-performing city government. Now is not the time to risk the progress we’re making in our community by rushing through an ordinance that takes away the rights of our award-winning city employees. We win the future by making smart choices, not by jeopardizing the formula for success and demoralizing our city team.
June 7, 2014 - Fort Wayne residents and business leaders joined Mayor Tom Henry, City Councilman Glynn Hines and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll to dedicate the McMillen Park Community Center today. The new and improved 82,000 square foot multipurpose facility is a Legacy Fort Wayne Project. Today’s event showcased Phase 1 of the renovation, a $2 million project, with future phases to come.
A ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off a community celebration, which included carnival games, basketball, volleyball and pickleball. Social Service and Health and Wellness organizations also set up booths to inform the public about the variety of resources available to them.
“This is a great day for our community as we demonstrate a commitment to investing in the future,” said Mayor Henry. “Young people and adults will benefit from the tremendous opportunities and amenities that are available at the McMillen Park Community Center. I’m encouraged by the excitement of what the renovated facility means to residents and the surrounding neighborhoods. By working together we’re making a positive difference in Fort Wayne.” Summer hours for McMillen Park Community Center will be 6 am – 9 pm, Monday – Friday, and 12 – 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday. The Center will feature educational, social, and health and fitness programs for all ages, with a drop-in fee of only $1 per person for the walking track and open play sessions. A complete list of fees for daily usage and rentals can be found at www.fortwayneparks.org .
June 2, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today visited Wayne High School to congratulate students on recent classroom achievements and emphasize the importance of getting a good education that can lead to productive career opportunities. The graduation rate at Fort Wayne Community Schools is now at over 90%. Wayne High School experienced the highest increase in graduation rates among FWCS schools. “I’m encouraged by the superior and innovative learning that takes place in our local schools,” said Mayor Henry. “The work being done at FWCS demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence that is making a positive difference in the lives of our young people. By investing in our future, we’re positioning our City as a leader in education and job growth.”
May 27, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Eric Lahey has been appointed as Fire Chief for the City of Fort Wayne. Lahey has been with the Fort Wayne Fire Department since 1996. Most recently, Lahey has been a firefighter at Station 11 on Rudisill Boulevard. He has a passion for safety and emergency preparedness in the private sector as well and provided both consulting and instruction for Niles Safety Services in the healthcare arena. In addition, Lahey has held the positions of deputy fire chief, district chief of special operations, district chief of training and development, and captain of training. “A commitment to public safety is a top priority of my administration,” said Mayor Henry. “Eric has the skills and experience to lead the Fort Wayne Fire Department in an efficient and effective manner. Eric is a respected and proven professional. His leadership skills and a passion for public service will serve us well.”
May 23, 2014 - At a time when the City of Fort Wayne is experiencing unprecedented positive momentum by the public and private sectors working together, our community has been pulled into an unnecessary, divisive issue that threatens the collective bargaining rights of our award-winning City employees. From the beginning, I’ve been concerned by the rushed approach and nature of the three collective bargaining ordinances that have been presented. However, I’ve listened closely to my team, City Council members, and our citizens debate over collective bargaining. I’ve heard City Council members of both parties say they need to study the situation and some of them admit they aren’t that clear about collective bargaining and its impact. And, I know the full facts and information are not yet before this community to make a decision of this magnitude. I recognize that we must keep pushing harder for even higher performance, for even more productivity, to innovate more and find more efficiencies and savings. But, we must do this as we’ve been doing it - together.
May 22, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry and several community partners today announced a new location for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Fort Wayne. One Summit Square in downtown Fort Wayne will be the new location for this year’s show on Friday, July 4. For the past several years, IPFW has been the host site for the fireworks display. The Fort Wayne TinCaps will be hosting a baseball game that evening. The fireworks planned for Parkview Field will now be part of the fireworks being released from One Summit Square. 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.
May 21, 2014 - City crews today installed the first Blue Star Banner as part of the new Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. Mayor Tom Henry announced the program at a news conference last week. The banner in honor of Command Sergeant Major Brian Kiess, who is an actively deployed member of the Army Reserve and works in the City’s Division of Public Works, is now displayed on West Jefferson Boulevard across from Swinney Park.
May 20, 2014 - Fort Wayne is being recognized for its efforts to make it easy for children to get balanced and active play in their daily lives, a priority for their health and well-being. Fort Wayne is the largest city in Indiana to achieve the “Playful City USA” designation with only four Hoosier cities qualifying. Nationwide, 212 cities were named a 2014 Playful City USA Community by the non-profit organization, KaBOOM!
“We continue to see unprecedented positive momentum in our City,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Having an excellent quality of life in our community is a direct result of the world-class parks system that we enjoy in Fort Wayne. We’re honored to be named a Playful City USA as we lead the way in providing exercise and recreational opportunities for children and families.”
Today’s generation of children play less than any previous generation despite the vast benefits of play. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of children.
KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the Play Deficit by ensuring their children have the time and space they need to play.
“This year we’ve focused on creating our first indoor accessible playground at the McMillen Park Community Center,” said Director Al Moll. “The working group continues to grow as it makes great strides with its mission, and includes Parks & Recreation staff, Turnstone, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, McMillen Center for Health Education, FWCS, the Fort Wayne Volunteer Center and community play advocates. We appreciate the input from all of our partners!”
May 20, 2014 - Large working vehicles from the City of Fort Wayne Division of Public Works and City Utilities were visible at Lindley Elementary today. Staff members took the vehicles to the school to share information with students about the vital role Public Works plays in neighborhoods throughout the City. Lindley kindergarteners and first graders were able to ask questions and see the City’s work vehicles up close.
The event was part of the American Public Works Association’s – Public Works Week event called “Building for Today – Planning for Tomorrow.” The theme focuses on building to improve a community’s quality of life and plan for practices that will ensure quality of life for future generations.
It certainly is a year to celebrate as more than $23 million will be invested in streets, sidewalks and trails and nearly $50 million in water and sewer improvements in the City.
Public Works connects with residents, businesses, and neighborhoods every week of the year. Our staff plows snow; picks up leaves; builds and repairs transportation routes, including roads, trails and sidewalks; erects and maintains street lights and traffic signals; protects neighborhoods from flooding; picks up your garbage and recycling and processes and provides quality water and sewer service for residents.
“Our public works staff touches all of our lives every day. It’s essential to the quality of life we have come to expect,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Certainly, we all saw firsthand the critical services provided by our plow truck drivers and our water maintenance crews working in freezing cold temperatures to restore water service this past winter. From transportation, to our popular recycling program, to an enjoyable ride on our trails, to clean water – our public works staff is essential.”
National Public Works Week celebrates the contributions of public works professionals as well as the communities they serve throughout North America. The event recognizes the 28,000 public works professionals, from transportation, water, sewer, refuse collection and maintenance, which are vital to the success of their communities.
Infrastructure projects in progress this week:
Crown Colony Neighborhood – Concrete Street and Sidewalk construction
Concrete sidewalks on Heatherton and Olympia
Grinding in prep for paving projects – Pinehurst and Pine Valley
Trail construction – Engle Road near Jefferson
Ewing and Jefferson – sewer separation project
Southwood Park Neighborhood– water main replacement -- Indiana Avenue area
Northcrest Neighborhood – water main on Riviera
May 20, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Fire Chief Amy Biggs has submitted her resignation effective June 1. The search for a new fire chief will begin immediately. Biggs has served as Fire Chief since July 2012. She will remain with the Fort Wayne Fire Department returning to the rank of Captain. Biggs joined the Fort Wayne Fire Department as a firefighter in 1995. In 1999, she was promoted to Captain in the Fire Prevention Bureau and became Captain in the Operations Division in 2001, where she served for seven years, until being appointed to the position of Assistant Chief. “I want to thank Amy for her service as Fire Chief. She’s a dedicated professional committed to protecting and serving our community,” said Mayor Henry. “I wish Amy well in her new position.” “The experiences I’ve had during my tenure will truly be memorable for years to come,” said Fire Chief Biggs. “I stand proud to have represented the men and women of the Fort Wayne Fire Department as well as served the citizens of Fort Wayne. I look forward to my return to the Operations Division and the continued opportunity to make positive contributions in our community.”
May 14, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced a new program designed to recognize the efforts of deployed service members. The Blue Star Banner Program will recognize City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The first service member to be honored is Command Sergeant Major Brian Kiess who is an actively deployed member of the Army Reserve and works in the City’s Division of Public Works. The banner for Kiess will be displayed beginning later this month. 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 will be displayed through November and then removed during the winter months. Banners will be displayed each April-November. Mayor Henry was joined at today’s announcement by the Kiess family, representatives from the Fort Wayne Base Community Council, Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and the Fort Wayne Area Blue Star Mothers. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our service members,” said Mayor Henry. “The men and women on active deployment sacrifice so much for our freedom that a program such as the Blue Star Banner is a great way to highlight the efforts of the real heroes in our City.”
May 13, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to take the online Riverfront Fort Wayne Uses and Activities survey. The survey can be found at www.riverfrontfw.org\survey and will take just a minute or two to complete. It is available online through June 20.
The Riverfront Uses and Activities survey is designed to collect input about how Fort Wayne residents would like to see the downtown riverfront developed; the responses will be provided to the City’s riverfront consultant, SWA Group. The survey includes ten questions that focus on the importance of elements like housing, natural habitat space and recreation opportunities.
“Riverfront Fort Wayne is for everyone,” said Mayor Henry. “That’s why it’s critical that we hear from residents about what they’d like to see along our downtown rivers. This is a great opportunity to assist us in continuing the unprecedented momentum we’re seeing in our City.”
May 9, 2014 - I continue to be encouraged by the positive momentum we’re experiencing in the City of Fort Wayne. I want to take this opportunity to recognize our city employees for their tremendous efforts in making our city a great place that’s positioned for positive investments now and in the future. Unquestionably, city employees are extremely skilled, very committed, very diligent, and are some of the best in the Midwest. They have won one award after another and help make Fort Wayne the envy of the State of Indiana. My staff and I work every day to improve the delivery and efficiency of city services with great results. Sometimes that’s meant the painful trimming of compensation and benefits to city workers, but we’ve found it’s been most effective to work in partnership with them to find new ideas and solutions to save taxpayer dollars and improve city services. Every winning organization in the world knows you need your employees to be motivated and treated with respect to achieve superior results. Next week, City Council will consider ordinances that would possibly eliminate the ability for employees to participate in collective bargaining. I’m opposed to efforts that would take collective bargaining rights away from city employees.
May 8, 2014 - The Ash Brokerage Corporation and Hanning & Bean Enterprises development, which will continue the positive momentum and transformation of downtown Fort Wayne and bring new jobs to the community, has reached a milestone with the signing of development agreements. The agreements are contracts that allow the City of Fort Wayne to move forward with seeking approvals for the publicly funded portion of the project. The public-private partnership includes a new national corporate headquarters for Ash Brokerage, a residential component led by Hanning & Bean Enterprises, retail space, and a publicly owned parking garage. When the project was announced in September 2013, the preliminary investment estimates totaled $71 million. Data released today shows the project investment has grown to $98 million, with $59 million coming from private investment, and the public investment at $39 million, up from last fall’s preliminary estimate of $19.5 million. The increased investment by the City of Fort Wayne will be to the parking garage. In order to meet current needs, anticipated growth and future development in the downtown area, updated plans include a much larger garage with 1,200 parking spaces (up from 750). Soil conditions and the relocation of a sewer line are also factors that have led to additional City resources being needed for the development. The City's investment also includes land acquisition, site preparation, streetscape improvements, utility upgrades, as well as other project enhancements. Funding for the City's investment in the development will come from a combination of tax increment financing (TIF) funds through the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, Legacy funds, and support from the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB). No property taxes will be used to fund the City’s portion of the project. “Today is a tremendous step forward in our collective efforts to invest in our future and be a leader in economic development, job creation, and job retention,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This partnership sends a strong message that we value downtown and we’re committed to an excellent quality of life that will continue the unprecedented momentum in our community.”
May 6, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry this afternoon held a media availability to reemphasize his support of the City of Fort Wayne and Aqua Indiana reaching a final agreement for the City to purchase Aqua’s water utility in southwest Fort Wayne and resolve the dispute over the purchase price of Aqua’s former north system. Two ordinances, one for the purchase of Aqua and the other for a bond to finance the purchase, will be discussed at tonight’s City Council meeting. Final approval could also occur tonight. The agreement needs approval from City Council and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The Fort Wayne Board of Public Works and Aqua America’s Board of Directors have approved the agreement. “I applaud the efforts of my City team and Aqua for coming together to meet the needs of residents and businesses in our community. Since taking office in 2008, I’ve been committed to finding a solution to the water situation in southwest Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “A commitment to reliable and high quality water at an affordable price for all residents is critical as we invest in our future as a leader in quality of life, economic development, and job growth.”
May 2, 2014 - The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission today announced that Justin Brugger will be the Commission’s new director. In addition to serving as the Redevelopment Commission Director, Brugger will also manage the staff of the Redevelopment Department within the Community Development Division.
Brugger took the position previously held by Greg Leatherman, who now serves as the City’s Community Development Director. Brugger’s first day on the job will be May 14.
“Justin has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant with expertise in managing complex projects,” said Leatherman. “The Redevelopment Commission and I are excited to have him as part of our team working to revitalize properties and promote sustainable economic growth in our city.”
Brugger is currently a senior program manager for City Utilities and has been instrumental in managing implementation of the 18-year, $240 million plan to reduce combined sewer overflows. Brugger has worked for the City since January 2002 in both Public Works and City Utilities.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public affairs and a master’s degree in public management from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana and the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club.
May 1, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry, in partnership with Google, the Northeast ISBDC and Greater Fort Wayne Inc., today announced a yearlong initiative to get Fort Wayne’s businesses online through Google’s Get Your Business Online program.
Although 97% of internet users now research local products and services online, 58% of American businesses still do not have a website. Through increased participation in the Get Your Business Online program, Mayor Henry hopes to close that gap for Fort Wayne companies.
Get Your Business Online provides small business owners with a custom domain name, web hosting and access to educational resources—all free for one year. Since its debut in July 2011, the program has helped over 300,000 businesses successfully get online and start growing.
May 1, 2014 - Fort Wayne’s extreme winter season is pushing back the start of Neighborhood Code Enforcement’s weed program. The winter’s low temperatures and heavy snow have delayed the growth of grasses and weeds, so instead of starting the first week in May, the weed program will now begin Monday, May 19.
Weed complaints will also be accepted beginning May 19; the public should call 311 or 427-8311 to report a possible violation where weeds or grass exceed nine inches. 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.
“The weed program is an important part of Neighborhood Code’s work to maintain the health and safety of our community,” said Cindy Joyner, deputy director for Neighborhood Code Enforcement. “Ensuring that properties are well-maintained helps protect property values and improve the quality of life in our City.”
Eight seasonal, part-time employees will respond to complaints and also work proactively to identify weed and high-grass violations. The weed inspectors will initially concentrate on the City’s major transportation corridors and then move on to addressing specific complaints as they canvass the community.
If the inspectors determine there is a violation, they will take date-stamped 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.
April 30, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry proclaimed today “Fort Wayne Mad Ants Day” in the City of Fort Wayne. A special recognition event was held in the Mayor’s office to congratulate the Mad Ants on winning the NBA Development League championship. “It’s great to see Fort Wayne receive national recognition as a sports destination through the championship run by the Mad Ants. We salute them for working together, displaying sportsmanship, and demonstrating a commitment to being the very best,” said Mayor Henry. “The Mad Ants are part of a rich history of professional basketball tradition in Fort Wayne. They’re also a strong corporate partner in our community. We appreciate their involvement with kids and families by providing an entertaining style of basketball that’s enjoyed by all.”
April 30, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to celebrate National Bike Month and take part in some of the many activities scheduled throughout May. In particular, the Mayor is inviting residents to ride their bike to work on Friday, May 16 and stop by the City’s Bike to Work Breakfast at Headwaters Park from 6:30-8 a.m. where they can enjoy free Starbucks coffee, bagels from the Bagel Station and sweet treats from Pembroke Bakery. “The City is committed to incorporating additional bike lanes and bike trails throughout our transportation system in order to encourage more and safer cycling,” said Mayor Henry. “When people ride their bikes instead of drive cars, they help reduce pollution and traffic congestion while also improving their health.”
April 28, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center has received another national award as one of the top 50 small call centers in the United States and Canada in 2014, according to BenchmarkPortal.
This marks the third consecutive year that Fort Wayne’s call center has ranked in the Top 100 Small Call Center category, which includes private and municipal centers staffed by less than 100 employees. “This is a tremendous honor as we continue our commitment to meeting the needs of citizens and businesses,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I appreciate the hard work displayed by Julie Sanchez as the leader of the City’s Citizen Services Department. She and her team are making a meaningful difference in our community. To be recognized as a national leader in call center effectiveness is a great accomplishment.”
April 25, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne’s Fleet Department is named to a list of 100 Best Fleets in North America. This year Fort Wayne ranked third on the list from the organization: "100 Best Fleets."
The organization recognizes fleet departments for efficiency, cost savings procedures, continuous improvements, alternative fuel use and innovation. Fort Wayne’s fleet department is responsible for efficient maintenance and repair of the more than 1,800 City vehicles and equipment that are used every day to provide essential services throughout the community. “Having a cost effective and efficient fleet of vehicles is critical to our ability to provide the services that our residents and businesses depend on each day,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “We must have a safe and reliable fleet for fire and police protection, leaf pickup, pothole repairs, snow removal, and water, sewer, and stormwater maintenance. Through our innovative efforts and by demonstrating best practices, it’s a tremendous accomplishment to be recognized as one of the best cities in the country for fleet services.”
April 23, 2014 - The National League of Cities (NLC) has recognized Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne for completing the key health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC). LMCTC is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. LMCTC calls upon local elected officials to adopt sustainable and holistic policies that improve communities’ access to healthy affordable food and opportunities for physical activity through five goal areas.
Nine medals were awarded to Fort Wayne for action taken to improve access to healthy affordable food and increase opportunities for physical activity.
April 22, 2014 - Just one year after Mayor Tom Henry told residents he would move quickly to protect the neighborhood along the Fairfield Ditch, he joined residents to break ground for a flood control project that will protect the area in the future.
The low-lying area along the Fairfield Ditch in Waynedale, in particular along Dalevue Drive and Fernwood Avenue, has experienced chronic flooding since the 1950’s. For more than 10 years, the City worked closely with the Army Corp of Engineers to find solutions for this flood zone area. It was hoped that the project could receive federal assistance, but with federal funds not available and another flood in the area last spring, Mayor Henry took action and moved forward with voluntary buyouts and additional flood protection measures.
“This project is going to have a positive impact as we continue our proactive efforts to protect neighborhoods and invest in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m appreciative of how our Public Works and City Utilities divisions worked together to develop a solution that will enhance the quality of life for residents impacted by past flooding challenges. I also want to thank the residents in the Dalevue-Fernwood area for their commitment and patience throughout this process.”
April 18, 2014 - Because of the heavy December snow events that prevented the completion of bagged leaves collection, the Street Department will be collecting leaves that have been bagged in biodegradable bags next week.
Residents with bagged leaves can call 311 through Friday, April 25 at 5 p.m. to schedule a pick-up. The bags will be collected within two business days.
This additional week is for leaves placed in biodegradable bags only and bags will only be picked up if residents call 311.
April 18, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry will host Mayor’s Night In from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. The event will be held on the fourth floor at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
Residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government or services.
April 17, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne and Aqua Indiana have reached a final agreement for the City to purchase Aqua’s water utility in southwest Fort Wayne and resolve the dispute over the purchase price of Aqua’s former north system. The agreement needs approval from Fort Wayne City Council and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Aqua America’s Board of Directors has approved the agreement. Two ordinances, one for the purchase of Aqua and the other for a bond to finance the purchase, will be introduced to Fort Wayne City Council on Tuesday, April 22. It’s anticipated a public hearing and discussion of the ordinances will occur on Tuesday, May 6. A final vote for approval would be possible on Tuesday, May 13. “I applaud the efforts of my City team and Aqua for coming together to meet the needs of residents and businesses in our community as we invest in the future. Since taking office in 2008, I’ve been committed to finding a solution to the water situation in southwest Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “A commitment to reliable and high quality water at an affordable price for all residents is critical as we position ourselves as a leader in quality of life, economic development, and job growth.”
April 11, 2014 - Fort Wayne City Utilities will host upcoming information sessions for residents in southwest Fort Wayne to get an update about their transition from Aqua Indiana water to City Utilities water. Two public meetings with presentations and three open house sessions where residents can drop by at their convenience to ask questions will occur this month. Mayor Tom Henry encourages residents to participate in one of the upcoming sessions. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the upcoming transition.
April 8, 2014 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll was joined today by Mayor Tom Henry and corporate and media sponsors as he announced the 2014 summer concert lineup at Foellinger Outdoor Theatre: “You’ve Been Waiting…for a Summer Like This!” The concert season, which begins May 18, will feature nationally acclaimed musicians such as Foreigner, The Guess Who, Mavis Staples, Styx and REO Speedwagon. In addition, well-loved acts like Hotel California, The Grass Roots, with The Buckinghams as co-headliners, and BritBeat will return to the stage. “The Parks & Recreation Department is committed to bringing the highest quality performances to Foellinger Theatre,” said Director Moll. “We’re extremely grateful for the continued response and support the community gives us as we kick it up a notch each year.”
April 7, 2014 - A team of local officials will attend the Black Male Achievement Convening in Oakland, Calif. The event takes place Wednesday-Friday and is led by the Institute for Black Male Achievement and the National League of Cities. Attendees include: *Andre Patterson, Chair of the Fort Wayne Commission on African American Males *Heather Presley-Cowen, Deputy Director of Community Development, City of Fort Wayne *Geoff Paddock, Fort Wayne City Councilman *Stephanie Crandall, Legislative & Business Liaison, City of Fort Wayne *Eric Underwood, student from New Haven High School The convening will include educational sessions on the following topics: *Understanding black male engagement and the impact of policies from the youth perspective *Strengthening local strategies for philanthropic engagement *Criminal justice *Education *Employment *Family
March 31, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today officially opened the new Envision Fort Wayne Center, 916 S. Calhoun St. The Center is a downtown storefront that will provide citizens with ways to learn about and contribute to community projects such as Riverfront Fort Wayne and the Downtown Fort Wayne Plan 2020 Update.
"Fort Wayne is on the cutting-edge for a community our size to have this outstanding center for public engagement," said Mayor Henry. "It will provide an unprecedented way for citizens to engage with government and the community."
March 26, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will participate in the Mayors Institute on Thursday and Friday in Indianapolis. The Mayors Institute is hosted by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) and the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed for training and networking opportunities.
March 24, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry proclaimed today “University of Saint Francis Women’s Basketball Day” in the City of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry visited the Hutzell Athletic Center to meet with the team and congratulate them on winning the NAIA Division II National Championship.
March 21, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry is joining more than 1,000 mayors across the country for the second annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, a nationwide bipartisan effort that highlights the impact of national service in tackling city problems.
This year, Mayor Henry encourages the community to join the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, CANI’s AmeriCorps and Fort Wayne’s Volunteer Center to help clean up Klug Park. The snowy, frigid winter was hard on the parks and Klug needs a little extra TLC to get it ready for the busy summer season.
“National service shows the best of community spirit as we work together to find solutions to challenges,” said Mayor Henry. “Today, as we thank national service members for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen Fort Wayne through service and volunteering.”
“This cleanup is an extension of a successful partnership the Parks & Recreation Department has with the Volunteer Center called Adopt-a-Playground. Seventeen parks and playgrounds have been adopted by community groups, who commit to cleaning three times per year for their three-year adoption period,” said Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll. “There are plenty more parks available for adoption by business groups, church groups, even families.”
Volunteers interested in helping with the Klug Park clean-up are asked to call 260-424-3405 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by March 26th so that enough trash bags and bottled water will be available. Please join us at Klug Park by 3pm on April 1st to get signed in for this kick off to Spring event!
March 20, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry’s office has produced a television program highlighting the City’s Legacy initiative designed to benefit the community. “Legacy Fort Wayne” features interviews with Deputy Director of Community Development Pam Holocher; City Controller Pat Roller; Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer; and City Councilman Tom Smith. Leaders discuss the history of Legacy, current projects, and the future of Legacy. Legacy funds come from two sources: the City Light Lease Settlement reached between the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power; and the Fort Wayne Community Trust, established by the City over 30 years ago using a portion of the annual Light Lease payments. The funds are designed to provide catalytic investment, leverage additional resources, and directly benefit residents of Fort Wayne. The current financial report for Legacy: *Funds available year-end 2013 - $51.7 million *Future revenues - $29.3 million *Appropriations - $19.7 million *Increase in market share - $53.1 million *Anticipated funds available year-end 2025 - $111.8 million
March 17, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Parks Director Al Moll in cooperation with the Youth Sports Advisory Committee have received the community assessment and market-potential study for building on Fort Wayne’s reputation as a youth-sports destination. The study provides recommendations for facilities, organizational structure and support, and youth sports marketing and branding, both locally and regionally.
Henry, Moll and the committee will evaluate the findings and release their recommendations in a separate announcement later this year.
“This study affirms that Fort Wayne is truly a destination for youth sports yet offers opportunities for our residents,” Mayor Henry said. “I look forward to reviewing the recommendations more closely with the advisory committee and identifying initiatives that will enhance what we have and create new ways to engage local youth and families from across the Midwest and country.”
Aquarius Sports and Entertainment of Gaithersburg, Md., and Victus Advisors of Park City, Utah, evaluated the existing youth sports community through surveys, focus groups, interviews and a public meeting last year. Additionally they were charged with identifying opportunities to increase Fort Wayne’s market potential.
March 14, 2014 - The Fort Wayne Police Department will be actively seeking qualified candidates for a future academy class in 2015. The application process will begin on Saturday, March 15, 2014 and run through Tuesday, May 1, 2014.
Interested candidates can apply “on-line” by visiting one of two websites: www.fwpd.org or www.cityoffortwayne.org .
March 13, 2014 - Crews from Traffic and Signal Operations are continuing to work on clearing snow out of traffic signals. The thick, wet snow is covering signal lights, making it difficult to tell what color is illuminated on the signal. The covered signals are affecting southbound traffic. Motorists should treat these intersections as a four way stop and should not proceed through the intersection until they have a clear path to cross. City plow trucks remain in residential neighborhoods today and are hoping to get through each neighborhood by late this afternoon. If possible, residents are urged to not park in the street so trucks can get as close to the curb as possible.
March 12, 2014 - City plow truck operators plowed all day long to remove the thick wet snow left by the latest winter storm. Crews were able to plow secondary streets this afternoon and at this hour have begun to plow neighborhoods to clear residential streets. As long as we do not receive more snow, crews will remain on residential streets through the night and should complete the neighborhood streets by tomorrow afternoon. If possible, residents are urged to not park in the street so trucks can get as close to the curb as possible.
March 12, 2014 - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control closed its adoption center at noon. Pet receiving and reclaim will stay open until 5 p.m.
March 12, 2014 - Due to today's winter storm, the Downtown Riverfront Study public input meeting scheduled for tonight at the Downtown Public Library has been canceled. Tomorrow's meeting will take place as scheduled from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., with a presentation at 11:15 a.m.
March 12, 2014 - Due to today's winter storm, City offices at Citizens Square will close at noon today. Emergency services will continue to operate. In addition, residents with questions and concerns may continue to contact 311 to have those issues addressed. All Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department facilities will also close at noon. This includes Salomon Farm, the Botanical Conservatory, Community Center, and the Jennings, Cooper, and Weisser youth centers. All classes and activities located in Park Department facilities will resume on Thursday. The sledding hill at Franke Park is closed to winter weather enthusiasts due to dangerous circumstances.
March 12, 2014 - Because of the thick and wet snow, garbage and recycling efforts are being suspended for the day. Republic Services pulled trucks from the streets after rapid heavy snow fell on Fort Wayne causing several trucks to get stuck. Collection will run one day behind for the remainder of the week. Allen County remains under a Winter Weather Travel Watch, which means only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situation is recommended. This watch is for all towns and cities in Allen County.
March 11, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson will attend the upcoming “Mayors in Education Convening.” The event is Thursday-Friday in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are co-hosts.
March 7, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Carolyn Ovitt has been named director of human resources for the City of Fort Wayne. Ovitt has been with the City since 2009 in the human resources department leading professional development efforts. Prior to her service in government, Ovitt held leadership positions with Lincoln Financial Group, Industrial Innovation, and Workplace Technologies. “Carolyn’s experience and expertise in human resources and professional development make her a great addition to our leadership team,” said Mayor Henry. “I look forward to working with Carolyn and her team as we engage, innovate, and perform to meet the needs of our community.”
March 6, 2014 - Residents will see a record amount of neighborhood infrastructure enhancements in the City of Fort Wayne as part of the 2014 construction season. Mayor Tom Henry today formally announced the list of projects that will result in an investment of over $20 million. Mayor Henry visited the Oxford neighborhood in southeast Fort Wayne to make today’s announcement. Concrete reconstruction and sidewalk and curb repairs will occur on Oxford Street from South Anthony Boulevard to Hessen Cassel Road. Mayor Henry was joined by members of the City of Fort Wayne’s Division of Public Works, elected officials, and community and neighborhood leaders. A complete list of infrastructure projects can be found at the bottom of the news release. Highlights include 50 miles of paving, 10 miles of concrete reconstruction, brick street work, 12 miles of chip and seal repairs, sidewalk improvements, and curb and ramp repairs. The first projects are expected to begin in late March-early April, weather permitting.
March 5, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 13 local businesses will receive 2014 Commercial Façade Grants. This year's awardees will receive $303,859 in City funding and have pledged to contribute just over $1.1 million in private investment to make improvements on their properties.
“Our Commercial Façade Grant program helps local businesses invest in our community and provide a welcoming atmosphere for their customers,” said Mayor Henry. “This program ensures that our commercial corridors remain vibrant so that our citizens have convenient access to goods and services they need.” Today’s news conference was held at Coe Heating & Air Conditioning, 3300 Lower Huntington Rd. The business will update the façade of its building by using modern and innovative siding material, creating new window openings, replacing old windows, providing an eye-catching customer entrance, installing new signage and more.
“I’m pleased to accept this grant award,” said Scott Coe, owner of Coe Heating & Air Conditioning. “The City’s funding, as well as the expertise of City design staff, is going to dramatically improve the appearance of our building, bring in more customers, and help beautify this stretch of Lower Huntington Road.”
Mayor Henry introduced the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008 as part of his ongoing commitment to help local businesses thrive and expand, particularly in the heart of the City. 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.
The City requires applicants to provide a dollar-for-dollar match in order to receive the grant. The program has been so successful that from 2009-2013, the City awarded $1.07 million in grant funding, which leveraged more than $2.9 million of private investment toward improvements. A total of 63 projects have been completed or are almost completed since the program was introduced.
February 25, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne has received the “Outstanding Trail Project Award” from the Greenways Foundation of Indiana for the fourth and fifth phases of the Rivergreenway extension from Johnny Appleseed Park to Shoaff Park. Mayor Tom Henry accepted the award on behalf of the City at a luncheon today in Indianapolis.
February 25, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry and a team from Fort Wayne will be attending a convening for Cities United, a national partnership to eliminate violence-related deaths of African American males. The meeting will be held Wednesday-Thursday in New Orleans. The convening titled, “Why We Can’t Wait,” will provide technical assistance and capacity building strategies for planning, implementing and evaluating long-term, comprehensive violence prevention and reduction strategies for African American men and boys.
February 24, 2014 - The planned restriction of Jefferson Boulevard to one westbound lane is now scheduled for Tuesday morning, February 25 at 9:00am. Cold temperatures are slowing the repair process near the viaduct at Catalpa Street and Jefferson.
Tonight, motorists will have access to one lane in each direction.
February 24, 2014 - To accommodate the pouring of concrete on Jefferson Boulevard near the viaduct at Catalpa Street, Jefferson will be restricted to one westbound lane around 3 p.m. The restriction to one westbound lane is expected to last through tonight and the contractor is expecting to restore one lane in each direction at that time. A temporary detour for eastbound traffic will use Freeman Street to Taylor Street to Broadway and back to Jefferson.
February 24, 2014 - The public is invited to share their vision for Fort Wayne’s downtown riverfront at two public input meetings. Both meetings will take place at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library in the auditorium. The meetings are set for:
*Wednesday, March 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a presentation at 5:45 p.m.
*Thursday, March 13 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., with a presentation at 11:15 a.m.
“Public input is critical to the success of our riverfront study,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This is everyone’s riverfront and the final designs need to reflect the hopes and dreams of our entire community.”
February 23, 2014 - Repairs on West Jefferson Boulevard between Lindenwood Avenue and West Main Street will cause traffic delays this week. Traffic is being shifted to one side of the street so the damage caused by the recent freeze and thaw cycle can be repaired.
February 21, 2014 - City of Fort Wayne Street Department crews will be out in full force working overtime hours again this weekend in an effort to fill numerous potholes left by the recent freeze and thaw cycle. Crews were out on Thursday but the rain and snow melt that flowed through the streets made it difficult to repair many potholes. With hundreds of potholes visible throughout the City, motorists are urged to be alert and slow down.
February 20, 2014 - Public Works and Utility staff are addressing a few street flooding issues that occurred due to this morning’s heavy rain. River levels remain low today but because some storm drains are blocked by ice and debris there is higher water in some streets across the City. Residents are asked to check inlets in their neighborhoods and remove obstructions that might be blocking the flow of melted snow and rainwater from getting into the storm sewers. The City has more than 90,000 storm inlets.
February 17, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today met with the new recruits for the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments. Last week, 22 recruits began the Fort Wayne Police Department’s academy class. Earlier today, 25 recruits began the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s academy class. The academy classes are made possible by the leadership of Mayor Henry’s Administration, the Fiscal Policy Group, neighborhood and business leaders, and the members of City Council who supported and passed a financial plan that provided funding for academy classes that will result in additional police officers and firefighters to make the City as safe as possible.
February 14, 2014 - Today, Chief of Police Garry Hamilton joined County, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in announcing the creation of a Gang and Violent Crimes Unit to combat gang violence in Fort Wayne. The goal of the Unit is to reduce the number of violent crimes, especially murders committed by gangs. The unit is an integral component of Mayor Tom Henry’s pledge to make Fort Wayne as safe as possible for residents and businesses. “Now more than ever, we’re focused on reversing the trend of violence in our community,” said Mayor Henry. “I applaud the efforts of the Fort Wayne Police Department and our law enforcement partners for being committed to reducing crime. By working together, we can make a difference. Public safety is critical to any thriving City, and we know that we must be a place where residents and businesses feel safe.”
The strategy is to address the relatively small number of people who are locked in various group dynamics on the streets, and who are responsible for an overwhelming majority of violent crimes.
The Unit’s duties will include uniform street-level enforcement of all crimes, assisting patrol officers and detectives by providing them with timely information on criminal gang activity and known gang members.
“Our message is simple. Our community is demanding that the shootings stop,” said Chief Hamilton. “We’re also making it known that there is help for those at risk and involved in group violence if they want it, and we are willing to assist them in getting that help. The creation of this Gang and Violent Crimes Unit is going to improve our ability to hold these gangs and groups accountable for murders their members commit. The rules have changed.”
February 13, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Greg Leatherman has been promoted to director of community development for the City of Fort Wayne. Leatherman has nearly 25 years of experience in local government and business. Since 2007, he’s served as executive director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. In addition, since 2004, Leatherman has served as deputy director of community development for the City of Fort Wayne.
THANK YOU, RON, FOR THAT WARM INTRODUCTION. ELECTED OFFICIALS, HONORED GUESTS, CITIZENS OF FORT WAYNE, WELCOME. IT'S AN HONOR TO BE WITH YOU.
TODAY, WE’RE AT THE GRAND WAYNE CENTER IN OUR VIBRANT AND EXCITING DOWNTOWN. IT'S A TREMENDOUS FACILITY THAT SHOWS THE UNPRECEDENTED MOMENTUM WE'RE EXPERIENCING IN OUR CITY. THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE GRAND WAYNE CENTER AND VISIT FORT WAYNE, WE’RE BECOMING A PLACE OF DESTINATION. OUR STATE-OF-THE-ART CONVENTION CENTER HOSTED OVER 300 EVENTS LAST YEAR. NEARLY SIX MILLION VISITORS CAME TO FORT WAYNE IN 2013. 438 MILLION DOLLARS WAS GENERATED, AND VISITOR SPENDING SUPPORTS 8,000 JOBS IN FORT WAYNE. WE’RE A CITY ON THE MOVE. TOGETHER, WE'RE INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE AND OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE TO MAKE FORT WAYNE THE BEST THAT IT CAN BE.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2014 State of the City Address at noon Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m.
February 7, 2014 - Fort Wayne residents will see a record amount of neighborhood street, road, and sidewalk improvements beginning this spring. Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City Administration will introduce an ordinance to City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 11 that calls for a $30 million bond for infrastructure improvements in City neighborhoods. The bond, along with funding through the financial plan passed by City Council last June as part of the Fiscal Policy Group created by Mayor Henry that allows for pay-as-you-go funding for future projects, would allow the City to complete the backlog of street and road projects by the end of 2018. The process to explore the option of an infrastructure bond was originally discussed with City Council last fall. “We’re demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in our future by allocating substantial funding to enhance our neighborhoods and meet the needs of the community,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re recognized as a leader in job growth, economic development, and quality of life. We strengthen our ability to be the best by investing in streets, roads, and sidewalks.”
February 6, 2014 - Due to this week’s storm that left nearly 10” of snow in some parts of the City, garbage and recycling trucks from Republic Services were not able to access many customers who place their carts in alleys. About 5,000 households who normally have Wednesday collection, but were delayed to today because of the storm, were not picked-up today. The City and Republic are working to pick these customers up tomorrow and are asking that those customers leave their carts out for pick-up tomorrow. Tonight, more than 30 snow plowing vehicles are working in alleys to clear the way for this collection. Private contractors and City Utilities staff members are working with the Street Department to make these alleys passable.
The schedule for the rest of the week: Normal Thursday collection on Friday 2/7/14 Normal Friday collection on Saturday 2/8/14
February 6, 2014 - City crews plowed more than 50% of the residential streets through this morning but returned to main roads to treat this morning’s snowfall and black ice.
They are now back in the neighborhoods and will plow through the night to complete the neighborhoods. After the neighborhoods are plowed crews will treat residential streets with a mixture of fine sand and beet juice to provide traction and melt in these residential streets.
This afternoon a total of more than 20 vehicles provided by Contractors and City Utilities are assisting the Street Department by plowing alleys.
“I thank all of our crews for their dedication to our City during this difficult winter and I encourage residents to check on neighbors and to assist those who may need help when clearing sidewalks,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I urge motorists to slow down and use caution. Even though we are putting in very long days to clear the streets, we will have slick spots for days to come because of the wind and colder temperatures,” added Mayor Henry.
February 5, 2014 - Street crews have plowed the main arterial streets and are now salting them. Secondary streets should be completed by this afternoon and we will be moving into residential streets by late this afternoon. Crews will work through the night and into tomorrow on residential streets.
February 5, 2014 - Garbage and recycling collection will run one day behind the rest of the week due to the winter storm.
February 4, 2014 - As severe winter weather conditions approach the area the Street Department will once again be working around the clock. However, motorists should use caution as drifting and 6 to 10 inches of new snow through Wednesday evening. The City of Fort Wayne is under a Winter Storm Warning through 4 PM Wednesday.
Blowing and drifting along with new snow are expected to make driving difficult through tomorrow evening. Forecasters are calling for snow to fall at the rate of 1 inch per hour tonight. City crews are ready to go with a salt supply and plow trucks maintained to attack the storm.
“I encourage residents to take this approaching storm seriously and be prepared,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Be sure to use caution and check on friends and neighbors. I also want to thank the employees at the Street Department. They’ve been working around the clock to keep our streets plowed, salted, and safe.”
February 4, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s 2014 State of the City Address scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., has been postponed due to the approaching winter storm expected to impact Fort Wayne later today through Wednesday. The Mayor’s State of the City Address has been rescheduled for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Grand Wayne Center.
February 3, 2014 - Four northeast Indiana counties are now part of the area’s Foreign-Trade Zone, providing businesses located in those counties with tools to help them compete globally.
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently approved the City of Fort Wayne’s application for expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 182 to Blackford, Jay, LaGrange and Steuben counties. Until now, the zone had a service area that covered eight counties (Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wabash, Wells and Whitley).
A U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone is a site within the United States that is legally considered outside of Customs territory for the purpose of duties, so goods may be brought into the site duty-free and without formal customs entry. Foreign-Trade Zones provide users with the opportunity to lower costs and boost profits by allowing them to reduce, eliminate or defer the Customs duties they would have otherwise paid. The City of Fort Wayne is the Grantee for FTZ-182 and the program is managed by Elissa McGauley, Economic Development Specialist. The City of Fort Wayne, along with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. works closely with Fort Wayne International Airport and economic development organizations in the service area to promote the Foreign-Trade Zone throughout the region.
January 30, 2014 - The National Community Development Association (NCDA) has awarded “The Courtyard of Fort Wayne” apartments for foster youth in transition to adulthood with the Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award. “The Courtyard is an exceptional community asset,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “It’s an ideal public-private partnership designed to help some of our most vulnerable youth overcome obstacles and become successful adults. The City of Fort Wayne applied for the award, which recognizes exemplary uses of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal funding. The Courtyard is a $7.2 million apartment complex that will accommodate 18- to 25-year-olds entering adulthood without significant support and guidance. The 47,000 square foot building will hold 36 one- and two-bedroom units and will be built on the site of the former Duemling Clinic, 2828 Fairfield Ave. Construction is expected to be complete in June 2014.
January 29, 2014 - The Winter Weather Travel Advisory for Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn has been lifted. The warming station/overnight shelter at the Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., will close at noon today. In addition, the Community Center, 233 W. Main St., had served as a warming station for the past few days. The Community Center has resumed its normal operating hours.
January 27, 2014 - For safety reasons, Republic Services will not collect garbage and recycling in the City of Fort Wayne on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Temperatures are expected to plunge to 15 degrees below zero overnight and with a wind chill of more than 30 below the conditions are not safe for workers that often have to work outside of the collection trucks. Garbage and recycling collection will run one day behind for the rest of the week.
January 26, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry tonight announced the City of Fort Wayne is prepared for another round of dangerous cold temperatures. Beginning Monday, the City's Parks & Recreation Department will open a warming station at the Community Center, 233 W. Main St., from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., will serve as a warming station and an overnight shelter. The Salvation Army will open at 9 a.m. Monday.
January 26, 2014 - Street Department crews moved to residential streets this afternoon. Plow trucks will work through the night clearing snow from neighborhood streets.
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 - A Winter Weather Travel Advisory has been issued for the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn. An advisory means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.
January 22, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will deliver his 2014 State of the City Address at noon Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The Mayor’s State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2013 and look ahead to plans for 2014. The theme for this year’s speech is “Investing in our Future.”
January 21, 2014 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will attend the 82nd Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The event will be held Wednesday-Friday in Washington, D.C. Nearly 300 mayors are expected to attend. Topics of discussion will include the economy, jobs, innovation, and transportation. The U.S. Conference of Mayors is a non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.
January 10, 2014 - The Winter Weather Travel Advisory for Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn has been lifted. Officials would like to thank plowing crews, emergency personnel, and the public for working together to ensure our area was as safe as possible.
January 10, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry today proposed investing $3 million in Legacy funds in the University of Saint Francis downtown campus. The Mayor was joined by University President Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, at the USF Performing Arts Center, one of two downtown buildings that would be renovated with the help of Legacy dollars.
“The University of Saint Francis has already made a significant commitment to the revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne with the purchase of the former Chamber of Commerce Building and the former Scottish Rite,” said Mayor Henry. “The university’s plans to renovate these buildings and fill them with 250 to 300 students will advance educational attainment and the continuing positive momentum in our vibrant and exciting downtown. We’re investing in our future with a strong commitment to education and quality of life."
January 8, 2014 - The Winter Weather Travel Watch for Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn has been lifted. A Winter Weather Travel Advisory is now in effect. Officials will provide further updates when conditions warrant a change in travel status. An advisory means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.
The City of Fort Wayne continues to move forward with its proposal for a new location for Cindy’s Diner. Last month, the Board of Park Commissioners heard plans to locate Cindy’s Diner at West Berry Street and Maiden Lane in a portion of the parking lot of the Community Center, which is part of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department. The Board of Park Commissioners is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting on Thursday. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. on the garden level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. The proposal would not result in any loss of parking spaces. The new location was evaluated to ensure that parking spaces for visitors to the Community Center would not be affected by the move. The City is working to add an additional parking space on the current Community Center parking lot and add two on-street parking spaces that would assist visitors and patrons to Cindy’s Diner. Pending approval and weather conditions, the move for Cindy’s Diner would likely occur next month. Last September, a $71 million development in downtown that includes a new national headquarters for Ash Brokerage and a residential development led by Hanning & Bean Enterprises was announced. Cindy’s Diner is currently located in the project area. The new development would be bordered by Wayne, Harrison, Berry, and Webster streets and utilize nearly a full square block. It’s anticipated construction will begin in April and take nearly two years to complete.
January 7, 2014 - A Winter Weather Travel Watch for Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn has been extended. Officials will provide further updates when conditions warrant a change in travel status. A watch means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a watch local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations is recommended. Drivers should be aware that conditions are hazardous. Please drive slowly and have emergency supplies in vehicles, along with a cell phone.
January 7, 2014 - The shelter at the Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, led by the American Red Cross will close at Noon today. The shelter at the Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., will remain open until Noon on Wednesday. Warming stations led by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department remain open. Today is the last day for the warming stations.
January 6, 2014 - The State of Emergency and Winter Weather Travel Warning for Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn will be lifted at 6 p.m. However, a Winter Weather Travel Watch for Fort Wayne, Allen County, New Haven, and Woodburn will be in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday. A watch means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a watch local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations is recommended. Drivers should be aware that conditions are hazardous. Please drive slowly and have emergency supplies in vehicles, along with a cell phone. Though the travel status has been reduced from a Warning to a Watch, many county roads will continue to be affected by winds and drifting which will make some of those roads impassable. And while main city streets have been cleared, they are still slick and will remain that way with the dangerously cold temperatures. The public's help in staying off of streets and roads will allow crews to continue with plowing operations to allow for fire, law enforcement, and ambulance services to meet the needs of the public.
January 6, 2014 - Due to dangerously cold temperatures and heavy snow and drifting, there will be no garbage and recycling collection on Tuesday.
The Solid Waste Department asks for patience from customers in this decision made for the safety of workers and the protection of personal and public property.
The next collection for customers who are normally picked-up on Monday will occur on January 13.
Those residents who are normally collected on Tuesday-Friday will have garbage and recycling run a day behind.
January 6, 2014 - Plowing efforts have moved to residential streets this morning.
If possible, residents should not use street parking to maximize clearing efforts in their neighborhood.
The State of Emergency for Allen County continues and travel is restricted to emergency workers only.
Street Department crews have worked around the clock to clear main streets and keep them passable and moved into the neighborhood streets around 7:00 a.m.
Sunday, January 5, 2014 - A State of Emergency is now in effect for Allen County as declared by the Allen County Commissioners. The City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and New Haven have issued a winter weather travel warning. The emergency order and travel warning are is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday night. Travel is restricted to emergency workers only. All other individuals should refrain from all non-emergency travel. Comply with necessary emergency measures. Cooperate with public officials in executing emergency operations plans. Obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers. The public's help in staying off of streets and roads will allow crews to continue with plowing operations to allow for fire, law enforcement, and ambulance services to meet the needs of the public.
January 5, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and New Haven have issued a winter weather travel watch effective at 1 p.m. A watch means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations is recommended. The public's help in staying off of streets and roads will allow crews to continue with plowing operations to allow for fire, law enforcement, and ambulance services to meet the needs of the public. As a reminder, Indiana has standardized county travel status. A guide can be found at http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/ .
January 3, 2014 – The City of Fort Wayne today announced it’s preparing for the potential for a significant snow event beginning Sunday and dangerous cold temperatures. In anticipation for the possibility of severe weather, two shelters will open beginning at Noon on Sunday, Jan. 5 to provide a place for individuals in need of shelter. The shelters would remain open until further notice. Plans could change as needed.
Shelter locations: *Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St. *Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing In addition, the City’s Parks & Recreation Department will open four warming stations beginning on Monday, Jan. 6 for individuals in need of a location to stay warm for a shorter period of time. It’s expected the warming stations will be open through Tuesday. Plans could change as needed.Warming station locations: *Community Center, 233 W. Main St., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. *Jennings Center, 1330 McCulloch St., Noon-8 p.m. *Weisser Center, 802 Eckart St., Noon-8 p.m. *Cooper Center, 2300 Clinton/Lafayette streets, Noon-8 p.m.
January 3, 2014 - City crews are plowing in neighborhoods this morning. The goal is to complete neighborhood plowing by early Saturday morning.
January 2, 2014 - City crews continue to plow and salt as they battle the latest winter storm. Crews began plowing at 5 p.m. last night and worked through the night. High winds are causing drifting, which makes plowing operations more difficult.
January 2, 2014 - A swearing-in ceremony was held today for new Director of Public Safety Rusty York and new Police Chief Garry Hamilton. Priorities for Director of Public Safety: *Oversee the Fort Wayne Police Department and Fort Wayne Fire Department/Responsible for reviewing and ensuring that staffing levels in the police and fire departments meet the needs of the City *Lead efforts to receive grant funding *Mentor public safety employees *Provide direction and input on union negotiations Priorities for Police Chief: *Strategic plan to address homicides and other crime activity *Communication efforts with neighborhoods and businesses *Utilization of technology *Continued commitment to collaborate with the other law enforcement agencies that work with the Fort Wayne Police Department to reduce violence and solve crimes “My administration has a strong commitment to public safety," said Mayor Tom Henry. “Having an experienced, professional leadership team in our police department is critical in our efforts to make our City as safe as possible. We’re dedicated to providing citizens and businesses with a great quality of life, strong neighborhoods, and making investments to enhance opportunities for new jobs and economic development.”
The City of Fort Wayne’s offices will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1 in recognition of New Year’s Day.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling pick-up on New Year’s Day. The collection schedule is pushed back one day, with Wednesday’s collection on Thursday; Thursday’s collection on Friday and Friday collection on Saturday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry this evening was joined by elected officials, and business and neighborhood advocates for the lighting of the Wells Street Bridge. This evening’s ceremony marked the completion of the Wells Street Bridge lighting improvement project.The City invested $121,000 in Legacy funding as part of the Downtown Overpass Beautification and Lighting initiative.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Rev. Dr. Terry Anderson has been named Senior Advisor for Community Engagement for the City of Fort Wayne. Anderson will serve as a volunteer in the Senior Advisor for Community Engagement position. Mayor Henry created the opportunity to meet a variety of community-building needs in the City.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The public is invited to join Mayor Tom Henry, elected officials, and business and neighborhood advocates for the lighting of the Wells Street Bridge.The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. It will mark the completion of the Wells Street Bridge lighting improvement project.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and Julie Sanchez, director of Citizen Services, along with members of the City’s Citizen Services team, today hosted a Customer Appreciation Day for the public to thank them for their continual support of the 311 Call Center. Today’s event included information for the public about the call center, and guests enjoyed free refreshments. In addition, Mayor Henry visited the call center and took a few calls from citizens. The City launched the 311 program in 2007. Services provided by 311 have continued to expand. In 2012, the department handled nearly 170,000 calls. The department currently assists 22 City departments. Earlier this year, the 311 Call Center was the recipient of two national awards for their outstanding service to the citizens of Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Garry Hamilton has been appointed as Police Chief for the City of Fort Wayne. Hamilton becomes the first African-American to hold the position. Hamilton has been with the Fort Wayne Police Department since 1994. Most recently, he’s served as deputy chief of the southeast quadrant. In addition, Hamilton has held positions of deputy chief of the northeast quadrant, liaison officer to the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, captain of the southeast quadrant, and sergeant in internal affairs. “Today’s appointment demonstrates a strong commitment to public safety. Garry is an experienced, disciplined professional with the leadership skills and integrity that I was looking for in a police chief. He’s an excellent communicator and is respected by his peers and the community,” said Mayor Henry. “Garry will be a great police chief for our City. I’m looking forward to a positive future for the Fort Wayne Police Department.”
Fort Wayne Street Department crews worked through the night clearing arterial and collector streets and have moved in to residential/neighborhood streets this morning.
The goal, if it doesn’t start snowing again, is to complete residential streets by Monday night.
If possible, residents should park cars away from the street so a cleaner pass can be made as crews plow neighborhood streets.
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A busy night for the Fort Wayne Street Department continues this morning, as crews plow and salt throughout the City. Crews remain on Priority One streets, the main arterials. When snow continues to fall crews stay on these streets to keep them as passable as possible for emergency vehicles. A steady snow began to fall last night around 10 o’clock and crews were dispatched to the 18 snow routes around the City. Crews have been plowing the Priority One streets and salting their intersections. Yesterday, crews prepared for the storm by converting trucks that were equipped for leaf collection by mounting plowing and salting equipment to the trucks.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne has a proposal in place for a new location for Cindy’s Diner. Later today, the Board of Park Commissioners will hear plans to locate Cindy’s Diner at West Berry Street and Maiden Lane in a portion of the parking lot of the Community Center, which is part of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department. Today’s meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners begins at 4 p.m. at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. Pending approval and weather conditions, the move for Cindy’s Diner would likely occur in the February timeframe. In September, a $71 million development in downtown that includes a new national headquarters for Ash Brokerage and a residential development led by Hanning & Bean Enterprises was announced. Cindy’s Diner is currently located in the project area. The new development would be bordered by Wayne, Harrison, Berry, and Webster streets and utilize nearly a full square block. It’s anticipated construction would begin in April 2014 and take nearly two years to complete.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry joins with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during the holiday season. In its 26th year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Thursday, Dec. 19 to Wednesday, Jan. 1 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
"The Holiday Cab program provides a great community service," Mayor Henry said. "We commend them for making sure our residents stay safe and that no lives are endangered on our roadways during the holiday season. We applaud and support their mission to reduce impaired driving and get everyone home safely."
The goal of the program has always been to prevent the tragedies that can and do occur when motorists drive drunk or impaired, said Rita Junk, Holiday Cab administrator.
Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FTR) announced today it has launched a new Community Wi-Fi Hot Zone covering Freimann Square and One Summit Square in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne. Known simply as a ‘Hot Zone’, this series of inter-connected and overlaid outdoor Wi-Fi access points form a continuous Wi-Fi Hot Zone that allows downtown visitors to seamlessly stay connected to broadband Internet services while in the Hot Zone. A variety of Wi-Fi enabled devices are supported such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc. The Frontier Hot Zone is managed 24/7/365 by Frontier’s 100% U.S.-based workforce.
Frontier’s Downtown Fort Wayne Hot Zone is the fastest open mesh network in Fort Wayne and covers Freimann Square and One Summit Square, popular downtown gathering locations that feature a variety of popular downtown events throughout the year.
Mayor Tom Henry and Julie Sanchez, Director of Citizen Services, along with the members of the City’s Citizen Services team, will host a Customer Appreciation Day for the public on Monday, Dec. 16 from 2-4 p.m. to thank them for their continual support of the 311 Call Center. Earlier this year, the 311 Call Center was the recipient of two national awards for their outstanding service to the citizens of Fort Wayne. The public is invited to learn more about the call center and enjoy free refreshments.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will participate in the Mayors Institute on Wednesday and Thursday in Indianapolis. The Mayors Institute is hosted by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) and the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed for training and networking opportunities.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The first comprehensive look at Fort Wayne's riverfront development possibilities is now underway. The Downtown Riverfront Development team led by SWA Group is in Fort Wayne for three days to meet with City staff and community leaders. “We are excited to get the study underway,” said Deputy Director of Planning and Policy Pam Holocher. “The purpose of the study is to look at all the opportunities and challenges that are part of riverfront development. From there, we’ll ask citizens what they want to see along our rivers and create a specific plan for action.” The Downtown Riverfront Development Study is intended to provide the road map for a world-class investment. Areas of focus will include land use; engineering and infrastructure investment; environmental and ecological issues; watershed and flooding issues; connectivity to trails, downtown and nearby neighborhoods; access to the river; retail; entertainment; and housing.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today reemphasized his commitment to public safety by announcing the City Administration plans to move forward with implementing a Director of Public Safety position. Joined by several City Council members, Mayor Henry explained that now is the appropriate time to implement the Director of Public Safety position, which was in place under several mayors in past years. Mayor Henry has chosen Rusty York for the new position. York has served as Police Chief since 2000 and has 36 years of experience in public safety. Earlier this year, local funds were approved to have police and fire academy classes, which will begin in 2014 and result in additional police officers and firefighters to protect the community. Last week, the City announced it has received a federal COPS grant that will result in more police officers, which will begin in 2015. York will oversee the Fort Wayne Police Department and Fort Wayne Fire Department and be responsible for reviewing and ensuring that staffing levels in the police and fire departments meet the needs of the City. The chiefs of the police and fire departments will report to York. In addition to overseeing the academy classes, York will lead the efforts for Fort Wayne to receive grant funding for public safety, further enhance collaborative efforts among public safety agencies, mentor public safety employees, and provide direction and input on union negotiations. “New academy classes, additional funding for public safety, and a renewed commitment to partnering on safety issues with citizens and businesses make this the right time to come together with a Director of Public Safety position,” said Mayor Henry.
Collection crews continue working in neighborhoods in the North, central and South
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Due to the large volume of leaves at the curb, City crews will work tomorrow to finish leaf collection in north side neighborhoods.
Next week, the week of Thanksgiving, is a designated catch up week. Some crews will remain north to finish up the second pass through northern neighborhoods. Once that second pass is complete crews will move to central neighborhoods to get a head start on a heavy volume of leaves already at the curb in those neighborhoods.
Crews will return for the regularly scheduled second pass through the central neighborhoods the week of Dec. 2.
Residents may call 311 to schedule pick-up for leaves placed in biodegradable bags. The bags should be at the curb and will be picked up within two business days of the call to 311.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne today announced that the Fort Wayne Police Department has received a $1.25 million Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant to hire 10 additional police officers to serve the community. A resolution seeking City Council’s approval to participate in the grant will be introduced at City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26, with discussion scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3 and possible final passage on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The City will provide a percentage of matching funds as part of the grant. The funding would be part of the City’s 2015 budget. The academy class for the 10 grant-funded officers is tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2015.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, along with mayors from the across the country as part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is asking the public to pay tribute to the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Friday marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of President Kennedy, and Mayor Henry is encouraging citizens to observe a moment of silence at 1:30 p.m. EST.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that he has appointed Win Moses to serve on the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. Moses will replace Karl Bandemer. Bandemer now serves as deputy mayor for the City of Fort Wayne. Moses will begin his duties on the Redevelopment Commission in January. Moses has had a distinguished career in government and business. He served on Fort Wayne City Council from 1972-1979. From 1980-1987, Moses was mayor of the City of Fort Wayne. He also served as a state representative in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1992-2012. Moses currently is the owner of Village of North Oak manufactured home community in Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Due to the large volume of leaves that fell over the past 10 days, City crews will work tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, to finish leaf collection in south side neighborhoods.
Residents can get information about which neighborhoods crews will be in tomorrow at www.cityoffortwayne.org/leaves or by calling the leaf pick-up hotline, 427-2302. This information is updated each collection day.
Because many large piles of leaves are already at the curb in northern neighborhoods, some crews will move to north tomorrow to get a head start. They will return for regular north neighborhood collection on Monday.
Residents can call 311 to schedule pick-up for leaves placed in biodegradable bags. The bags should be at the curb and will be picked up within two business days of the call to 311.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The first comprehensive look at Fort Wayne's riverfront development possibilities is moving forward. A contract between the City of Fort Wayne and SWA Group for a Riverfront Development Study received final approval last night from Fort Wayne City Council. The contract amount is $499,500 and is funded through Legacy dollars. Today, Mayor Tom Henry named the group of citizens and staff who will guide the study and provide input. Ray Kusisto, Ortho NorthEast (ONE), and Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer will serve as co-chairs of the Riverfront Advisory Committee. Other members include: Nick Arnett, Creative Collective LLC; Dave Arnold, Ambassador Enterprises; Mark Becker, Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.; Ian Boyce, Dickmeyer Boyce Financial Management Inc.; Steve Brody, Brody Consulting LLC; Tim Hall, Hall's Restaurants and Fort Wayne Outfitters; Patti Hays, Lutheran Health Network; Lindsay Hively, Kernel Coladas Gourmet Popcorn; Nancy Jordan, Lincoln Financial Group; Dawn Rosemond, Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; Rick Samek, Carson Boxberger, LLP; Tom Smith, Fort Wayne City Council; Wendy Stein, Stein Ad Promos, LLC; Ron Turpin, Lincoln Financial Group; John Urbahns, City of Fort Wayne Community Development; Irene Walters, IPFW; and Dan Wire, Tri-State Watershed Alliance. The first meeting of the Advisory Committee will be December 5, when SWA visits Fort Wayne and begins the 12 to 18-month process of examining data, seeking public input and exploring possibilities for development.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will attend the National League of Cities Congress of Cities and Exposition in Seattle. The conference will be held Wednesday-Saturday. The 2013 Congress of Cities and Exposition will showcase the ways that cities are driving change and finding successful solutions to challenges in local government.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Foster Park Neighborhood is now part of the National Register of Historic Places, making it the fifth Fort Wayne property or neighborhood to receive the prestigious designation this year. The National Register is the nation’s official list of properties considered worthy of preservation.
Foster Park residents worked with the City’s and State’s Historic Preservation offices to nominate the neighborhood. The project was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology.
The nomination highlighted Foster Park as an excellent example of suburban subdivision design during the early 20th century with a variety of architectural styles popular in the 1920s-1950s. The architecture of the neighborhood has not been greatly altered and ranges from craftsman bungalow and two-story colonial revival examples to Tudor cottage and sleek post-WWII contemporary homes.
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Despite a rainy forecast for Halloween in the Fort Wayne area, city officials have decided to not move trick-or-treating from Thursday to Friday.
The trick-or-treating in city neighborhoods will go as tradition holds, but if you plan to head out be prepared for inclement weather. Trick or treating hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
A joint statement from Mayor Henry's office and that of Police Chief Rusty York: "Though we received some inquiries into the rescheduling of Trick-or-Treating due to the weather forecast, it was decided that because of several area events already scheduled for Friday evening, the move would create a burden for many families."
Parents should monitor weather reports and ensure that all trick-or-treaters are dressed according to the anticipated weather conditions. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service calls for windy conditions with a steady rain early... then remaining cloudy with a few showers towards the evening and night hours.
Downtown Lane Restrictions Will Cause Delays for Motorists
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Over the next several weeks City Utilities will be working to extend the life of sewers in the downtown area using a process called cured in place pipe (CIPP).
The process is less costly than a pipe replacement and is an investment that will extend the life of the pipe more than 50 years.
The polypropylene plastic liner is inverted into the pipe through a manhole. Once sections of the pipe are lined a heater truck will pump hot water through the lining to harden it to a strength that is stronger than the host pipe.
The linings will be inserted in to brick sewer pipes built in the 1860's on Clinton and Calhoun Street. Contractor, Insituform, will perform the work for City Utilities.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry along with members of the City Council, City Utilities staff members, engineering students from Northrop High School and IPFW, project engineering and construction crews, civic leaders and Fort Wayne residents, lifted their glass in a toast to clean water this afternoon at the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant.
The celebration was to recognize the new ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system that will be used to treat the 11 billion gallons of drinking water produced at the plant each year.
“This new UV system is an investment in the future. It adds an additional layer of disinfection and will give us flexibility to meet further regulations that may come along,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I’m particularly pleased that we were able to hire more than 20 local engineering, construction and supply companies to construct and install this $22 million investment.”
Rotaract Club of Fort Wayne Installs Library to Build Community, Foster Fellowship, Promote Literacy
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry was joined by The Rotaract Club of Fort Wayne today to commemorate the installation of Fort Wayne's first Little Free Library in a city park. The ribbon cutting ceremony in Memorial Park was also attended by Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation staff, City Council Members, Rotary Club President Jeff Krull, Rotaract and Rotary members, and representatives from nearby Memorial Park Middle School.
Based on the concept of "Take a book, leave a book," the free-standing Little Free Library structures provide a way to share books freely within neighborhoods, on trails, and at other gathering places throughout the community to enhance the quality of life for all citizens, foster fellowship, and promote literacy.
The Rotaract Club has adopted Memorial Park for the past three years as part of the City's Adopt-A-Playground initiative and has recently made an additional 3-year commitment to helping maintain the 42 acre public space. "We felt that installing a Little Free Library in our adopted park was the perfect complement to the park's existing playgrounds, splash pad, and pool," said Rotaract Club President Allie Braun.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – A contract between the City of Fort Wayne and SWA Group for a Riverfront Development Study will be introduced at tonight’s Fort Wayne City Council meeting. The contract amount is $499,500 and would be paid from Legacy funds. The amount is just under the $500,000 approved by City Council last year to conduct a study of the City’s rivers. Following introduction this week, City Council will likely discuss the contract on November 5, with final passage expected on November 12. It’s anticipated the study will take 12-18 months to complete and work will begin next month. The Riverfront Development Study will be the first comprehensive look at the City’s rivers and is intended to provide the road map to a world class investment. Areas of focus will include land use; engineering and infrastructure investment; environmental and ecological issues; watershed and flooding issues; connectivity to trails, downtown and nearby neighborhoods; access to the river; urban design guidelines; retail; entertainment; and housing.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – A resolution to allocate Legacy funding for college scholarships and non-profit programming aimed at improving job readiness, skill development, and advancing education attainment for City residents will be introduced at tonight’s Fort Wayne City Council meeting.
The resolution calls for $3 million to be allocated to the Higher Education Scholarship Fund and $2 million to be allocated to the Educational Services Fund. Both funds would continue to be held in the City's Community Legacy Fund and only dollars from the investment earnings would be spent annually.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s Commercial Façade Grant Program has earned the Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council. The honor was presented at an awards ceremony last week in Philadelphia. Grant Administrator Aliza Tourkow and Redevelopment Assistant Director John Wallace accepted the award.
“Our Façade Grant Program is transforming the commercial corridors in the heart of our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I’m pleased that an international economic development organization sees the value of this program and how it can be replicated in cities across the United States. Congratulations to our Community Development Division for creating and implementing such a successful program that is having a lasting impact on Fort Wayne.”
The City of Fort Wayne’s Commercial Façade Grant Program is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant that provides up to $20,000 to single-tenant buildings and $40,000 to multi-tenant buildings. These grant projects revitalize the exterior of older buildings in the core of the City, transforming them into vibrant commercial gems. Since Mayor Henry kicked off the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008, 63 façade improvement projects have been completed or are in the process of being completed, generating a private investment of nearly $3 million.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s public investment package for the recently announced $71 million development in downtown will be presented at today’s Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission meeting. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Room 030 on the Garden Level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. The Redevelopment Commission will be asked to take action on portions of the investment package. Resolutions that will be considered for approval include: *Ratifying and approving land acquisition costs *Approving a contract for professional architectural/engineering services for the parking garage component of the project Last week, the City detailed its public participation in the project. The City’s investment would come from a combination of tax increment financing (TIF) funds through the Redevelopment Commission, Legacy funds, and support from the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB).Highlights of City’s $19.5 million investment: $11.7 million – parking garage $4.3 million – land acquisition $2.7 million – site preparation $750,000 – streetscape improvements
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Karl Bandemer has been appointed as Deputy Mayor for the City of Fort Wayne. Bandemer has nearly 40 years of experience in local government and business. Since 2010, he’s served as vice president of downtown development for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, now known as Greater Fort Wayne Inc. In his role with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and the Downtown Development Trust, Bandemer was instrumental in the recent announcement of the $71 million project planned for downtown with Ash Brokerage and Hanning & Bean Enterprises. From 1981-1986, Bandemer served as the City’s economic development director. He also has experience in the private sector with leadership positions at Sturges Development Group and Northill Corporation. In addition, he’s worked for the Region 3A Development and Regional Planning Commission, United Way of Allen County, and the Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council. “Karl is a public servant who’s committed to helping make our City the best that it can be,” said Mayor Henry. “Karl’s leadership skills, experience in government, and expertise in economic development are unique qualities that will complement our efforts to engage, innovate, and perform to position Fort Wayne as a destination place for business growth, jobs, a great quality of life, and strong neighborhoods.”
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne has outlined details of its monetary commitment to the recently announced $71 million development in downtown that includes a new national headquarters for Ash Brokerage and a residential development led by Hanning & Bean Enterprises. The total public-private partnerships would result in $51.6 million in private dollars ($19.6 by Ash and $32 million by Hanning & Bean) and $19.5 million being invested by the City of Fort Wayne. The City anticipates its investment would come from a combination of tax increment financing (TIF) funds through the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, Legacy funds, and support from the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB).Highlights of City’s $19.5 million investment: $11.7 million – parking garage $4.3 million – land acquisition $2.7 million – site preparation $750,000 – streetscape improvements The City’s public investment package will be presented to the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on Monday, Oct. 14. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in Room 030 on the Garden Level of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. The Redevelopment Commission will be asked to take action on portions of the investment package. Examples include approving land acquisition and entering into a contract for the design of the parking garage. Seeking approval for a bond to finance the parking garage and site preparation will occur at future Redevelopment Commission meetings. City officials will also make a presentation to the CIB at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17. The City will request funding to assist with the financing of the City’s investment in the project. In the coming weeks, City officials will come before City Council to request Legacy funds in the amount of $1-2 million. City Council would also be asked to approve bond financing that first will be presented to the Redevelopment Commission for approval in the near future.
The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) announced that Fort Wayne has been designated as an IACT Green Community . Fort Wayne will receive its designation during an Annual Awards Luncheon, Oct. 7, at noon during the 2013 IACT Annual Conference & Exhibition in Indianapolis.
IACT launched the Green Communities Initiative in 2008 to identify potential cost savings to communities facing budget shortfalls, promote economically competitive quality of life concepts, and ultimately serve as role models for citizens while better protecting our environment. The initiative will expand educational opportunities for municipalities and create a consolidated clearinghouse of data and programs that can be accessed by municipalities.
“The City of Fort Wayne is a leader in using efficient and effective practices to better serve our community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “Being designated as an IACT Green Community demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment as we implement programs that maximize our financial resources and enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne. Each day we strive to engage, innovate, and perform to make a positive difference for citizens and businesses.”
To be recognized as an IACT Green Community , Fort Wayne had to meet a minimum score on a 49-question survey in the areas of purchasing, operations, measuring success, and sample projects, with scoring considerations given to the size of the community and the likelihood it would or could implement certain types of programs.
Two Pick-Ups Scheduled for Each Neighborhood
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Leaf pick-up in the City's 355 neighborhoods begins Monday, October 21, 2013. The Street Department will collect leaves in two separate sweeps through each neighborhood. Crews will roll into the neighborhoods between October 21 and December 6, 2013.
The 2013 Fort Wayne Leaf Pick-up schedule will be: Oct. 21-25 South Oct. 28-Nov. 1 North Nov. 4-8 Central Nov. 12-15 South Nov. 18-22 North Dec. 2-6 Central
The week of November 25-29 will be used as a catch-up week. There will be no leaf collection on Monday, November 11, due to the Veterans Day holiday.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne will participate in the 2013 IACT Annual Conference & Exhibition that runs October 6-8 in Indianapolis. IACT is the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. Mayor Henry serves on the board of directors for IACT, which is a coalition of municipal officials who seek to improve the quality of life in Indiana through effective government. IACT advocates for municipalities as the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, and promotes good government through education, training, and leadership.
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today congratulated residents of the Creighton-Home Neighborhood Association for their work in planning and installing rain gardens in their neighborhood.
As part of Leadership Fort Wayne's Best Practices Neighborhood Initiative, Creighton-Home residents attended workshops about ways to organize and improve their neighborhood. Creighton-Home then applied for and was awarded a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant to build the rain gardens.
"I applaud Creighton-Home residents for collaborating with each other and City government to address issues of standing water and alley flooding," said Mayor Henry. "This is yet another example of the strength of our neighborhoods. We have residents who are willing to roll up their sleeves and really make a difference in our community."
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that City Lights & Signals Inc. has been selected as the contractor for the Wells Street Bridge lighting improvement project. The City plans to invest $121,000 in Legacy funding as part of the Downtown Overpass Beautification and Lighting initiative. Project highlights: *Installation of six new LED overhead lights down the middle of the bridge structure *Installation of 14 new LED spotlights along the sides of the bridge structure *Installation of eight new LED lights on each end of the bridge structure *The lights on the side of the bridge will be mounted overhead, one to every other bay of the bridge *Installation of 12 additional LED spotlights in the remaining bays on the sides of the bridge *Lighting will be provided across the entire structure It’s anticipated work could begin in November and be completed by the end of the year. The contract will be introduced to City Council tonight. The contract will also be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners on Wednesday.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne today announced that bids for the City’s wayfinding signs are a $100,000 under the original $300,000 estimate, which will save money on the construction and installation of 54 directional signs throughout Fort Wayne.
A project budget of $200,000 will be introduced to City Council tonight, with discussion taking place next week and possible approval on October 8. Burkhart Sign Systems submitted a bid of $177,702; the project budget of $200,000 would accommodate the possibility of adding several more signs plus contingencies.
The signs are a Legacy Fort Wayne project and will be located on primary transportation corridors throughout the city. Each sign will provide directions to major destinations frequented by out-of-town visitors. The sign locations and language are still being finalized. The signs will each be 4’x 8’ and made of aluminum. Installation should begin in November and be completed by the end of the year. The wayfinding project is part of Front Door Fort Wayne, an award-winning plan that focuses on beautifying the community’s corridors. It incorporates existing landmarks, new landmarks, public art, lighting, signs, bike paths, sidewalks, landscaping, and public transportation facilities and puts a priority on celebrating Fort Wayne’s heritage and culture. An example of a sign can be seen at: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/Wayfinding_Sign_Sample.jpg
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Highlighting the key role of downtown vitality to job creation and regional economic growth, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Tim Ash, President and CEO, Ash Brokerage Corporation and Bill Bean, VP, Hanning & Bean Enterprises, Inc., along with Eric Doden, President, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, elected officials and community leaders to announce plans for Ash Brokerage’s new national headquarters in the heart of Fort Wayne and a downtown residential development led by Hanning & Bean Enterprises. The integrated initiative will result in new knowledge-based jobs, hundreds of construction jobs, housing, retail, and $71 million in new investment in the core of the city. The new developments would be bordered by Wayne, Harrison, Berry, and Webster streets and utilize nearly a full square block. The City of Fort Wayne has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ash Brokerage and Hanning & Bean Enterprises for the two major projects. Ash Brokerage plans to build its corporate headquarters in downtown with 95,000 square feet of office space. The project would also include a parking garage and 21,600 square feet of first-floor retail space. More than 200 employees would be part of Ash’s move to downtown. Ash also anticipates increasing its local workforce with 115 additional jobs by 2017. The average wage is $60,000 plus benefits. Ash’s investment would be $19.6 million. “At Ash Brokerage, we’re all about creating opportunity for our partners, our employees and our communities,” said Tim Ash, Ash Brokerage President & CEO . “We believe in Fort Wayne, and our decision to build our national headquarters downtown is a grand slam for all of us. We’re creating and retaining great jobs right here in a growing industry sector. We’re bringing private investment into the heart of our hometown. We flipped the switch for more business, housing and retail options through our partnership with Hanning & Bean, the City of Fort Wayne and the State of Indiana. And best of all, we’re sending a mighty signal that this is an outstanding place to do business – a wonderful place to live, work and play.” Hanning & Bean Enterprises plans to construct a residential development, including apartments, condominiums, and street-front townhouses. The development would total 80 apartments (94,000 square feet), 10-14 condominiums (26,000 square feet), and six street-front townhouses (13,500 square feet). There would also be a rooftop park/green space on top of the parking garage. Hanning & Bean’s investment would be $32 million. “We’re in a great environment for growth and redevelopment in downtown,” said Bill Bean, VP, Hanning & Bean Enterprises. “We’ve been investing for some time in downtown and see this project as an opportunity to continue that commitment. Housing units are a key ingredient in providing the three main components of a vibrant downtown – live, work and play. We look forward to partnering with Ash Brokerage, the City of Fort Wayne and the State of Indiana. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to revitalizing the city’s skyline and continuing to invest in downtown.” “We’re seeing unprecedented positive momentum in downtown. The heart of our City has become a destination place for business growth, housing, and entertainment,” said Mayor Henry. “Ash Brokerage and Hanning & Bean Enterprises are demonstrating a strong commitment to our community with this substantial investment. Proactive efforts to attract opportunities to downtown have positioned us for success.” The total public-private partnerships would result in $51.6 million in private dollars and $19.5 million being invested by the City of Fort Wayne. It’s anticipated construction would begin in March 2014 and take nearly two years to complete. The City would provide an incentive package to the development that consists of land acquisition, site preparation, tax abatement and participation in the construction and operation of the parking garage.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today discussed details of the City’s proposed budget for 2014. Next year’s balanced budget is a continuation of Mayor Henry’s commitment to meeting the needs of citizens and positioning the City for future growth and success with strong fiscal leadership. 2014 budget highlights: *Academy class for Fort Wayne Police Department – Result will be 20 new police officers *Academy class for Fort Wayne Fire Department – Result will be 15 new firefighters *Improvement/maintenance projects for Public Works and Parks *Expense reduction of $5 million *Total banked levy *Annual levy increase *2% raise for employees “There is positive momentum in our City,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re positioned for future growth and success through our efforts to make Fort Wayne a destination place for businesses and jobs. We’re building stronger neighborhoods and enhancing our quality of life by being committed to providing excellent services that citizens and businesses need and expect.”
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne has developed a three-pronged sidewalk improvement plan that will begin in the 2014 construction season. The plan will address sidewalk and safety needs and benefit property owners/taxpayers who previously engaged in cost-share sidewalk projects with the City.Highlights of the sidewalk improvement plan: -Planned improvements for 2014 include 10 miles of concrete street reconstruction. As part of those projects, contractors will also be asked to repair sidewalks and curb ramps in the areas that will receive concrete street work. This new approach will be an efficient method of performing multiple projects in the same areas at one time. -Public Works will bid sidewalk and curb ramp maintenance projects in selected neighborhoods that have asphalt streets. -The City Street Department will work on smaller scale sidewalk (trip hazard) projects in neighborhoods throughout the City. -Under the new sidewalk improvement plan, in most cases, property owners would no longer be responsible for cost-share sidewalk projects with the City. There may be instances where property owners would like to have additional sidewalk improvements occur. In those cases, the City is exploring options for cost-share partnerships. The City plans to invest $500,000 in sidewalk maintenance in 2014. The investment is part of the overall $13.6 million for street and road maintenance next year without having to borrow money. The Mayor’s Administration and City Council will also consider the possibility of issuing a bond to begin work on the backlog of street and road projects. This would make additional dollars available for extra infrastructure projects in future construction seasons.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department wants to know how citizens think federal housing dollars should be spent. Citizens are invited to share their thoughts at a public meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St. Discussion items may include: access to rental housing, housing construction, homeownership, homelessness, self-sufficiency, services for low-income families, public services, lead poisoning, and more.
Input received from the public will be included in the Annual Action Plan that Housing and Neighborhood Services submits to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). All HUD dollars must be spent to improve the quality of life for low-to moderate-income residents. In Fort Wayne, HUD funding is used to support the following six goals:
Preserve and increase safe, decent affordable homeownership opportunities;
Increase and preserve safe, decent affordable rental housing;
Prevent homelessness for special needs populations and persons at-risk of homelessness;
Decrease the number of homeless individuals;
Increase economic opportunities for disadvantaged populations; and
Promote neighborhood revitalization and empowerment.
Citizens are welcome to comment on existing programs or provide new ideas for the use of HUD dollars. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations 24 hours prior to the meeting by calling 427-1127.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Ongoing efforts by Fort Wayne City Utilities to improve river water quality by reducing combined sewer overflows (CSO) and increasing sewer capacity will move into the downtown area next week. The Ewing Street Phase 1 sewer project will cause some lane restrictions and street closures during an eight month construction period.
Beginning Monday, September 16, the two west lanes on Ewing Street will be closed from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. These lane restrictions will run through the intersection of Berry Street , closing Berry between Ewing and Fairfield Avenue. The east curbed lane on Ewing will remain open. These restrictions are expected to last about two weeks. Pearl Street will also be closed to through traffic between Ewing and Fairfield for about two weeks.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today announced that t he first grant from the Legacy Higher Education Opportunity Fund has been awarded to Indiana Tech’s new academic center. Indiana Tech will receive $1 million to help support capital expenditures for the construction of the academic center. Indiana Tech is investing nearly $15 million for academic center, which is currently under construction and is expected to be complete by August 2014. The center will house 13 classrooms for both undergraduate and graduate courses. It will feature the Ravi and Eleanor Talwar Leadership Center, focusing on leadership training and education, and the Center for Creative Collaboration to support area entrepreneurs. Additionally, a state-of-the-art education laboratory, a high-tech criminal science laboratory, an expanded McMillen Library, an art gallery, and a multi-flex auditorium and theater will be located in the academic center. The library, theater and auditorium will be open to the public and the education and criminal science laboratories will have limited public use. In addition, the center will provide programming for the entire community including innovative efforts to help youth develop math skills and entrepreneurs develop successful local businesses. Math programs will be offered on weekends and during the summer. It will be free to Fort Wayne high school and middle school students, particularly those families who are facing financial challenges. The program will collaborate with local school professionals and non-profit groups such as the East Central Neighborhood Association, East Wayne Street Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne and more.
The Center for Creative Collaboration will also provide significant support for local economic development efforts. It will act as a one-stop shop where entrepreneurs can receive assistance in all key areas needed to start a successful business, including market research and prototype design. Preference for clients will be given to individuals with financial need, those developing technology start-ups and those who propose projects with the most potential for growth. Additionally, the program will work closely with the City's Urban Enterprise Association, which provides incubator space for growing businesses.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration tonight will present details of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to City Council. A Resolution to adopt a CIP was introduced two weeks ago and is now set for discussion. The CIP is an outcome of the recent work performed by the Fiscal Policy Group, who determined it would be more effective to separate the City’s CIP from the City’s operating budget analysis. The first edition of the CIP under the new process would begin in 2014.Highlights of the CIP: -The CIP provides details on revenues and expenditures for capital investments. The expenditures will be for services including streets, roads, sidewalks, trails, parks, and equipment for public safety. -The CIP will also allow for discussions to explore the possibility of issuing a bond to begin work on the backlog of street and road projects. A bond, along with the transportation funding through the financial plan for the future passed by City Council in June that allows for pay-as-you-go funding for future projects, would allow the City to complete the backlog by the end of 2018. “We’re positioning ourselves for future growth and success,” said Mayor Henry. “By being a leader in providing essential services, we’re becoming a destination place for business growth and jobs, and we continue to enhance our excellent quality of life and build stronger neighborhoods.”
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Weigand Construction has been selected as the contractor for the McMillen Park Community Center project. Nearly $1.7 million in Legacy funding will be invested to renovate the former McMillen Ice Arena into a community center. The contract will be introduced to City Council on September 10. Final approval could occur on September 24. It’s anticipated that renovation work would begin in October and be finished next year. This is Phase 1 of the project. Additional phases will be needed to complete the renovation. The community center will feature programs for all ages that will include sports and recreation as well as educational, social, and health and fitness programs.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the City of Fort Wayne is accepting bids for the construction and installation of 54 “wayfinding” signs throughout the community. The project is part of the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative. The signs will be located on primary transportation corridors throughout the city. Each sign will provide directions to major destinations frequented by out-of-town visitors. The sign locations and language are still being finalized.
“First impressions are critical to the economic success of our community,” said Mayor Henry. “In order to stay competitive, we need to ensure that tourists, investors and business leaders find our City welcoming and attractive. This system of wayfinding signs is one more piece of our comprehensive strategy to update corridors and ensure we have a vibrant and positive image.”
Special Holiday Light Show Announced for Labor Day Weekend
Fort Wayne, Ind. – On behalf of the City of Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry today received a plaque in honor of the award-winning Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge.
Staff members of DLZ Indiana, LLC presented the commemorative display which includes the recent award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and a photo of the bridge with red, white and blue lights, taken at the dedication ceremony on June 4, 2012.
"As this week marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech, it's only fitting to reflect on the impact his efforts had on cities across the country, including Fort Wayne," said Mayor Tom Henry. "Our beautiful bridge is a symbol of unity in our community, a welcoming gateway into downtown and has become a favorite spot for photographs with family and friends. With the holiday weekend upon us, I've asked that we display a special light show from the original dedication and include a patriotic display of our nation's flag colors."
More than 1200 light fixtures exhibit an array of colors that can be programmed to display millions of shades of color. This weekend – Friday, Aug. 30 thru Monday, Sept. 2 -- the lighting will feature the original light show used at the dedication ceremony, as well as a vibrant red, white and blue display. It's a great opportunity for photos and a free family activity this Labor Day weekend.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by City staff and Downtown Improvement District officials for a business walk in downtown Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity to talk to and get feedback from downtown business owners. Locations on today’s walk: Office One Solutions Inc., 1021 S. Calhoun St. Catalyst Marketing Design, 930 S. Calhoun St. Jimmy John’s, 101 W. Wayne St. 816 Pint & Slice, 816 S. Calhoun St. Squaremouth Inc., 110 W. Berry St. Downtown Grind, 200 Pearl St. Aptera, 201 W. Main St. Stoner’s Funstore, 712 S. Harrison St. Pembroke Espress, 127 W. Berry St. Creative Women of the World, 125 W. Wayne St.
Financial plan for the future more than doubles investment in streets & roads
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by members of the Public Works Department, elected officials, and community and neighborhood leaders to discuss planned improvements to the City's transportation system.
Today's announcement was made possible by the leadership of Mayor Henry's Administration, the Fiscal Policy Group, neighborhood and business leaders, and the members of City Council who supported and passed a financial plan for the future that will assist in the $13.6 million that will be available in annual funding to assist with maintaining streets and roads without having to borrow money.
Below are highlights of planned improvements in 2014. This is a very small sample of projects for next year. The remaining projects for 2014 will be determined in the coming months. Projects are subject to change:
Public Survey Available
Fort Wayne, Ind . —The public is invited to participate in an electronic survey to offer input about youth sports growth opportunities for Fort Wayne. Those who would like to participate should click on the following link:
https://www.research.net/s/FortWayneYouthSports
The survey can also be found on the Home Page at www.fortwayneparks.org under News Flash. As a key component of the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative, the City of Fort Wayne has engaged a consulting team to examine the market potential for youth sports in the Fort Wayne community. The ultimate goal of this study will be to identify youth sports growth opportunities for Fort Wayne, recommend future sports facility needs, and suggest ways to expand sports marketing efforts both regionally and nationally. It's anticipated the study will be completed by the end of the year.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Department leaders today announced plans that call for the General Anthony Wayne statue to be moved from Freimann Square to the Courthouse Green. Plans for moving the statue will be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners for approval at its next meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 in the Council Chambers at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St. (UPDATED)
The proposal calls for the statue to be placed on the sidewalk in the Courthouse Green facing Clinton Street.
The move of the statue is an effort to give more visibility to the statue, highlight the contributions of Anthony Wayne, and contine the positive momentum in downtown Fort Wayne.
The cost of the project to relocate the statue and build a new base is less than $75,000. The funding would be provided through the Parks & Recreation Department's accumulated unrestricted capital reserves. The projected competion date would be the end of September, weather permitting.
Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne has selected a consultant team to lead a Downtown Riverfront Development Study. SWA Group, an urban planning, design and landscape architecture firm working worldwide from seven locations, will lead the first comprehensive look at the City’s rivers to determine opportunities to enhance the riverfront. SWA has extensive expertise in riverfront development in the U.S. and around the world. SWA’s team will include Fort Wayne-based MKM Architecture + Design; Biohabitats; Moffatt & Nichol; and AMEC. Additional information about SWA can be found at www.swagroup.com . It’s anticipated the study will take 12-18 months to complete and work will begin next month. The study is a $500,000 investment funded by Legacy dollars. The Downtown Riverfront Development Study is intended to provide the road map to a world class investment. Areas of focus will include land use; engineering and infrastructure investment; watershed issues; trail connectivity; access to the river; urban design guidelines; retail; entertainment; and housing.
Fort Wayne, Ind .--Bring the family and join the fun for the 20th Annual Harambee Festival at Weisser Park (Hanna and Drexel Streets) Saturday, August 3rd. The festival starts with a parade from Pontiac Street to Hanna Street at 10 a.m.
After the parade, from noon – 7 p.m., the FREE festivities will continue in Weisser Park. Family-friendly activities include a basketball tournament, storytelling, music, poetry and dramatic skits. Children can also have their faces painted and try to win a prize in the ring toss, duck pond, candy wheel or fish pond. Vendors will be on site selling food.
The word "harambee" means pulling together and the festival is held every year to inform, educate and entertain the community.
The Harambee Festival is sponsored by the Harambee Festival Committee and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by members of the Parks & Recreation Department, elected officials, and community and neighborhood leaders to applaud the planned improvements the public will see in the City’s Parks system. Today’s announcement was made possible by the leadership of Mayor Henry’s Administration, the Fiscal Policy Group, neighborhood and business leaders, and the members of City Council who supported and passed a financial plan for the future that provides $3 million in annual funding to assist with maintenance and improvement projects at Parks facilities without having to borrow money. Highlights of planned improvements in 2014: *Hamilton Park Splash Pad
*Additional restroom in Shoaff Park
*Resurface/repair projects - first year of ten year plan to resurface and/or repair roadways, parking lots, tennis courts and basketball courts in the Parks system
*Annual tree replacement/treatment program *Phase One - Diehm Museum Pavilion renovation
Police Department to distribute coupons to children wearing helmets
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and Police Chief Rusty York today announced a partnership with Zesto Ice Cream to promote bike safety for children.
Fort Wayne Police Department officers will distribute 400 coupons to kids they see wearing bike helmets. The coupons will be good for a free ice cream treat at any of the four Zesto Ice Cream stands in Fort Wayne.
"Zesto is demonstrating a strong commitment to children and families by joining us to ensure our children and neighborhoods are safe and enjoyable. Ice cream and summer are a great combination, and we're excited about this new program," said Mayor Henry. "Small businesses continue to make a positive difference in our community."
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, City Councilman Glynn Hines and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll were joined by MSKTD and Associates today to unveil the renderings of the McMillen Park Community Center, a Legacy Fort Wayne project. The public is invited to view the renderings at 6 p.m. Monday, July 22 at the former McMillen Ice Arena, 3901 Abbott St. The community center will feature programs for all ages that will include sports and recreation as well as educational, social, and health and fitness programs. MSKTD and Associates are responsible for all design necessary for bidding the construction work and will handle project management through completion. This will be Phase 1 of the project. Additional phases will be needed to complete the renovation. “This project is going to have a transformational impact on our community,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re going to fill a real need in our Parks system. The McMillen Community Center will benefit children and adults and make a meaningful, lasting difference in our City. Investing in ourselves will position us for future growth and success.”
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Police Chief Rusty York today was joined by Mayor Tom Henry to announce the police department’s hiring initiative to add 20 new police officers. Today’s announcement was made possible by the leadership of Mayor Henry’s Administration, the Fiscal Policy Group, neighborhood and business leaders, and the members of City Council who supported and passed a financial plan for the future that provides funding for an academy class to put additional officers on the streets to keep the City as safe as possible. The police department will be utilizing the already established pool of applicants compiled during its recruitment campaign last fall. No other applications are being sought at this time. Individuals on the current list of applicants have been notified of the next step in the application process. The next phase in the application/hiring process is the physical agility test to be administered later this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The scheduled starting date for the 60th Recruit Class of the Fort Wayne Police Department is February 10, 2014, with graduation scheduled for June 27, 2014. All new officers will experience six months of supervised probation before being released to solo patrol. “We’re pleased to be in a position to add police officers to serve and protect our community,” said Chief York. “It takes a collective effort to make positive changes. We’re a department that’s committed to providing excellent services and being accessible to citizens.” “Today is a great step forward in our continued commitment to being a safe and thriving City with an excellent quality of life,” said Mayor Henry. “The dedication that’s demonstrated each day by the members of the police department is an example of why we’re so encouraged about the future. We’re investing in public safety to enhance our ability to sustain and grow neighborhoods and bring our community together as one.”
The annual Three Rivers Festival parade is Saturday and to accommodate the event, several downtown streets will be temporarily closed. The following streets will be closed on Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Main Street from Runnion Avenue to Lafayette Street
Thieme Drive from Main Street to Washington Boulevard
Wayne Street from Thieme Drive to Broadway
Berry Street from Fairfield Avenue to Clinton Street
Van Buren Street from Washington Boulevard to Superior Street
Broadway from Wayne to Main streets
Fulton Street from Main Street to Washington Boulevard
Fairfield Avenue from Superior to Main streets
Ewing Street from Wayne to Main streets
Harrison Street from Main to Wayne streets
Calhoun Street from Superior to Wayne streets
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration today continued its commitment to safety by announcing additional City vehicles will be installed with technology to promote safe driving and help minimize distractions. Last year, the Fort Wayne Police Department became the first police department in the country to use a device to enhance safety for officers. The Archangel II technology was developed in Fort Wayne by SRRS. Archangel II disables the keyboard, trackpad, and touch screen on an in-car computer when the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed. However, the call screen remains visible and active. Archangel II can help protect against accidents caused by distracted driving. In the coming weeks, several City departments, including Fire, Neighborhood Code, Public Works, and City Utilities will have the technology installed in vehicles.
Fort Wayne, Ind . -- The public is invited to offer input about youth sports growth opportunities for Fort Wayne at a public meeting, 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. The meeting will be held in the Omni Room, 200 E. Berry St., Citizens Square.
As a key component of the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative led by Mayor Tom Henry, the City of Fort Wayne has engaged a consulting team to examine the market potential for youth sports in the Fort Wayne community. The ultimate goal of this study will be to identify youth sports growth opportunities for Fort Wayne, recommend future sports facility needs and suggest ways to expand sports marketing efforts both regionally and nationally. The consulting team will be in Fort Wayne on July 30 to gather community input.
In April, Aquarius Sports and Entertainment was chosen to conduct the Youth Sports Community Assessment and Market Potential Study. It's anticipated the study will be completed by the end of the year.
Alongside Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Fire Department’s Fire Chief Amy Biggs announced today the Fort Wayne Fire Department will be hiring 15 firefighters. The highly anticipated announcement came today at a press conference attended by members of the City Council, Fiscal Policy Group and neighborhood leaders who helped pass the recent fiscal plan.
“Today’s announcement of the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s hiring initiative is evidence of the commitment to invest in Fort Wayne’s future,” said Fire Chief Amy Biggs. “Because of the bipartisan leadership and vision of the Fiscal Policy Group, City Council and neighborhood leaders, we will hire 15 new firefighters and be better equipped to sustain the level of service and protection our residents have come to know, expect and deserve.”
“We are able to have a fire academy class that will result in more firefighters to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We continue to see positive momentum in our community. I salute our public safety officials who dedicate their lives to protecting us and making us a City that is safe with a great quality of life and is built for success. I also commend the City Council members who supported the financial plan for the future and the business and neighborhood leaders who are passionate about our community and want to see investment to keep our City thriving and growing.”
City Fleet's Strong Year Leads Nation, Saves Money
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Recognized for efforts to improve productivity, increase operational effectiveness and save taxpayers money, the City of Fort Wayne Fleet Department places 7th on the list of the 100 Best Government Fleets for 2013.
The award presented by Government Fleet magazine and sponsored by INVERS Mobility Solutions, recognizes peak performing public sector fleets from cities, school districts, counties, states, and federal government operations in North America. The announcement is in the magazine's July issue.
"Having an efficient operation to maintain our City vehicles is critical to productivity and saves the City money. By keeping vehicles like police, fire, street, water and sewer vehicles in excellent repair and trucks in top operating condition, we reduce down-time and extend the life of the vehicles," said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy. "Our investment into fleet management is money well spent and I'm proud that our fleet staff operates in an effective manner."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne and Aqua Indiana today announced a letter of intent has been signed to move the process forward for the City to purchase Aqua’s water utility in southwest Fort Wayne and resolve the dispute over the purchase price of Aqua’s former north system. Leaders from the City and Aqua today expressed optimism that a final contract agreement could be reached by the end of August. “This is a tremendous step forward as we work collaboratively to serve residents with reliable and high quality water at an affordable price. Public-private partnerships as extensive as this are rare, and we commend Aqua for staying committed to the Fort Wayne area and continuing to invest in our community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This is a win for our community. Our efforts in the north have already reaped over $10 million in savings for residents over the past five years, and this effort in the southwest will save residents over $2 million annually as a result of lower rates and reduced or avoided expenses in water softening. This partnership will enhance our quality of life and position Fort Wayne for future growth and success.” “The letter of intent is an important step that establishes the framework for a final definitive agreement which must be submitted for review and approval by Aqua’s Board of Directors,” said Tom Bruns, President of Aqua Indiana. “We’re particularly happy that the proposed agreement offers the opportunity for Aqua and the City of Fort Wayne to work together on utility issues in southwest Allen County. By working together on water and wastewater issues we believe we have set the stage for continued growth and economic development.” The City will pay Aqua an additional $50.1 million to the $16.9 million paid to Aqua by the City in 2008 (for a total cost of $67 million) for the completion of the sale of all of Aqua’s drinking water facilities located in and near Allen County. Current Fort Wayne City Utilities customers would not see increased water rates as a result of the transaction.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Fort Wayne Cultural District will host a “Pop UP” event to encourage the public’s participation in planning the future of downtown Fort Wayne. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 on the Arts United Center Plaza, 300 E. Main St. During the Pop UP event, citizens will have an opportunity to review and react to a drafted “Platform for Action” that highlights eight initiatives: public market, public art, culinary incubator, creative business incubator, creative storefront development, activity, connectivity, and telling our story. Community feedback will be collected and incorporated into the final plan for the Cultural District. The drafted plan was developed through a strategic planning process that began with the initiation of the Cultural District Advisory Council in 2010, an Indiana Arts Commission consultancy in fall 2012, and focus groups involving 60 community leaders in February 2013. The plan aligns the Cultural District with the City of Fort Wayne’s Blueprint, economic development initiatives, regional planning efforts, and entrepreneurship in key creative industries.
Mayor Tom Henry and City staff tonight led a neighborhood walk in the Papermill Bluffs addition in north Fort Wayne. The walk served as an opportunity to talk to and get feedback from citizens. Throughout the summer, Mayor Henry and his staff will conduct several neighborhood and business walks. The Mayor’s first business walk of 2013 was held earlier this month at Jefferson Pointe. “Community engagement is crucial in helping our City thrive and succeed,” said Mayor Henry. “We get a chance to visit wonderful neighborhoods and hear from citizens on how we can meet their needs.” The walks are another example of Mayor Henry’s commitment to engagement, innovation, and performance. The Mayor has also sought feedback and suggestions related to City government services in various ways, including the City’s website, at Mayor’s Night In events, and via social media.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that several homeowners in the Dalevue/Fernwood area have agreed to sell their properties to the City as a result of flooding challenges. Following the most recent flooding in April, Mayor Henry walked the neighborhood and met with residents in the Dalevue/Fernwood area. At that time, he told them he would work on a buyout plan. The process has moved forward quickly, including additional meetings with residents, property appraisals, offers and purchase agreements. The purchases were approved today by the Board of Public Works. The process will now move to City Council for approval. The buyouts were voluntary. The homes will be demolished later this year and a larger capacity stormwater pipe will be put in place along with an earthen berm to protect the homes that will remain in the area. City Utilities will soon advertise for bids to construct the stormwater pipe and additional stormwater drains that will be completed by next spring. And, design work is moving forward on the earthen berm to protect the area up to the 100-year flood stage.
Fort Wayne City Council tonight voted favorably on one of the most important initiatives in the history of the City of Fort Wayne. I want to commend Council members for demonstrating leadership by passing a financial plan for the future that will sustain our community and position us for success. In a bipartisan manner, we’ve made a commitment to invest in Fort Wayne. We’re moving the City forward with more police officers and firefighters, funding for street and parks improvements without having to borrow money, property tax relief for homeowners, and a small income tax increase to continue with important, necessary services that citizens expect and deserve.
Fort Wayne, Ind . - Local residents and media are invited to explore the new Fort Wayne Design Center. The new design center will house the creative ideas of five architecture graduate students, four of which are graduates from Ball State University and one from Harvard University. The students' focus will be on community-oriented design projects to improve downtown Fort Wayne. They will work on various projects throughout the summer, ending in mid-August.
"The Fort Wayne Design Center will be a hub of creativity this summer," said John Urbahns, the City of Fort Wayne's Community Development director. "We invite citizens to drop in, talk with the students and provide feedback on their work."
The students will be working on a variety of projects, including: a three-dimensional model of downtown Fort Wayne, development concepts for the Redevelopment Commission regarding the land acquisition on Ewing Street and Fairfield Avenue, development concepts for the former Citilink Transfer Facility on Superior Street, a corridor interconnection for the University of Saint Francis's downtown campus, and neighborhood commercial redevelopment concepts. In addition, the students will investigate multiple strategies for other downtown infill and transportation projects.
Mayor says plan offered by Councilman Crawford is a solid compromise
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today continued his push for residents and elected officials to support efforts to keep Fort Wayne a sustainable and thriving community into the future.
Mayor Henry is a strong advocate for a financial plan for the City that maintains an excellent quality of life and builds for success.
"We must pass a financial plan that sustains and builds jobs, businesses, and neighborhoods," said Mayor Henry. "In recent weeks, I've heard from residents, neighborhood leaders, and business owners. They've indicated their love for our community and the importance of making investments that will keep Fort Wayne as a City that others emulate."
After a thorough analysis and diligent review, Mayor Henry also expressed today that he believes a compromise offered by Councilman Dr. John Crawford at last week's City Council meeting is viable, sustainable, and would meet the City's needs.
Fort Wayne, Ind . - Local entrepreneurs will get tips on how to build credit, connect with potential customers, build a solid business plan and much more at an information booth set up at One Summit Square Wednesday and Thursday, June 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Wednesday, the small business information booth will be part of the Fort Wayne Farmer's Market and on Thursday it will be part of Lunch on the Square. Free samples from local small businesses will be offered to individuals who visit the booth.
"Small businesses are a driving force of our local economy," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "I applaud all the entrepreneurs who are taking risks and making sacrifices to build their businesses, support their families and employ area residents."
The outreach is part of National Small Business Week, which runs June 16 -- 21. Locally, the week is being celebrated by several organizations that serve small businesses: the Urban Enterprise Association, the Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana, the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce, and CANI's Center for Community and Economic Development.
Foot, Bike, Vehicle Traffic Improves on Auburn Road
Fort Wayne, Ind . – In his ongoing commitment to strengthening neighborhood infrastructure to meet future community needs, Mayor Tom Henry and other community leaders celebrated the completion of the Auburn Road transportation project at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 13.
Joining Mayor Henry were neighborhood presidents, representing neighborhoods connected by the new sidewalk and trail, Shawnee Middle School Principal, Matt Scheibel and Fort Wayne City Council members Tom Didier and Russ Jehl, Jason Spreen from INDOT and representatives from contractors DLZ Inc., VS Engineering and Fleming Excavating.
"As this area has grown it has become more difficult for motor vehicles – and it has been nearly impossible for pedestrians to walk to Northrop High School, Shawnee Middle School and Holland Elementary. I'm glad we can make this investment into our future," said Mayor Henry. "These improvements strengthen neighborhoods in the area by making our transportation system safer for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. These are critical long-lasting infrastructure improvements that will make our community vibrant for years to come."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today continued his call for support for the City’s financial plan for the future. The plan combines savings to taxpayers, while also increasing revenues to keep Fort Wayne sustainable and continue a quality of life that builds for the future. What the plan that’s been presented to City Council would do: *Add 20 more police officers *Add 15 more firefighters *Increase the amount of street improvements from 34 miles this year to 70 miles each year in future years without having to borrow money *Improvements to Parks facilities without having to borrow money *Property tax relief for homeowners *Small increase in income tax in order to continue with important, necessary services that citizens expect and deserve and would still have one of the lowest income tax rates in northeast Indiana
Fiscal plan positions City for growth and success
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today stressed the importance of investing in the future of the City of Fort Wayne.
Mayor Henry is a strong supporter of the fiscal plan that's been presented to City Council and positions the City for growth and success.
Mayor Henry emphasized the time is now to look to the future.
"We must invest in our City. This is about our future as a community. This is about public safety, streets and roads, parks, neighborhoods, downtown, and job creation and retention," said Mayor Henry. "We must have a sound financial plan that sets us on a course where young people stay and enjoy successful careers, where our downtown grows and thrives, where our business climate is second to none, where our streets, roads, sewers, and water services are the best in the country. The time is now. We as leaders must move our City forward. Our financial plan sets us on the right path."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The public can learn more about the importance of Fort Wayne's financial future through a television program produced by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry's Administration and City TV.
"Fort Wayne's Fiscal Policy" features interviews with City Controller Pat Roller, Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York, and Public Works Director Bob Kennedy as they highlight how the fiscal policy plan presented to City Council positions the City of Fort Wayne for future growth and success.
"Fort Wayne's Fiscal Policy" can be seen at the following days and times on Comcast channel 58 and Frontier channel 28:
Sundays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Mondays at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. Thursdays at 7 p.m.
The program is also available online at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/city-tv-features.html and http://afw.pegcentral.com/.
A few streets remain closed due to high water from the recent flash flooding. Lake Avenue at Reed Road Hanna Street at Wallace Street
A few streets in Fort Wayne remain closed due to high water. Taylor between Portage and Freeman Lake at Reed Hanna at Wallace
Several streets in Fort Wayne are now open following flash flooding overnight. Now open: High at Weifel Spring at Cherokee State at Barnhart Forest at Kensington State at Anthony Anthony at Edgewater Pleasant at Charlotte Columbia at Dearborn Anthony at Wayne Trace Wayne Trace at New Haven Ave.
City crews continue to work to combat flash flooding that occurred in the City overnight. Several inches of rain fell in a short period of time in numerous areas throughout the City. Major street closures include Lake Avenue east of Reed Road to Maplecrest Road; and Clinton Street at E. State Blvd.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today re-emphasized the importance of supporting a fiscal policy plan aimed at positioning the City of Fort Wayne for future growth and success.
What the fiscal policy plan presented to City Council would do:
*Add 20 more police officers *Add 15 more firefighters *Provide funding for street and road improvements without having to borrow money *Provide funding for neighborhood curb and sidewalk projects *Provide funding for enhancements to Parks facilities *Provide Property Tax Relief for homeowners *Small increase in income tax in order to continue with important, necessary services for the community such as Crime Stoppers, Safety Village, Police Athletic League, and parade security, to name a few.
"We must invest in our community, our children, and our grandchildren," said Mayor Henry. "Now is the time to build for the future, strengthen our neighborhoods, and ensure we remain a livable City with all the services our citizens expect and deserve."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – It's construction season again and nearly 30 miles in street paving, reconstruction and repairs will take place through the end of October. The Public Works department will be working on streets throughout the community. “Once again, we are improving several sections of some of our major streets, such as Stellhorn, Taylor, Tillman, Wayne Trace and Covington. But the majority of our projects will be in the heart of neighborhoods, streets like Devonshire, Margaret and Cherokee,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works. In nearly all cases, the construction and paving projects involve local companies. Under the formula used by the U.S. Government, this year’s projects will support more than 160 construction-related jobs.
Getting to the root of the problem
Fort Wayne, Ind . – As part of the effort to encourage residents to install rain gardens on their property, Fort Wayne City Utilities is partnering with Riverview Nursery to provide a source of native perennial plants.
True native plants can be difficult to find. Riverview is committed to rain gardens and has stocked many native plants to support Fort Wayne's efforts. These native perennial plants have been grown from seeds gathered at sites around Fort Wayne.
Riverview, in cooperation with City Utilities, will conduct two native plant sales -- on May 25 and June 13 -- as part of the Catching Rain Fort Wayne rain garden program.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – The City of Fort Wayne's offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration, community center and youth centers -- will be closed Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day all week with Monday's collection on Tuesday, Tuesday's collection on Wednesday and concluding with Friday's route on Saturday.
The City's parking meters will be free on Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28th.
Youth Engagement Council provides teen forum for hands-on civic engagement
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry is inviting city high school students to get involved in their community and learn more about city government by applying to join the Mayor's Youth Engagement Council. The deadline to apply is June 15.
Applications are available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec, and may be faxed to (260) 427-1115 or mailed to Mayor's Office, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
The council is a group of up to 25 students who work to develop and implement service-learning initiatives. Since the council was started in 2010, the group has looked for ways to engage their peers, volunteered at community events and learned about local non-profit organizations and businesses. They have also organized and hosted "Fort Wayne's Almost Famous," an annual event that showcases youth talent.
Bike to work on Friday, May 17th
Fort Wayne, Ind . -- Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to pedal to work on Friday, May 17 on National Bike to Work Day. On their way to work, bike commuters are invited to stop by Headwaters Park West for a free breakfast that includes Starbucks coffee, bagels from the Bagel Station, and sweet treats from the Pembroke Bakery. The breakfast will be held from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Temporary bike parking and restrooms will be available.
"Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, and you can save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time," Mayor Henry said. "I'm proud of our efforts to make Fort Wayne a bike-friendly community, and I encourage local residents to discover the fun and benefits of biking."
Before heading home for the day, bike commuters can stop between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for food and entertainment at Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, 1004 Cass St. The shop is located along the St. Marys Pathway of the Rivergreenway and immediately east of the historic Wells Street pedestrian bridge.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today presented legendary Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster Bob Chase with a "Key to the Fort" award at a ceremony in the Mayor's office.
Family, friends, and representatives from the Fort Wayne Komets and WOWO Radio attended today's event.
The Key to the Fort goes to individuals who've made an extraordinary commitment to the community through a lifetime of stewardship and involvement.
The Key is a hand forged replica of the iron key that was at the Fort in the days of Anthony Wayne, circa 1790. The original key is at the History Center. The key, with its highly unusual tumbler structure, came to the History Center from an early 20th Century donation from the family of Mayor Franklin Randall, who was Fort Wayne's mayor during the Civil War.
"It is my privilege to recognize Bob Chase for all that he has done for our great City," said Mayor Henry. "Bob's professionalism, character, humility, and his love for his family and the Komets are all attributes that make him a unique and special man in our community."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Belay Corporation officials today in opening the doors to two new and one rehabbed home in the 800 block of West Washington Boulevard.
The three homes, along with a completed home, are part of a partnership between the City of Fort Wayne, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the West Central Neighborhood Association, and local developer Belay Corporation to revitalize homes that had been damaged by fire and decades of neglect.
The homes at 815 and 817 W. Washington Blvd. were deteriorated too badly to rehabilitate so the Historic Preservation Commission approved them for demolition; the Commission also approved the plans for new construction. The homes at 823 and 825 W. Washington Blvd. were rehabilitated; 825 was completed in February 2012 and has already been purchased. Construction was completed by Preston Allen Homes. The City's Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services chose the West Washington corridor for development because of its relatively high traffic volume, high visibility and its proximity to other important economic development initiatives going on downtown.
"West Washington is a key corridor out of our downtown," said Mayor Henry. "Beautifying this block and creating a positive impression for visitors helps not just the homeowners and neighborhood, but also the entire community."
Fort Wayne, Ind .— Fort Wayne is being recognized for its efforts in making play a priority for the health and well-being of area children. Nationwide, Fort Wayne is one of 217 cities named a 2013 Playful City USA Community by the non-profit organization, KaBOOM!
Dedication to increasing play opportunities for children helped distinguish Fort Wayne, as it earned this distinction for the fourth year.
"Our outstanding parks and recreational programs provide opportunities for families and children to play close to home," Mayor Tom Henry said. "It's an honor for our city to be named a Playful City USA for the fourth consecutive year. We continue to go to great lengths to ensure that our residents have access to parks, playgrounds, trails and other recreation areas that enhance our community's health and quality of life."
Today's generation of children play less than any previous generation, despite the vast benefits of play.The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of children.
Popular series offers Trail Mix of opportunities to Walk, Ride, Dine
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Season four of Fort Wayne's Trek the Trails offers a "tasty" fare! Free, guided community bike rides are still the main course of Trek the Trails, with 27 rides planned through October 1, but new offerings are sure to whet your appetite.
Five of the events will incorporate Trail Mixers with food available after the ride offering a chance to grab a bite to eat while getting to know other trail users who have similar interests in our trails. This season will also offer a 1-2 mile walk on the trail at the same time as the bike ride.
"The trails are inviting – they're for all ages and I'm glad to see them being used throughout the community. The addition of the mixers will offer residents a chance to socialize with old and new friends. Trek the Trails is a great way to explore our 70 mile trail network that winds through urban and rural areas around the City," said Mayor Tom Henry.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York and the Fort Wayne Police Department for their commitment and dedication to ensuring that our City is as safe as possible.
Earlier today and last weekend, there were police-action shootings in our City. Our law enforcement officials are doing everything they can to combat challenges that are difficult to address.
I recognize we face challenges with guns, gangs, drugs, and mental illness in our community. By working together, my administration, the police department, our neighborhoods, and citizens can overcome these obstacles.
I want to reassure the citizens of Fort Wayne that public safety is a top priority of my administration.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Residents are invited to learn about and comment on the draft version of the Bus Fort Wayne plan at a public meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. The open house will take place at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., in the lower level Omni Room. During the open house, the public can also tour Citilink and Countilink buses and talk to public transit operators and commuters.
The goal of the Bus Fort Wayne plan is to lay the foundation to grow and improve the community's public transit systems in order to increase public transit ridership, and to establish public transit as a viable, preferred transportation choice. The plan includes many community-wide recommendations to accomplish this goal, a few of which include: educating residents about the benefits of public transportation, improving the public transportation experience for riders, and continuing to look for stable funding sources to support public transportation.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to take part in the Fort Wayne Bike Challenge and see if they can pedal more miles than other local riders. The Bike Challenge takes place this month to celebrate National Bike Month.
"Fort Wayne has an outstanding biking community and we want to encourage even more local residents to take advantage of the benefits of cycling," said Mayor Henry. "Getting on a bike promotes good health and also reduces the use of gasoline and pollution."
To take part in the Fort Wayne Bike Challenge, residents should log on to www.nationalbikechallenge.org and enter their zip code.
Clinton between Main and Berry to become pedestrian-friendly
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Mayor Tom Henry today announced that yet another section of downtown Fort Wayne will soon become more attractive for pedestrians. One of the five traffic lanes on Clinton Street from Main to Berry streets will be closed to make way for a wider and slightly raised sidewalk that accommodates people with disabilities, provides a buffer to traffic, and is filled with landscape planters.
The developer of the Anthony Wayne Building, RCI Development, requested closure of the easternmost travel lane of Clinton between Main and Berry to motorists; RCI also requested it be converted for use by pedestrians. The requests were approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation, and then the City's Redevelopment Commission agreed to fund improvements to support this new investment in downtown residences, office space and retail space.
"These improvements are part of our downtown revitalization efforts and will help transform the way people enjoy downtown," said Mayor Henry. "We're making steady progress on creating an environment where people can enjoy walking and all our City has to offer."
Mayor's Youth Engagement Council hosts "Almost Famous" event downtown
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry's Youth Engagement Council will host its 3rd annual "Fort Wayne's Almost Famous" event on Saturday, May 25, 2013 in the 900 block of Calhoun Street, between Washington Boulevard and Wayne Street.
The event -- which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. -- was created by the Council to give local teens a chance to showcase their talent, interact with their peers and enjoy downtown Fort Wayne.
The free evening of entertainment will include a display of talent by local teens -- including live bands, dance groups, acoustic musicians and singers and other inspired performers. It will also include vendors with information of interest to teens.
The event is being organized and run by the Youth Engagement Council, which includes high school students from throughout the city.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by local religious and community leaders who will participate in the upcoming "Prayers for the City – A Celebration of One Community, Many Faiths." Mayor Henry and the participants encouraged the public to attend the special service.
The prayer event will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at the downtown Performing Arts Center of the University of Saint Francis (the former Scottish Rite Auditorium), 431 W. Berry St.
The program and participant list was also released at today's news conference. (The complete listing appears below)
The prayer service is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item. The donated items will be shared with Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana and the food bank at the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County.
The event will feature prayers, singing, dances, and readings. Religious traditions represented will include Baha'i; Buddhism; Christianity; Hinduism; Judaism; Islam; Sikhism; and Unitarian Universalism. Those who aren't able to attend are asked to pray for the city in their places of worship.
Study to begin in June, pending Park Board approval
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Aquarius Sports and Entertainment has been chosen to conduct a Youth Sports Community Assessment and Market Potential study for Fort Wayne as part of the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative.
Twelve proposals were submitted after a request for proposals was issued by the City of Fort Wayne on February 25th. Committee members from the City's Parks & Recreation Department, Planning and Policy department, Visit Fort Wayne and community leaders reviewed the proposals and determined the top four firms. The contenders were interviewed and the final selection was made on April 26th.
The community assessment will include an inventory of all existing public and private sports facilities, an evaluation of community needs, and an analysis of current youth sports marketing efforts. The market potential aspect of the study will evaluate national and regional youth/prep sports trends and markets, as well as possible opportunities for Fort Wayne. It will also include recommendations for future sports facility needs and ways to expand existing sports marketing efforts.
Citywide weed enforcement begins Monday, May 6
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Code Enforcement Department will start enforcing weed and tall grass violations Monday, May 6. Weed complaints will also be accepted beginning May 6. The public should call 311 to report a possible violation, where weeds or grass are at least nine inches tall.
The weed violation process includes the posting of a notice in the cited yard plus a letter sent by the City to the owner of record. Property owners then have five days to correct the violation. If the grass or weeds are not cut after that time, the City's mowing contractor will cut the lawn, and the owner will be charged for the contractor's work.
"Neighborhood Code Enforcement plays a critical role in maintaining the health and safety of our community," said Cindy Joyner, deputy director for Neighborhood Code Enforcement. "It's important to ensure that our neighborhoods are well-maintained and attractive in order to protect property values; the Weed Program is an important part of that effort."
Parts of Randallia, Lake and Beacon to get sidewalks and more
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Beginning as early as Friday, April 26, 2013, occasional lane restrictions will be in place along portions of Randallia Drive, Beacon Street and Lake Avenue. Sidewalks, trails, bus pads/shelter, curb ramps and crosswalks will be constructed along Randallia from Forest to Lake, along Lake from Pemberton to Coliseum and along Beacon from Forest to Lake. Work is expected to be completed by mid-June depending on weather conditions.
Thanks to a partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and Citilink, a $152,704 grant from the Federal Transit Administration to Citilink will be matched 20 percent with City Community Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) funds to pay for this project. This is the first grant of this kind awarded to the community, and plans are being made to pursue future grants similar to this.
Trails and sidewalks will be built throughout the area, filling in gaps and replacing some existing walkways. (Along Lake, the sidewalk will only be completed from Pemberton to Beacon.) Existing bus stops will be enhanced with concrete pads, and curb ramps will be constructed to provide accessibility to sidewalks where feasible. One existing bus shelter will be retrofitted with solar lighting and a new shelter will include solar lighting.
City of Fort Wayne call center a leader in U.S. and Canada
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's 311 Call Center has earned 2nd place in a ranking of Top 100 small call centers in the United States and Canada, according to BenchmarkPortal.
This marks the second consecutive year that Fort Wayne's call center has ranked in the Top 100 Small Call Center category, which includes private and municipal centers staffed by less than 100 employees.
"Our 311 Call Center is all about serving the public better and making City government more efficient, accessible and responsive," Mayor Tom Henry said. "Our 311 staff is committed to providing the friendly, professional, helpful service that our residents expect when contacting their City government."
Led by Julie Sanchez, director of Citizens Services, 311 includes a staff of eight full-time employees, who take calls and emails from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 311 serves as the main service center for answering general information questions about city programs, policies, activities and attractions. 311 call takers also receive and record phone or online requests from citizens and ensure that they are addressed or referred to the appropriate department for resolution. In 2012, the call center handled about 170,000 calls.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has been invited to participate in the Convening of Cities for Immigrant Integration Conference by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Office of Immigrant Affairs to be held Wednesday-Friday in New York.
On Thursday, Mayor Henry will be part of a panel discussion on "Ensuring Access to Services." Mayor Henry will share successes on the positive relationships that have been established with immigrant communities in Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry will also highlight how integration plans have assisted Burmese refugees who now call Fort Wayne home.
"This is a unique opportunity to share with a national audience about how Fort Wayne works together with individuals, organizations, and agencies to ensure that we're a community that welcomes diversity," said Mayor Henry.
In 2009, Fort Wayne was one of three cities nationwide selected to participate in the National League of Cities' pilot program to engage and integrate immigrants into the community. The program focused on City government, non-profit agencies serving immigrant and refugee populations, and immigrants themselves to emphasize civic engagement and working toward American citizenship.
School assemblies encourage recycling, water quality protection
Fort Wayne, Ind . -- Today, April 22, is officially Earth Day, but Fort Wayne's Solid Waste Department and City Utilities have teamed up with the Dumpster Drummers to encourage area students to celebrate Earth Day everyday by implementing earth-friendly habits.
Using recyclable items, and reclaimed items along with garbage carts and recycle carts as instruments, the Dumpster Drummers help City staff deliver environmental messages in a fun and engaging way. In the assembly, titled "Be Smart, Use Your Cart," students learn about the items that can and should be recycled as part of Fort Wayne' s one-cart recycling program and those things that should be thrown away in the garbage. The "Earth Day Every Day" assembly adds information about protecting water resources and stresses activities, such as picking up and properly disposing of pet waste and reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticides on the lawn and garden.
All streets affected by the recent rain events are now open to traffic.
Street closures due to high water - North River Rd between Landin and Maysville Sherman between Superior and Fourth Filmore at Geneva
Street closings due to high water - Dalevue at Fernwood North River Rd between Landin and Maysville Sherman between Superior and Fourth Taylor between Freeman and Portage Filmore at Geneva
Street closures as of 8 a.m. Saturday, April 20 due to high water. Dalevue at Fernwood Catalpa between Jefferson and Taylor North River Rd. between Landin and Maysville Sherman between Superior and Fourth Filmore south of Taylor Taylor between Freeman and Portage Filmore at Geneva
Several streets remain closed due to high water. Filmore at Geneva Sherman between Superior and Fourth Taylor between Brooklyn and Portage Filmore south of Taylor Dalevue at Fernwood Taylor at Henrietta Taylor at Freeman Orchard at Fairbrook Prairie Grove at Broadripple Freeman at Portage Catalpa between Jefferson and Taylor North River Rd between Landin and Maysville Thieme between Washington and Main
The following streets are now open to traffic: Westbrook Drive between Grove Avenue and State Boulevard 8900 block of Auburn Road The following streets remain closed: Dalevue Drive @ Fernwood Avenue Taylor Street @ Henrietta Street Taylor Street @ Freeman Street Orchard Lane @ Fairbrook Court Prairie Grove @ Broadripple Drive Freeman Street @ Portage Boulevard Catalpa Street between Jefferson Boulevard & Taylor Street Eastbrook Drive between Grove Avenue and State Boulevard North River Road between Landin Road and Maysville Road Thieme Drive Between Washington Boulevard and Main Street
State Boulevard between Clinton and Wells streets is now open to traffic. Several street closures remain in effect. Intersection - Dalevue Drive @ Fernwood Avenue
Intersection - Taylor Street @ Henrietta Street
Intersection - Taylor Street @ Freeman Street
Intersection - Orchard Lane @ Fairbrook Court
Intersection - Prairie Grove @ Broadripple Drive
Intersection – Freeman Street @ Portage Boulevard
Catalpa Street between Jefferson Boulevard & Taylor Street
Westbrook Drive between Grove Avenue and State Boulevard
Eastbrook Drive between Grove Avenue and State Boulevard
North River Road between Landin Road and Maysville Road
Thieme Drive Between Washington Boulevard and Main Street
8900 block of Auburn Road
Intersection - Dalevue Drive @ Fernwood Avenue
Intersection - Taylor Street @ Henrietta Street
Intersection - Taylor Street @ Freeman Street
Intersection - Orchard Lane @ Fairbrook Court
Intersection - Prairie Grove @ Broadripple Drive
Intersection – Freeman Street @ Portage Boulevard
Catalpa Street between Jefferson Boulevard & Taylor Street
State Boulevard between Clinton Street and Wells Street
Westbrook Drive between Grove Avenue and State Boulevard
Eastbrook Drive between Grove Avenue and State Boulevard
North River Road between Landin Road and Maysville Road
Thieme Drive Between Washington Boulevard and Main Street
8900 block of Auburn Rd
City Utilities, Street Department and Flood Control staff members worked through the night combating flash flooding that hit the area due to more than three inches of rain that fell overnight. Motorists should not attempt to drive through high water. Street Closures as of 7 a.m.
Dalevue Drive @ Fernwood Avenue
Prairie Grove Drive @ Orchard Lane
Taylor Street @ Henrietta Street
Taylor Street @ Freeman Street
Orchard Lane @ Fairbrook Court
Orchard Lane @ Broadripple
Old Auburn Road @ Wallen Road
Catalpa Street between Jefferson Boulevard & Taylor Street
State Boulevard between Clinton and Wells
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Private and public sector leaders today unveiled "Greater Fort Wayne Inc." as the name of a newly created economic development organization. Leaders expressed a unified vision for a new beginning of collaboration and positive momentum that will make Greater Fort Wayne the best that it can be.
Today's announcement is the culmination of efforts that began last year to examine the possible coordination of economic development activities with the goals of stronger alignment and increasing the competitive position of the community.
A steering committee with representatives from the business community, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance (Alliance), the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), the Downtown Improvement District (DID), the City of Fort Wayne, and Allen County have been studying what the benefits would be of creating a more competitive, opportunity-rich community by aligning the economic development efforts of each entity.
Following a thorough analysis and benchmarking of other cities that have experienced successful transitions, the decision was made to move forward with an integrated organization.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York is representing the City of Fort Wayne today at an event in Washington, D.C. aimed at reducing gun violence.
Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder will deliver remarks at the White House at 2 p.m. to continue calling on Congress to pass measures to reduce gun violence. The Vice President and Attorney General Holder will be joined by law enforcement officials from across the country and will highlight the importance of proposed gun safety measures to the law enforcement community.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is joining mayors across the country in support of "Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service."
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Corporation for National and Community Service have set aside Tuesday, April 9 as a day to recognize individuals who volunteer and make a positive difference in communities.
Fort Wayne engages national service members and volunteers in efforts to address important community needs.
Highlights of local efforts:
*67 RSVP volunteers serve in the Earned Income Tax Credit free tax preparation program that has returned $3 million to the local economy *1,200 RSVP volunteers serve at over 80 non-profit and civic organizations *10 AmeriCorps members serve at Community Action of Northeast Indiana (CANI) in financial literacy education *70 foster grandparents serve low income children in the community
More information can be found at www.nationalservice.gov. Local information can be obtained at www.volunteerfortwayne.org.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – The City of Fort Wayne today announced that two meetings have been scheduled in an effort for citizens and business leaders to gain a better understanding of a framework of ideas that have been outlined to save the community money and bring additional revenue to the City.
Schedule of meetings: Citizen and Neighborhood focus *6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 Omni Room in Citizens Square; 200 E. Berry St.
Business leaders focus *8 a.m. Thursday, May 2 Chamber Building; 826 Ewing St.
Mayor Henry created the Fiscal Policy Group in 2012 to gain a full understanding of fiscal conditions and identify financial options available to the City to help meet fiscal challenges in 2014 and beyond.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s downtown metered parking rates will increase from 25 cents an hour to 50 cents an hour beginning Monday, April 8. In addition, a new fine schedule for parking citations citywide will also take effect Monday. The rate increase was approved by the Board of Public Safety and Fort Wayne City Council in recent weeks. The nearly 700 parking meters will be reprogrammed this weekend to reflect the new rates.
The Board of Park Commissioners Thursday approved the recommendation to have MSKTD & Associates design the renovation of the McMillen Park Community Center, a Legacy Fort Wayne project. On March 6, 2013, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department accepted proposals from architectural and engineering firms to renovate the McMillen Park Ice Arena building. The project will be a community center for all ages that will include sports and recreation as well as educational, social, and health and fitness programs. Seven companies submitted proposals for this project. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Administration, after careful review, awarded the project to MSKTD & Associates. MSKTD will be responsible for all design necessary for bidding the construction work and will handle project management through completion. This will be Phase 1 of the project. Additional phases will be needed to complete the renovation.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's Front Door Fort Wayne plan has earned a 2013 Outstanding Plan Award from the Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Front Door Fort Wayne: A Plan to Enhance Our City's Gateways is a comprehensive strategy for improving the appearance, efficiency and economic potential of the major points of entry into the City. Front Door Fort Wayne was developed by the City's Community Development Division with extensive citizen input from business and community leaders. The plan was adopted by Fort Wayne City Council last year.
"Image and first impressions are fundamentally important to a city's economic success," said Mayor Tom Henry. "New visitors form their first opinions of a community at its gateways, so maintaining these areas demonstrate that a community cares about and invests in itself."
City's garbage and recycling efforts to be highlighted
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Mayor Tom Henry will participate in the Mayors Institute on Thursday, March 28, in Indianapolis.
Mayor Henry will lead a "Mayors Idea Exchange on Solid Waste Issues."
Fort Wayne is recognized as a leader in providing quality solid waste and recycling services.
Last year, the City received the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence in Indiana. The award honors communities that have made extraordinary efforts to protect and benefit residents and the environment. In addition, the City received the Gold Award for Excellence from the Solid Waste Association of North America.
Community asked to come together to partner with police
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York and leaders within the Fort Wayne Police Department to discuss the recent homicides in the City.
Mayor Henry reassured the community that his administration and the police department are doing everything they can to ensure Fort Wayne is as safe as possible.
Chief York reiterated the importance of the community coming together and working with police. In addition, Chief York stressed that residents with information about crimes should contact police immediately. With more open communication, police are better equipped to arrest those responsible for criminal acts.
Recent shootings in the City have been the result of gang activity, drugs and domestic disputes.
Of the nine Uniform Crime Report homicides committed in 2013, six of those cases have been solved, and in two other cases, persons of interest have been identified.
The Fort Wayne Police Department works collaboratively with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff's Department, and the Allen County Prosecutor's Office in efforts to reduce violence and solve crimes.
Residents asked to pitch in, sweep up
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Residents are encouraged to take part in this year's Great American Cleanup on May 18, 2013.
The City is looking for volunteers and groups of all ages to take part in the clean-up of litter and debris from Fort Wayne's neighborhoods, parks, roadways, trails and riverbanks. In order to accommodate participants with an event tee-shirt, gloves, and trash bags, the City is asking residents to pre-register by calling 311 or by accessing the event website at www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup.
"The Great American Cleanup is about making a difference and taking pride in your community," Mayor Tom Henry said. "I greatly admire the tremendous effort our groups and residents make each year to beautify our City. Last year, with the help of nearly 5,000 volunteers, we picked up trash, removed graffiti and planted flowers and gardens. I encourage everyone to participate in this year's effort."
Clase gratis de educación para compradores de casas programada para residentes que hablan español.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – La Oficina de Vivienda de la Ciudad y los Servicios a la Comunidad están invitando a residentes que hablan español para que asistan a una clase gratis de educación para compradores de casa para que mejoren su conocimiento acerca de cómo comprarla y mantenerla.
La clase del 4 de mayo, 2013 será conducida totalmente en español y se llevará a cabo en la Cruz Roja Americana, 1212 E. California Rd. de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. Cualquier persona interesada en tomar la clase debe llamar al 427-8585 ó al 311.
Cada clase dura ocho horas y usa el programa "Realizing the American Dream" desarollado por NeighborWorks America. Los participantes reciben un certificado de entrenamiento firmado por un Consejero Certificado de Vivienda del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de Estados Unidos (HUD). El certificado puede ser usado para solicitar programas de ayuda de comprador de casa local, tal como el programa "City of Fort Wayne Down Payment Assistance Program." Terminar el curso también permite a los individuos inscribirse en el programa "The BankOn Fort Wayne."
Los temas cubiertos en el programa incluyen:
¿Está usted preparado para comprar una casa? – herramientas que lo ayudan a hacer decisiones exitosas.
Manejando su dinero - ¿"Realmente" maneja usted su dinero?
Entendiendo crédito – los pros y cons – lo que usted no sabe puede perjudicarlo.
Obteniendo un préstamo hipotecario – ejemplos de documentos y situaciones.
Comprando una casa – en dónde, cuándo, y cómo.
Protegiendo su inversión – probablemente la compra más grande que usted hará.
Mantenimiento de una casa – qué hacer y cuándo.
Su vivienda y derechos de crédito – leyes que lo protegen.
Definiendo términos: LTV, FICO, DTI, La Verdad de Préstamos - ¿Qué quiere decir ésto?
Las clases de Comprador de Vivienda en inglés están programadas para el sábado 13 de abril, 2013; el miércoles 15 de mayo, 2013; y el sábado 15 de junio, 2013. El programa es el mismo y cualquier persona interesada debe inscribirse llamando al 427-8585 ó al 311.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – The City's Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is inviting Spanish-speaking residents to attend a free Homebuyer Education Class to learn about buying and maintaining a home.
The class will be conducted entirely in Spanish and held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the American Red Cross, 1212 E. California Rd. Anyone interested in taking the class should call (260) 427-8585 or 311.
The class uses the "Realizing the American Dream" curriculum developed by NeighborWorks America. Participants receive a Certificate of Training signed by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Certified Housing Counselor. The certificate may be used to apply for local homebuyer assistance programs, such as the City of Fort Wayne Down Payment Assistance program. Completion also allows individuals to enroll in the Bank On Fort Wayne program.
Topics covered in the curriculum include:
Are you ready to buy a home – tools to help you make successful decisions
Managing your money – Do you "really" manage your money?
Understanding credit – the pros and cons – what you don't know can hurt you
Obtaining a mortgage loan – sample documents and situations
Shopping for a home – where, when, and how
Protecting your investment – probably the biggest purchase you'll ever make
Home maintenance – what to do and when
Your housing and credit rights – laws that protect you
Defining terms: LTV, FICO, DTI, Truth in Lending – what do these mean?
Homebuyer education classes offered in English are scheduled for April 13, May 15, and June 15. The curriculum is the same and anyone interested should register by calling (260) 427-8585 or 311.
May 5th event celebrates "One Community, Many Faiths"
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by local religious leaders to announce plans for a special community prayer event.
"Prayers for the City – A Celebration of One Community, Many Faiths" will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at the Scottish Rite Center, 431 W. Berry St. The prayer service is free and open to the public.
Mayor Henry developed the program with assistance from Rev. Dr. Terry Anderson, Interfaith Hospitality Network; Amir J. Tamir Rasheed, Islamic Center of Fort Wayne; and Dr. Michael Spath, IPFW.
The event will feature prayers, singing, dances, and readings. Religious traditions represented will include Baha'i; Buddhism; Christianity; Hinduism; Judaism; Islam; Sikhism; and Unitarian Universalism.
Nine other businesses also receive grants
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 10 local businesses will receive 2013 Commercial Façade Grants, including one which will enhance the Quimby Village area. This year's façade grant awardees will receive $202,691 in City funding and have pledged to contribute nearly $850,000 in private investment to make improvements on their properties.
"Our Commercial Façade Grant program is making a dramatic impact on the appearance of commercial corridors in the heart of our city," Mayor Henry said at a news conference at the Quimby Village site along Bluffton Road. "This program has provided the boost our local business owners have needed to improve the appearance of their buildings and provide a more welcoming atmosphere for customers."
Mayor Henry introduced the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008 as part of his ongoing commitment to help local businesses thrive and expand, particularly in the heart of the city.
The Quimby Village/Clyde Theater Revitalization Project, located at 1808-1810 Bluffton Rd., will receive a $40,000 Façade Grant.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – The City of Fort Wayne's 311 Citizen Services department has received a national award from KANA Software.
Fort Wayne was recognized with a 2013 KANA Highly Commended Customer Award for Best Citizen Experience.
The City launched its 311 program in 2007. Since then, services provided by 311 have continued to expand.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and his Fiscal Policy Group today outlined a framework of ideas to save the community money and bring additional revenue to the City of Fort Wayne.
Mayor Henry created the Fiscal Policy Group in 2012. Since that time, the group's been tasked with gaining a full understanding of fiscal conditions and identifying financial options available to the City to help meet fiscal challenges in 2014 and beyond.
Fort Wayne is the first in city in Indiana to assemble a team of local and state experts, members of City Council and City staff to develop strategies to combat looming budget issues.
Property tax caps implemented by the Indiana General Assembly have made it more difficult for cities to meet demands and expectations. The impact of property tax caps has been in effect since 2009, and the result has been a loss of $53 million in revenue to the City.
However, through strong fiscal management, leadership and bipartisan efforts, the City's been able to weather the storm and build a healthy savings account. But, due to continued constraints on the budget because of the tax caps, the City's had to continue to utilize its savings account to fund essential services.
MLK Bridge in National, State Spotlight
Fort Wayne, Ind . – The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department and local design firm DLZ Indiana, LLC, will receive state and national recognition for outstanding work on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge. Over the next week, the City will receive two honors, an award for Engineering Excellence and another for Achievement in the design of an Urban Bridge.
On, Tuesday, March 5, the Indiana Partnership for Transportation Quality will award the City with the Achievement Award for an Urban Bridge. The award recognizes the teamwork that involved multiple agencies, innovation in the bridge design that has made a significant contribution to the City's downtown and sets a standard for future projects, and citizen involvement in working with the design team and City engineers on the memorial aspects and characteristics of the bridge. Today's award presentation will occur in West Lafayette at the annual Purdue Road School conference.
Next week, on Monday, March 11, the American Council of Engineering Companies will honor City Engineers and DLZ with the Engineering Excellence Merit Award. The award acknowledges distinguishing engineering design features on the bridge, including the soaring 50-foot arch, sculptural etchings and plaques with quotes from Dr. King; the connection to Headwaters Park and the Rivergreenway; the safer pedestrian access that separates sidewalks from traffic and adds seating; and the spectacular color-changing lights.
Randall Lofts awarded tax credits
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority recently announced that the Randall Lofts apartments in downtown Fort Wayne will receive nearly $675,000 annually for 10 years, in rental housing tax credits. Carmel-based RealAmerica Development plans to convert the historic building at 616 S. Harrison St. into one- and two-bedroom apartments.
"This is good news for downtown Fort Wayne," said Heather Presley-Cowen, deputy director of the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services. "This is yet another development that will contribute to the revitalization of the area, bringing residents downtown to live and shop."
The Randall Building was originally constructed in 1905 and is the largest Victorian commercial block in Fort Wayne. The building is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Renovation of the building is estimated to cost $7.5 million with the City of Fort Wayne contributing $600,000 in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 dollars ($450,000 in a loan and $150,000 in a forgivable loan).
RealAmerica proposes to convert floors two through five into 44 apartments. The street-level floor will continue to be used for commercial purposes. Construction is expected to begin in late summer or early fall.
The City of Fort Wayne's Housing and Neighborhood Services (HANDS) board and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry provided written support for the project.
The authority awarded more than $14 million in rental housing tax credits to 20 housing developments throughout Indiana.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne is inviting colleges and universities to help make the downtown area a hub for innovative learning experiences.
As part of Legacy Fort Wayne, the City has created the Higher Education Opportunity Fund, which will provide higher learning nonprofit institutions up to a $3 million, 3-to-1 match for capital investments. The investments must be made in downtown Fort Wayne or surrounding core neighborhoods. Letters were recently sent to college and university presidents throughout Indiana and the tri-state region inviting them to submit potential projects to be funded.
The Opportunity Fund has a limited amount of dollars available and applications will be considered as they are submitted. The first step in the process is to contact Sharon Feasel, the City's Higher Education Opportunity Fund manager, at 260-427-2107, to learn more about the criteria. All applications must include proposals for capital expenses and a long-term commitment to downtown or central urban neighborhoods.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is taking another step in implementing the recommendations of the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative by issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to study youth sports opportunities. The RFP was issued today and seeks proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a thorough Youth Sports Community Assessment and Market Potential Study. “The end goal is to build Fort Wayne into a regional and national destination for youth sports,” said Mayor Henry. “This will boost our economy, as well as provide more sporting opportunities for our local youth.” The City’s Parks and Recreation and Planning and Policy departments will work together to ensure the successful development of the study. Proposals are due March 21 and selection of the consultant is expected to take place in mid-April. It’s anticipated the study will take up to six months to complete.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Legacy Fort Wayne leaders to discuss the request for proposals (RFP) for a Riverfront Development Study for the City of Fort Wayne.
This will be the first comprehensive look at the City's rivers to determine opportunities to enhance the riverfront.
The RFP was issued today, and the City is seeking proposals from qualified consultants and consultant teams. Proposals are due on April 12. Interviews with finalists will occur in May. A final selection is expected to be made this summer. It's anticipated the study will take 9-18 months to complete.
Areas of focus will include land use; engineering and infrastructure investment; watershed issues; trail connectivity; access to the river; urban design guidelines; retail; entertainment; and housing.
"This is going to be a tremendous year for the Legacy initiative," said Mayor Henry. "The riverfront study is a great first step as we will begin to see transformational change in our community."
The Riverfront Development Study is the first project to be funded by Legacy Fort Wayne dollars and is intended to provide the road map to a world class investment. The entire RFP can be viewed at www.legacyfortwayne.org.
THANK YOU, JEFF, FOR THAT WARM INTRODUCTION.
ELECTED OFFICIALS, HONORED GUESTS, CITIZENS OF FORT WAYNE, WELCOME.
IT'S AN HONOR TO BE WITH YOU TODAY IN A SPECIAL SETTING HERE IN DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE.
THE ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY IS A CROWN JEWEL IN THE HEART OF OUR CITY.
IT'S A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY FOR LEARNING AND GROWTH.
A PLACE WHERE WE CAN COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY AND APPRECIATE ALL THAT OUR CITY HAS GIVEN US.
SINCE 2008, THE MISSION OF MY ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN TO ENGAGE, INNOVATE AND PERFORM.
IT REPRESENTS WHAT OUR COMMUNITY IS ALL ABOUT, AND IT'S A COMMITMENT TO BEING THE VERY BEST.
EACH ONE OF US HAS A RESPONSIBILITY IN HELPING TO MAKE OUR CITY GREAT, AND GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN FORT WAYNE.
FORT WAYNE IS A LEADER IN OUR STATE AND IT'S VISIBLE EACH DAY.
Greenways Foundation honors communities, individuals throughout the state
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today received the "Outstanding Public Official Award" from the Greenways Foundation of Indiana.
Mayor Henry accepted the award at a luncheon in Indianapolis.
The Mayor was recognized for his leadership in growing Fort Wayne's trail network to 70 miles, a commitment to funding future growth of the trail system, the Bike Fort Wayne plan, and the initiation of the free, guided community bike rides, Trek the Trails.
Mayor Henry's efforts also led to the City being honored by the League of American Bicyclists as a 2012 Bicycle Friendly Community.
This is the first year for the Greenways Foundation awards, which recognize communities throughout the state. Fort Wayne volunteer and Greenways Ranger Roger Goodland was honored as an "Outstanding Trail Advocate."
The Greenways Foundation is a statewide, charitable trust providing leadership and advocacy in the growth and use of Indiana greenways and trails.
Fort Wayne, Ind.—President of City Council, Tom Didier,R-3rd today issued a statement regarding the continuation of the public hearing/presentation by Aqua Indiana and Fort Wayne City Utilities.
"Representativs from Aqua Indiana and Fort Wayne City Utilities have been in contact to let me know that constructive talks are continuing with both parties as they work toward resolving all issues surrounding the proposed acquisition. In order that these good faith efforts can proceed without interruption, the presentations to the Fort Wayne City Council by Aqua Indiana and City Utilities will not take place during the Council meeting on Tuesday, February 5th."
The City of Fort Wayne, with the support of Aqua Indiana, will ask the Council to hold Ordinance S-12-12-19 for discussion on the Aqua Indiana during the February 5th meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Condemnation
Condemnation Fact Sheet
Condemnation PowerPoint
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that his 2013 State of the City Address will be held at noon Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Allen County Public Library auditorium, 900 Library Plaza.
The Mayor's State of the City Address is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m.
Mayor Henry will highlight City successes in 2012 and look ahead to plans for 2013. The theme for this year's speech is "Engage, Innovate, Perform."
Indiana's NewsCenter and City TV are scheduled to air the speech live.
Allen County Public Library Director Jeff Krull will introduce Mayor Henry.
A reception will follow the speech.
Rules for Building on Private Property Will Be Changed
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- As part of the effort to streamline local governments' land-use permitting processes, the public is invited to learn about and comment on proposed changes to planning and zoning regulations. The goal of the potential changes is to improve, streamline, simplify and clarify the steps residents and business leaders take to develop new or improve existing buildings and homes.
On Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. in Room 035 of Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., project consultant Clarion Associates will present proposed zoning ordinance modifications and ask residents to provide feedback. Drafts of the proposed new zoning ordinances are available online at http://www.allencounty.us/land-use/dps.
Citizens Encouraged to Attend and Share Comments, Experiences
Fort Wayne, Ind . – On behalf of the members of Fort Wayne City Council and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, City Council President Tom Didier today set the date and structure for the public hearing on the Aqua Indiana condemnation ordinance. The hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 in City Council Chambers, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.
With the accent firmly on the public, the hearing agenda will open with the citizen comment period. Any resident who wishes to address the Council will be given two minutes to speak. To ensure access for everyone, President Didier encourages citizens to pre-register by calling the City Clerk's Office at 427-1221 by Friday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m.
Those who pre-register will be called to speak first. All who attend, however, are welcome to testify. Those not pre-registered will be added to the list upon arrival and allowed to speak, in order, following those registered.
One month after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Angola Mayor Richard Hickman and public safety officials from the Fort Wayne Police Department and Fort Wayne Fire Department gathered today in Fort Wayne to call on President Obama and members of Congress to take immediate steps to end the gun violence epidemic that kills 33 Americans every day.
Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan and Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler were not able to attend today's event, but they have offered their support for efforts to reduce gun violence. Mayors Henry, Hickman, Freeman-Wilson, Kruzan, and Tyler are members of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
Local officials also noted that since the Newtown shooting, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has added more than 100 mayors to its national bipartisan coalition to end gun violence and grown to more than one million supporters. In an effort to keep their community safe, leaders at today's event urged Washington to end gun violence in America by:
• Requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales: Background checks are the only systematic way to stop felons, domestic abusers and other dangerous people from buying firearms. But federal law only requires background checks for gun sales at licensed dealers. Almost 6.5 million guns are sold each year in the U.S. by unlicensed "private sellers," including online and at gun shows. That means that between 40% and 50% of gun sales may take place with no background check for the buyer.
• Banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines: Military-style weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines have no place on our streets. They are designed to kill large numbers of people quickly, and they have no other use in civilian hands. Today, even people with criminal records or with serious mental illness can and do buy assault weapons from unlicensed private sellers who don't conduct background checks.
Forums designed to help residents learn more about City efforts to acquire Aqua Indiana
* Eighth session added from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 at the Allen County Public Library, Pontiac Branch
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the public will have several opportunities to learn more about the City of Fort Wayne's efforts to acquire Aqua Indiana's water utility in southwest Fort Wayne.
Residents will be able to ask questions and obtain information at meetings to be held throughout the community. The seven sessions will be held at locations in all quadrants of the City, at various times, beginning on Wednesday, January 9 and concluding on Thursday, January 17.
The schedule of meetings, which are free and open to the public:
Fort Wayne, Ind. – A power outage on the City’s northeast side has caused several traffic signals not to function at this hour. Motorists who come to an intersection where the signal is not working should treat the intersection as a four-way stop. The signals stopped working after the power went out in a large portion of northeast Fort Wayne. Crews are working to restore power. It’s believed there are two separate outages. At this hour the signals at the following intersections are not functioning.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Local private and public sector leaders today announced progress is being made to align economic development efforts in the community. Officials provided a progress report and plans for next steps on coordination of economic development activities centered on stronger alignment; increasing the competitive position of the community; and enhancing economic development opportunities.
Memorial Walk, Vigil Sheds Light on Growing Problem
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- The Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness will hold a candlelight memorial walk on the longest night of the year, December 21, 2012 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St. Fort Wayne Deputy Mayor Mark Becker and the group will walk to the Headwaters Park West Pavilion for a short memorial service and will then walk back to the Rescue Mission for refreshments. Members of the public are invited to join the walk.
Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness. Hundreds of communities across the nation recognize the event each year.
Program aims to curb impaired driving with free cab service
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Mayor Tom Henry joins with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during the holiday season. The Holiday Cab program, now in its 25th year, runs from Thursday, Dec. 20 to Tuesday, Jan. 1 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Residents must call Holiday Cab at 426-1301, in order to participate in the free service program.
Holiday Cab was created in 1987 to provide an alternative for residents looking for a safe ride home. Last year, the program provided nearly 400 rides.
"We applaud the Holiday Cab program for providing this community service for 25 years," Mayor Henry said. "Our goal is to make sure our residents stay safe and that no lives are endangered on our roadways. This is a great way to reduce impaired driving and to get everyone home safely."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today provided a progress report on Legacy Fort Wayne and announced that several Legacy projects are ready to be presented to City Council for approval on Tuesday.
A resolution on Legacy projects will be introduced and discussed at City Council's meeting on December 11. It's anticipated that City Council could give final approval at its December 18 meeting.
The initial Legacy recommendations outlined in the resolution focus on economic development; downtown and riverfront development; and youth development/prep sports.
"I am pleased to advance transformational projects for our community. Each Legacy project provides us with an opportunity to make our City stronger and better positioned for growth," said Mayor Henry. "By working together, we will leave a lasting Legacy for future generations."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – An ordinance to begin the process to condemn Aqua Indiana's water utility in southwest Fort Wayne will be introduced to City Council at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
Initial discussions on the condemnation ordinance could occur at City Council's final meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
Last month, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced the City would move forward to condemn Aqua's water utility in southwest Fort Wayne.
A recent independent audit completed at the request of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) was not favorable toward Aqua. The IURC declared that Aqua's decision making regarding fire protection was unacceptable. In addition, Aqua's master planning was again declared to be inadequate.
The City believes the recommendations in the audit can be accomplished with City Utilities as the owner/operator of Aqua's system or by the City working collaboratively with Aqua.
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today provided a progress report on Legacy Fort Wayne and announced that several Legacy projects are ready to be presented to City Council for approval.
A resolution on Legacy projects will be introduced and discussed at City Council's meeting on December 11. It's anticipated that City Council could give final approval at its December 18 meeting.
The initial Legacy recommendations outlined in the resolution focus on economic development; downtown and riverfront development; and youth development/prep sports.
"I am pleased to advance transformational projects for our community. Each Legacy project provides us with an opportunity to make our City stronger and better positioned for growth," said Mayor Henry. "By working together, we will leave a lasting Legacy for future generations."
Mayor, Developer and Neighborhood Leaders Celebrate Community's Success
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Just over a year since construction began on new homes in the Renaissance Pointe community, all 66 units are leased and filling up with families. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Kevan Biggs, president of Biggs TC Development, celebrated the success today with a ribbon cutting at a home located at 2133 Weisser Park Ave.
"The Renaissance Pointe neighborhood has come together to make a positive difference," said Mayor Henry. "The residents have worked tirelessly alongside City leaders, non-profit groups, and private developers to breathe new life into the area and they should be proud of what they have accomplished. This is a great day for our City."
"The Renaissance Pointe community is a source of great pride for all of us who have worked to make it a reality," said Biggs. "This has been a collaborative, public-private partnership that has taken into account the needs of residents, the neighborhood, the private sector and the entire city. I am not aware of a similar effort anywhere in the state; this is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood!"
Low-interest loans available to help repair or replace furnaces, water heaters
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne are working to help local residents stay warm this winter by offering the Winter Heating Program for low-income residents.
"We all know Indiana winters can be bitter," Mayor Henry said. "Heat is not a luxury, it's a necessity and we want to help local residents stay warm and safe in their homes throughout the colder months."
The Winter Heating Program provides low-interest, five-year loans up to $5,000 to replace or repair failing furnaces or water heaters. Monthly loan payments will range from $25 to $90 per month for residents at 80 percent or below of the Area Median Income ($51,050 for a family of four).
Applauds initiative to assist residents in completing college degrees
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today joined education partners to discuss the importance of education and to present a proclamation in honor of "College Completion Counts Week." The proclamation recognizes the upcoming College Completion Counts Conference, to be held Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Public Safety Academy: Ivy Tech South Campus.
"Education is critical to the overall success of our region's economy," Mayor Henry said. "We want to be a leader in providing educational opportunities that lead to job creation and economic development."
Participants at today's event included Leonard Helfrich, Talent Initiative Director, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership; WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Barber; and Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast Chancellor Jerrilee Mosier, Ed.D.
Recycling education program spreads the word at local schools
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today joined the City's Solid Waste Department for a special program at Irwin Elementary School.
Students participated in a fun, interactive and educational assembly about the City's One Cart Recycling Program. The purpose of the assembly was to educate students about what can and cannot be included in the City's recycling carts.
"We hope that the students will share what they have learned with their families," Mayor Henry said. "Education is a key component to the success of recycling programs."
City to move forward with condemnation of Aqua's water utility in SW Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will move forward to condemn Aqua Indiana's water utility in southwest Fort Wayne.
Since Mayor Henry took office in 2008, he has been committed to finding a solution to water challenges faced by residents in the Aqua Indiana service area in southwest Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry strongly supports efforts to provide residents with reliable and quality water at an affordable price.
At today's news conference, Mayor Henry emphasized that the City has done everything it can to reach an agreement with Aqua Indiana at this time. To this point, the City and Aqua Indiana have not been able to agree on the future of water service in southwest Fort Wayne.
"We have been patient with Aqua Indiana, but now is the time to take action. This is about public health and public safety. Those issues cannot be compromised. We must ensure that residents and public safety officials have access to a water supply that is dependable and can meet the water pressure demands of our growing community," said Mayor Henry. "City Utilities is in much better position to provide reliable and quality water to customers at an affordable price. As Mayor, I will continue to fight for residents so they can receive the water they have asked for and deserve."
FAQ.pdf
Survey
MLK Bridge Recognized by Landscape Architects
Fort Wayne, Ind. – As the city's grand gateway, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge, celebrates its 5-month anniversary, it is receiving the admiration of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
The Indiana Chapter of ASLA recently recognized bridge construction partners -- architectural firm DLZ Indiana, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Wayne -- by presenting the Honor Award for Constructed Works. The award recognizes the bridge's design for its context and appropriateness; ability to extend the 'envelope'; innovative ideas; appropriate use of materials and techniques; and continuity and concept.
"The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge is so much more than a bridge to span a river. It is a symbol that is drawing our community together and reenergizing our spirit," said Mayor Tom Henry. "The community has embraced our spectacular bridge, and it's great to see a professional organization recognize its uniqueness with this award."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 in observance of Veterans Day.
There will be no leaf pickup on Monday. The trash and recycling collection schedule will remain unchanged.
The City's parking meters will be free on Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
Residents encouraged to have their leaves ready for pick up
Fort Wayne, Ind. – City crews will move to northside neighborhoods beginning tomorrow, Thursday, November 1, 2012, at 7:00 a.m. Leaf collection was originally to begin in the north part of the City next Monday, but crews are ahead of schedule with only a few southside neighborhoods to be completed Thursday morning.
Being ahead of schedule will not cause missed pick-ups for those northern residents who were planning to have their leaves out next Monday. Several northside residents have already placed their leaves at the curb and crews will pick those up earlier that anticipated, but the neighborhoods will be revisited beginning Monday.
"It appears that because of the cooler temperatures, rain and heavy wind in recent weeks, many residents have postponed raking and placing their leaves at the curb so far this year," said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works for the City of Fort Wayne. "That could mean we will need more than five days in each section on our second pass."
Ideas focus on economic development, downtown, riverfront & youth development
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today provided an update on Legacy Fort Wayne and announced a series of Legacy recommendations that call for transformational opportunities for Fort Wayne.
Formed by Mayor Henry in 2011, Legacy Fort Wayne is an initiative to guide decision making about the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. Currently, approximately $47 million in funding is available with an additional $28 million to be received over the next several years.
"I would like to extend a special thank you to the Legacy Task Force, Legacy Champion Teams, Legacy Finance Team, and the Mayor's Advisory Board. They have invested their time, talent and energy for the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative. Their commitment and dedication are to be commended," said Mayor Henry. "I also want to thank the countless number of people in our community who submitted ideas and proposals. By working together, we are moving our community forward in a positive direction. This has been a tremendous journey to think big and develop plans to bring about transformational change."
Fort Wayne celebrates decades-old relationships with Sister Cities
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne and Sister Cities partners from Gera, Germany and Takaoka, Japan will participate in an anniversary banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 at the downtown Courtyard by Marriott, 1020 S. Calhoun St.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Fort Wayne-Gera relationship and the 35th anniversary between Fort Wayne and Takaoka. Collaborative efforts have included student exchanges, government delegation visits, cultural exchanges (musicians, artists, troupes) and exchanges between police and parks departments.
Guests from Gera and Takaoka will arrive in Fort Wayne today and will visit through Sunday. The Sister Cities partnership allows for economic and cultural opportunities, as well as educational exchanges.
Special events planned to mark Sister City relationship milestones
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne will welcome delegations from Gera, Germany and Takaoka, Japan later this week as part of the Sister Cities program. Guests will be in Fort Wayne Thursday-Sunday.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Fort Wayne-Gera relationship and the 35th anniversary between Fort Wayne and Takaoka. Collaborative efforts have included student exchanges, government delegation visits, cultural exchanges (musicians, artists, troupes) and exchanges between police and parks departments.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and a local delegation recently visited Gera as part of the Sister Cities program.
Two pick-ups scheduled for each neighborhood
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Leaf pick-up in the City's 355 neighborhoods begins Monday October 22, 2012. The Street Department will collect leaves in two separate sweeps through each neighborhood. Crews will roll into the neighborhoods between October 22 and December 7, 2012. (See map attached)
The 2012 Fort Wayne Leaf Pick-up schedule is as follows:
Oct. 22-26 Central
Oct. 29-Nov. 2 South
November 5-9 North
November 12-16 Central
November 26-30 South
December 3-7 North
Best design ideas will be discussed this week in St. Paul, Minn.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will participate in the Mayors' Institute on City Design October 17-19 in St. Paul, Minn.
The Mayors' Institute on City Design is an opportunity for mayors to share ideas and best practices.
In addition to Mayor Henry, participants in the Mayors' Institute on City Design include:
Mayor Michael R. Brown, Grand Forks, N.D.
Mayor Christopher B. Coleman, St. Paul, Minn.
City Council President Kerry Kincaid, Eau Claire, Wis.
Mayor Don Ness, Duluth, Minn.
Mayor Terry Schneider, Minnetonka, Minn.
Mayor Bob Scott, Sioux City, Iowa
Mayor Heidi Williams, Thornton, Colo.
Mayor Henry offers revised proposal for 2013
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Following the release of the proposed 2013 City budget, Mayor Tom Henry and his leadership team have been working diligently to continue to meet the needs of the community and alleviate concerns addressed by City Council.
Mayor Henry today announced his administration is prepared to offer to City Council a revised proposal for the 2013 budget.
While Mayor Henry continues to advocate the utilization of the State's allowable 2.8% tax levy for 2013, he indicated he would not pursue capturing the allowable 2.9% "banked" tax levy from last year. Instead, the administration proposes using a one-time distribution of interest from Legacy funds to place in the City's cash reserve (savings account). The projected amount would be in the range of $3 to $4 million depending on the impact of property tax relief from property tax caps, which will be finalized in early 2013.
Commercial Facade Grant Program enters its Fifth Year
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Businesses looking to improve their curb appeal may be able to get a boost from the City of Fort Wayne's Commercial Façade Grant program. The program was introduced by Mayor Tom Henry five years ago and provides local businesses the opportunity to apply for matching grants to improve the exterior of their buildings.
"The Commercial Façade Grant program is a great way to help small businesses," Mayor Henry said. "When businesses improve their buildings, it sends a strong message that the surrounding neighborhood is vibrant and a good place for other businesses to invest."
Applications for the grants will be accepted from November 12 through December 14, 2012; they are available online at www.cityoffortwayne.org/commercial-programs.html or by calling 3-1-1.
City, County leaders highlight progress
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Allen County and City of Fort Wayne leaders today provided a progress report on streamlining the land-use permitting process. Today's update is part of the on-going effort in joint permitting to promote and enhance business relationships and economic development opportunities.
Efforts to streamline processes are led by the Joint Permitting Oversight Board. Members include Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters, Allen County Council members Larry Brown and Roy Buskirk, Fort Wayne City Council members Russ Jehl and Tom Smith, and Fort Wayne Deputy Mayor Mark Becker.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne today announced that Shan Gunawardena has been appointed as City Engineer. Gunawardena has served in city government since 2007. He has held positions of Assistant City Engineer and Traffic Engineer. Prior to joining the city, Gunawardena was a senior transportation engineer and project manager for Bonar Group. He also worked in several leadership capacities with the Indiana Department of Transportation-Fort Wayne District. “We are pleased to have Shan serve in this leadership role,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Shan’s extensive experience in public works assists us in our efforts to have a transportation system that meets the needs of our community.”
Trip to Sister City celebrates 20-year relationship
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will join a local delegation for a visit to Gera, Germany as part of the Sister Cities program. The local delegation will leave Oct. 2 and return Oct. 8.
"I am so thankful for the Sister Cities partnership," said Mayor Henry. "The focus on learning and citizen diplomacy is to be commended. Fort Wayne and our partner cities are committed to giving back and enhancing the quality of life for residents."
Classes free for all Local Residents
Fort Wayne, Ind . – The City's Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is inviting Fort Wayne residents to attend a free Homebuyer Education Class and improve their knowledge about buying and maintaining a home.
The next classes are scheduled for October 6, November 14 and December 1, 2012. They take place at the following locations:
Budget proposal represents continuation of strong fiscal management of city services
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today discussed the proposed 2013 civil city budget. The 2013 budget is balanced and continues the City's emphasis on leadership, fiscal discipline and building a stronger and more competitive City.
With each budget under Mayor's Henry's leadership, the City has kept finances strong while continuing to provide quality services to residents.
Event kicks off Sept. 27 at the Grand Wayne Center
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today discussed plans for community leaders and neighborhood representatives to convene in Fort Wayne next week for the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC). The conference takes place Sept. 27 to Sept. 29 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.
An estimated 300 attendees are expected to travel to Fort Wayne to attend the conference; participants will come from a five-state region that includes Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. The conference is designed for grassroots, corporate, government, foundation, faith-based and non-profit leaders who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.
"Active, informed neighborhoods play a crucial role in the success of our city," Mayor Henry said. "The RNNC offers grassroots leaders in our community the opportunity to obtain training and information needed to reinforce their leadership skills and develop ideas for community improvement."
Cheese vs. chocolate in baseball series opener
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Grand Chute, Wis., Town Chairman David Schowalter have agreed to a friendly challenge in advance of tonight's Game 1 of the Midwest League Championship Series between the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in Wisconsin.
If the TinCaps win the championship series, Town Chairman Schowalter will send a basket of Merkts cheese to the City of Fort Wayne. In addition, Chairman Schowalter will wear a TinCaps jersey for a day.
If the Timber Rattlers are victorious in the championship series, Mayor Henry will send a basket of DeBrand Fine Chocolates to the town of Grand Chute. In addition, Mayor Henry will wear a Timber Rattlers jersey for a day.
Coalition joins forces to enhance competitiveness & effectiveness
Fort Wayne, Ind . -- Leaders from the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) announced they will work together to explore ways to enhance economic development opportunities.
Today's announcement included comments by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry; Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters; Mike Christman, board chair, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce; Jill Perillo, board chair, Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and Charles Heiny, board chair, Downtown Improvement District.
Grants will help residents gain housing, jobs & education
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has announced that six local non-profit agencies will receive more than $220,000 in funding from the City's federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grants will be used to help low- to moderate-income residents secure housing, temporary shelter, employment and education.
"Our local non-profits play a critical role in the community," said Mayor Tom Henry. "They work with many of our citizens who face a crisis and are trying to stabilize their lives. These Public Service grants support that vital work, so that we can all live in a stronger and more compassionate community."
Changes Heighten Safety for Cyclists and Motorists
Fort Wayne , Ind. – In yet another move to make Fort Wayne more “bicycle friendly,” Mayor Tom Henry today announced proposed changes to the City Code that would improve safety for bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians.
“Our traffic regulations concerning bicycles were outdated and unclear,” Mayor Henry said. “These proposed changes will clarify the rules of the road so that Fort Wayne is safer for not only bicyclists, but also drivers and pedestrians.”
The City of Fort Wayne’s offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration and youth centers -- will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day all week with Monday’s collection on Tuesday, Tuesday’s collection on Wednesday and concluding with Friday’s route on Saturday.
The City’s parking meters will be free on Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Introduces Availability and Utilization Study
Fort Wayne, Ind. – In his continuing effort to make government easier to use, more open and more cost effective, Mayor Tom Henry today announced a study that will allow the City of Fort Wayne to take stock of its program for purchasing goods and services. The research is an important step toward improving the City's procurement process and making Fort Wayne more welcoming to all businesses.
"In these tough economic times, I am especially committed to employing best practices to get the best value and the best response possible with every contract. Of equal importance, I want the City to be an innovator in its outreach to small business," said Mayor Henry.
Opportunities Grow for Students, Professionals, Community, Region, Beyond
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Highlighting efforts to strengthen the region's educational opportunities and its economic vitality, Mayor Tom Henry and Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast Chancellor Jerrilee K. Mosier, Ed.D., today detailed plans for a synergistic partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and the college, and a new vision for the future of the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana (PSA).
The alliance will advance the core public-safety mission of the PSA, extend Ivy Tech's academic reach and create a new collegiate anchor on Fort Wayne's south side. It also signifies a new operational beginning for the state-of-the-art, public-safety facility. The edifice will be christened the Public Safety Academy: Ivy Tech South Campus.
"A Fort Wayne built for success means that we are constantly transforming our strengths into competitive assets," said Mayor Henry. "The Public Safety Academy is one of those strengths, and the new partnership with Ivy Tech–Northeast will help to realize its full asset potential while expanding our area's outstanding educational and economic opportunities."
Mayor Henry praises residents, businesses for reporting June 29th storm damage
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) today issued an SBA disaster declaration for Fort Wayne, Allen County and nearby counties because of the recent derecho and high winds that caused heavy damage to Fort Wayne homes and businesses. This means those who suffered damage may be eligible for low interest loans.
The loans may provide assistance to homeowners or renters for property damage, businesses that received damage or lost inventory, and businesses or agriculture facilities and non profits that lost revenue because they couldn't meet obligations. For more information on loans and guidelines click here to view 3 PDF's: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/4/2818/news/250461
Fort Wayne, IN -- The contractor hired by the City of Fort Wayne to make repairs to the flood control levee along Edgewater Avenue has completed the portion of the work that required river levels in the city to be lowered; this means water levels in the city’s rivers should begin to rise on Wednesday evening, August 1.
This afternoon, City Utilities closed a gate at the Hosey Dam on the Maumee River so that more water will be held behind the dam. Once the gate is closed, slowly rising levels will be seen on all three rivers, primarily in the downtown area. Rivers will rise by a few feet and will return to their normal summer pool level over the next two to three days.
Coca-Cola sponsors Tuesday, July 31st trail ride and bike raffle
Fort Wayne, Ind. – This week's Tuesday Trek the Trail ride offers residents scenic views, a guided tour and a chance to win a custom-made Coca-Cola bicycle. The Coca-Cola-sponsored ride and bike raffle was initially scheduled for earlier this month, but was postponed due to inclement weather.
Coca-Cola has stepped forward to sponsor the Trek the Trail ride from Foster Park to Tillman Park and back by providing refreshments and a chance to win a custom-made bicycle. Raffle tickets will be handed out at the start of the ride and a name will be drawn at the end of the ride. The winner will take home the 26-inch dual suspension Coca-Cola bicycle.
City crews continue clean up, make a second pass starting Aug. 1
Fort Wayne, Ind. – As a convenience to help residents who were not able to get their branches and tree debris to the curb for the city's initial pass through their neighborhood, City clean up crews will do a second pick up, starting tomorrow. Residents are asked to have all brush, tree limbs and branches on the curb by Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Immediately after the June 29th storm, Mayor Tom Henry instructed City crews to begin the curbside debris collection to better facilitate clean up. Curbside pickup is not part of regular residential garbage pick-up. Debris should be placed along the curbs, but not in the streets or in alleys.
Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot to sponsor this week's trail ride
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's series of free community bike rides will continue tomorrow at 6 p.m., with an 8-mile ride along the Rivergreenway. Participants will meet at Lawton Park, in the gravel parking lot on the south side of Fourth Street – near 250 E. Fourth St.
Tuesday's Trek the Trail ride is being sponsored by Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, www.fwoutfitters.com/.
Mayor, Developers Celebrate Topping Out of Harrison Square's Final Piece
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With a symbolic nod to good fortune and new growth, Mayor Tom Henry today joined forces with Simon Dragan, Mark Hagerman and Chris Schoen, the principals of New Harrison, LLC, to host topping-out festivities for The Harrison. The residential, retail and office building is the final piece of Harrison Square, Fort Wayne's signature downtown development.
The milestone event commemorated the completion of The Harrison's highest point of construction. Honoring tradition, project workers and the public were invited to take part in the community celebration by signing the structure's last section, specifically the roof of the east stair tower. In true topping-out fashion, the section was capped with a pine tree and the American flag. The roof segment was then elevated into place at the close of the ceremony.
Residents urged to take debris to Biosolids Facility, report storm damage
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne is closing the three temporary debris dumpsites, created in the aftermath of the June 29th severe storm. This Sunday, July 15, is the last day residents may leave debris at the dumpsites at the Swinney Park Pool, Conklin Pavilion at Shoaff Park and at the Tillman Dump.
After Sunday, debris may be dropped off at the City's Biosolids Facility, 6210 Lake Avenue, just west of Maplecrest Road. That facility is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Fort Wayne MSA Scores as a Top Location for Economic and Job Growth
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- The Fort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranks among the nation's 100 leading locations for economic and job growth, according to a recently released study by Area Development magazine. The analysis of 365 MSAs ranks the Fort Wayne MSA (Allen, Wells and Whitley counties) as the 51st top location.
"This is great news for our community," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "It shows that the coordinated efforts of government and economic development partners are keeping our region strong and making it an attractive place to start and grow a business. But we can't let up; we must continue to revitalize our downtown, improve our quality of life, focus on educational attainment for residents and make our region welcoming and attractive for business leaders."
July 14th trail ride will start/end on North River Road
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Due to storm damage on the New Haven portion of the Maumee Pathway, the start/finish location for Saturday's community trail ride has been changed. The 18-mile trail ride will begin at the North River Road Trailhead near 7300 North River Road (which is also known as the boat launch), just west of Kreager Park. The ride will go to Johnny Appleseed Park and then back to the North River Road Trailhead. Participants should make sure their bikes are in working order. They should also bring water and a snack for the halfway point.
Participating cyclists are asked to meet at the start of the 9 a.m. ride no later than 8:45 a.m. and are required to wear helmets.
The damaged caused by the June 29th storm will take us several months to clean-up and repair. The storm not only caused power to go out for more than 70,000 Fort Wayne residents, it destroyed cars and damaged many buildings and homes throughout the City.
After assessing the initial damage, I asked our County Commissioners to declare a State of Emergency for our area, as one of the first steps towards seeking federal assistance.
If you had storm damage to your property, please take the time to report that damage to the State of Indiana's Department of Homeland Security at www.in.gov/dhs/ . Click on the link "Report Damage from Severe Weather June 29, 2012", in the middle of the page. So far, more than 100 reports have been filed by local residents – and it's important for more residents to report their damage to the State.
Many trees and branches were scattered throughout our streets and neighborhoods and in an effort to give residents a faster way of disposing of the debris we've established tree and brush drop off sites:
• Parking Lot at Swinney Park Pool
• Parking Lot at the Conklin Pavilion at Shoaff Park
• Tillman Dump, which is west of the park entrance on Tillman Road
• City Biosolids Facility on Lake Avenue near Maplecrest Road
Additionally, over the next several weeks, City crews will pick-up debris that is placed at the curb – but not in the streets or in the alley. Curbside debris pick-up is not part of regular residential garbage pick-up. Crews from the Street and Parks departments, along with contracted tree companies, will pick up curbside debris.
A color-coded map is posted on the City's website, showing residents the status of debris collection in their area. Residents should consult this map to know when to place debris at the curb, www.cityoffortwayne.org .
Crews will be in your neighborhood to pick-up limbs and debris from curb
Crews from the Parks and Public Works Divisions, along with private tree companies will be working in neighborhoods to pick-up tree limbs and debris left by the storm. They will only pick-up any limbs and debris from the curb/right-of-way and cannot pick-up from a private yard. Brush will NOT be picked up in alleys with trash pick-up.
As another option: the City's Biosolids Facility has extended its hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. There will be no fees at the Biosolids Facility which is located at 6210 Lake Ave., just west of Maplecrest Road.
Trees and branches can be taken to three additional locations. They are:
Parking lot at Swinney Park Pool
Tillman Dump, which is west of the park entrance on Tillman Road
Parking lot at Shoaff Park, near Conklin Pavilion
Residents are reminded NOT to push debris into the street, which would hamper clean-up efforts. Instead, residents are welcome to move debris from their yard to the right-of-way for pick-up.
The Allen County Board of Commissioners today decided to keep in place the countywide emergency declaration and "burn ban," due to extreme drought conditions -- until further notice.
This includes unpermitted ignition of consumer fireworks.
The igniting of fireworks by those with proper state or municipal permits is not banned under the order. However, the Commissioners "strongly encouraged" communities to postpone any plans for public fireworks shows or displays until after the emergency declaration ends.
The state of emergency was originally issued by the Commissioners on June 15 and extended last Friday after consulting with officials from the cities of Fort Wayne and New Haven, members of the County Fire Chiefs Association and the County's Office of Homeland Security.
City Pools open Thursday and Friday
Fort Wayne, Ind. – To help residents stay cool -- Mayor Tom Henry announced today, that he is waiving the admission fee at Northside, McMillen and Memorial pools for Thursday and Friday, June 28 and 29. Citizens will only be allowed into the pools until they reach capacity, whether or not they plan to swim. Approximately 400 people will be allowed into Northside and McMillen pools at one time; Memorial Pool will only hold 200.
Pool hours will be:
Garbage pick-up pushed back one day
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration and youth centers -- will be closed Wednesday, July 4th in observance of the holiday.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day, starting Wednesday. This means Wednesday's collection will be picked up on Thursday, Thursday's collection will be picked up Friday and Friday's route will be picked up Saturday.
The City's parking meters will be free on Wednesday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Thursday, July 5th.
MULTI-AWARD WINNING PROGRAM TOPS IN THE NATION
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Heralded as a model in recycling, the City of Fort Wayne's Solid Waste Department system is receiving the "Gold" award for excellence, tops in North America, from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).
"We are thrilled that our program is receiving national recognition and has become a model for other communities," Mayor Tom Henry said. "We've believed all along that recycling not only makes good sense from an environmental perspective, it also makes good economic sense. Our challenge was to come up with a cost-efficient way to do it. Our residents have embraced One Cart Recycling and have made this program a huge success. We share this award with the community."
Larry Campbell named 2012 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year
City Fleet Garners More Recognition
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Larry Campbell, the City of Fort Wayne's director of fleet management, has been named the 2012 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year by Government Fleet magazine. The prestigious award recognizes the excellence in public sector fleet management.
"Larry has done an outstanding job of employing innovative techniques to make our fleet more efficient. His efforts have protected the environment and saved the City money," Mayor Tom Henry said. "Larry's unique vision and commitment to excellence serves our City and its residents well."
Applications Available Now for Award-Winning Council
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne high school students are invited to join Mayor Tom Henry's award-winning Youth Engagement Council. The deadline to apply has been extended to June 29, to accommodate busy end-of-the-school-year and summer schedules.
Applications are available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec , and may be faxed to (260) 427-1115 or mailed to Mayor's Office, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Temporary Water Connection Begins Tonight
Fort Wayne, IN – Reaffirming his commitment that all Fort Wayne residents have access to a reliable supply of water for drinking and public safety protection, Mayor Tom Henry announced that beginning tonight, Fort Wayne City Utilities will be providing water to Aqua Indiana. This agreement will remain in place for as long as Aqua southwest customers need assistance.
Program Offers a Way for Neighborhood Associations to Earn Income
Fort Wayne, IN – Associations in neighborhoods that receive water from City Utilities can earn money this summer by painting fire hydrants in their areas. City Utilities will provide the paint and the necessary tools and brushes, and will pay neighborhood associations $5.00 for each hydrant painted.
Drought conditions continue ban in Fort Wayne, Allen County
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Allen County Commissioners voted today, June 22nd, to extend the "burn ban" for the entire county. This includes the City of Fort Wayne. The countywide ban will remain in effect for up to seven more days. This does not affect permitted firework displays.
What does a burn ban mean?
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Because of the overwhelming success of the Anthony Wayne Building's remodel, the developer no longer needs financial support from the City of Fort Wayne.
"The City pledged $1 million of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to help jumpstart the development," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "That jumpstart worked; in fact, it worked so well, that the initial investment is no longer needed. That proves our case that the market for this type of downtown housing is there. The downtown dream is coming to life -- bringing new jobs, new residents, new businesses and new economic growth into the center of our city."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – More than 2,000 people joined Mayor Tom Henry and Dr. Derek King, Sr. in celebrating the completion of a memorial bridge named in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, June 4th.
"We know that this majestic bridge is so much more than a span across a river," Mayor Henry said. "It is a symbol that draws our community together – re-energizing our spirit. It is a statement of unity – reaffirming our commitment to making Fort Wayne a more vibrant and welcoming community," said Mayor Henry.
To view and share your photos visit: www.cityoffortwayne.org/MLKBridge .
Fire Chief Amy Biggs Ready for New Tasks
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Amy Biggs will be Fort Wayne's next Fire Chief. A 17-year veteran of the Fire Department, Biggs currently serves as Assistant Chief, a position she was promoted to in 2008.
"Chief Biggs is highly qualified and brings strong leadership skills to the department," said Mayor Tom Henry. "She has done a great job as Assistant Chief of Human Relations and has not only used her organizational and personal skills well in the department, but in the many community activities she's involved in. Amy has a tremendous level of professionalism and I have no doubt she will serve our community well."
As head of the second largest fire department in Indiana, Biggs will oversee fire protection for the 110 square miles of the City of Fort Wayne and manage a department of more than 380 firefighters, posted at 18 fire stations. The Fort Wayne Fire Department supports neighboring communities as well, with its special operations team, which includes hazardous materials, water rescue recovery and special operations rescue teams.
Plan Challenges Businesses, Community to Partner in Beautifying Entry Points
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Focusing on the crucial importance of first impressions to a community's economic success, Mayor Tom Henry today rolled out the City of Fort Wayne's new 10-year strategy to transform Fort Wayne's primary entry points. Front Door Fort Wayne: A Plan to Enhance Our City's Gateways is a comprehensive approach for improving the appearance and function of the entrances and major corridors into the city and downtown.
Mayor Henry also issued a Front Door Fort Wayne Challenge to the business community and other local funders to partner with the City in realizing elements of the plan. The inclusive nature of the proposal presents numerous opportunities for public-private collaborations.
"A community built for success understands the power of the first impression," observed Mayor Henry. "By investing in our gateways, we make our city more welcoming and attractive to businesses, visitors and residents, alike. The pride we show in our front doors tells the world we're ready to compete. Front Door Fort Wayne gives us a blueprint for putting our best foot forward. I challenge area businesses and other community funders to join me in bringing these gateways to life."
Youth Engagement Council provides teens hands-on civic engagement
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry is inviting city high school students to get involved in their community and learn more about city government by applying to join the Mayor's Youth Engagement Council. The deadline to apply is June 22.
Applications are available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec, and may be faxed to (260) 427-1115 or mailed to Mayor's Office, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
The council is a group of up to 25 students who work to develop and implement service-learning initiatives. Since the council was started in 2010, the group has looked for ways to engage their peers, volunteered at community events and learned about local non-profit organizations and businesses. They have also hosted "Fort Wayne's Almost Famous," an annual event that showcases youth talent.
County Contact: Mike Green, 449-7671 City Contact: Frank Suarez, 427-6957
Report to review ways to encourage business growth and development
(June 8, 2012) — Public input on areas in which the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County could improve local codes and procedures to further encourage business investment and growth will be discussed at a pair of meetings in June.
The Legislative Streamlining project is part of the Joint Permitting Oversight Committee’s continuing effort to improve, clarify, simplify and streamline the permitting process. The committee’s consultant, Clarion Associates, will present its report on barriers to development along with recommended changes aimed at helping make Fort Wayne and Allen County the best place to start or grow a business.
Lighting ceremony, unity walk, inspiring words to highlight community event
Fort Wayne, Ind. – A large crowd is expected to join Mayor Tom Henry and Dr. Derek King, Sr. in celebrating the completion of a memorial bridge named in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The event, which kicks off at 9:15 p.m., will include remarks from Mayor Henry and from Dr. King's nephew, Dr. Derek King, Sr. The "Voices of Unity" choir will perform during a Unity Walk across the bridge and the lighting ceremony.
"We know that this majestic bridge is so much more than a span across a river," Mayor Henry said. "It is a symbol that draws our community together – re-energizing our spirit.
It is a statement of unity – reaffirming our commitment to making Fort Wayne a more vibrant and welcoming community – a place of pride and opportunity for all."
Derek King Sr. -- a professor of religious studies at Martin University and the son of Dr. King's only brother -- echoed those sentiments and called Fort Wayne's tribute to Dr. King extraordinary.
Dr. Derek King, Sr., Voices of Unity, Unity Walk Highlight Event
Fort Wayne, Ind. – On Monday, nearly 49 years to the day in 1963 that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed a standing-room only crowd in Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry will host the First Lighting Ceremony and Unity Walk across the new bridge named in his honor.
During the media tour and briefing on the bridge's unique features, Mayor Henry announced that Dr. King's nephew, Dr. Derek King, Sr., will join in the historic dedication. He also reissued the invitation to the entire community to participate in this commemorative event. The inaugural festivities will begin at 9 p.m. on June 4. Those attending are asked to gather initially near the Headwaters Park pavilion.
"Concrete, steel, lights – a bridge. But the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge is so much more than a bridge to span a river," said Mayor Henry. "It is a symbol that is drawing our community together once again and re-energizing our spirit," said Mayor Henry. "It is a statement of unity that reaffirms our ongoing commitment to making Fort Wayne a more vibrant and welcoming community – a place of pride and opportunity for all."
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With 2012 yielding four straight months of upbeat news, Mayor Tom Henry today cheered recently released jobs numbers from the State of Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The data demonstrate the area's steady economic progress and improving employment picture.
According to April 2012 Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) information (not seasonally adjusted), the Fort Wayne area's unemployment rate is 7.3 percent. This outdistances Indiana's 7.7 percent comparable rate and beats the nation's 8.7 percent rate by nearly a point and a half.
The positive advancement in the unemployment figures is evidenced in the monthly totals, as follows: January, 9 percent; February, 8.4 percent; March, 8.2 percent; and April, 7.3 percent. For Fort Wayne alone, the April rate is the lowest since the end of 2008.
June 4th Event Designed to Bring Community Together
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne will host a First Lighting Ceremony and Unity Walk to celebrate the completion of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge. The event will take place at 9 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012, at the bridge on North Clinton Street between Fourth Street and Headwaters Park.
Inaugural festivities and a commemorative walk across the bridge will be highlights of the evening. The entire community is welcome, and participants should gather near the Headwaters Park pavilion.
"The City of Fort Wayne is proud to celebrate the completion of this memorial bridge, named in honor of Dr. King, a great American scholar, community leader, minister and social justice advocate," said Mayor Henry. "An enduring tribute, the bridge is also an inspiring gateway into the heart of our community, drawing us together and welcoming visitors with a magnificent view of a vibrant Fort Wayne built for success."
The structure's signature design includes 34 plaques featuring sculptural etchings and quotes from Dr. King, broad walkways with seating midway across the bridge, stairs that connect to the Rivergreenway below, and a soaring 50-foot arch, dramatically lit to splash the sky with color.
A media preview tour of the bridge will take place Friday, June 1. More details about the media tour will be released in the near future.
Garbage pick-up pushed back one day
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration, community center and youth centers -- will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The Botanical Conservatory will also be closed.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day all week with Monday's collection on Tuesday, Tuesday's collection on Wednesday and concluding with Friday's route on Saturday.
The City's parking meters will be free on Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 29.
On Friday night, May 18, Fort Wayne City Utilities will close a gate on the Hosey Dam on the Maumee River, allowing the City's rivers to rise to their summer pool level. Levels on all three rivers will rise slowly after the gate is closed, making the rivers more conducive to boating.
Typically river levels are raised on April 15, but this year a major improvement project at the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant required that river levels remain lowered for several additional weeks.
Also this weekend, City Utilities will prepare for the annual task of installing flashboards at the St. Joseph River Dam near Coliseum Boulevard. The flashboards raise the level of the dam causing water in the St. Joe River north of the dam to rise. The adjustment means an increase the quantity of river water available to produce water for drinking and other purposes during the summer months
Beginning at midnight Saturday, May 19, the river level on the St. Joe River north of the dam will be lowered. The lowering is necessary to allow the spillway to dry up so crews can safely install the flashboards at the dam. The flashboards will be installed on Monday, May 21.
Once the flashboards at the St. Joe Dam are installed the river level north of the dam will rise by about 30 inches. This is expected to occur by Thursday, May 24.
Rainy weather and high river levels could delay the installation.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will host his second Mayor's Night In for 2012, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 21 at Citizens Square.
Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry, in his office on the 4th floor, to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government or services.
City residents may schedule their 10-minute block of time with Mayor Henry by calling 427-1111 before 10am on Friday, May 18th. Times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents who met with the Mayor during a previous Mayor's Night In or Mayor's Night Out event will be placed on a waiting list to give other citizens the opportunity to have their concerns heard.
"Mayor's Night In provides the citizens of Fort Wayne an excellent opportunity to meet with me and my staff, and to share their issues, concerns and ideas for improvement," Mayor Henry said. "Open dialogue with the citizens I serve is extremely important. Our combined vision of Fort Wayne is what continues to make our city a great place to live and work."
Bike Friendliness Puts Fort Wayne in National Spotlight
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry revealed today that Fort Wayne has won a Bronze Award from the League of American Bicyclists for its forward-looking vision and accomplishments in making the community more bicycle friendly. The accolade enables the City to work with League experts as they perform self-assessments, draft action plans and gain access to other expert assistance.
"We're excited that the League of American Bicyclists has honored our work to make Fort Wayne more bicycle friendly," said Mayor Henry. "By tripling the size of our trail network in just six years and increasing active-transportation opportunities, we are strengthening the fabric of our community, making it easier to get around, reducing our dependence on cars and helping residents stay fit for life."
City puts focus on economic and educational exchanges with 4th Sister City
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Creating a unique economic and cultural bond, Mayor Tom Henry today officially finalized an agreement establishing a Sister City relationship between Fort Wayne and Taizhou, China. Mayor Henry was joined at the signing by Xue Shaoxian, Chairman of the Taizhou Municipal People's Congress; Tom Herr, President of Fort Wayne Sister Cities International (FWSCI) and a delegation from Taizhou.
The ceremony makes Taizhou Fort Wayne's fourth Sister City. The Summit City also enjoys similar affiliations with Takaoka, Japan; Plock, Poland; and Gera, Germany. While those longstanding relationships have emphasized cultural and educational exchanges, the partnership with Taizhou marks the first time that economic development is a primary focus.
"Our Sister City relationships are treasures that enrich Fort Wayne immeasurably. Each brings countless cultural, educational and civic opportunities," said Mayor Tom Henry. "As we celebrate our new bond with Taizhou, we highlight the important role of economic development in the Sister City connection. Taizhou offers the real potential for job creation, business growth and innovative exchanges beneficial to both communities. This is, indeed, an exciting addition to our Sister City program."
Streets, Trees Top List of City Needs to Benefit from Recaptured State Dollars
(project list attached at bottom)
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Underscoring his commitment to healthy neighborhoods and an economically vibrant Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry today unveiled key elements of his Restoration Funding Program. The $5 million neighborhood enhancement dollars are part of the $8.5 million in taxes returned to the City by the State of Indiana following its recent fiscal errors.
These vital resources will be directed into two primary areas: 1) $3.5 million in transportation and related-infrastructure improvements; and 2) $1.5 million for the ash tree mitigation effort.
"Thanks to careful stewardship and conservative management, Fort Wayne has been able to deliver excellent services throughout difficult economic times. Nevertheless, the State's financial mistakes put further stress on local governments," observed Mayor Henry. "The Restoration Funding Program takes the funds withheld in error by the State, now rightfully returned, and puts them to work where they're needed most, right in our neighborhoods."
City Kicks off 3rd Series of Trek the Trail Rides
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry is announcing the kick-off of the third season of Trek the Trails – a popular series of free community bike rides along 68 miles of trail network. Trek the Trails, which runs from May through September, features a series of 22 Tuesday evening rides, four Saturday rides and a stargazing bike ride in October.
"Our trails have become the crown jewel of our local active transportation network," Mayor Tom Henry said. "These rides give our residents an excellent opportunity to see Fort Wayne in a way they haven't seen it before. It also provides a unique opportunity to meet other trail users, take part in a fun activity with friends and family and stay fit."
Fort Wayne has an award-winning trail system that has grown from 20 to 68 miles in six years and has been popular with walkers, runners and cyclists throughout the city.
Qualifications-Based Selection Processes Incorporated into New Ordinance
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne City Councilmember at-Large John Crawford today announced the advancement of joint efforts to ensure that expectations for best value and responsiveness are met by the City of Fort Wayne in its procurement of professional services.
A cooperatively developed ordinance that blends the ability to evaluate the qualifications of potential professional services' providers along with the competitiveness of their pricing will be introduced to Fort Wayne City Council during its meeting this evening.
As detailed, the ordinance will be used in the selection of all professional services including accounting, architectural, engineering, legal, surveying and other consulting services.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With primary election season well underway, city officials are urging residents and business owners to be mindful of the city ordinance regulating the posting of political campaign signs.
The City of Fort Wayne has an ordinance that prohibits the placement of yard signs within the public right-of-way.
Campaign signs should not be posted within the grass strip between the street curb and the public sidewalk, as this area is within the public right-of-way.
If the location does not have a sidewalk, generally, the sign must be 11 feet from the edge of the road.
In addition to the right-of-way, signs should not be placed on public property, such as parks, utility poles, traffic signs, shelters, trees, garbage cans or benches.
Those with questions about a right-of-way location or to report a sign that has been improperly placed, should call 311 or 427-1172.
Low-interest rate loans help residents make needed repairs to homes
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry invites city homeowners to apply for funding to make needed repairs on their homes, as part of the City's 2012 Homeowner Repair Program. It provides up to $5,000 in assistance in the form of low-interest loans to help homeowners repair or replace roofs, windows, electrical and mechanical systems and make other needed repairs.
"Our program is designed to do much more than fix a problem with a house," Mayor Henry said. "One of our goals is to improve access to credit for the participants, so they have more opportunity in the future to connect with resources to help maintain their homes."
Funds will be used to remove lead, create healthier homes
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With help from a nearly $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of Fort Wayne is working with local partner agencies to create healthier homes by improving the city's rental housing stock. The grant was awarded as part of HUD's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, which aims to increase and preserve the amount of safe, decent and affordable rental housing, nationwide.
"Since before I was elected mayor, I've always had a commitment to strengthening neighborhoods – which are the heart of our community," Mayor Tom Henry said. "This program enables us to improve and expand our housing stock, to make sure that our city has safe, affordable and healthy homes for all of our residents."
City of Fort Wayne – Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control announced that it is one of five animal welfare and law enforcement agencies in the country chosen to receive a grant of $8,000 from a national animal welfare organization, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®). The grant to Fort Wayne will fund supplemental equipment to the shelter's enforcement division for animal cruelty crime scene investigations.
According to Animal Care & Control Deputy Director Amy Jo Sites, "The generosity of this national organization headquartered in New York allows us to enhance our investigative skills and to further achieve our mission for prevention of animal neglect and cruelty."
Thanks Groundhog Open Sponsors and Participants
Fort Wayne, IN – Representatives from the business community and the Downtown Improvement District joined Mayor Tom Henry today in recognition of the delivery and installation of twenty new flower planters on Harrison, Wayne, Berry, and Calhoun Streets downtown. The new plantings were made possible by the participation of sponsors of the first annual "Groundhog Open" indoor golf tournament which took place on February 2, 2012.
Mayor Henry thanked the title sponsors for the Groundhog Open, St. Joseph Hospital and Fort Wayne Newspapers. "It's great to see such community support for downtown beautification. The private support makes it possible for a popular program focused on beautification of our downtown, not only to continue from year to year, but to expand throughout the downtown area."
Event spruces up neighborhoods, instills pride and keeps city beautiful
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne has extended the deadline for groups to register for the Great American Cleanup. Registration for the annual citywide spring cleanup is now Saturday, April 21.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to take part in the local and nationwide event, which focuses on cleaning up litter and debris from Fort Wayne's neighborhoods, parks, roadways, trails and riverbanks. Last year, more than 4,600 residents joined with families, friends, co-workers, school groups, youth groups, neighborhood associations, non-profit groups and faith-based organizations to collect over 185,000 pounds of litter and debris.
Mayor's Youth Engagement Council Brings Talent Downtown
Free Event Showcases Teen Talent
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry's Youth Engagement Council will kick off its 2nd annual "Fort Wayne's Almost Famous" event on Saturday, April 28 on the 800 block of Calhoun Street between Wayne and Berry streets.
The event, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m., was created by the Council to give local teens a chance to interact and enjoy downtown Fort Wayne. This year's event joins the Downtown Improvement District's Last Saturdays Series.
The free evening of entertainment will include a display of local talented teens, live bands, dance groups, acoustic musicians and singers and other inspired performers. It will also include a performance by Certiflyyed and HipHop4theCity, a local hip-hop group that has been featured in a music video, "My City" in which they express pride in their hometown.
Citizens Invited to "Chat" with the Mayor "Live"
Fort Wayne, Ind. – This Thursday, anyone with internet access will be able to view or participate in an online conversation with the Mayor. In his continued commitment to make local government more welcoming, responsive and accessible to all residents, Mayor Tom Henry will host his first "live" online chat session this Thursday March 29th from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Initiative has generated over $2.25 million in private investment
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry announced today the awarding of nine commercial façade grants totaling $218,000 to enhance the exteriors of local businesses. The grants are being awarded thanks to a program created by Mayor Henry in 2008, as part of his ongoing commitment to help local businesses grow.
This is the fourth year the city has awarded façade grants.
"This program is making a difference by improving our store fronts, restoring pride in our neighborhoods and encouraging job growth," Mayor Henry said, at a news conference at the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne on Fairfield Avenue, a 2012 façade grant recipient. "This is a public-private partnership that works – and works well."
3-1-1 RANKS IN TOP 100 AMONG SMALL CALL CENTERS
City of Fort Wayne service center a leader in U.S. and Canada
Fort Wayne, Ind. – From more than 200 applicants the City of Fort Wayne's, 3-1-1 Call Center is being honored as one of the Top 100 Small Call Centers in the United States and Canada. The small call center category includes centers staffed by less than 100 employees. Known as Fort Wayne's One Call to City Hall, 311 has six full time call takers, two temporary employees, and is lead by Manager Julie Sanchez.
Initiative designed to promote local high tech jobs, education and opportunities
Fort Wayne, Ind. – At least 300 students will take part in Northeast Indiana’s 2nd Annual TechFest on Saturday, March 10 at the Lantern Reception Hall, 4420 Ardmore Ave.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features tournament-style video gaming, a robotics competition, exhibitors, guest speakers and opportunities for students to network with business leaders, company representatives and universities.
US 27/Clinton Street Road Closure Scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, at 6 p.m.
Elizabeth Street temporary closure scheduled for Monday, March 12
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Fort Wayne District and the City of Fort Wayne announce the road closure schedule for US 27/Clinton Street re-alignment and replacement of the bridge over Spy Run Creek.
Prior to the US 27/Clinton Street closure, Elizabeth Street is scheduled for a three-day closure that is expected to begin on Monday, March 12, at 7 a.m. for replacement of storm water inlets and pipe work. Elizabeth Street will remain open from the east end, and those who live on Elizabeth Street will enter via Spy Run Avenue. Elizabeth Street should re-open by mid-day on Wednesday, March 14, and become part of the local detour.
Following the re-opening of Elizabeth Street, Clinton Street will be closed, from State Boulevard to Elizabeth Street, on March 14 at 6 p.m. Although the road will re-open to traffic in late August, the project will not be completed until late October. These closures are weather permitting.
The official traffic detour is along Coliseum Boulevard/SR 930 to Washington Boulevard to US 27.
Traffic will also be re-routed into downtown, which is still open for business.
Becker brings Community Knowledge and Economic Expertise
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry is pleased to announce that Mark Becker has accepted the position of Deputy Mayor for the City of Fort Wayne.
“Mark has a wealth of knowledge in economic and community development. His ability to bring stakeholders together to reach a consensus is remarkable. I’m glad to have him back in the City administration,” said Mayor Henry.
Strong Financial Base Key to City’s Future, Leaders Prep to Meet New Challenges
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Ensuring Fort Wayne’s financial base remains strong into the future, Mayor Tom Henry today announced the formation of the Mayor’s Fiscal Policy Working Group to examine the current fiscal landscape and provide policy guidance to City of Fort Wayne decision makers moving forward.
New Director Begins This Week
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Steven Gillette has been hired to fill the City of Fort Wayne’s Director of Purchasing Services position. Appointed by Mayor Tom Henry, Gillette will be working under the direction of City Controller Pat Roller and will oversee a staff of seven in the Purchasing and Contract Compliance departments.
Mayor Henry continues commitment to neighborhood revitalization
(Photo attached: Mayor Henry with Charlotte Weybright, Ric Zehr)
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined developer Ric Zehr of Belay Corp and representatives of the West Central Neighborhood Association to celebrate the renovation of the first of four homes in the historic West Central neighborhood, on a primary corridor from downtown.
Mayor, Commissioners Join Chamber for TechFest 2012
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Northeast Indiana’s TechFest continues to grow and that’s an encouraging sign for businesses in the area. In only its second year, student participation is expected to grow to nearly 300 contestants at this year’s Techfest on Saturday March 10, 2012 at the Lantern Reception Hall, 4420 Ardmore Avenue.
FEBRUARY 15, 2012 - MAYOR TOM HENRY
THANK YOU JEFF FOR THAT KIND INTRODUCTION.
ELECTED OFFICIALS, HONORED GUESTS, CITIZENS OF FORT WAYNE, WELCOME.
WHILE WE MUST WORK TO MAKE TODAY THE BEST IT CAN BE, OUR EYES SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON THE HORIZON. WE MUST LOOK TO THE FUTURE.
WE SHOULD BE DETERMINED TO MAKE A BETTER WORLD FOR OURSELVES, OUR CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, AND ALL OF THOSE WHO COME AFTER US.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will host his first Mayor’s Night In for 2012, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20th at Citizens Square.
Community Invited to Saturday, Feb. 11 - Open House
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The next piece in revitalizing the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood is in place and ready to welcome new residents. Biggs TC Development, developer of the initiative, will host an Open House on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2301 John St.
Comunity residents or anyone curious about the new homes are invited to attend the Open House to take a walk-through of the first of the project’s 66 units. The 3-and 4-bedroom homes with front porches and attached garages are in various states of construction throughout the neighborhood.
Encourages teams to develop action plans by late spring
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry this week announced appointments to the three Legacy Fort Wayne Champion Teams. The eight-member groups have been charged with an in-depth analysis of the recommendations made by the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force, in the ongoing effort to determine the future of the community’s more than $75 million legacy.
The Legacy process concentrated the extensive input from the public and the evaluative work of the task force into three major focus areas: economic vitality, downtown and riverfront development, and youth and youth/prep sports. The Champion Team members were selected to reflect civic leadership and the subject-matter expertise required for this investigative phase.
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Rain gardens around the City of Fort Wayne will soon be easier to spot thanks to a grant of $18,750 from Wells Fargo.
As part of a commitment to improve river water quality, Fort Wayne is helping to install 20 demonstration rain gardens at public locations around the community. The grant from Wells Fargo will pay for interpretive signs placed at the rain garden locations. The signs will help inform residents about the impacts of urban storm water and how the quality storm water runoff can be improved by rain gardens before it gets into streams and rivers.
Event Spotlights Project Milestones, Launch of Residential Marketing Campaign
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Together with the members of the New Harrison, LLC, development team, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today celebrated the official kickoff for The Harrison, the residential and commercial component of Harrison Square and the final piece of the signature downtown complex.
Overlooking the already busy worksite from the suite-level lounge at Parkview Field, project principals Simon Dragan, Mark Hagerman and Chris Schoen joined Mayor Henry in a symbolic cake-breaking ceremony. The event commemorated the formal start of construction and the completion of financing for The Harrison. It also signaled the launch of a new marketing campaign for the development’s 44 upscale apartments.
Challenges more residents to get involved
Graphs from news conference attached at bottom of release.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Year-end numbers show that the City of Fort Wayne's One Cart recycling program has been a huge success!
With city households participating at an average rate of 70 percent, the City has been able to save nearly $150,000 in fees by reducing the amount of garbage taken to the landfill. At the same time, a shared revenue agreement enabled the city to receive more than $425,000 for its recyclables in 2011.
Mayor Heartened by Completion of New Markets Tax Credits, Ongoing Site Work
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today confirmed that the New Markets Tax Credit component of the financing package for The Harrison has been secured and deployed. With this news, the last section of Harrison Square hits another important milestone along its development path.
These federal tax credits represent an essential portion of the funding for the estimated $18.5 million project that will bring new housing, office and commercial options into downtown Fort Wayne. This element was coordinated by the City of Fort Wayne through its Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, working in concert with the principals of New Harrison, LLC, and PNC Bank.
Community Forum to be Held at Parkview Field
Fort Wayne, Ind. - The City of Fort Wayne’s Redevelopment Department will host a community forum to discuss new brownfield grant funding and solicit ideas for potential sites to be developed. The forum is slated for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Parkview Field’s Lincoln Financial Event Center.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration and youth centers -- will be closed Monday, Jan. 16th in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Garbage and recycling collection schedules will remain unchanged.
The City’s parking meters will be free Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
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[UPDATE] 1/1/12 - Two lanes on bridge are now open.
One of the three lanes on Clinton will be closed for the next 10 to 12 weeks to allow contractors to complete the bridge's lighting. The bridge project is expected to be complete this spring.
_____________________________
Detour planned for US 27/Clinton Street Beginning Monday, January 16
Closed for two weeks, weather permitting
Downtown Still Open for Business
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Construction of the new gateway Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge enters a new phase next week as crews begin placing the signature overhead steel arches. To accommodate the construction, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the City of Fort Wayne will close off US 27/Clinton Street at the bridge beginning Monday, January 16. The closure is scheduled for two weeks, weather permitting.
Local residents urged to apply for vast array of job opportunities
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne is working in partnership with several area non-profit employment development partners and Employment Plus, an Indiana-based minority-owned job placement agency, to host a job fair this Wednesday, Jan. 11. The event will be held at the Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City residents are invited to attend in order to learn about job opportunities in both construction-related fields and non-construction arenas, as developers continue work on housing initiatives in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood and in various areas throughout Fort Wayne.
National observance remembers victims of gun violence
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne is joining with the Fort Wayne/Allen County NAACP and Unity Barbershop to participate in a national observance to remember the victims of gun violence. The event is this Sunday, January 8th at 5 p.m., outside Unity Barber Shop, 921 E. Pontiac St. The public is encouraged to go online to RSVP for the vigil, at http://www.bradycampaign.org/toomanyvictims , so that organizers will have an accurate count, when ordering candles.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration and youth and community centers -- will be closed Monday, January 2nd for the New Year’s Day holiday. The Botanical Conservatory will be open New Year's Eve from 10am - 5 pm, but closed New Year’s Day and Monday.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling pick-up on Monday, January 2nd. The collection schedule is pushed back one day, with Monday’s collection on Tuesday and Tuesday’s collection on Wednesday. Friday collections will be done on Saturday.
The City’s parking meters will be free on Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 3. ###
“AFTER THE BELL” FEATURES MAYOR HENRY
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will appear on the Fox Business Network’s “After the Bell” program at 4:50 p.m. today. The program can be seen on Frontier Fios Channel 617 HD or 117 regular and on Comcast 1117 for HD or 106 regular.
After the Bell is a program that runs 4 to 5 p.m. EST on the Fox Business Network, beginning just as the stock market closes for the day. The program – hosted by David Asman and Liz Claman -- delves into business issues and gives viewers “a complete economic overview and full financial wrap up.”
Deputy Mayor Advanced City’s Streamlining, Innovation, Effectiveness Goals
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today announced the resignation of Deputy Mayor Beth Malloy. Malloy has accepted a position with the State of Illinois Department of Revenue.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration and youth and community centers -- will be closed Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th for Christmas.
The Botanical Conservatory will be open Friday, but will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
There will be no residential garbage and recycling pick-up on Monday, December 26th. The collection schedule is pushed back one day, with Monday’s collection on Tuesday and Tuesday’s collection on Wednesday. Friday collections will be on Saturday.
The City’s parking meters will be free Friday and Monday.
The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
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Program provides free rides during holiday season
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today joined with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free rides home to Fort Wayne residents during the holiday season. The safe ride program aims to prevent the tragedies that can and do occur when motorists drive drunk or impaired. Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 48 minutes.
Community Conversation Shaped Outcomes, Next Steps Detailed to Carry Ideas Forward
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and members of the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today marked the conclusion of the communitywide initiative to guide decision making about the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds with the formal presentation of the group’s final recommendations.
As part of the celebratory event, the Mayor shared highlights of the report and outlined his plan to carry those concepts forward. He also expressed his appreciation to the 15-member advisory committee for its year of dedicated service.
Area schools, Fort Wayne Sister Cities International and City of Fort Wayne foster educational opportunities with Chinese Province
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- A group of education leaders from Taizhou, China will be visiting schools in the Fort Wayne area this week to explore Sister School relationships. The visit, from Dec. 7 through Dec. 9, was coordinated as part of the “1000 Sister Schools Initiative” program, which is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Education of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, P.R. China.
Mayor Henry asks stakeholders to serve on advisory committee for additional public input
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry invites local trail users and the general public to complete a survey about their experiences on Fort Wayne’s multi-use trails as the City of Fort Wayne kicks off the process of creating the Trails Fort Wayne Plan. The new plan will guide future trail development and maintenance.
Fort Wayne, Ind.– With their schedule having been delayed by rain and snow events, city collection crews will continue picking up leaves in the central city on Monday, Dec. 5. Crews will then move to the South Side, to make a second pass through that area. Remember, leaves should be raked to the park strip area. Please refrain from placing leaves in ditch lines or between parked cars. This will slow down the pick up process for the crews. For daily updates of crew locations, please check www.cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The site has the latest information about where crews will be on a particular day. Residents can also call the leaf hotline at 427-2302. To schedule a pick-up with biodegradable bags, residents can call 3-1-1. ###
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne will hold an informational meeting to update residents on the Anthony Boulevard Rail Crossing Study on Wednesday, November 30. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at Indiana Tech’s Andorfer Commons Theater, 1600 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Downtown Improvement District recognized the City of Fort Wayne for its installation of two new signs into downtown Fort Wayne and for its creation of the Foellinger-Freimann Conservatory Patio and Courtyard.
FLEET MANAGER NAMED "ALL STAR"
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne fleet has been named as the No. 12 Government Green Fleet in North America by Government Fleet magazine.
The City fleet -- which consists of about 1,800 police, fire and city utility vehicles – was recognized for its ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, work with manufacturers to develop hybrid vehicles and employ other initiatives to make its fleet more energy efficient.
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Regina Kostoff has been hired to fill the Executive Director’s position at the Fort Wayne Urban Enterprise Association (UEA).
A long-time City of Fort Wayne employee, Kostoff brings valuable experience to her new position. Most recently, she served as Utility Services Manager for the Board of Public Works. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from IPFW and a master’s degree in speech communication from Ball State University.
City meetings now accessible to all city residents via Internet
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne will begin providing real-time online coverage of regularly scheduled City meetings, beginning with today’s City Council meeting.
The meeting can be accessed via the streaming web site, http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/city-council-meetings.html .
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration and youth centers -- will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 in observance of Veterans Day. The Botanical Conservatory and the Community Center will be open regular hours.
The trash and recycling collection schedule will follow its regular schedule.
The City's parking meters will be free on Friday, in honor of the federal observance.
The City will resume regular business hours on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.
"Great Place to Start, Grow a Business" Message Gets Big Thumbs Up
“Getting The Fiscal Times #1 rating validates what we’ve known all along: Fort Wayne is the best place in America to start and grow a business. As Mayor, I am doing everything in my power, together with all of our economic development partners, to make Fort Wayne the most attractive and competitive destination for good jobs, new investment and business growth. We’ve streamlined permitting; we’ve energized our downtown; we’re constantly improving our infrastructure; and we have a talented workforce that is ready to go. The welcome mat is out in Fort Wayne, Indiana.” – Mayor Tom Henry
Crews Move to South Fort Wayne on Friday
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Leaf collection crews will move into south Fort Wayne beginning Friday November 4, 2011. The crews finished a day ahead of schedule in the central part of the City and the move will allow them to stay on schedule. Although leaf crews will be working in the south part of the City tomorrow, they will be making a complete sweep through all south side neighborhoods during the week of November 7. Working in south Fort Wayne on Friday will allow the crews to get a head start on next week by picking up leaves that residents have already raked.
Remember, leaves should be raked to the park strip area – not into the street. Please refrain from placing leaves in ditch lines or between parked cars. This will slow down the pick up process for the crews. For daily updates of crew locations, please check cityfortwayne.org/leaves. The site has the latest information about where crews will be on a particular day. Residents may also call the leaf hotline at 427-2302. To schedule a pick-up with biodegradable bags, residents can call 3-1-1.
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Mayor Henry Leads Charge to Secure Federal Reemployment Services
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today shared the good news that local Navistar employees have been certified to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The October 20 decision gives Navistar workers eligibility for a substantial array of reemployment benefits and services.
City, Local Banks, Credit Unions, Community Groups Join Forces to Strengthen Fort Wayne’s Economic Base, Create Opportunity for Residents
Fort Wayne, Ind. – In partnership with local banks, credit unions and community organizations, Mayor Tom Henry today announced the kick off of Bank On Fort Wayne. The new program will create opportunity for challenged, hardworking Fort Wayne residents by allowing them to open free or no-cost accounts at local financial institutions. Participants will also receive training to enhance their long-term economic independence.
Two Pick-ups Scheduled for Each Neighborhood
Residents Urged to Free Storm Drains from Leaves
Fort Wayne, Ind. – A vital City service, leaf pick-up, will begin next week beginning in Fort Wayne’s northern neighborhoods. Once again, this year, the Street Department will collect leaves in two separate sweeps through each neighborhood. Crews will roll into the neighborhoods between October 24th and December 9th , 2011. (see attached map)
Animal Care & Control Announces Program Focused on Returning Lost Pets
City of Fort Wayne , Ind. – At a morning news conference Animal Care & Control Director Belinda Lewis was joined by Deputy Mayor Beth Malloy and Police Chief Rusty York to announce a new city initiative called “Home Again” that will allow lost pets with traceable identification to be returned directly home.
Community and Environmental Achievement Cited
Fort Wayne , Ind. – Officials with the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) awarded the City of Fort Wayne two prestigious awards today at the annual IACT conference, in Indianapolis. IACT officials recognized Fort Wayne for the previously announced Community Achievement Award – as well as the prominent -- Green Community Award.
Residents Encouraged to Report
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Storm sewer grates and manhole covers have been disappearing from Fort Wayne streets, causing concern for public safety and costly replacements.
Since March 2011, City Utilities has found or learned of 95 locations where these structures were missing -- all have been replaced.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of identifying community needs and priorities for Housing, Homelessness, Community Development, Special populations and other projects administered by the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services (OHNS). OHNS is the local agency responsible for receiving, distributing and monitoring federal funds through Housing and Urban Development (HUD). OHNS will be seeking input on priorities as part of finalizing the Annual Action Plan, which serves as Fort Wayne’s application for 2012 funding to HUD. Due to significant cuts at the federal level to all of the entitlement funds over the past two years, the City expects only $2.5M in a combination of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act & Emergency Shelter and Emergency Solutions (ESG) funds.
City Hosts Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne’s growing popularity as a destination for regional conferences continues again this weekend – with the 5th Annual Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference (MATAG). Professionals, citizen advocates, trail users and representatives from businesses and non-profit organizations from the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana will be in Fort Wayne beginning Sunday, October 2, 2011 for a three-day conference focusing on growing Mid America’s trail network. The conference will be at the Grand Wayne Center and Courtyard by Marriott.
Upscale Housing, Retail Put Bold Mark on Changing Face of City Center
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The new energy rippling through downtown Fort Wayne received another boost as local developers, and state and federal officials, joined Mayor Tom Henry in unveiling plans today for the total makeover of the Anthony Wayne Building at 203 East Berry Street.
Technological innovations will save $10,000 yearly, increase resident access, expand SmartGov
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Today, Fort Wayne City Clerk Sandy Kennedy unveiled her Paperless City Council program. The third phase of Mayor Tom Henry’s SmartGov initiative, the improvements will save money and increase citizen access to local government. Each City Council member will be issued a tablet computer and receive documents electronically. The switch to digital will save the City of Fort Wayne over $10,000 a year in paper and administrative costs and pay for itself within six months.
Conference will be held in Fort Wayne in 2012
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today heralded the efforts of a contingent of 32 local neighborhood leaders and association presidents who will attend the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) this week. The conference is from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24 in Cincinnati, Ohio; most of Fort Wayne representatives will ride a bus that departs at 12:30p.m. Thursday from Freimann Square.
IACT Officials Want Other Cities To Recycle Fort Wayne’s “Ways”
Fort Wayne, Ind. - The inarguable success of Fort Wayne’s single stream recycling program is receiving statewide attention. Today officials with the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) visited Fort Wayne to announce that the City has won the Community Achievement Award. The prestigious award recognizes Fort Wayne’s achievement in efficiencies by reducing costs and generating revenues, while at the same time doubling community participation and reducing rates.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today joined developer Kevan Biggs and community partners in celebrating the ground breaking of a home ownership initiative in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood.
“It is certainly a compliment to our city that Biggs TC Development has made the commitment to invest in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood,” Mayor Henry said. “I am a firm believer that building strong communities means strengthening neighborhoods.”
Pledges to Continue Job Creation Efforts
New data released from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that while much of the country is losing manufacturing jobs, Fort Wayne’s manufacturing sector is growing. In fact, Fort Wayne’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by nearly a quarter (23.1%), nearly four times the national average last year. Equally encouraging was the 5.2% growth rate for total GDP in the area, more than twice that of the national average (2.5%).
Definitive Agreement Sends Solid Signal of Development’s Momentum
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today affirmed that the final piece of Harrison Square remains on track for completion during a briefing on The Harrison’s definitive agreement with New Harrison, LLC. The Harrison is the residential, retail and office component of the signature, downtown Fort Wayne development.
Fort Wayne is being recognized for our efforts in making play a priority for the health and well-being of our children. When the national picture reveals only 1-in-5 children currently live within walking distance of a park or playground, Fort Wayne is one of 151 cities named a 2011 Playful City USA Community by the national non-profit organization, KaBOOM!
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Due to forecasts of extreme heat and humidity, the City of Fort Wayne has granted a request to allow garbage and recycling collection to begin an hour early -- at 5 a.m. -- tomorrow.
National Serv-All normally begins collecting debris and recycled items at 6 a.m., however, the extreme weather conditions have forced that schedule to be modified on Friday, Sept. 2.
The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Friday, meaning ozone levels are expected to be at unhealthy levels. Sensitive groups, including those with asthma and other respiratory conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor activity. The temperature is expected to reach 95 degrees; the heat index could reach 98 degrees.
The earlier schedule will enable sanitation workers to carry out their duties before temperatures reach dangerously high levels. ###
Garbage pick-up pushed back one day
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices, including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities and the Parks and Recreation Department community and youth centers, will be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday. The Animal Care & Control business office is closed; animal control officers will be available.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day all week with Monday’s collection on Tuesday and concluding with Friday’s route on Saturday.
The City’s parking meters will be free Monday, due to the City holiday.
The City will have regular hours Tuesday, Sept. 6.
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Mayor Tom Henry today joined with business leaders, economic development leaders, government officials from the eight-county region and airport officials at the Fort Wayne – Allen County International Airport to announce the expansion of the Foreign Trade Zone #182.
City making access to businesses along major corridor priority during temporary shut-down
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Drivers, business owners, nearby residents and the general public are invited to attend a public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 in Council Chambers in Citizens Square to discuss potential local detours during the Indiana Department of Transportation’s replacement of the Spy Run Creek bridge on U.S. 27/Clinton Street.
A PDF of the detour is at the bottom of this article.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today praised two young video entrepreneurs for spending their summer Discovering Fort Wayne and sharing their pride in Fort Wayne with the world. Damon Dominique and Khin Phyu created more than 20 short videos on the many events, activities and attractions that the city has to offer, as part of the City’s Discover Fort Wayne “My Video” Project.
McMillen Park Apartments project created jobs, kept 35 million pounds of material from landfill
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today punctuated the end of an era and the start of new opportunities for a prime parcel in southeast Fort Wayne to mark the end of demolition on the site of the former McMillen Park Apartments. Working together with nearby neighborhoods and area leaders, the future of the 23-acre parcel near McKinnie Avenue and Anthony Boulevard will be explored through a community planning process. The Mayor’s action also emphasized the successful job creation efforts and positive recycling story of this clearance project.
Efficient, under-budget garbage program prompts $100,000 early-payoff gain
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Driving home his pledge to do more with less, Mayor Tom Henry today piled up more savings for residents with the news that surplus funds in the City of Fort Wayne's solid-waste account will be used for an early payoff of its garbage-cart lease. By paying ahead of schedule and erasing the debt, the City will save approximately $100,000 in future interest payments.
Developers Show Progress on New Renaissance Pointe Area Developments
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry announced his support for proposals that could generate an investment of over $60 million in Fort Wayne’s central core, strengthening neighborhoods, invigorating city housing stock and creating more lifestyle choices for families. While the southeast Fort Wayne proposals are still in the development phase, developers continue to make significant commitments that will move these important projects forwards. New designs and agreements will be discussed today at the City of Fort Wayne’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) board meeting.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – In accordance with the timeline set forth in the memorandum of understanding, final project designs for The Harrison have been delivered to the City of Fort Wayne by the development team. The Harrison is the residential and commercial component of Harrison Square.
The plans were presented to Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission staff 3 days before the July 31, 2011 date outlined in the agreement.
The Harrison Design
The Harrison Rendering
Triple Rewards: Contract Savings, Recycling Revenues, Reduced Trash to Landfill
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Touting the overwhelming success of the new garbage and recycling contract, Mayor Tom Henry today brought the savings directly to residents with plans to lower garbage rates by $1 million dollars – the second rate decrease in less than a year.
Fort Wayne , Ind. – Due to forecasts of extreme heat and humidity, the City of Fort Wayne has granted a request to allow garbage and recycling collection to begin at 5 a.m., beginning Tuesday, July 19th , through the rest of this week. National Serv-All normally begins collecting debris and recycled items at 6 a.m. However, the inclement weather has led to the schedule adjustment.
YouTube videos showcase city’s attributes, social offerings in short, fun clips
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today introduced two Fort Wayne college students who are sharing their adventures of Fort Wayne through the eye of a video camera. Damon Dominique and Khin Phyu, are exploring the Summit City and are creating short videos on the many events, activities and attractions that the city has to offer, as part of the City’s Discover Fort Wayne initiative.
Mayor Henry’s record: spending flat, under budget every year, on track to pay off nearly $74 million of debt by 2015.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Today, the City of Fort Wayne released the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), an in-depth examination of the City's financial state. The report demonstrates Fort Wayne's fiscal strength. Under Mayor Henry’s leadership, the City continues to hold spending flat, is on track to pay down $73,765,198 of its debt by the end of 2015, and has come in under budget for the third consecutive year.
FREE community event grows in popularity; attracts sponsor; Residents Discover Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Bicycling enthusiasts are not the only ones getting involved in the second season of the Trek the Trails community bike rides. The weekly rides -- held each Tuesday from May through September – are also gaining support from businesses in the form of sponsorship for the popular community events.
Main and Berry streets at their respective intersections with Ewing Street are scheduled to reopen Wednesday, July 6, 2011, as the Ewing Street Storm Sewer Project enters its final phase. Ewing north of Berry will be open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic at that time.
The Fort Wayne Police Department would like to remind drivers of the following closures and lane restrictions related to the 2011 Three Rivers Festival:
Homeowners can call now for preliminary eligibility for low-interest loan
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry invites city homeowners who need to replacement their roofs or furnaces to find out if they are eligible for the City’s 2011 homeowner repair loan program.
Garbage, recycling pick-up pushed back one day all week
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices, including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control, and Parks’ community and youth centers and the Lifetime Sports Academy, will be closed Monday, July 4, 2011 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up will be pushed back one day all week, with Monday’s collection on Tuesday concluding with Friday’s pick-up on Saturday.
The City’s parking meters will be free Monday because of the City holiday.
The City will have regular hours Tuesday, July 5, 2011.
Residents Tour New Government Center
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today welcomed residents to the Citizens Square to celebrate the official opening of the new home of city and county government.
“The decision to co-locate makes things easier for our residents and helps government operate more efficiently,” Mayor Henry said, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening. “Our newly-renovated building rolls out the welcome mat for new jobs and opens the door for new business development in this one-stop shop.”
Opportunities for input available at kick-off, workshops
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne river advocates invite people interested in riverfront development and furthering Fort Wayne’s three rivers as a natural asset for the city and region to attend the 2011 Rivers Summit Tuesday, June 28 and Wednesday, June 29 at the Grand Wayne Center.
“As evidenced by the steady growth of our local waterfront businesses and large attendance at river-related events, the Rivers Summit is the next step in fully recognizing our water assets,” said Dan Wire, co-chair of Friends of the Rivers and one of the summit’s organizers. “The Rivers Summit’s mission is to unite people and communities to protect and improve the St. Joseph, St. Marys and Maumee rivers and their watersheds through education and outreach. By participating in the learning and discussions, individuals will help define what responsible river development can be.”
The Tuesday evening kick-off will encourage people to “Think of the Possibilities” and runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mayor Tom Henry, State Sen. Dennis Kruse and Rep. Marlin Stutzman are scheduled to address why the rivers are important to Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. It is free and open to the public.
Wednesday is a day-long workshop with break-out sessions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to anyone and has a $15 registration fee that includes lunch. That portion of the summit will have sessions on “Promoting the Progress” and “Pursuing the Challenges.” Registration will be available on site Wednesday. For a full schedule of events, visit www.riversummit.org .
All Meetings Continue to Welcome Public
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and Legacy Fort Wayne Taskforce Co-Chair Jim Vann today established new dates for working sessions to allow for a more thorough consideration of the nearly 1,000 ideas and proposals submitted by residents during the community engagement phase of the initiative. Following discussions with Legacy Task Force members, the Mayor reemphasized that all Task Force meetings, including working sessions, are open to the people of Fort Wayne.
Additional preliminary Task Force review dates have been set for June 30, July 14 and July 28. All discussions will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Fort Wayne City Council Discussion Room, Room 030, on the Garden Level of Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street.
“The Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease settlement funds belong to the people of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “That is why I made community involvement the centerpiece of Legacy Fort Wayne. Over the next few months, additional working sessions will be held to study the hundreds and hundreds of ideas and proposals that have been shared with the Task Force. The public is always welcome to attend those meetings.”
136 locally fabricated lime-green racks going into downtown, parks, commercial corridors
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry invited people to discover Fort Wayne on their bicycles today by announcing the installation of 136 new bike racks this summer in downtown, at City parks and along commercial corridors in alignment with the City’s Bike Fort Wayne plan.
“As our residents discover all that our community has to offer – from the beautiful parks and trails to the numerous festivals and outdoor activities – a bicycle serves not only as a way to save gasoline but to burn a few calories to get to these great places,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “By all accounts, Fort Wayne residents are riding their bikes more, either recreationally or as an alternative to their cars. We know that when we offer better bike parking, people are more likely to use their bikes as a form of transportation.”
All of the racks were manufactured by local companies: Park ‘N Gear on Illinois Road and Industrial Training Solutions in Huntertown. They were powder coated in Allen County facilities with Gleave Construction providing the installation.
Some locations for the new racks are: • the Broadway corridor • the South Calhoun Street corridor • Northside Park pool, Hamilton Park, Solomon Farm, Packard Park, Freimann Square • Additional downtown locations • East State Village
Local Investors Join Forces with Barry to Realize Last Piece of Harrison Square
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Respected local developers and business leaders, Mark Hagerman, CEO of The Hagerman Group, and Simon Dragan, President of Whitley Manufacturing Company, Inc., today joined Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Chris Schoen, CEO of Barry Real Estate Companies, in presenting a progress report on The Harrison, the residential and commercial component of Harrison Square. The Mayor also announced the successful negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding creating a new partnership to move the development forward.
The Harrison is the final piece of Harrison Square, the flourishing downtown project begun in 2006 that has become a major economic-activity generator for the entire community. The signature, private-public initiative is composed of the record-breaking Parkview Field, home of the popular TinCaps; a hospitality-sector boosting Courtyard by Marriott hotel; a convenient 900-space parking garage; and the scenic Robert E. Meyers Park.
“The overwhelming success of Parkview Field, the TinCaps, the Courtyard by Marriot hotel, Robert E. Meyers Park and the new parking garage is a testament to the vision of Harrison Square and its catalytic impact on the heart of our community,” said Mayor Henry. “The new partnership between Mark Hagerman, Simon Dragan, Barry Real Estate and the rest of the team adds new momentum to Harrison Square’s finish-line push and demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthening our community. Working together, we are making steady progress to realize The Harrison.”
Heritage Festival, History Center provide opportunities to Discover Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne , Ind. -- Mayor Tom Henry joined the Germanfest Committee of Fort Wayne in kicking off the official 30th anniversary opening of the festival and tapped the keg to open the festival.
Germanfest started in Fort Wayne in 1981. It ushers in a summer season full of festivals in the Summit City . The festival – staged atHeadwaters Park on Clinton Street -- began Sunday, June 5 and runs through Sunday, June 12. Festival organizers invite residents to join in the week-long festival of Essen , Trinken and Gemutlichkeit, or “eating, drinking and having a really good time!”
In addition to German food and beer, the event features dancing, wiener dog races, an organ concert, a volleyball tournament and other entertainment. The Germanfest Committee was created by four German organizations: The Fort Wayne Turners, the Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor, the Fort Wayne Sport Club, and the German Heritage Society.
“Our city is a city rich with culture and tradition,” said Mayor Henry. “The German culture has played a significant role in making Fort Wayne the family-oriented community that it is today.”
FORT WAYNE, IN -- In another indicator that the city's economy is continuing to improve, MSN recently recognized Fort Wayne as one of the "15 Cities With the Most Improvement in Home Prices," ranking 6th out of 15. Fort Wayne was ranked ahead of Oklahoma City, Boston and San Antonio, amongst many others.
The article highlighted Fort Wayne's growth in the midst of the difficult economy, noting that "jobs are growing in this northeastern Indiana city" and that "home prices are down just 4% from their peak...and are inching back up steadily."
"We've been working hard to keep Fort Wayne's economy healthy and sound during this recession," said Mayor Tom Henry. "While it's nice to receive some national attention, we're not about to let up now: we're going to continue working to create a environment of economic opportunity for businesses, homeowners and residents."
Five no-cost events, series kick off summertime fun
Fort Wayne, Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry invites residents to discover downtown and our hidden treasures through a series of free, lunchtime walks. The Mayor also highlighted four other no-cost, family-friendly events and series that will span the warm-weather season. All of these activities are part of the Mayor’s Discover Fort Wayne initiative to help residents connect to their hometown, showcase our assets and build a more competitive community.
The City of Fort Wayne’s Discover Fort Wayne Walks will take place every Monday in June and July, with the exception of July 4. The guided walks will leave at noon from the center of the Courthouse Green in front of the Allen County Courthouse. The 40-minute, energized walks will feature natural and historic landmarks including the three rivers; the West Central neighborhood; Lawton, Headwaters and Lakeside parks; and the Three Rivers Filtration Plant. The walks will be about 2.5 miles long, with the group moving the entire time at a comfortable, but lively pace.
“Discover Fort Wayne is about shining the spotlight on all our community has to enjoy and appreciate,” Mayor Henry said. “These free walks combine a bit of exercise over the lunch hour with the intrigue of uncovering unique aspects of our city that may have gone unnoticed.”
Outdoor farmer’s market showcases the area’s homegrown and homemade offerings; provides fresh produce and live entertainment
Fort Wayne , Ind. – In his continued effort to have Fort Wayne residents discover all that their community offers, Mayor Tom Henry today visited the Historic West Main Street Farmer’s Market, the city’s largest outdoor farmer’s market.
Mayor Henry applauded the market’s organizers, sellers and patrons as another opportunity to Discover Fort Wayne. Weekly, the Historic West Main Street Market provides a family-friendly setting on a corridor not far from downtown. Residents are able to buy products grown close to home.
“The Historic West Main Street Farmer’s Market is a true gem of our community, where farmers and crafters meet and sell directly to their customers and build a sense of community,” Mayor Henry said. “I love being able to highlight such grassroots treasures like this today through Discover Fort Wayne and hope local residents come out to take advantage of such a wonderful space and environment.”
Fort Wayne , Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s Historic Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt ends June 1! This search for historic architectural treasure in downtown Fort Wayne can lead to treats such as a gift certificate for 816 Pint & Slice, Botanical Conservatory passes, TinCaps tickets, a downtown coupon book, or a personal tour of the Allen County Courthouse! But only if you submit your answers online at www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation by June 1. Grab a Scavenger Hunt card from the Fort Wayne Visitors Center at 927 S. Harrison, the downtown Allen County Public Library, J.K O’Donnell’s, ARCH and other downtown locations or find one on line at www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation. Pick up or print out a copy featuring pictures of historic structures and explore downtown Fort Wayne. Visitors and residents alike can identify the interesting architectural details they may have never taken the time see. Answers and prize winners will be posted on the City’s preservation webpage on June 2. One submission per person please.
For more information call 427-1127, or visit www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation.
Mayor Henry continues commitment to neighborhood revitalization, housing stock rehabilitation
Fort Wayne , Ind. –Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced a unique opportunity to strengthen an important residential corridor in an older neighborhood. Continuing the City’s commitment to encourage public-private partnerships, the Mayor announced an effort to revitalize a block of homes on West Washington, addressing years of deterioration and neglect. Joined by developer Ric Zehr of Belay Corp., representatives of the West Central Neighborhood Association, and the Community Development staff, Mayor Henry announced the repair, rehabilitation and sale of four homes in the historic West Central neighborhood on a primary corridor from downtown.
The City is working with Fort Wayne-based Belay Corp. to purchase the four adjacent, dilapidated properties in the 800 block of West Washington Boulevard. They are currently owned by the City or Allen County. Belay applied to the City for federal funds and will obtain ownership and then sell the properties to owners who intend to live there.
Mayor Henry said the unique aspect of this project is the chance to address an entire block of neglected structures, something private investment alone has not been able to accomplish. “The City of Fort Wayne has become a model in how it creates public-private partnerships to invest in neighborhoods and corridors,” Mayor Henry said. “Because of this federal funding, we are able to direct dollars to an area that advances historic West Central, improves the aesthetics of a key residential corridor and preserves the historic character of the homes while providing the updates today’s buyers want.”
Real-time Data Tracking Key Part of Development Process Streamlining
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Amplifying the work of the City-County permitting task force, Fort Wayne Deputy Mayor Beth Malloy today detailed the metrics that have been integrated throughout the new Fort Wayne-Allen County land-use permitting plan. The legislation will be the topic of a joint meeting of the Fort Wayne City and Allen County councils on May 31.
From its inception, capacity to gauge the effectiveness of the new permitting program has been incorporated into every aspect of it. The multifaceted approach will streamline the land-use permitting process for large-scale developments and projects. In advance of both councils’ action and as regularly done on significant legislation, briefings on the entire plan have been offered to elected officials.
“Benchmarks and measurements of success have been a vital component of the permitting improvement process,” said Deputy Mayor Malloy. “They’ve been part of the discussion since day one.”
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City committed to environmentally sensitive removal of structures, working with neighborhood to identify potential uses of key southeast parcel
Fort Wayne , Ind . – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined City staff, the contractor and partner agencies to mark the beginning of demolition at McMillen Park Apartments at 4209 Plaza Drive adjacent to McKinney Avenue and Anthony Boulevard, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to community development in southeast Fort Wayne and throughout Indiana’s second-largest city.
Almost all of the structures in the first of five zones of demolition on this 23-acre property have been removed. The rest are expected to come down later this summer. The City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services has started and will continue a dialogue with neighbors and other southeast stakeholders to develop ideas for future uses of this land.
“The purchase and demolition of this land came at an ideal time because of the availability of federal funding and the City’s commitment to foster growth and development in southeast Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “This could be an ideal location for commercial development, new housing or a mix of the two, but we are going to let the market and neighborhoods drive this conversation.”
City and Catherine Kasper Place Pilot Program
Fort Wayne , IND--- The City of Fort Wayne, through its Redevelopment Commission, has agreed to allow Catherine Kasper Place (CKP) to use about four acres of land it owns off Radcliffe Drive in southeast Fort Wayne. The Global Garden project will allow six refugee families to grow fresh produce on the site. Overall, there are 27 participants in the Global Garden project which is managed by CKP Garden Coordinator Taing Taw who is himself a Burmese refugee of ethnic Mon origin. The participants are utilizing their farming skills to produce both ethnic and American crop varieties to provide for their families and to sell at farmers markets throughout Fort Wayne. Refugees from Burma, Africa, and Haiti are participating and sharing their tradition and cultures. Rainwater will be collected at the site, through a cistern system. After the initial cultivation of the land by a local volunteer farmer, the farming will all be done by hand.
The partnership between the City and Catherine Kasper Place strengthens CKP’s presence beyond its Calhoun Street location, reaching into the community they serve. The land use agreement is one tangible example of collaborative efforts to support refugee assimilation by giving them a place to exercise self- sufficiency.
Catherine Kasper Place executive director Holly Chaille said the program is one with many benefits. “All these agency collaborations and with the participation of dozens of community volunteers, we are helping to lift these participants out of poverty, while also reaping a fresh, healthy benefit for our own families. This is truly a mutually beneficial endeavor, one that positively affects economic, social and environmental issues for our community.”
The land was donated to the City’s Redevelopment Commission in the mid-90’s, and planners say the site has not found a permanent project suitable for the location. The City and CKP have signed a one-year land use agreement which may be renewed when it expires. The Global Garden project is funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and supported by the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation (SJCHF) and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
Program Launched to Build Community Attachment, Boost Competitiveness
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Resolved to enhance city pride and competitiveness, Mayor Tom Henry today unveiled a broad-based initiative designed to help strengthen the ties that bind Fort Wayne residents to their hometown. The effort focuses on three drivers of attachment identified in the multiyear John S. and James. L. Knight Foundation’s “Soul of the Community” study, specifically openness, social offerings and aesthetics.
“Where we connect, we invest,” said Mayor Henry. “Our community story is one of pride and accomplishment. Our strengths and assets are many, our people exceptional, our achievements enormous. Where residents share a sense of belonging and a commitment to making their city the best it can be, opportunity grows. Whether new or native or somewhere in between, Discover Fort Wayne is about building and cementing those bonds of attachment, bonds that can become a bridge to economic growth and prosperity.”
The inspiration for Discover Fort Wayne was sparked as the Mayor contemplated what he could do to help residents connect to their community. Troubled by the number of people he encounter who had never explored or enjoyed their community or experienced the numerous opportunities readily accessible here, Mayor Henry made a list of all the interesting events someone could attend in a year. From ethnic festivals and arts and cultural offerings to neighborhood tours and attractions like the zoo, his list quickly grew to nearly 500 items, and he was on the trail of an idea worth sharing.
City, County Power Forward in Creation of One-Stop Shop for Economic Growth
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Accelerating their joint efforts to make Fort Wayne and Allen County the best place to start and grow a business, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters today outlined plans to streamline the land-use permitting process for large-scale developments and projects.
Joining Mayor Henry and Commissioner Peters in the announcement were local business leaders and members of the task force that have been addressing the issue, including Allen County Council member Roy Buskirk, who has been a vocal champion of the idea. “The welcome mat is out for investment and job creation in Fort Wayne and Allen County,” said Mayor Henry. “We know time is money, so we are committed to making it easier for businesses to prosper in Fort Wayne. This far-reaching, land-use permitting plan will ensure local government is a true partner with our business community. Working together, we are creating a one-stop shop for economic growth, one that puts development opportunities on the fast track to success.”
The Mayor and Commissioner rolled out a multifaceted plan and new approach for land-use permitting that simplifies and speeds up processes, jumpstarts the use of technology, streamlines approvals, provides hands-on support and quicker answers, and strives to clarify and align the complicated rules and regulations of both jurisdictions.
May 9, 2011
Dear Mr. Guerin:
The work we have done together over the last decade is transforming downtown Fort Wayne and strengthening our community. The performance numbers and the increasing city center activity are an outstanding testament to our community’s efforts and commitment.
Parkview Field is bringing over a half million people downtown annually to enjoy TinCaps' games and a host of other events at this popular landmark. The Courtyard by Marriott hotel, together with other downtown lodging, is already attracting larger events to the Grand Wayne Center, spurring our tourism and hospitality industry. In just the past few months, we’ve seen the proof in five major convention wins. Additionally, new business investments, longer restaurant hours, higher attendance at Headwaters Park and other downtown festivals, a thriving cultural district and more vitality in the heart of the community further validate our endeavors.
Not only is Harrison Square a new community gathering place, it also symbolizes our new energy and collective ability to invest in ourselves and realize a dream.
The successful completion of nearly all of Harrison Square in the midst of extremely difficult economic times has made us eager to see the final piece of this already exceptional project come to fruition. It is clear, however, with the passing of the developer’s expected early-May groundbreaking deadline, that an update on The Harrison and the work underway are essential.
Therefore, I request that the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission ask Barry Real Estate to report to you and the entire community the status of this project no later than May 31, 2011.
Sincerely yours,
Tom Henry
Mayor
Pushes pedaling for a variety of benefits: economy, exercise, environment
Fort Wayne , IN --- The City of Fort Wayne is sharing the road with the National Bike Month effort in observing May as a month to utilize bicycles for transportation.
“We have several community partners who join us in recognizing the increasing importance of the bicycle as a viable way to get around town,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Whether someone is looking for a way to avoid high gasoline prices, add a little exercise to their routine, or reduce a carbon footprint, bicycling has grown into a popular outlet for people of all ages. As more bicyclists take to the roads, however, we need to ensure that both motorists and cyclists—indeed, all who share the road--- understand the shared responsibility.”
Cyclists and motorists abide by the same “rules of the road.” In order to keep the roads safe for all users, motorists should use extra caution and patience when driving alongside cyclists. When passing a cyclist, wait until there is enough room to keep at least three feet of space between the side view mirror and the cyclist. Cyclists are encouraged to follow a predictable path rather than weaving through traffic. Riding in the right-side of the travel lane is a safe practice since it keeps the cyclist visible to motorists and still gives motorists room to pass when the lane is clear. Cyclists are required to obey traffic signals and signs at intersections, and they are encouraged to signal turns and lane changes with their hands. Cyclists can also improve their safety by wearing bright and highly visible clothing when they ride.
Mayor Salutes Rich History of Our Community by Proclaiming May Historic Preservation Month
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Today Mayor Tom Henry recognized May as National Historic Preservation Month in Fort Wayne. He called attention to fun activities celebrating our history and heritage, as well as the enhancement of our community’s historic neighborhoods, buildings, and sites.
“Our community has a rich history,” Mayor Henry said. “Fort Wayne has numerous architectural treasures and historic areas in downtown and throughout the city, particularly the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System that is newly-listed in the National Register of Historic Places. We understand that building the future of our city depends on honoring and preserving the best parts of our past. The most sustainable, greenest, and most engaging revitalization efforts build upon the best elements of our historic places.”
A Historic Preservation Month Scavenger Hunt of historic architectural details in downtown Fort Wayne is being planned by the Historic Preservation office in the City’s Division of Community Development beginning on May 6th . A handy full-color card with photos will be available at the Fort Wayne Visitors Center at 927 S. Harrison, the downtown Allen County Public Library, and at other downtown locations as well as on line at www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation . Pick up or print out a copy and explore downtown Fort Wayne looking for buildings that hold surprises. But look carefully—in some cases someone else may be looking back at you! Answers can be submitted via the City’s preservation webpage until June 1. Completed and correct online submissions will be placed in a drawing for some fun prizes, such as a gift certificate for 816 Pint & Slice, Botanical Conservatory passes, Tin Caps tickets, or a personal tour of the Allen County Courthouse! (One submission per person please.)
Neighborhood Code Enforcement Looking for Tall Grass
Residents can report violations to 311, City website
Fort Wayne , Ind. – To keep neighborhoods healthy and vital, the City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhood Code Enforcement department will start enforcing weed and tall-grass violations Monday, May 2. The department will also begin accepting weed complaints from the public on the same day.
Grass or weeds must be at least 9 inches tall to be in violation of the City’s ordinance.
Residents can report violations to 311, One Call to City Hall, or by clicking on the 311 logo on the City’s webpage at www.cityoffortwayne.org . Individuals reporting a violation will need to have the property’s street address or specific location.
Popular Community Bike Rides Expand Schedule
Free Recreation that Brings People Together
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Season two of the popular Trek the Trails community bike rides will begin one month earlier and feature expanded trail trips.
“Last year our rides were so popular -- growing to well over a hundred riders each week. Residents loved the guided tours and told us they wanted more of them. It’s no wonder as Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 60 miles of trails winding through urban and rural areas around the City,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Beginning Tuesday May 3, 2011 at 6:00pm you will have an opportunity to join other trail users on a community bike ride every Tuesday through the end of September. 22 guided bike rides will take bicyclists through all parts of the community – along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail.
It’s a great opportunity to see Fort Wayne from a new perspective that’s off the beaten path. Each Tuesday trail ride is about 6 to 8 miles long. Helmets are a requirement for participants.
“We listened when riders requested an expanded schedule and to those who wanted longer bike rides. Besides the Tuesday rides we’ve added four Saturday rides that will run up to 20 miles. I think that will attract a whole new group of residents,” said Mayor Henry.
Another new Trek the Trails tradition this summer is Monday lunchtime walking tours around downtown Fort Wayne. These 40 minute tours will meet at the Courthouse Green at noon each Monday in June and July, with the exception of Independence Day, and will tour the trails, the downtown and nearby historic neighborhoods.
If there is unsafe weather, such as lightning, the ride or walk will be cancelled.
Below is a list of events.
New Teen Tradition Comes to Downtown
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Talented teens take center stage in downtown Fort Wayne this weekend, thanks to Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council.
“The Council wanted to do something that would showcase downtown for teens and I thought it was a great idea. These young people worked hard at putting together the event, securing sponsors and organizing all of the logistics. I’m thrilled that they realize this is indeed their Fort Wayne and that they pushed to start an event that will connect our youth to our downtown in a unique way,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) will host “Fort Wayne’s Almost Famous” on Saturday April 30, 2011 at Parkview Field. Created to give teens a place to interact and enjoy downtown Fort Wayne, this free night of entertainment will include live bands, dance groups, acoustic performers and other talented teen acts. The show starts at 5:00 pm with the final act taking the stage at 9:00pm. The event is free to the public.
Guideline wins professional award
Fort Wayne , Ind. – The Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association has awarded the City of Fort Wayne Downtown Design Manual an APA Indiana Chapter Hoosier Planning Award for Outstanding Project 2011.
The Downtown Design Manual was completed by a cross-functional staff team with the assistance of an advisory group made up of representatives from City Council, the Plan Commission, the Downtown Improvement District and downtown business and property owners. Technical and design assistance for the project was provided by Ratio Architects. The Downtown Design Manual and accompanying Zoning Ordinance amendments were adopted by Plan Commission and City Council in late 2010 and became effective in January 2011.
Whereas the ordinance assists staff and the Plan Commission in reviewing new development and redevelopment projects in the CM5A and CM5B downtown zoning districts, the Downtown Design Manual provides design direction and guidance to architects, property owners and developers. The manual provides user-friendly guidelines that encourage preservation, quality design and compatible infill in the downtown, therefore providing a unique solution to a common challenge, increasing awareness and enhancing cooperation. The Downtown Design Manual stood out as an outstanding project based on the following award criteria: originality/innovation, transferability, quality, comprehensiveness, public participation/collaboration, and effectiveness/support.
“Fort Wayne sees the development and maintenance of great public and private spaces in our downtown as both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Mayor Henry. “Encouraging the creation of quality design requires the creativity and cooperation of the public and private sectors.”
The Downtown Design Manual can be found at the following link: http://www.allencounty.us/land-use/ordinances .
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Brookview-Irvington Park Receives National Recognition
Fort Wayne, Ind. - The Brookview-Irvington Park Historic District is now on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
“We have great neighborhoods in Fort Wayne and I’m always glad to see them recognized. I appreciate the collaboration that went into this application process,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The neighborhood is composed of three related suburban developments that reflect principles of design important in the history of community planning and development: Oak Knoll designed in 1906, Irvington Park designed in 1910, and Brookview designed in 1917. Together these areas combined the naturalistic landscape, park areas, and convenient access to roads, trolleys, and interurban railroads to create desirable neighborhoods.
The naturalistic development that Landscape Architect Walter Hoxie Hillary laid out for Irvington Park utilized the existing topography of the wooded site. In Brookview, landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff further refined this idea by creating meandering roads. The Oak Knoll development reflects a form of railroad era suburb that is rare in Fort Wayne. Additionally, female architects Joel Roberts Ninde and Grace E. Crosby designed several houses in the district, and the district has an outstanding collection of homes with a variety of architectural styles.
New Slot Puts Emphasis on Effectiveness, Enhanced Customer Service
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Striving each day to make government more welcoming, more convenient and more responsive to the needs of residents and businesses, Mayor Tom Henry today announced the appointment of Julie Sanchez to the City of Fort Wayne’s new position of 311 Manager. Sanchez’s management skills and the attention of a full-time administrator help the Mayor take another step toward the full integration of SmartGov throughout City operations.
The City’s customer service department, known as 311 – One Call to City Hall, gives Fort Wayne residents a simple, direct point of contact for all non-emergency city services. Residents can contact 311 by telephone or online through the City’s website to report potholes or abandoned vehicles, to have street lights replaced, to check on trash collection and recycling issues, or to obtain a wide variety of other services.
Mayor Underscores Importance of Public Participation to Initiative
Fort Wayne, Ind. – As promised, Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today announced that all of the input gathered during the community-engagement phase of Legacy Fort Wayne has now been posted online. The information can be accessed at www.LegacyFortWayne.org under the Task Force heading on the navigation bar.
Legacy Fort Wayne has stimulated thousands of discussions and comments throughout the community with nearly 900 ideas being formally submitted to the Task Force. More than a dozen different methods, both traditional and digital, were used to collect the suggestions.
Mayor Henry Continues Effort to Retain Talented Young People Commits to Paid Internships for Top High School Students Mayor Tom Henry underscored his commitment to young talent by announcing that the City of Fort Wayne will create paid intern opportunities for high school students interested in careers in technology. He also highlighted the April 16 TechFest at Sweetwater Sound, a STEM career showcase wrapped in an all-day video-game tournament.
“Our youth are a vital and precious resource. Our challenge today is do things that will help bond our young talent to our community and to create opportunities for them to stay or return to build their adult lives here,” said Mayor Henry. “The specific focus of this initiative is to get more students to go into the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math fields; to heighten awareness of the excellent programs in these areas offered by our local universities; and to promote our region’s many leading companies that can provide quality job opportunities for young people attracted to these fields.”
Legislative, Safety, Health Credentials; Local Knowledge Cited as Strengths
Fort Wayne , Ind. – Putting the accent on experience and leadership, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced Loren Robertson as the new Deputy Director of the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana. Robertson will assume his role in May.
“With the appointment of Loren Robertson, the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana has a new champion,” said Mayor Henry. “His wealth of experience in the areas of public safety, public health, emergency management services and legislative affairs, along with his considerable administrative and partnership-building skills, will help this exceptional regional asset continue to grow and expand.”
MAYOR ANNOUNCES EASIER IN, OUT PARKING AT HARRISON SQUARE GARAGE ON GAME DAYS Beginning tomorrow, Opening Day, visitors to the TinCaps games who park in the Harrison Square Parking Garage, adjacent to Parkview Field, will have a new and easier way in and out of the garage. The changes will allow traffic to flow better at the garage located at the corner of Douglas and Harrison.
“Here’s a TinCaps’ Opening Day heads-up on parking changes at the Harrison Square Parking Garage guaranteed to make game-day arrivals and departures even easier,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “To smooth traffic flow, parking-garage entries are now on Harrison Street only. Exits can be made on to either Harrison or Douglas streets.”
The City of Fort Wayne Heads to Citizens Square Mayor Tom Henry today kicked off the move to Citizens Square by unveiling the transition schedule to the new administration building and all the ways for the public to stay informed throughout the process.
“The move is an exciting time for all of us,” said Mayor Henry. “With our forward-looking decision to co-locate, we are coming together as a community, making things easier for our residents and making local government work better. We’re also sending an important signal to businesses everywhere that Fort Wayne and Allen County are a welcoming place for them to be. Today, our collective vision starts to become a reality. Today, my pledge to create a one-stop shop for economic growth begins to take form.”
Federal, State Dollars Expand Impact of Local Road, Street and Trails Projects In a midmorning news conference, Mayor Tom Henry announced the City of Fort Wayne’s aggressive 2011 Transportation Program. The road, street and trail construction projects will help to create good-paying jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and ensure Fort Wayne is ready to compete for new jobs and business investment. The Mayor proposed over 300 initiatives, including approximately 50 street projects in each Fort Wayne City Council district.
“An investment in our roads, streets and trails is an investment in ourselves and in the long-term economic health of our city,” said Mayor Henry. “The 2011 transportation projects are about making Fort Wayne a place where businesses can prosper, bringing hundreds of good-paying construction jobs to Fort Wayne today, and strengthening neighborhoods in every corner of the city.”
Mayor Strengthens Digital Commitment to Enhanced Service, Community Dialogue
Taking SmartGov to the next level, Mayor Tom Henry today introduced a new suite of digital resources to better connect Fort Wayne residents with their government, making it easier, more efficient and effective to use.
In an afternoon news conference, Mayor Henry and Deputy Mayor Beth Malloy unveiled SmartGov’s eight new elements: a completely redesigned City of Fort Wayne website with a versatile calendaring function, a personalized notification service, SmartGov Ordinance View, Fencepost, Citizens Square blog, Twitter, Facebook and a handy trails widget.
Take Your Pick: Meetups, Feedback Fort Wayne, Group Proposals, Idea Form
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With a call to all procrastinators, Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today encouraged residents to take advantage of Legacy Fort Wayne’s final public involvement week to join the conversation about the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. Mayor Henry has made civic engagement the centerpiece of the initiative. To achieve that goal, the entire month of March has been devoted to gathering the ideas of the people of Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne, IN – The City’s commitment to safe drinking water and water for fire protection, symbolized by the Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, has received an award for recent projects to increase the plant’s reliability. The project to replace the original 1930’s era pumps and electrical facilities with modern and more efficient equipment has been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) in Indiana for Engineering Excellence.
Meetups, Feedback Fort Wayne, Group Proposals, Idea Form, All at the Ready
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With the results from two weeks of community meetings now in the growing databank, Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today highlighted the numerous ways remaining for residents to join the conversation about the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. Both digital and traditional participation opportunities are available to the public throughout March.
Fort Wayne, IN – A water main break will cause the bridge on Spring Street north and east of Leesburg Road to be closed today beginning at around 8:00 AM this (Friday, Mar 18) morning. Motorists who normally travel into or out of Fort Wayne on Spring Street are advised to seek an alternate route while the repair is being made.
Traffic Alert - Barr Street Closed to All Traffic Thru Saturday
Barr Streed will be closed to all traffic between Berry Street and Wayne Street from Friday, March 18 through Saturday, March 19, 2011. - The street is closed for safety reasons so Current Mechanical Inc., can place a large crane on Barr Street to install the new heating/cooling equipment for Citizens Square.
Mayor Henry to Appear on Late Night Talk Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live! - Shines Spotlight on Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is scheduled to appear on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” tonight (March 15, 2011) to discuss the name of the new home for City and County government, Citizens Square. Earlier today, Kimmel’s producers requested Mayor Henry to appear as a follow-up to the TV show’s segment last month about the “Name Our Building” forum and the attention it received for Mayor Harry Baals.
Mayor Henry recently sent a letter to Kimmel inviting him to visit Fort Wayne and see what the City has to offer the world. The package included a tee shirt and a visitor’s guide.
The Mayor will use Skype to communicate with the California-based production. “The public engagement and national attention this process has received has been remarkable. We’ve gotten a good-natured ribbing from some national hosts, but it’s been fun to talk about Fort Wayne to a national audience,” Mayor Henry said. “The new government center is about using our resources wisely, making things easier for residents and sending a welcoming message to new jobs and business investment. It creates a one-stop shop for economic growth.”
Mayor Henry announced the building’s new name Monday for 200 E. Berry St. after evaluating suggestions made to feedbackfortwayne.org. Henry reviewed the suggestions with input from staff to select the name that reflects the contributions of the entire community, not a single individual.
“Our new government center is about all of us. The City and County have come together to better serve the citizens of one community. It’s about the decisions we make for today and for the future. We want it to reflect the spirit of our community and its important civic purpose and Citizens Square does just that,” said Mayor Henry.
The show airs at midnight on WPTA-TV Channel 21 in Fort Wayne.
City, County offices start move next month to new facility designed for better access to public, improved collaboration among departments
Fort Wayne, Ind. – After receiving national and international media attention, the name of the new home for more than 40 departments in City and County government at 200 E. Berry St. will be Citizens Square. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced the name this afternoon, which was inspired through the “Name Our Building” forum on Feedback Fort Wayne earlier this year.
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Mayor Henry’s Youth Engagement Council to Showcase Young Talent Teens Initiate, Organize and Plan Debut Event - Sponsors Sought
Fort Wayne, Ind. - On April 30, 2011 Mayor Tom Henry’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) , in partnership with Indiana Tech , will host the first " Fort Wayne’s Almost Famous " event at Parkview Field. Created to give teens a place to interact and enjoy downtown Fort Wayne, this free night of entertainment will include live bands, dance groups, acoustic performers and other talented teen acts. The show starts at 5:00 pm with the final act taking place at 9:00pm.
This event follows the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day 2011 which takes place from 1pm to 4pm. The goal of Healthy Kids Day is to offer kids and families a chance to engage in active play, have fun and access healthy living resources in our community.
MYEC is an all teen, volunteer council dedicated to service-learning, leadership and engagement with citizens in the Fort Wayne area. Members of MYEC encourage the youth of Fort Wayne to become involved in their community through government and participation in community events. “Engaging the youth of our community not only provides them with a voice in daily decisions, but creates a bond with others that further increases the dedication to making our City better every day,” Mayor Henry stated.
Performance Acts
MYEC is searching for talented teens in music, dance, art and other areas to perform or display their work at the Fort Wayne’s Almost Famous event. To be considered for inclusion, teens must submit their information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Booths/Vendors
MYEC is also looking to include vendors and organizations highlighting other talents and information related to teen interests along the concourse of Parkview Field. Organizations and vendors interested in participating should email Kerri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
This event would not be possible without sponsors. MYEC has been reaching out to the community for various sponsors to help make a one of a kind event. Those interested in supporting this event that need more information, can call Kerri Przemielewski at (260)452-4396. All sponsors will receive individual recognition according to specific sponsorship levels.
For further information about this event, please contact Kerri Przemielewski, Mayor’s Youth Liaison, via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . (260) 452-4396.
March Focus is Community Engagement, Many Ways for Residents to Share Ideas
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Putting public involvement in the spotlight, Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today invited the entire community to join in the conversation about the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. The comprehensive, civic participation campaign will unfold throughout the month of March. It will feature a wide array of communications and outreach methods, both traditional and digital.
Efforts Will Enhance Neighborhoods Throughout the City
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Thirteen businesses along busy corridors in Fort Wayne will be getting makeovers of a sort, courtesy of the City's commercial façade program. "It's the economics of first impression. Improving our neighborhood main streets makes a difference and will strengthen our neighborhoods," said Mayor Tom Henry.
March Focus is Community Engagement, Many Ways for Residents to Share Ideas
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Putting public involvement in the spotlight, Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today invited the entire community to join in the conversation about the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. The comprehensive, civic participation campaign will unfold throughout the month of March. It will feature a wide array of communications and outreach methods, both traditional and digital.
Sand and Bags Available for Residents
Fort Wayne, IN – Mayor Tom Henry has the City prepared to deal with potential flooding because of high river levels and expected rain. The St. Marys River is rising and is expected to crest tonight. As a precaution, Mayor Henry is making sand available for residents along the Junk Ditch.
"The area along the Junk Ditch has experienced devastating floods and while we don't expect this week's flooding to be as severe as past years, I wanted to make sure residents had access to sand and sand bags in case they needed to protect their homes," said Mayor Henry.
Truckloads of sand were placed in the parking lot of the Ash Centre, 1701 Freeman Street, and empty bags are available for residents to fill and take home to use for protecting their personal property. Citizens will need to bring their own shovel to fill the bags.
The Junk Ditch is a tributary of the St. Marys River. It often floods during heavy rains. An Army Corp of Engineers study determined permanent flood protection was not an option for this low lying area of the City. The City is in the process of buying properties along the Junk Ditch that have flooded repeatedly, if property owners wish to sell.
Since the 2003, flood more than 120 homes have been bought out and converted into green space. The green space is designed to hold water when it floods.
As water levels continue to rise and the National Weather Service at Fort Wayne is calling for the possibility of heavy rain through the weekend, additional precautions are also planned for the city.
City Utilities has set up nine pumps in locations around town to have them ready in case they are needed. A vacuum truck is pumping water on Tillman Road.
Stop Logs (aluminum gates that block water) were placed at Greenwood yesterday and Hartman Road near Foster Park, today.
The City has 30,000 filled sand bags on hand in anticipation of flooding. Crews are also prepared to place clay dikes along the flood prone areas of Tillman and Thieme Drive if needed.
Mayor Henry suggests that citizens in low lying areas may want to consider doing the following:
If your basement or other storage area is prone to flooding, move items stored there into areas that are less likely to flood.
Make sure that your sump pump or other pumps are in good working order. If they have not been used in some time, start the motor and run the pump. Make any repairs necessary.
Also, check hoses to be sure they are not cracked, broken or frozen. Useful items to put in an easily accessible location are waterproof boots or sturdy shoes, waterproof gloves and rain gear.
Make sure that pets are not left in an area that is likely to flood.
River and lowland flooding may cause some roads to be closed due to high water. Motorists should never try to drive through high water. It is difficult to know how deep the water may be and currents can wash vehicles off flooded roadways and bridges. Motorists should also respect barricades. Public safety officials close roads and put up barricades to keep motorists safe. Never drive around a barricade.
Residents should monitor local media and the City's website. Residents can also receive weather updates from the City by going to nixle.com and registering to receive the alerts.
Saturday Workshop Opens New “Green Room” at CORE
Fort Wayne, IN – Mayor Tom Henry is giving area teachers the opportunity to learn how they can use rain gardens at their schools to teach about everything from science and math to language arts. Five educational modules have been developed by the City with input from a panel of teachers. These modules will form the basis of the teacher training. The City, in cooperation with Curriculum Opportunities and Resources for Educators (CORE), is offering three workshops for kindergarten through 12th grade teachers who would like to use City-developed rain garden education modules in their classrooms. The first workshop will be held on Saturday, February 26 from 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM at CORE, 1726 St. Joe River Drive.
2010 Attendance Figures Top Expectations, Show Positive Downtown Impact
Fort Wayne, Ind. – With Barry Real Estate poised to begin construction on The Harrison, realizing the final piece of Harrison Square, Mayor Tom Henry today reemphasized the City of Fort Wayne’s strong partnership with Hardball Capital and the TinCaps. The Mayor’s endorsement was highlighted in the release of 2010 attendance figures for Parkview Field. The numbers both surpassed predictions and yielded increased revenue for the community.
Legacy Fort Wayne Welcomes Ideas From Organizations Thru Group-Proposal Option
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Expanding opportunities to gather community input, Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today announced a process for groups to use in helping to determine the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. The group proposal option is now available online to organizations interested in joining this once-in-a-lifetime conversation.
Group proposals are welcomed from area advocacy organizations, nonprofit boards, associations, commissions and other established entities. Suggestions are also encouraged from organizations or groups that want to collaborate. An overview document containing explanatory information and directions can be found on the Legacy Fort Wayne website at www.LegacyFortWayne.org under the Group Proposals’ heading on the navigation bar.
The proposal process is self-directed. It provides a mechanism for local groups to organize independently, tap the imagination of staffs, board members and volunteers; determine their priority recommendations using a common template, and present them to the Task Force. Using the Legacy Fort Wayne principles as a touchstone, respondents are asked to address six basic questions, including long-term benefit, catalytic impact and potential to leverage resources, within their proposals.
The consistent format of the process ensures that all of the data collected by the Task Force can be uniformly reviewed. Groups are asked to send in no more than three proposals, and each submission can be no longer than three pages in length.
“Legacy Fort Wayne has created a wave of excitement and interest that is building throughout our community,” said Mayor Henry. “Fort Wayne is blessed with so many great organizations that are working to strengthen our area in so many ways. The Task Force and I wanted to make sure local groups had a convenient way to share their insights and contribute their suggestions. We want to capture every idea from every segment of our city. We are challenging everyone to look to the future, to think long term, to be bold.”
The deadline for receiving all group proposal forms is Friday, March 18 at 5 p.m.
The group proposals, along with all of the other public input gathered during the community engagement component of Legacy Fort Wayne, will be considered by the Task Force as the members formulate the recommendations they will make to the Mayor and share with Fort Wayne City Council. Group proposals do not represent formal requests for funds. Submissions will be regarded as the principal recommendations of the participating groups.
The new group proposal option joins the March public forums open to every resident and www.FeedbackFortWayne.org on the roster of communications and outreach tools being employed by Legacy Fort Wayne. The goal of the civic participation component is to foster a broad-based, citywide discussion about the uses of these legacy funds. Featuring an array of traditional and digital methods, the community involvement process is a centerpiece of the initiative.
The next Task Force meeting will take place on Thursday, February 24, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Allen County Public Library, Rooms A and B, 900 Library Plaza. This is a working session for the Task Force. Public comment will not be taken.
Formed by Mayor Henry, Legacy Fort Wayne is the community initiative to guide decision making about the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds.
While Legacy Fort Wayne will unfold over the next several months, the two funds will not become available until the settlement agreement has been approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
City Recognizes Improved Properties
Mayor Henry and Neighborhood Code Enforcement Bestow Gold Star Certificates on 7 Properties
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Neighborhood Code Enforcement director Cindy Joyner Thursday to recognize seven property owners who had turned around their once-blighted properties.
“These residences had been cited by our department for substantial code violations,” said Joyner. “Not only did the owners work with us to accomplish a plan to get back in compliance, they went over and above the requirements. Our code officers nominated each property for its achievements and I am proud to commend each of the owners.”
Joyner said past violations on the seven sites included one which had been damaged in a fire. The owner removed the entire second story and rehabilitated the first story, ending up with a very attractive house. Another property in need of attention was hand scraped and painted to preserve its historical character. While code violations require properties to be brought back up to minimum standards, these owners each did more work and put in more effort than required to improve their properties, according to Joyner.
“It is very gratifying to see property owners who not only care about their own property, but who recognize the impact their improvements have on surrounding properties and on entire neighborhoods,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Just as one irresponsible property owner can drag down an entire block, the health and vitality of a whole area can be improved by the actions of a single owner. I am proud to recognize these residents with Gold Star certificates.”
The seven Gold Star recipients are:
Lula Sullivan 3118 South Anthony
Reginald Converse 905 Columbia
Judy and Donald Anderson 329 Greenwood
Rex Wells 1524 Franklin
Jason Fansler 2704 Taylor
Richard and Cathy Schrock 1816 Cody
NLI Inc. 425 Greenlawn
Mayor Henry, Barry, Partners Celebrate Start of the Harrison, Culmination of a Downtown Vision
Residential, Retail, Commercial Piece of Harrison Square Set for Green Light
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and Chris Schoen, CEO of Barry Real Estate Companies, today revealed new details about plans for The Harrison, the long-awaited residential, retail and commercial component of Harrison Square. The festivities at the Grand Wayne Center overlooking the project site also introduced new tenants of The Harrison and brought together members of its local development team.
The Harrison is the final piece of Harrison Square, the signature private-public initiative, announced late in 2006. Marking the occasion along with the Mayor and its principal developer were elected officials, downtown supporters and business, community and neighborhood leaders.
“We have great news today,” said Mayor Henry. “The Harrison is a ‘go.’” And with that news, our vision to bring new retail and residential options into the heart of the city is coming to life. Though the times have been tough, the wait has been worth it. My dedication to building a more vibrant downtown is about making Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana more attractive to the good jobs, talented workers and business development that we need to grow. Barry Real Estate’s private investment and the decisions of the tenants and the development team are a validation of our collective work to strengthen Fort Wayne and create a more competitive region.”
“I am so pleased that we are able to be here today, ready to go, with our development team and our tenants. Thank you, Mayor Henry, a lesser city might have given up on us,” noted Schoen. “With great partners and the support of the people of Fort Wayne, we finally have in place the pieces we needed to fulfill our vision for The Harrison and for Harrison Square."
The four-story, mixed-used building on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street will offer retail space at street level, commercial space on the second floor and 40-plus market-rate apartments on the upper two floors. With 100,000 square feet of rentable space in all, The Harrison represents a desirable new address and a stylish addition to the downtown skyline.
Three businesses have executed leases and will become the first tenants of The Harrison, including: • Carson Boxberger, LLP, a longstanding downtown law firm recommitting to the city center, 24,000 square feet of space; • 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, a regional financial-services provider bringing its distinct relationship-based brand into the downtown area, 3,800 square feet of space; and • O’Reilly’s Irish Bar, an Indianapolis-based establishment new to northeast Indiana, 4,000 square feet of space.
“Carson Boxberger and downtown Fort Wayne have been a fit for 65 years,” stated Bruce Boxberger, partner in Carson Boxberger, The Harrison’s major new commercial tenant. “The timing was perfect. The Harrison makes it possible for our firm to grow, gives us an entire floor and the flexible space we need and reaffirms our commitment to the city center. We believe that The Harrison makes a strong statement about the importance of a lively downtown to our city’s and our region’s economic vitality.”
“3Rivers has always had a deep affinity with our membership and the communities we serve,” observed Jeff Meyer, President/CEO at 3Rivers. “We’re very excited about the opportunity to finally have a chance to showcase why we value these relationships and how we build them in our revitalized downtown. We’ve been waiting for the right time and place to let the Fort Wayne community experience some of our best kept secrets for serving others. We think The Harrison is the location to help make that happen, and we’re proud to be a supporter of Fort Wayne’s future.”
"We are excited to be a part of what will undoubtedly become the premier destination spot for the wonderful people of Fort Wayne,” declared Keith Reilly, who along with his business partner, Joel Reitz, are owners of O’Reilly’s. “O'Reilly's Irish Bar is only as good as our friends who visit us and that is why we are opening in Fort Wayne. We look forward to becoming fast friends with the people of Fort Wayne."
With Barry Real Estate in the primary role, the other members of The Harrison’s development team were also detailed, as follows: • PNC, the lead bank in supplying financing for the project; • A prominent Fort Wayne investor, quietly contributing private equity to the project; • Design Collaborative, a local, downtown architectural and engineering firm serving as the designer for the building; and • Hagerman Construction Corporation, a nearly century-old Fort Wayne construction company acting as the general contractor for the project.
The $18 million project, well more than the $14.5 million investment required by the City of Fort Wayne for this component of Harrison Square, will be financed in part by a loan from PNC. While the composition of the funding package has not yet been finalized, Mayor Henry was heartened by the willingness of local financial institutions such as Tower Bank and 3Rivers to step forward and participate if needed.
“It is with deep roots and a sense of belonging to the community that we are extremely excited to be an active team player in the management and construction of The Harrison,” said Mark Hagerman, CEO of The Hagerman Group. “As a staple of Fort Wayne, The Hagerman Group shares in the excitement and the commerce that the entire Harrison Square project has brought to the city. It will be a magnificent opportunity to be involved in the final touches with the groundbreaking, construction and ribbon cutting for The Harrison.”
“The staff of the Design Collaborative live, work and play in downtown Fort Wayne every day,” said Ron Dick, architect and founding partner of The Harrison’s architectural firm. “It is a thrill to help realize a dream, to help complete Harrison Square and to enrich our community.”
The new plans for The Harrison and its financing package will be presented to the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission in a 4:30 p.m. meeting later today. Final approvals must be given by the commission for development to proceed.
Pending a positive outcome with the commission, construction preparations would begin immediately. Actual work on the site would be anticipated to start as soon as the weather permits. The estimated target for The Harrison’s completion is approximately 15 months from the start of construction.
Envisioned as a catalyst project, Harrison Square has already demonstrated its ability to galvanize economic activity. A recent scorecard of impact encompasses these entries: Over 400,000 people coming downtown for TinCaps games and events at Parkview Field annually; a record year for activities at Headwaters Park, festivals and events; a flourishing cultural district; businesses investing; restaurants expanding their hours; a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel that opened last August; and significant growth in the number and size of convention wins.
The Harrison and Harrison Square are the results of the community’s decision over a decade ago that an energized downtown was a cornerstone of its overall economic development efforts and a measure of Fort Wayne’s pride, vitality and potential for investment. The ideas behind Harrison Square emerged from community dialogue, planning and recommendations developed through several downtown planning initiatives that were guided by citizen input.
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Public Invited to Legacy Fort Wayne Forums
Meetings to Engage Community on Future of City Light Lease Funds
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force today asked the people of Fort Wayne to “save the dates” for upcoming community meetings that will help to determine the future of the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. Nine public sessions are scheduled at convenient sites across the city throughout the month of March.
“The community engagement phase of Legacy Fort Wayne is just around the corner,”said Mayor Henry. “I’m inviting every resident to get involved. Nine public meetings are planned. Find the one that is closest to you and mark it on your calendar today. Then come to the event and help shape the future of these legacy funds. If you’d like to share an idea right now, go to FeedbackFortWayne.org and join the conversation at any time.”
The Legacy Fort Wayne forums will be held at the following locations: March 7 United Hispanic Americans 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 2424 Fairfield Avenue
March 7 Neighborhood Association Presidents’ Meeting 6:30 p.m. Omni Room, City-County Building One East Main Street
March 8 Catherine Kasper Place 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Large Conference Room 2826 South Calhoun Street
March 9 Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Second Floor Classroom 7602 Patriot Crossing
March 10 Canterbury High School 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Auditorium 3210 Smith Road
March 14 Allen County Public Library – Downtown 12:00pm –1:30pm & 5:30pm-7:00pm Rooms B & C, 900 Library Plaza
March 15 Snider High School 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cafeteria 4600 Fairlawn Pass
March 16 Northrop High School 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cafeteria 7001 Coldwater Road
The public events are only one facet of the Legacy Fort Wayne community engagement process. The civic participation component will feature a broad array of outreach and communications methods, both traditional and digital. The complete campaign will be outlined in more detail in the near future.
One online tool, FeedbackFortWayne.org, is already up and running, allowing the people of Fort Wayne to submit ideas, discuss them and vote on their preferences.
“Legacy Fort Wayne has given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a lasting impact on our community,” added Mayor Henry. “Our challenge is to look to the future. These unique funds can become a mighty catalyst. If we use these unique resources wisely, we can strengthen Fort Wayne, better position us for economic growth and make our city a place of pride and opportunity for generations to come.” All of the public input gathered during the community involvement process will be considered by the Task Force as the members formulate the recommendations they will make to the Mayor and share with Fort Wayne City Council.
The full initiative, including all Task Force events, is open to the public. Task Force sessions are also broadcast live on City TV (Comcast 58 and Frontier FiOS 28). Video of the first Task Force meeting, in its entirety, is available on the Legacy Fort Wayne website at www.LegacyFortWayne.org .
The next Task Force meeting is slated for Thursday, February 10, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Allen County Public Library, Rooms A and B, 900 Library Plaza. This is a working session for the Task Force. Public comment will not be taken.
Formed by Mayor Henry, Legacy Fort Wayne is the community initiative to guide decision making about the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds.
While Legacy Fort Wayne will unfold over the next several months, the two funds will not become available until the settlement agreement has received the approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Mayor Henry/ County Commissioners Lift Level Four Snow Alert
Mayor Tom Henry and the Allen County Commissioners have lifted the Level Four Snow Alert. At this time motorists may resume normal activities.
Streets should be ready for Morning Commute
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and the Allen County Commissioners will lift the Level Two Snow Warning at midnight tonight. At that time the City and County will go to a Level Four. Level Four has no travel restrictions but reminds motorists that winter conditions could present a hazard. Drivers should proceed with caution. City snow plows will plow through the night. Side streets are expected to be completed by 5:00am. “We’ve worked very hard the last three days and I commend our plow truck drivers who put in long hours even sleeping on cots at the utility maintenance building last night. We are fortunate to have that level of dedication. We should be able to resume most normal activities in the morning,” said Mayor Henry. Tonight will mark the third straight full day of plowing for City crews. The Street Department received assistance from our Parks and City Utilities crews during today’s plowing operations. City offices will be open for business Thursday morning.
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The City of Fort Wayne's 311 Call Center will return to normal operating hours Thursday. The 311 Center will remain open for non-emergency calls until 5:30pm this evening. On Monday, Mayor Tom Henry asked the 311 staff to stay open 24 hours during blizzard conditions. Additional staff members from other departments were pulled in to help maintain the call center for the 24 hour expanded schedule. The 311 Call Center's normal hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Animal Care & Control Service Levels during Snow Emergency
Animal control officers are on duty to for emergency response by calling 427-1244. The shelter's pet adoption center is closed and volunteers should not report to duty. The main business office is open for emergencies and phone lines will remain open for citizen assistance.
City of Fort Wayne - Animal Care & Control is urging pet owners to safely secure animals inside a warm garage, enclosure or the home during the winter storm emergency. Provide additional food, fresh drinkable water and straw bedding in animal enclosures. If you are forced to leave your home, the 311 call center can provide you with a list of boarding facilities and hotels that accept pets.
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City Prepares for Winter Blast
Mayor Henry has Team Ready to Go
Asks Residents to Check on Neighbors, Be Proactive
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City is prepared to handle the approaching winter storm and Mayor Tom Henry is urging residents to be proactive and prepare themselves as well.
“Each of us has a responsibility to be aware of the preparation needed for our families and neighbors to be as safe and comfortable during challenging weather conditions. We need to make sure we have provisions like an adequate food supply, blankets, flashlights and batteries, medicine and baby formula. Most importantly, we need to check on each other,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Mayor Henry is urging residents to be proactive and check on neighbors even before the storm. The City has plow truck drivers ready to go and has an ample supply of salt for the upcoming storm. Additionally, all City departments are ready for a unified response.
“Our staff has been working closely to implement our storm response plans. This includes coordinating with our internal departments as well as Indiana Michigan Power, social service agencies and community partners,” said Mayor Henry
The 311 call center is operating on normal business hours today but is prepared to expand to 24 hours a day if needed. Residents should call 311 for things like downed trees or limbs that are in the street. For fires, accidents or medical emergencies, residents should call 911.
Pet owners should make sure they have appropriate supplies and take steps to have a safe location for their pets during deteriorating weather conditions.
Mayor's State of the City Speech - 2011, Transcript
Thank you, Jeff, for that kind introduction. And thank you for the great work that you and your staff are doing.
The Allen County Public Library is one of Fort Wayne’s exceptional assets. I wanted to come to the library for the State of the City, because this building represents knowledge – and knowledge is the power to shape the future.
My primary focus as Mayor is on strengthening our community and making Fort Wayne a more attractive and competitive city – a place of pride and opportunity for residents, and a first-choice location for business investment.
Our economic status is key to that goal. That’s why I am proud of Fort Wayne’s economic story. Yes, we have experienced the full impact of one of the country’s worst recessions, but I can report today that the City’s fiscal standing is sound. For the third straight year, our budget is balanced, essential programs are fully funded and we have a healthy savings account to see us through these challenging times. Every day, we are delivering high-quality, cost-effective services to our residents.
Your city government is financially strong and at your service. At a time when cities across the country are cutting police officers and firefighters, when street lights are going dark, and snow-covered roads are going unplowed, Fort Wayne has continued to provide the outstanding services that you have come to expect.
These successes are remarkable, because over the course of the last decade the population of Fort Wayne has grown 30 percent, and the area we serve has expanded 40 percent. Yet during the same 10 years, our employee count, except in public safety, has decreased by a full 10 percent. We are doing more with less. And we can look to the future with optimism; because the City’s financial foundation is strong.
As Mayor I am doing everything in my power to make Fort Wayne a place where good jobs can grow and families can thrive. I am working hard to keep the City’s fiscal house in order because I know our residents rely upon these services, and I know how much pain this recession has caused for so many: Jobs lost, homes in foreclosure, dreams that have vanished. I wake up every morning dedicated to building a better community.
Because creating an environment that promotes job growth and private investment – an environment in which companies can prosper, is how we make life better for all of us, and ensure our economic progress. All of the decisions my administration makes are focused on this outcome. It’s why streets and sidewalks matter. It’s why top-notch schools and universities matter. It’s why a vibrant downtown matters. It’s why healthy neighborhoods matter. It’s why community collaboration matters. And it’s why a well-run City Government matters.
These are the things that make life good for our residents and make a difference to businesses looking to invest – and ultimately, create jobs in our city.
Let’s take a look at what we are doing to make Fort Wayne a more attractive and competitive community. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but by bringing nearly all local government together, I knew we could make things easier for our residents and roll out the welcome mat for new jobs and business development. We listened to our business community. And we are now creating a one-stop shop for economic growth.
After three decades, the goal of a full City-County partnership through co-location is becoming a reality. Because of the hard work of many, including the County Commissioners and the City and County Councils, 200 East Berry Street will soon be the administrative, neighborhood, and economic- development hub for local government. And the current City-County Building will become the headquarters for Public Safety personnel. This forward-thinking decision continues my commitment to a more cooperative and effective local government.
Because we are one community, and because creating jobs is priority one, we are already hard at work with our Allen County partners to streamline our permitting process. We know time is money, so we want to make it easier for businesses to prosper in Fort Wayne.
Another vital community solution was the merger of our 911 communication services. Earlier this month we welcomed a new director to a combined City-County 911 call center, because there is nothing more important than the health and safety of our community.
Once again our willingness to put aside the outmoded ways of doing the people’s business has resulted in a common-sense solution that will make our community better and more efficient. All of these collaborative improvements – co-location, a merged 911 emergency call center and streamlined permitting – are not city solutions or county solutions, they're community solutions. They were achieved through a unified vision and the willingness to take on the tough challenges.
When I came into office I pledged to make City Government more open and accessible to all. I want to know your ideas, your concerns and your suggestions. We are partners in building a better community.
That’s why I continue to walk neighborhoods and open my door for Mayor’s Nights In. It’s why on major decisions, I make sure we are always gathering information from citizen committees like the Clean Rivers Task Force, the Solid Waste Contract Committee, Bike Fort Wayne and the Social Services Summit.
I am equally committed to using new methods and new technologies to ensure that more people can have input on their own time schedule. That’s why I launched SmartGov. SmartGov brings government to the people. Phase one was about delivering more information and increasing access. This online feature puts City budgets, contracts and our checkbook at your fingertips 24/7.
Phase two is about encouraging collaboration and interaction. We’re starting a new conversation. And Feedback Fort Wayne is just the first example. The response has been incredible. Right now you can help “Name Our New Building” and weigh in on the future of the City Light Lease funds.
Community collaboration does matter. But infrastructure matters too. It matters to residents and it matters to businesses.
Last year, 465 construction jobs were created as we finished more than 60 miles of street repairs, including concrete repairs in 26 neighborhoods. We also added 11 miles of new trails. In fact, over the past six years, our trail system has tripled in size from 20 miles to more than 60 miles. Our partnership with nonprofit groups and the County will see us add another 10 miles in 2011.
Because active transportation is a hallmark of competitive cities, I am also committed to building more bike lanes and making our city more friendly to pedestrians. Using the new Bike Fort Wayne and Walk Fort Wayne plans, we are improving safety and enhancing our quality of life.
This year, I am looking forward to the grand opening of the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge on Clinton Street. It will improve traffic above and the flow of the river below. As we honor this historic leader, we will also be creating an impressive gateway into the heart of Fort Wayne.
As Mayor, I see each and every gateway into our city as important. By putting our best foot forward, we let travelers know that we’re glad they’re here. It’s the economics of the first impression.
Our Gateway Advisory Group started meeting last August to explore ways that we can use signage, lighting and landscaping to make our front doors more appealing. Working with leadership Fort Wayne, we’re also taking note of our downtown railroad overpasses. Watch for activity on Lafayette, Clinton and Columbia Street as we highlight our arts district and other downtown destinations. Creating a sense of place and promoting investment matter to all of us.
Like so many Fort Wayne residents, I share the goal of celebrating our rivers. Last year we witnessed the inaugural Riverfest on the IPFW campus. It drew 20,000 people to the banks of the St. Joseph River in a single day. I’m really excited it’s coming back again in a couple of months. The new bridge, our gateways, and events like Riverfest, symbolize the pride we all feel in our community. These are investments that businesses and families desire.
Quality of life matters.
And for many of us, nothing captures our pride of place better than our award-winning Parks and Recreation Department. Our more than 24-hundred acres of public parks saw record use. And participation in our summer playground activities grew a record 20 percent. The Cooper Community Center celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary. And we're creating a new public art park dedicated to our Sister Cities at the old Dimension Ford property. The nonprofit organization KaBOOM! honored us as a “Playful City USA.” And Taylor’s Dream is about to take flight. Taylor Reuille is the girl who dreamed of a boundless playground – one that is accessible to all. I’m happy to say the park – the first boundless playground in the state of Indiana – will be finished in June.
Just like the parks, clean water is essential to building a community where good jobs can grow. Our Long Term Control Plan is already bringing us significant benefits. Last year, sewer separation projects and changes at our water pollution control plant kept more than one billion gallons of sewer overflow out of our rivers.
Additionally, the $38 million we invested to improve water services resulted in some 1,200 fulltime construction and engineering jobs - most with local contractors. In 2010, City Utilities was recognized as one of the best in the country, winning the Directors Award for Safe Water practices for the tenth year in a row.
Our city’s nearly 80,000 households got terrific news in 2010. We got a new garbage and recycling contract with National Serv-All, that not only reduces rates, but also improves service. Because of the hard work of our Solid Waste Contract Committee, while other cities are watching trash collection prices go up; our costs have actually come down along with fees for all residents. We’re saving more than a quarter of a million dollars annually. And for the first time ever, we are sharing in the revenue generated through the sale of recycled materials. We estimate as much as $200,000 annually can be used to keep our rates low. With One-Cart recycling we've already broken the 50 percent participation barrier.
Sustainability matters.
Two years ago we launched the Green City Business program. It helped businesses look for ways to become more sustainable. Its popularity grew so much, that last October; the Northeast Indiana Sustainable Business Council was formed to help our entire region become more competitive in the global market place.
This true business-to-business network is increasing participation in the new Bright Green Business and Stewardship programs. In the City, we have one greenest vehicle fleets in the country. All traffic signals now use LED lights. And we are currently studying the use of methane for power generation at our waste water treatment plant.
We’re embracing sustainability in our neighborhoods, as well. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program has been a hallmark of that effort. Because healthy neighborhoods matter. Through this program local developers purchased vacant or foreclosed homes, rehabbed them, and sold them to qualified homebuyers.
A couple of our local “green-field” developers – who traditionally build on open, suburban land – hopped on board. They learned how to develop houses in our established neighborhoods and really made the program work. Significant neighborhood investment. Good jobs. Great homes for families. And an average increase in home value of 62 percent. The N-S-P is an unqualified success.
Our Neighborhood Main Streets got their own boost with the third round of our popular Commercial Façade program. With upgrades to storefronts, our small business owners are sending an upbeat message to customers and a powerful signal to other businesses looking for great places to locate.
This is a private-public partnership that works – and works well. In almost every instance, business owners are investing more than required, some even four times the grant amount. Obviously, it will be back again this year.
Check out Wells Street, North and South Anthony Boulevards and Broadway at Taylor. You’ll see pride growing and businesses prospering. We’re helping our small-business community succeed, and they in turn, are enhancing nearby neighborhoods. Together we’re keeping the fabric of our community strong. Because small business matters. And so does a safe city. Because there’s nothing more important than feeling safe in your hometown. Our police department takes its charge very seriously, as do I. Overall crime was down in 2010 by about five-and-a-half percent. But there was a slight uptick in homicides and that concerns me.
Every life is precious. Our commitment to both aggressive prevention and investigation is one we will renew again and again. It is why we expanded the use of technology with an updated Automated Fingerprint ID System and wireless print units in the field. And in 2011, we will gather palm prints and create laser sketches on site. We’re already seeing the impact. GPS tracking systems and effective team policing have increased our gang arrests by 25 percent. Our police department is working hard, but addressing the causes of crime is an ongoing community challenge. That is why our partnerships with neighborhoods, businesses, schools, social-service providers and our faith-based community are vital. It takes all of us working together to keep our city safe. The Fort Wayne Fire Department is also working to achieve our safe-city goals. The new Incident Command Training Center improves “on-scene” operations. Housed at the Northeast Indiana Public Safety Academy, this sophisticated training is open to all departments in Northeast Indiana. The acquisition of a Quint Fire Truck will result in a savings of about $500,000 dollars annually. This dual-purpose vehicle does the work of both a ladder truck and an engine truck.
Our efforts to keep City finances sound and to foster economic opportunity take on a special urgency when we think about the young people of our community. We are the stewards of their future. We must invest now to ensure a Fort Wayne that is filled with possibilities for our children and grandchildren. That’s why the expansions at IPFW, Ivy Tech, Indiana Tech and the University of St. Francis and Manchester College's new pharmacy school are energizing this community. Their student populations represent our next generation of leaders.
There are no more important partnerships than the ones we build to advance learning, because a good education matters. My Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council has 27 high-school students from across the city working to inform their peers about local government. They also provide me with the valuable voice of our younger residents.
We're putting a new emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for high school students. This innovative program with ATOS Origin, our IT provider, along with businesses, universities, high schools and our economic development partners, will soon be fighting “brain drain.”
Well over a decade ago we made a collective decision that a vibrant downtown matters. It is a measure of our pride, vitality and the potential for economic growth. All around us you can see the progress we are making. Harrison Square has truly been the catalyst project we had hoped.
Take a look at the scorecard: Over 400,000 people coming downtown for TinCaps games and events at Parkview Field; A record year for activities at Headwaters Park, festivals and events; A lively and growing fine arts district; Businesses investing; and restaurants expanding their hours. Capping it all, a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel that opened last August.
It has taken vision to stay the course on many issues that are vital to our community. It took courage and perseverance to bring together a team of local and regional banks to make the new hotel happen. But together, we did it.
And now today, not only do we have a beautiful new hotel, but we are also attracting conventions that once picked larger cities. Five big convention wins in recent months prove this point emphatically.
Our energized downtown is attracting investment, capturing new revenue and creating a climate where businesses can prosper and families can thrive. It has been tough to be patient as the economic downturn and tight credit market kept the last piece of Harrison Square on hold. But much like the courage and tenacity that it took to realize the new hotel, today it is my good fortune to announce the financing package for The Harrison is nearly complete.
Several Financial institutions have now stepped up for our city. With PNC in the lead, along with Tower Bank, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union and others - the residential and retail component of Harrison Square will soon come to life.
You might say, I’ve saved the best for last. The end of 2010 brought the positive resolution to the 35-year-old City Light Lease issue. The settlement agreement with Indiana Michigan Power – still requiring the approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission – will pay us $39.2 million over 15 years, with $5 million coming as an upfront payment.
It is an agreement that will strengthen our community and position us for economic growth. Moreover, it will leave us with a lasting legacy. There were those who said that this community asset had no worth. But I was determined to fight for fairness, to fight for the people of Fort Wayne. That’s why I went the distance. Now we have the opportunity to look to the future. To think long term. To be bold. The City Light Lease Settlement and the nearly $36 million in the Fort Wayne Community Trust are a unique legacy. Our community is in a once-in-a-lifetime position. We have the chance to help discover the future for nearly $75 million.
When I ran for Mayor, I made a pledge that when a settlement with I&M was reached I wanted all of our residents to have a chance to contribute their ideas – to help determine how we might best use these exceptional funds. Legacy Fort Wayne is a promise kept.
It’s time to start thinking about our hopes, our dreams, our goals and our priorities. Our choices must be ones we study thoughtfully and make together. Let’s use this treasure wisely. Go to LegacyFortWayne.org and get ready to get involved.
When I look at Fort Wayne in 2011, even in these difficult times, I see a city with a strong foundation and sound finances. I see a community determined to do everything it can to make Fort Wayne a place where good jobs can grow. Businesses can prosper. Talent can blossom. And families can thrive.
When I look at Fort Wayne in 2011, I see opportunity. The strengths and assets of our community are many, our people exceptional, our accomplishments enormous.
The people of this community are what really matters. You fill me with hope that our best days are still to come. Working together, we can make amazing things happen. The time is now.
Thank you all for coming.
Provides Update on Building Renovation
Mayor Tom Henry gave the community an inside look today at the renovations underway at 200 East Berry Street, the future home of Fort Wayne and Allen County government offices. The Mayor also announced that he is seeking input from the community to help name the building.
“The renovation of 200 East Berry is proceeding on time and on budget. Demolition is about 90% complete,” stated the Mayor. “The changes that will transform this space into City and County management and development offices are on track for completion around the end of April.”
Co-location of many City and County government functions in the 200 East Berry building will realize the long-held goal of putting departments that deal with neighborhoods, streets, development and building permits into one location. The site will also become the executive and administrative base for Fort Wayne and Allen County government.
While contractors are working on physical improvements to the building, Mayor Henry is calling on the community to help with the work of naming the new government center. The City has launched a website where citizens can suggest names for the building and vote on the possibilities offered by others in the community. To participate, residents can go to FeedbackFortWayne.org and choose the forum entitled “Name Our Building.”
“Our new government center deserves a name that reflects both the spirit of this community and its important civic purpose, “said Mayor Tom Henry. “With the full co-location of City and County government, we are coming together as a community and charting a new course for the future. This new building is about better serving the public, using our resources wisely and rolling out the welcome mat for business by creating a one-stop shop for economic growth. It’s a big challenge to pack all of those messages into a few words. Here’s a chance to get inventive and share your ideas.”
The new location offers a solution to a number of space issues faced by both the City and County. Both local police departments were in inadequate and obsolete facilities. Those public safety services will now be housed in the current City-County Building at One East Main Street. Co-location at 200 East Berry provides a cooperative solution for City and County office space needs, demonstrates a productive re-use of an existing downtown building and fosters the potential for greater collaboration between departments.
“We are one community,” continued Mayor Henry. “Our commitment to building a more attractive and competitive Fort Wayne and Allen County has been strengthened by this forward-thinking decision. Together, we are reducing the footprint of local government, even as we create lasting value that benefits all taxpayers and residents. Co-location is not a City solution or a County solution, but a community solution.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Public Information Office 427-1120
CITY OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY
FORT WAYNE , Ind. - The City of Fort Wayne’s offices, including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control, and Parks’ community and youth centers, will be closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Fort Wayne Fire Department administrative offices and satellite locations to include Training and Development, Safety Village and Fire Prevention are also closed Monday.
Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is unaffected by the holiday. The City’s parking meters will be free Monday because of the City holiday.
The City will have regular hours Tuesday, January 18.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, January 12, 2011 Contact: Peggy A. Bender, Animal Care & Control - 427-5508
ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL OFFERS FREE STRAW FOR ANIMAL BEDDING
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Animal Care & Control is offering free straw to any city resident in need of animal bedding during these cold days of winter. Pet owners are urged to continually monitor the needs of pets whenever the animals are outdoors. The straw is being offered through private donation to be used for bedding and to keep the ground surrounding a doghouse mud free.
Visit Animal Care & Control during normal business hours to receive a voucher redeemable for straw. The shelter office is located at 3020 Hillegas Road and open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
The shelter offers these additional winter care tips –
An animal that spends time outside must have access to a proper shelter specifically designed for an animal. The shelter must be free of leaks to wind, snow, and rain. Face the opening of the shelter to the east or south away from prevailing winds or fasten a heavy door flap to the top of the doorframe. Locate the animal's home to a warmer location in the sun. Create a snug inner room by making a removable partition inside the doghouse in back of the door opening. Use straw or cedar chips for bedding. Towels, blankets and hay are insufficient because cloth draws moisture and hay will mold. Insulate the animal's house and raise it several inches above the ground with concrete blocks to prevent snow from drifting inside. Frame the elevated area with boards or sand bags to prevent winds from gusting under the animal's house. Animals living inside an unheated garage must have a shelter inside the garage. Animals need extra food to help generate enough body heat to stay warm and must have unfrozen water to drink at all times. A heated water bucket is a great investment. All dogs and cats living within the city must wear the required city pet registration on a properly fitted leather or nylon collar. Keep all cats inside. Those who spend time outside can freeze, or become lost or injured. Bring dogs inside during extreme cold spells. Animals are very susceptible to frostbite and can quickly die of hypothermia if left outside unsupervised. Puppies and senior dogs do not tolerate the cold, so make walks and playtime short. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach following cold weather walks. Dogs can easily ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. Check paws for cuts caused by snow or encrusted ice.
Never hesitate to call the shelter regardless of the day or time to report an animal in need of help within the city. Call 260-427-1244.
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For Release: January 12, 2011 Contact: Public Information Office 427-1120 Photos by Liesl Marelli
MAYOR LAUNCHES COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON LIGHT LEASE LEGACY, CHALLENGES PUBLIC TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Citizen Input is Centerpiece of Process, Local Leaders to Serve on Task Force
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Keenly focused on building a stronger, more vibrant future for the people of Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry today unveiled the framework for Legacy Fort Wayne, the community initiative to guide decision making about the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. He also named the co-chairs and members of the Legacy Fort Wayne Task Force that will direct the process, and outlined the community involvement component that will be a focal point of the work.
The announcement was held in the penthouse of Three Rivers Apartments offering both a fresh perspective on and a panoramic view of the city, the ultimate beneficiary of these funds. The monies at the heart of this effort will come from two sources: 1) the $39.2 million City Light Lease Settlement , reached by the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M); and 2) the approximately $36 million Fort Wayne Community Trust, established by the City 35-years ago using a portion of annual Light Lease payments.
While Legacy Fort Wayne will unfold over the next five months, the two funds will not become available until the settlement agreement has received the approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
“The City Light Lease Settlement and the Fort Wayne Community Trust funds are a unique legacy for the people of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Through the resolution of longstanding City Light Lease issues and careful stewardship of our trust funds, our community is in a once-in-a-lifetime position. Our residents will have the chance to help discover uses for nearly $75 million. Though our times are difficult, our challenge is to look to the future, to think strategically, to be bold. Our mission must be to strengthen Fort Wayne and better position us for economic growth.”
To oversee Legacy Fort Wayne, Mayor Henry has formed a diverse, 15-member community Task Force. His 13 appointments include the two co-chairs and two members of Fort Wayne City Council. In turn, the City Council selections will pick the remaining two Task Force members from the community at large. The group will serve in an advisory capacity. It will investigate options, engage the public and make recommendations to the Mayor.
Answering the Mayor’s call to co-chair the Task Force are Quinton Dixie, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and James Vann, Chairman, Board of Directors, Rea Magnet Wire Company, Inc.
The additional members of the Task Force tapped by the Mayor are as follows:
Marty Bender, Member, Fort Wayne City Council; Terrell M. Bond, Jr., M.D., Vice President/Chief Medical Officer, Fort Wayne Neighborhood Health Clinic; James E. Cook, President, Northeast Indiana Region, Chase Bank; Jennifer Callison, Vice President, Mike Thomas Associates/F.C. Tucker; Meg Distler, Executive Director, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation; Joseph Dorko, Chief Executive Officer, Lutheran Health Network; Martin Fisher, Executive Director, Science Central; Cathy Hawks, Music Director, The Chapel; Julie Inskeep, Publisher, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Timothy Pape, Member, Fort Wayne City Council; and Wendy Robinson, Ed.D., Superintendent, Fort Wayne Community Schools.
“When I ran for Mayor, I made a pledge that when a settlement with I&M was achieved, I would ensure that our residents had the chance to contribute their own ideas and help to determine how we might best use these precious resources,” noted Henry. “Legacy Fort Wayne and its public involvement process are a promise kept. Let’s begin the conversation about our hopes and dreams, our wants and needs, our goals and priorities. Our choices must be ones we study thoughtfully and make together. Let’s use this treasure to enhance our community and make it a place of pride and opportunity for all of us.”
The community involvement component will feature a broad range of communications and outreach methods, both traditional and digital. It will be integrated into the work of the Task Force and be staffed by City personnel. The entire initiative, encompassing all Task Force meetings, will be open to the public and broadcast on City TV.
Information about Legacy Fort Wayne can be found online at http://www.legacyfortwayne.org/ .
The first Task Force meeting is scheduled to be held on January 27 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 128, City-County Building. The community involvement component is anticipated to kick off in early March.
The settlement agreement between the City and I&M was signed on October 28, 2010. City Council gave the agreement its unanimous approval on November 23, 2010. The IURC process began on December 30, 2010.
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For immediate release: January 10, 2011
Contact: Public Information Office 427-1111
MAYOR HENRY WELCOMES NEW 911 DIRECTOR Joint City, County 911 communications now in place
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The joint City-County Communications Partnership (CCP) formally kicked-off today as Timothy Lee began work as the new CCP Director.
Lee comes to the CCP from the Allen County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Department in Lima, Ohio, where he was a deputy sheriff and the director of communications for 22 agencies. He has 15 years of experience in law enforcement. Lee is a Marine Corps veteran where he served as a part of the Presidential honor guard at Camp David from 1990 to 1994. He has an associate’s degree from Rhodes State College in computer networking and is working toward a bachelor’s degree from Franklin University.
“The hiring and start of the new director is a significant step in realizing a goal that has extended over three decades for a single 911 call center to serve Fort Wayne and unincorporated Allen County. The City and County law enforcement have been working together informally for years and now the merger is official,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “Everyone involved wanted to make sure the director would have the right experience and leadership qualities to move the partnership forward. We know Tim Lee meets those requirements, and we are excited about having him lead the merger.”
In March, Mayor Henry, with unanimous support from the Allen County Commissioners, Fort Wayne City Council and Allen County Council, executed an interlocal agreement between the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County to form the separate Consolidated Communications Partnership (CCP) with an operations board consisting of Allen County Sheriff Ken Fries, Chief Deputy Dave Gladieux, Police Chief Rusty York and Fire Chief Pete Kelly.
The operations board will now work closely with Lee to accomplish the interlocal agreement’s directives, including a merger agreement with the current Multi Agency Communications Partnership, establishing wage and benefit plans for CCP employees, establishing policies and dispatch protocols, and creating benchmarks to measure success of the combined 911 dispatch center.
“There is no place that our one community message resonates with more power than in the realization of the unified City-County 911 call center. Our commitment to this kind of cooperation and collaboration will strengthen the community and improve efficiencies,” said Mayor Henry.
The CCP is a separate agency from City and County government, and existing employees of the City and County communications departments will become CCP employees.
The City Council and County Council will have budget oversight of the Consolidated Communications Partnership. The City’s controller will be responsible for the partnership’s accounting. The agreement that establishes the partnership lasts for three years and automatically renews for subsequent three-year periods unless terminated under the rules outlined.
The consolidated call center will remain in the City-County Building. Callers to 911 and emergency dispatch should experience no change in service levels during the transition to the Consolidated Communications Partnership.
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For Immediate Release: January 7, 2011 Contact: Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer, 427-6028
Master Plan Revealed for Dimension Ford Property
FORT WAYNE, Ind. —In the spring of 2010, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department held public input meetings regarding the development of the Dimension Ford property.
As a result of public input, the first step of a master plan has been created and will be presented to the Nebraska Neighborhood Association on January 13, 7 - 8:30 pm at the United Faith Presbyterian Church, 1616 W. Main Street. (Please use the rear parking lot and enter through the rear door.) On January 17, 7 - 8:30 pm, the Master Plan will be presented to the West Central Neighborhood Association at the Wellspring Building, 1316 Broadway. Conceptual drawings will be presented that evening.
Since the Dimension Ford property is located in the flood way, there were both challenges and opportunities associated with developing a park which would serve the need of the neighborhood, the community and the city. The acquisition of the property provided a unique chance to beautify this important gateway into downtown Fort Wayne and Swinney Park.
For more information about the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.fortwayneparks.org .
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For Immediate Release: January 7, 2011 Contact: Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer, 427-6028
Peter Pan Exhibit Opens at Botanical Conservatory Saturday: January 8 – April 10
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Staff and volunteers are making final touches today to the whimsical Peter Pan exhibit that opens at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Saturday, January 8.
Join Peter as he whisks Wendy, John, and Michael Darling away to Neverland. There they meet Peter’s loyal Lost Boys and the tiny fairy Tinker Bell, have adventures with the Indian princess Tiger Lily, and battle the evil Captain Hook. Explore the Lost Boys’ camp, the Indian Tribe’s village, and the Pirates’ ship – a sort of playground in the midst of the winter gardens. Watch out for the Croc! And don’t miss our special Peter Pan event on Saturday, February 5, 10 am-3 pm. Sponsored by the Wilson Family Foundation, PBS 39 and Media 401.
Regular admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. Conservatory hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Thursdays 10 am – 8 pm and Sunday 12 - 4 pm. Closed Mondays. For more info, visit www.botanicalconservatory.org or call (260) 427-6440.
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For immediate release: January 7, 2011
Contact: Public Information Office 427-1120
FORT WAYNE ’S PARK AND BOULEVARD SYSTEM NOW ON NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTER
Historic district designation rare for Indiana parks system
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Park Board President Rick Samek announced today that the city’s Park and Boulevard System Historic District is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. It is the second such designation for a park system in Indiana and joins a small number of systems listed nationwide.
The National Register of Historic Places recognizes the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System Historic District as an example of a comprehensive public space and transportation system developed from 1909 to 1955.
“The legacy of this park master plan lives on today at some of Fort Wayne’s most cherished parks including Lakeside, Foster, Swinney, McMillen and Franke and more. We should all be grateful for the foresight from our city’s leaders a century ago, and now that heritage is recognized nationally,” Mayor Henry said.
The City’s park and boulevard system grew out of the City Beautiful movement, which was sparked by the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. City Beautiful was premised on the principals now commonly used in city and urban planning and coincided with much of Fort Wayne’s park and city growth in the first half of the 20th century.
“We are now entrusted with what has become some of the community’s finest public spaces that have delighted people of all ages for decades. This listing on the National Register of Historic Places allows for the Parks and Recreation Department and entire city to continue that tradition,” said Parks Board President Samek.
Fort Wayne’s first park and boulevard master plan was presented to the community in 1909 by Charles Mulford Robinson, a pioneer of urban planning in the United States. Development of the plan continued with pioneer landscape architect and planner George Kessler in 1911 and 1912. In 1927 the firm of Bennett, Parsons & Frost updated the plan again in with the influence of local planners. By 1955 most of the plan had been implemented and the key elements were in place. The plan also provided a geographic backbone to the Rivergreenway trail system along Fort Wayne’s riverbanks.
A listing on the National Register of Historic Places provides recognition of the history and design significance of the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard system as it reaches its centennial. Local appreciation of historic park resources has been growing steadily for many years, and the nomination provides the documentation needed for broad public education and interpretation initiatives.
The designation enhances funding opportunities to maintain the community’s historic resources and will serve as a consideration for planning park and transportation projects.
The Fort Wayne Department of Parks and Recreation partnered with the Fort Wayne Division of Community Development in listing the historic components of the park and boulevard system in the National Register. Friends of the Parks of Allen County and ARCH, Inc. were also instrumental in the initiation and support of this project.
The City of Fort Wayne obtained federal grants administered through Indiana's Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology to help fund the application preparation to the National Register of Historic Places. The City contracted with the Westerly Group and Storrow-Kinsella Associates to research the district and prepare the nomination. The completed application was reviewed by the Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission before it was forwarded to the Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board and finally to the National Park Service.
The 1912 George Kessler Plan for Fort Wayne provided for efficient circulation of traffic on grand boulevards around what was then the perimeter of the city. It also provided locations for scenic parks and parkways along the City’s rivers and streams. The plan also identified development sites that became many of Fort Wayne’s most popular neighborhoods of the last century. Many of these residential areas have been listed on the National Register as historic districts or are considered to be eligible for listing.
The Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System Historic District is nationally significant for its association with a master planner and a landscape architect who were both key figures in the early city planning movement: Charles Mulford Robinson and George Kessler. Arthur Shurcliff, one of the great master landscape architects of the 20th century, also designed components to the plan throughout his career.
The Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System Historic District includes the historic parks, parkways, and boulevards located within the city limits as shown on the 1912 Kessler plan; also included are historic parks, parkways, and greenways which were logical extensions of the Kessler plan through 1955. The historic district is roughly inclusive of the following parks and adjacent rights-of-way: Franke, McCormick, McCulloch, McMillen, Memorial, Nuckols, Old Fort, Reservoir, Rockhill, Weisser, and Williams. The historic district also includes the following water (river) based parks, parkways, and associated green space: Maumee River from the three rivers confluence to White Oak Dr, including Lakeside Park; Spy Run Creek from St. Mary’s River to Norfolk Avenue, including Lawton Park and Vesey Park; St. Joseph River from three rivers confluence to Coliseum Boulevard, including Johnny Appleseed Park; St. Mary’s River from three rivers confluence to Fairfield Avenue, including Bloomingdale Park, Foster Park, Guldlin Park, Orff Park, the Thieme Dr. Overlook, Roosevelt Park, Camp Allen, and Swinney Park (East & West).
The historic district also includes the rights-of-way of the following boulevards: Anthony Boulevard from Crescent to Rudisill, Berry Street from Hanna to Thieme, Hanna Street from Rudisill to Taber, Taber Street from Hanna to Lafayette, Jefferson Boulevard from Thieme to Lindenwood, Lindenwood Avenue from Jefferson to W. State, Rudisill Boulevard from McMillen Park to Foster Park, Sherman Boulevard from St. Mary’s River to Franke Park, St. Joseph Boulevard from Columbia to E. State, State Boulevard from Anthony to Lindenwood, Tennessee Avenue from Spy Run Avenue to California, and Lake Avenue from Forest Park to Anthony.
The National Register of Historic Places is the Federal government’s official list of prehistoric and historic properties worthy of preservation. In Indiana, this program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources-Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, with assistance from the City of Fort Wayne as a Certified Local Government. Listing in the National Register provides recognition and assists in preserving our nation’s heritage. It does not prevent private owners from altering, demolishing, or disposing of the property as they choose.
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Permit for Animal Business or Animal Breeder
Application for all permits may be made at our business office during normal business hours:
Grooming Establishment or Pet Shop Permit : $100
Major Breeder Permit : more than one litter in any household in 12 months. (dog or cat) Proper zoning may be is required. $200
Minor Breeder Permit : one litter in a 12 month period. The permit fee is reduced to $10 if the dog or cat is spayed after the birth of her litter. If not altered $100
Residential Kennel/Cattery Permit: $400-$500 allowing up to 3 unaltered dogs/cats not exceeding total of 7 of altered/unaltered
Kennel/Cattery/Exhibitor Permit : more than three unaltered pets at one address. Proper zoning may be required.
6-15 $150
16-25 $250
26 or more $350
Exhibitors Permit : Any exhibitor owning or harboring up to five unaltered dogs or cats (not exceeding the total of 7 over the age of five months may register all animals annually under an Exhibitors Permit after showing proof of eight “Confirmation of Show Entry” forms issued by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club or other similar national registry association for the 12 month period preceding registration. Other administrative requirements and care standards apply to this permit. Interested parties may contact FWACC to discuss guidelines. $150
Register an Animal Event
All events involving one or more animals and taking place within the Fort Wayne city limits require an Event Permit.
Permits are $100. If the event is conducted by a non-for-profit agency the permit is complimentary.
All events are inspected by the Department of Animal Care and Control.
For Immediate Release: January 3, 2011Contact : Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer 260-427-6028
JANUARY/FEBRUARY CLASSES FOR YOUTH
Deadlines Approaching
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is offering the following classes for children in January and February:
Future Artists , Ages 9 months – 18 months, Registration deadline: January 7
This one-time class for infants will show off their art skills while they have some yummy fun using all edible materials. Creativity can be messy, so old clothes, bibs or aprons are recommended. Class will meet Friday, January 14, 9 – 9:40 am or 10 – 10:40 am at Salomon Farm Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Road. Fee: $15.
Paste n’ Play , Ages 18 months – 3, Registration deadline: January 11
This five week class combines arts and crafts with physical activity and coordination skills, using all the energy your little one has. Class will meet Tuesdays, January 18 – February 15, 9 – 9:45 am at the Community Center, 233 W. Main Street. Fee: $30.
Adventures in the City , Ages 3 - 5, Registration deadline: January 17
This field trip class will visit various Fort Wayne locations such as the downtown library and post office, the fire station on Main Street and Crazy Pinz, to get a first hand look behind the scenes of these interesting places. Class will meet on location Mondays, January 24 – February 21, 9 – 11 am. An itinerary will be distributed at registration. Fee: $30.
Little Sluggers: T-Ball Training , Ages 3 - 5, Registration deadline: January 21
Who says baseball is a summer sport? You and your little slugger will have a grand slam good time as you work to improve your baseball skills in a warm, indoor environment. Class will meet Saturdays, January 29 – February 26, 8:30 – 9:15 am or 9:30 – 10:15 am at Concordia Theological Seminary Gymnasium, 6600 N. Clinton St. Fee: $45
Pee Wee T-Ball Training , Ages 5 - 7, Registration deadline: January 21
Don’t let the winter blahs get you down. Join us for T-Ball on the weekends. Its’ sure to be a hit! Our winter T-Ball focuses on batting, base running, fielding and more, with fun games thrown into the mix. Class will meet Saturdays, January 29 – February 26, 10:30 – 11:15 am at Concordia Theological Seminary Gymnasium, 6600 N. Clinton St. Fee: $45
Register on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6011. If you miss the registration deadline for a class, call Lee Penrod at 427-6468 to see if spots are still available.
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MAYOR HENRY SELECTS BAYH STAFFER AS NEW MAYOR’S ADVOCATE
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry proudly announced today that Brent Wake is joining the Mayor’s staff Jan. 3 as a Mayor’s advocate.
Wake will work with neighborhoods, residents and business associations in the city’s southwest and northwest quadrants and lead the City’s efforts for the Bank on Fort Wayne program to provide access to traditional banking services for people who don’t currently use savings or checking accounts. He joins the City from his recent position as regional director for Senator Evan Bayh’s Fort Wayne office.
“Brent brings to the Mayor’s office a wealth of information about Fort Wayne and Indiana. I am delighted to have him joining our staff and continuing to build and maintain ties to Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods on the west side,” Mayor Henry said. “Brent’s experiences with Sen. Bayh and local organizations will be a wonderful addition to our staff and our community as we work to strengthen neighborhoods and continue connections with residents.”
Wake is a graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. He has been with the Senator’s northeast Indiana office since 2003. He has been involved with Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Learn United, Aging and In-Home Services and Leadership Fort Wayne. He also served as Sen. Bayh’s African-American outreach coordinator.
Ken Nicolet, who has been with the City since 1991 and as a Mayor’s advocate since 2004, is retiring next year. Nicolet will guide Wake in the first part of the year to ensure a smooth transition for neighborhoods.
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Rick Hemsoth
For Immediate Release December 29, 2010
Contact: Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer, 260-427-6028
FORT WAYNE PARKS & RECREATION GOLF MANAGER RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Rick Hemsoth, PGA Professional and Manager of Golf Operations for Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, has been awarded the 2010 U.S. Kids Golf Master Kids Teacher award. U.S. Kids Golf chose Hemsoth because of his “exemplary dedication to the growth and development of kids’ golf.”
The mission of U.S. Kids Golf is to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and to encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Rick,” said Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll. “He helped build and develop the Lifetime Sports Academy and has dedicated over 30 years of his life to working with children in not only our golf program, but our swimming and tennis programs as well.”
Hemsoth played on the PGA tour briefly before becoming an assistant golf pro at McMillen Golf Course in 1980.
“U.S. Kids Golf has named me a top 50 teacher in the past, but this is the first time I’ve made the Master list. I’m honored to receive this award,” said Hemsoth. “All the encouragement I get from the Parks & Recreation Department, the kids, the parents and our LSA supporters makes it easy to be the best I can be.”
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For Immediate Release December 29, 2010
Contact: Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer, 260-427-6028
BAGEL STATION UPTOWN EXPANDS HOURS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Due to popular demand, the Bagel Station Uptown will now be open on Mondays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The café, located in the gift shop of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, is expanding its hours to Mondays to serve breakfast and lunch clientele and business customers who have repeatedly expressed interest in using the café’s services on Mondays when the Conservatory is closed.
The new café is a division of The Bagel Station operated by Lisa Jackson, the proprietor of the original Bagel Station that opened in 1984. Serving homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, daily specials, pastries and espresso beverages, the Bagel Station Uptown offers a unique take on a home-grown Fort Wayne business. Adding to the diverse array of downtown eateries, the café also caters boxed lunches for local businesses and is capable of easily outfitting large groups of motorcoach visitors with a full meal or treats for the road.
The Bagel Station Uptown’s new hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Free parking is available across the street in the Civic Center parking garage (with purchase); metered parking is available on Calhoun Street as well. The Bagel Station Uptown also has its own separate entrance located off Calhoun Street.
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For Release: Tuesday, December 28, 2010 Contact: Public Information Office, 427-6957
MAYOR ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION PLAN FOR NEW RECYCLING CART Residents will begin receiving the new recycling cart starting Jan. 3
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry announced today at a press conference that city residents will begin receiving the new, all-in-one recycling carts beginning January 3.
Approximately 600 to 800 new recycling carts will be delivered daily on scheduled recycling days. Each week areas in all quadrants of the City will receive new carts. The distribution schedule is available at www.recyclefortwayne.org .
Once carts are delivered in a neighborhood, residents may no longer use the yellow and brown recycling bins.
Only Fort Wayne residents who signed up for the recycling program will receive carts. Everyone is encouraged to sign up by January 2 to ensure they receive a new, all-in-one recycling cart. City residents who would like to participate in the new recycling program may sign up even after crews delivered to their area; however, it will take an additional three to four weeks for delivery. To minimize delays, citizens are urged to sign up now.
“Requiring sign up helps us to coordinate how many carts to order and how many residents are planning to participate in the new program,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Initial distribution is scheduled to continue until April 2011. During that time, residents who wish to receive a cart may register by calling 311 or signing up online at www.recyclefortwayne.org . New recycling carts are available in two sizes, 96-gallon and 48-gallon. The City encourages residents to select the 96-gallon size.
“Based on the expanded list of recyclables including plastics numbers one through seven, Styrofoam and juice cartons to the program, as well as bulky cardboard boxes, the larger cart will make recycling even easier,” said Bob Kennedy, director of public works. “We hope the convenience and the revenue we’ll generate as a City encourages maximum participation from City residents.”
Residents may keep their current yellow and brown bins, reuse them for another purpose, or after receiving their new recycling cart, may leave their bins on the curb and crews will collect them within 72 hours.
More than 45 percent of Fort Wayne residents have signed up for a new recycling cart, which is nearly 10 percent more than those who currently recycle.
“The recycling program is designed as a win-win for the City,” said Mayor Henry. “The City of Fort Wayne will receive 50 percent of the profits generated by the sale of recyclable materials. Just as we were able to reduce the garbage fees for residents in December, we expect the success of this new program to generate additional savings for the residents in the future.”
Until residents receive the new, all-in-one recycling cart, they are required to continue sorting their recyclables in the yellow and brown bins. However, everyone will be eligible to recycle the additional plastics, numbers one through seven, beginning January 3.
“Some residents have asked if they can throw away trash and recycling together in the same cart,” Kennedy said. “While they will find the recycling program encompasses a majority of their household waste, we will still be using one cart for garbage and one cart for recycling. The new recycling cart will replace the yellow and brown recycling bin system that is currently in place.”
The new recycling cart has a yellow lid and an embossed image listing items accepted with the recycling program. Black lids will still be used on standard garbage carts for City residents.
Sign up for the program is available at www.recyclefortwayne.org or calling 311.
A map detailing cart distribution will also be available at www.recyclefortwayne.org .
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Matt Gratz, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Fort Wayne, details how the new, all-in-one recycling carts will be distributed throughout the city during a news conference at the City-County Building December 28. (Photo by Liesl Marelli)
Matt Gratz, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Fort Wayne, details how the new, all-in-one recycling carts will be distributed throughout the city during a news conference at the City-County Building December 28. (Photo by Liesl Marelli)
Mayor Tom Henry announces the recycling distribution process for City of Fort Wayne residents that is scheduled to begin January 3. All residents who have not signed up to participate in the new program are encouraged to sign up at www.recyclefortwayne.org or call 311. (Photo by Liesl Marelli)
Mayor Tom Henry announced today at a press conference that city residents will begin receiving the new, all-in-one recycling carts beginning January 3. (Photo by Liesl Marelli)
Mayor Tom Henry announces the recycling distribution process for City of Fort Wayne residents that is scheduled to begin January 3. All residents who have not signed up to participate in the new program are encouraged to sign up at www.recyclefortwayne.org or call 311. (Photo by Liesl Marelli)
For Release: Monday, Dec. 27, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-1120
CITY OFFICES CLOSED FRIDAY FOR NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices, to include the City Utilities Customer Relations Center, the 311 Call Center, the Fort Wayne Police and Fire department's administrative offices, as well as Prevention and Survive Alive, will be closed Friday for the New Year’s holiday.
The Community and Youth centers and Animal Care and Control will be closed Friday and Saturday; however, Animal Control Officers afterhours depositories will be open to receive animals when the shelter is closed. The Botanical Conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve but will be closed New Year’s Day.
Garbage and recycling pick up is not affected by the holiday schedule.
The City will have regular hours Thursday, December 30 and Monday, January 3.
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For immediate release: Monday December 27, 2010
Contact: Public Information 427-1120
MAYOR HENRY RELEASES HUD FUNDS FOR 2011
Housing and Neighborhood Services to offer nearly $6 million for projects; hosting information session Jan. 13
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne will offer $5.9 million in federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funding to meet housing and community development goals for 2011. Mayor Henry invites local social-service providers and others to attend a briefing about how to apply for HUD funding 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing.
“We want to cultivate new partners who can deliver the programs and services that the community has identified as being a high priority in the next year,” Mayor Henry said. “We have funding for specific needs of targeted populations, identified through public meetings, focus groups and conversations with the community. This funding will improve the safety, availability and affordability of housing, plus the quality of life for low- and moderate-income households in Fort Wayne. It will take the collaboration and participation of many organizations and businesses to reach these goals, and we are looking for partners to work with us to meet our housing and community development needs of all our residents.”
The funds will be distributed through a competitive process using $1.1 million in Home Investment Partnership Programs (HOME), $2.5 million in Community Development Block Grants and $2.35 million in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The Community Development Division’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is the grantee and steward of the City’s HUD funding.
Each funding source has its own set of regulations and requirements. For more information, go to www.cityoffortwayne.org , in the housing and neighborhood services area, under applications and forms . Organizations receiving federal funds demonstrate positive investment in the community, but properly using the funds requires significant administrative oversight and diligence. To help potential partner agencies and businesses understand how to access the funding and what is expected if they receive the grants, OHNS is hosting a free partner development briefing 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 at the Public Safety Academy.
Briefing attendees will learn more about HOME-funded programs, CDBG public service grants, CDBG housing programs, tax abatements, brownfield developments, and how to use multiple funding sources. Developers, lenders, landlords, property owners, social service agencies and other interested individuals can attend to learn more about the City’s priorities for how it will allocate funds. Applications will be available at the briefing, and technical assistance to answer questions about how to apply for these funds, who is eligible to apply , and the responsibilities with the funding.
Reservations are not required for the briefing. For more information, contact OHNS at 427-1127 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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The process of investigating a City Court has highlighted concerns shared by both the City and the County in the area of better enforcement of local laws, enhanced public safety and greater protection of our neighborhoods. Both the City and the County are dedicated to finding what works best, what is most efficient and what best serves the public. The dialogue that this issue has opened up between City and County officials is providing new paths to approach these matters.
The idea of a Fort Wayne City Court is one that has been talked about for some time. The ordinance calling for a City Court was prepared because City Clerk Sandy Kennedy, various members of Fort Wayne City Council, including Council President Marty Bender and Councilman Glynn Hines, along with the Henry administration, all believed it to be a good idea. Research supported its pursuit.
Fort Wayne and Allen County officials are keenly aware that in these difficult economic times, local government must constantly find better ways to serve the public and to ensure that our laws are properly enforced.
One of the City of Fort Wayne’s top priorities has been the creation of a more effective and cost-efficient local government. Central to achieving that goal is the Mayor’s commitment to continuous process improvements. It is something City staff work to realize every day. Saving resources and making sure that every tax dollar yields maximum citizen value are key operational principles.
Though time was short, exploring the City Court idea and preserving the option through legislative action were deemed worthwhile. Passage of the ordinance would not have mandated the formation of the court, but simply assured that all options to improving the delivery of these services remained available.
In light of the new opportunities for dialogue, the City and the County/Prosecutor’s Office have agreed to address these issues and work to secure those solutions within the current system. As part of that mutual understanding, the ordinance calling for the establishment of a Fort Wayne City Court has been withdrawn from consideration.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2010
CITY OFFICES CLOSED THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s offices, including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control, and Parks’ community and youth centers, will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday.
The City’s parking meters will be free Thursday and Friday because of the holiday. The Botanical Conservatory will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected by the holiday schedule.
The City will have regular hours Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 27.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2010 Contact: Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer, 427-6028
MAYOR SUPPORTS OPERATION STOCKING STUFFER Efforts Brighten the Holiday Season for Children
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Task Force made the holiday season a little brighter for approximately 200 children today during the Operation Stocking Stuffer holiday celebration at Weisser Youth Center.
The Park Department’s Employee Task Force once again headed up the collection, determined to provide gifts to even more children than when they launched the annual event in 2009. Last year, 140 children decorated stockings, not realizing that the stockings would be stuffed with gifts when they picked them up at the holiday celebration.
“Most of the children returned this year and brought all their friends with them, so we didn’t expect to have the same level of surprise as we did last year,” said Director Moll. “But the intensity of excitement in the room was even greater. The kids were thrilled.”
After sending out a plea for donations to city employees and local businesses, the Task Force received enough cash and items to fill the stockings to the brim with presents such as beanie babies, Rubiks cubes, art supplies, zoo and pool passes, as well as more essential items like chapstick, hand sanitizer, hats, gloves and microwavable foods. Six bicycles were also handed out in a drawing.
“These efforts are providing a glimmer of hope, bringing joy and a smile to these children,” said Mayor Henry. “All the City employees and businesses who donated to this wonderful cause should be proud. Today was extra special for these children, thanks to you.”
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Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Task Force made the holiday season a little brighter for approximately 200 children today during the Operation Stocking Stuffer holiday celebration at Weisser Youth Center. (Photo by Natalie Eggeman)
Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Task Force made the holiday season a little brighter for approximately 200 children today during the Operation Stocking Stuffer holiday celebration at Weisser Youth Center. (Photo by Natalie Eggeman)
Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Task Force made the holiday season a little brighter for approximately 200 children today during the Operation Stocking Stuffer holiday celebration at Weisser Youth Center. (Photo by Natalie Eggeman)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 17, 2010
MAYOR HENRY SIGNS ORDINANCE REDUCING GARBAGE, RECYCLING FEE
FORT WAYNE , Ind. - At a time when fees and prices seem to be increasing across the country, Mayor Tom Henry was able to lower the fees Fort Wayne residents pay for garbage and recycling in 2011.
Today Mayor Henry signed the ordinance setting the garbage recycling rate to $11.00 per month per household. This is a reduction of $.24 per month from the current year.
“Times are tough and it’s difficult for cities to find ways to keep costs in check,” said Mayor Henry. “Not only did Fort Wayne manage to avoid increasing the rate citizens will pay to recycle, we actually will see a reduction in the rate while improving services. This achievement is due in large part to the efforts of the solid waste contract committee, a group made up of neighborhood association representatives, City Council members and Public Works staff members.”
In January, Mayor Henry appointed a committee to study the collection process and determine the details of the contract. The committee met publicly for more than six months to complete the task.
“Mayor Henry’s unusual step to make the committee’s work entirely public with open meetings throughout the process resulted in competitive bids and a lower rate,” said Tim Giardina of Gershman, Brinker & Bratton Solid Waste Management Consultants.
National Serv All won the seven-year contract for the City’s garbage and recycling contracts.
Even more beneficial to the City is the new contract offers one-cart recycling, which is believed to encourage an increased participation in the program. The new contract also has a profit-sharing component, a first for the City. Under the terms, the City will receive 50 percent of the profits from the recycling product. That could result in a profit of $150,000 dollars if recycling participation remains at its current 34 percent participation rate. But that figure is expected to increase under the new One Cart system.
Already, 42 percent of the City’s households have signed up for the one-bin option, and that number continues to grow. Residents are reminded to reserve their carts in one of three ways: sign up online at www.RecycleFortWayne.org , return the postcard they should have received in the mail or call 311.
While many cities are facing the tough task of reducing services, such as snow plowing or turning off street lights, Mayor Henry remains committed to providing high quality services and maintaining a balanced budget.
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Mayor Tom Henry, standing with Director of Public Works Bob Kennedy and Kira Blacketor, Program Manager of the Solid Waste Department, announce the benefits citizens of Fort Wayne receive by signing the ordinance lowering the garbage/recycling fee. (Photo by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer)
Mayor Henry signed the ordinance setting the garbage recycling rate to $11.00 per month per household at his office in the City-County building today. This is a reduction of $.24 per month from the current year. (Photo by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2010 Contacts: Public Information Office, 427-2146 Rita Junk, 704-2069 Greg Dahm, 422-9417
LOCAL COMPANIES TEAM WITH CITY TO KEEP HOLIDAY REVELERS SAFE Free cab rides home within 10 miles of downtown begin Thursday
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry joined with local taxi companies and other local businesses today to announce the return of the 23rd annual Holiday Cab program.
The program, which will run from Thursday, December 16 through Saturday, January 1, offers free cab rides home for people within a 10-miles radius of downtown to provide additional safety for residents during the holidays.
“The Holiday Cab program offers an important public safety benefit to the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This program keeps our roads even safer during the holiday season. In a year when many programs have had to reduce the services they provide, it’s wonderful to see this group of interested business people come together once again to give this holiday gift to the community.”
The free cab rides home are available from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday, January 1. People needing a cab ride must call the Holiday Cab Hotline, 460-4710, to request a ride. Participating cab and limo services will take people home from a business or party within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fort Wayne. Reservations are not accepted, and the cabs will only take people home – not to another bar or restaurant.
“Fort Wayne’s would-be impaired drivers always have options – and this holiday season it’s cost-free,” said Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York. “There is no excuse for drinking and driving so make the right decision to keep our roads safe.” “I’m so happy that we are able to offer this program for the 23rd straight year,” said Rita Junk, a member of the Holiday Cab organizing committee. “I want to thank all of the participants and sponsors who have made the program possible.”
“I commend the dedicated companies who help provide this charitable service to Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry.
Participating taxi companies this year are: Deluxe Taxi Cab, AAA Taxi, A-1 Limo and Deluxe Limo – Airport. Supporters and contributors to this year’s program are: AALCO Distributing Company, Anheuser-Bush IN-BEV, Communication Networks, the UAW – CAP Council and the Fort Wayne Tavern Owners Association.
Organizers will be posting information about the program at local bars and restaurants.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2010 Contact: Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer (260) 427-6028
SKATING PONDS CLOSED
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The skating ponds at Lakeside, East Swinney and Reservoir parks are closed. All the ponds have one half to two and a half inches of soft snow ice on them. The Parks & Recreation Department will mark ponds with red lights and flags to indicate that conditions are not safe.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park during public skating hours. Public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
The City urges everyone to stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2010
"STARTING A BUSINESS" WORKSHOP DEC. 16 City collaborating with Women’s Enterprise, Small Business Development Center and SCORE to offer free workshop
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation Women’s Enterprise, Small Business Development Center and SCORE will offer “How to Start a Small Business” workshop at the City-County Building Thursday, December 16.
The workshop will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building. The free event will allow people who are starting a new business or who have recently launched a new venture to ask questions on a variety of topics.
Topics of discussion: • How the City can help • Legal Business Structures • Business Planning • Financial tools and cash flow • Banking and credit • Funding sources and strategies
To register for the free workshop, please call SCORE at score at (260) 422-2601.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2010 Contact: Public Information Office 427-6957
CITY OFFERS ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO DEVELOPERS
City seeks more projects for Neighborhood Stabilization Program
FORT WAYNE , Ind. - The City of Fort Wayne is making approximately $500,000 available to eligible homebuyers and City-registered development teams via the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Purchase-Custom Rehabilitation Program.
In 2009, Fort Wayne received $7 million to implement its plan for responding to the increasing number of vacant and foreclosed homes in the community.
“Through the NSP Purchase-Custom Rehabilitation Program, developers in our City were able to use this money to rehabilitate vacant and foreclosed homes to make them once again marketable and desirable for today’s buyers,” said Heather Presley-Cowen, deputy director of Community Development. “The Program is designed to convert otherwise outdated homes in neighborhoods where buyers want to live, and ultimately it has improved the appeal of our neighborhoods and stabilized home values. We’re pleased that the first round was so successful that we’re now able to begin investing those same dollars again.”
The first NSP program funded the purchase, acquisition and rehabilitation of 24 homes throughout many neighborhoods in Fort Wayne. The improvements, funded with NSP dollars, increased the assessed value of these homes by an average of 62 percent.
“That program was overwhelmingly successful and is now generating program income that can be re-invested in additional local properties,” said John Urbahns, director of Community Development. “The new version of the program has been adjusted to focus more diligently on building strong relationships between buyers, program partners and lenders.”
Mayor Tom Henry encourages local developers to take advantage of this extended opportunity to utilize NSP funding.
“This opportunity greatly benefits moderate- and middle-income families in Fort Wayne who may have desired to live in a custom-built home in one of Fort Wayne’s historic neighborhoods, but struggled to acquire additional funding from lenders in order to make the needed improvements,” said Mayor Henry. “I am committed to strengthening businesses in Fort Wayne and providing an atmosphere where families thrive. This program helps revitalize our neighborhoods, it stimulates the local economy by generating job opportunities and it provides an avenue for greater financial stability.”
The NSP connects moderate- to middle-income buyers with development teams that purchase and renovate selected homes in near-downtown neighborhoods. Buyers must earn 50 to 120 percent of area median income (AMI). Homebuyers are required to contribute a minimum investment of one percent of the final sales price to the buyer. Mortgage buy-down assistance is available as a low-interest rate loan of up to $14,999 in order to make the home more affordable to the buyer.
Eligibility for the NSP is limited to vacant properties where foreclosure occurred on or before February 17, 2009. The program no longer includes abandoned properties.
Application forms will be available by the first of the year at www.NSPFortwayne.org . A family of four earning $74,400 a year, as one example, qualifies for the NSP.
The City will host a Partner Development briefing in January (date to be determined) where interested developers, real estate agents and those interested in the program will have the opportunity to learn more about the NSP, as well as other programs offered in 2011.
Details will be available on the City’s website, www.CityofFortWayne.org , in the near future.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9, 2010 Contact: Peggy Bender, Community Relations & Education Specialist, 260-427-5508 Photos by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer
Open House Successful for Animals and City
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – An estimated 500 pet-loving people joined Mayor Tom Henry in celebrating at the Animal Care & Control ’s annual Christmas Open House for the Animals held yesterday at the shelter on 3020 Hillegas Road.
Gifts were plentiful, as donations of canned food, toys, bedding and treats were placed under the Christmas tree to help shelter staff prepare for a long winter of caring for community animals. Donations are accepted year-round and can be brought to the shelter during business hours. Monetary donations are also accepted and can be earmarked for medical needs or pet adoptions and mailed to 3020 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46809.
“Charitable donations from Fort Wayne citizens greatly benefit the animals cared for at Animal Care and Control,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The open house was a huge success for the shelter and hopefully we can help place adoptable pets in a loving home this holiday season.”
The shelter encourages citizens to report animal neglect including pets left outside without proper provisions. As a reminder, there will be no business hours at the shelter on December 23, 24 and 31, but officers will be on duty. For additional information, call 427-1244 or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org .
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Peggy Bender, a Community Relations and Education Specialist with Animal Care and Control, shows Mayor Tom Henry one of the many adoptable pets at the shelter's open night event. (Photo by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer)
Doug Hartle, Peggy Bender, Mayor Tom Henry, Belinda Lewis and numerous volunteers, local residents and supporters of Animal Care and Control proudly display the many charitable donations delivered to the shelter during the open house event. (Photo by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer)
Doug Hartle, Peggy Bender, Mayor Tom Henry, Belinda Lewis and numerous volunteers, local residents and supporters of Animal Care and Control proudly display the many charitable donations delivered to the shelter during the open house event. (Photo by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer)
Director of Animal Care and Control Belinda Lewis and Mayor Tom Henry stop for a photo at Animal Care and Control's open house event. (Photo by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer)
For Immediate Release: December 8, 2010 Contact: Public Information Director Frank Suarez at 427-6957
SOCIAL SERVICE SUMMIT WELCOMES LOCAL AGENCIES AND RESIDENTS Register On-Line for Free Event
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Economic development, organization sustainability, and service connectivity will be a focus of Fort Wayne’s Social Service Summit sponsored by the Health and Human Services Coalition. The event will be held on December 10, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana.
Offering more services with less funding, finding ways to partner with others while attempting to share limited resources, and communicating more effectively among social service agencies and residents are all interests gleaned from the previous Summit. Mayor Tom Henry will address the meeting and convey outcomes from the first Summit, highlighting the efforts of the Health and Human Services Coalition.
“We are fortunate to have social services in place that work together to keep our City moving forward,” said Mayor Henry. “I encourage anyone who touches the lives of our residents in need to attend this free summit. Attendees have everything to gain by taking the time to see what is going on in the community and how we come together to address needs and what each of us can do to help.”
The keynote address will be given by Dr. Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University. Mark Becker of the Northeast Indiana Foundation, and Mike Landram, president of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, will also provide updates.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the following breakout sessions: Collaboration and Coordination, The Role You Play, and Agency Assistance.
The Summit is free of charge and open to the public. Please register by e-mailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Peggy Bender, Community Relations & Education Specialist, 260-427-5508
CITY TO HOLD HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE FOR THE ANIMALS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The public is cordially invited to join Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control in celebrating the holidays with homeless dogs and cats on Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the shelter located at 3020 Hillegas Road.
Tour the shelter, visit with the animals, meet the Mayor, enjoy refreshments, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Guests are encouraged to bring monetary donations for medical supplies and adoption initiatives or to bring gifts of the following: canned food for cats and dogs (dry food not needed at this time), feed for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and parakeets, durable chew toys like Kongs or Nyla Bones, plain clay cat litter, pet treats, small bags of timothy hay or alfalfa cubes, Care Fresh small animal bedding, towels and blankets for dog and cat bedding, blank animal themed note cards with envelopes, pet toys, leashes and collars, dog crates and cat carriers, acrylic lambs wool sheets, cat scratching posts made from rope (non-carpeted), paper towels and rubbing alcohol.
As a reminder, the pet adoption center will be closed Dec. 8 for the open house and will be closed Dec. 18, 23, 24 and 31 for the holidays. For additional information call 427-1244.
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MAYOR HENRY NAMES DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Mayor Tom Henry has realigned his Public Information Office and tapped internal resources to complete the Public Information staff. Mayor Henry appointed Frank Suárez to be Director of Public Information, effective immediately.
Suárez brings a deep knowledge of the City to the position, having served as the Public Information Officer for City Utilities and Public Works. In addition, he brings experience as a reporter and assignment editor in broadcast news and corporate communications. He is a graduate of Butler University.
Suárez’s selection as Director of The Public Information will allow for a smooth continuation of the Mayor’s efforts to engage the public in the work of the City and his efforts to gather public input on the issues that are important to the community.
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For Release: Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 Contact: Public Information Office, 427-1111
MAYOR HENRY HOSTS MAYOR’S NIGHT IN DEC. 13
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry will host his final Mayor’s Night In for 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. December 13 at the City-County Building.
Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with Mayor Henry in his office on the 9th floor to have an open dialogue about any concerns, comments, feedback or suggestions related to City government or services.
Fort Wayne residents may schedule their 10-minute block of time that evening with Mayor Henry by calling 427-1111. Times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents who met with the Mayor during a previous Mayor’s Night In or Mayor’s Night Out event during 2010 will be placed on a waiting list to give other citizens a chance to meet with Mayor Henry.
“I am committed to giving Fort Wayne residents an opportunity to meet with me and my staff directly so that I can hear what is important to them,” said Mayor Henry. “Open dialogue with the citizens I serve is extremely important. Our combined vision of Fort Wayne is what continues to make our city a great place to live and work.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2010 Contact: Raquel R. Foster, Public Information Officer, (260) 427-1343 Photos by Liesl Marelli, Public Information Officer, City of Fort Wayne
FORT WAYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York and Mayor Tom Henry today conferred promotions on four City police officers:
Deputy Chief Karl M. Niblick, promoted to Assistant Chief of the Fort Wayne Police Department. Commission Date: September 1985
Captain Paul A. Shrawder, promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief. He will begin his assignment as Deputy Chief of the Investigative Support Division. Commission Date: January 1987
Captain Garry A. Hamilton, promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief. He will begin his assignment as Deputy Chief of the Northeast Division. Commission Date: August 1994 Sergeant Stephen R. Reed, promoted to the rank of Captain. He will begin his assignment as Captain of the Investigative Services Division. Commission Date: January 1993
“The promotion of mid-career and senior-level officers to higher ranks not only recognizes their individual accomplishments, it also reflects the overall dedication and commitment of our City police force,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Each of these individuals has a significant career with the Fort Wayne Police Department. It’s wonderful when we can reward veteran officers with promotions and keep them working right here in our City.”
The officers were joined by co-workers, friends and family for the promotion ceremony.
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Karl M. Niblick was promoted to Assistant Chief of the Fort Wayne Police Department.
Paul A. Shrawder was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief.
Garry A. Hamilton was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief.
Stephen R. Reed was promoted to the rank of Captain.
For release: Friday, December 3, 2010 Contact: Public Information 427-1120
ZONING AND SIGN ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS FOR DOWNTOWN DESIGN STANDARDS APPROVED
Council approves; Mayor Henry signs new guidance for downtown development
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's Downtown Design Manual and accompanying Zoning and Sign Ordinance Amendments have been fully adopted by the City Plan Commission, City Council and have been signed by Mayor Tom Henry as of November 29.
The Design Manual and ordinance amendments provide design direction and guidance to architects, property owners and developers, as well as assist staff and the Plan Commission in reviewing new development and redevelopment projects in the CM5A and CM5B downtown zoning districts. Existing development is not affected. The effective date for the ordinance amendments is January 1, 2011. A cross-functional staff team began working on this project in July 2009. An advisory group made up of representatives from City Council, the Plan Commission, the Downtown Improvement District, and downtown business and property owners also assisted in the project. "Downtown Fort Wayne is a hub for development, growth and revitalization,” said Mayor Henry. “Adopting this improved set of guidelines and direction will help ensure the positive momentum continues as we see new and redeveloped properties in the heart of our downtown. The ordinance amendments and manual act as a guideline for continued revitalization to preserve the character and vibrancy we see today and hope to see more of in days and years to come.” The Department of Planning Services will be implementing the manual and ordinance. More information is available at their website, www.allencounty.us/dps .
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For Release: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 Contact: Public Information Office, 427-2146
CITY ADDS NEW FEATURES TO WEBSITE
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne is announcing new online features today to increase residents’ awareness of city activities and programs.
Changes include streaming monthly audio announcements from the Mayor’s office, SmartGov initiatives toward increasing government transparency and voting capabilities for the new Recycling program’s most commonly asked questions and answers.
Monthly announcements : The announcements that play when a caller is on hold with the City are now streaming online. These relevant and important announcements include briefs from the Mayor’s Office, Animal Care and Control, Department of Parks and Recreation, City Utilities and Fire and Police departments.
SmartGov : Here you will find a comprehensive database of City and County contracts, budget books and presentations, City financial reports and a City check register. As part of the SmartGov initiative, City Council meetings are now easier for online viewers to access through an index of meeting highlights. The index includes links to video of the public’s and Council members’ comments, ordinances for introduction and passage and voting outcome. City Council meeting will continue to be broadcast live and replayed on the City’s Government Access Channel (ch. 58 on Comcast and Ch. 48 on Verizon FIOS).
Recycling Questions and Answers : Commonly asked questions regarding the City’s new recycling program can be found on this website. Viewers are able to give the City feedback on the usefulness of the answers by giving an up or down vote. Answers that receive the lowest ratings will be reworked to better meet the citizens’ needs.
“Increasing our online capabilities to reach citizens will not decrease any in-person efforts we make to maintain dialogue with residents and provide services,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “By expanding the methods we use to communicate, we are can increase awareness about City services and help provide reliable, timely and valuable information to local citizens.”
The City continues to encourage residents to attend meetings throughout the City such as neighborhood association, Area Partnership or special project meetings. Residents are also encouraged to use 311 to communicate with the City.
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December 1, 2010 For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Nichter 260-427-6024
Playful City “Play Day” at Headwater’s Park
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Headwater’s Park Ice Rink will host a KaBOOM! Playful City USA play day event for the public on Wednesday, December 8, 4 – 7 p.m.
“This winter play day is a continuation of the play days we sponsored this summer,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Staying active throughout the year, and encouraging our youth to participate in fun and healthy activities is critical to a healthy lifestyle. We also welcome the Turnstone Flyers Sled Hockey team, who exemplify the importance of accessibility and demonstrate how everyone can stay active.”
Fort Wayne was named a Playful City USA Community in August when KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play, recognized 118 cities across the country as Playful City USA communities. Fort Wayne was selected for the City’s outstanding dedication to play.
KaBOOM! inspires communities to build and maintain great places to play in conjunction with its vision of keeping children happy and healthy. Playful City USA communities create best practices, serve as role models for other communities and prove that enhancing children’s well-being by increasing the opportunity for play is an attainable goal for every community.
Children 13 and under may skate free , thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, the Lupke Foundation and the Auer Foundation. Regular fees apply for skaters 14 and older. A sled hockey demonstration will be held at the rink from 6 – 6:30 p.m.
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For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Eggeman (260-427-6028) Public Information Officer
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Holiday Gift Ideas
If you’d like to give an unusual gift this holiday season, or you’d just like to avoid the crowds, consider a Parks & Recreation gift card, or visit one of our unique shops.
Gift Cards Parks & Recreation gift cards can be used for program registration fees, concert tickets, greens fees, golf memberships, and Botanical Conservatory admission and memberships. You choose the amount. Stop by the Parks Administrative Office at 705 E. State Blvd. or call 427-6000 to purchase by phone.
Tulip Tree Gift Shop Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. Unique botanically-inspired books, plants, garden accessories, toys, t-shirts, music CDs, cards, original art and more.
Zoo Memberships Give a Zoo Membership for the holidays—it’s the gift that gives all year long! The whole family can enjoy unlimited free admission to the zoo, discounted admission to more than 150 zoos nationwide, a free summer picnic, coupons, and exclusive members-only opportunities. Purchase online at kidszoo.org or call 427-6827 weekdays to order by phone.
Ye Olde Gift Shoppe Community Center, 233 W. Main St. M-F, 9 am - 3 pm A wide selection of hand-crafted items for youth and adults by local seniors, including jewelry, handmade ornaments, interior decorations and much more. Most items are under $10 and all the proceeds benefit the Community Center Wellness Program. We also offer complimentary gift-wrapping for items purchased in the Shoppe, or bring in your own item and we will wrap it for you for a small fee.
For more information about shopping opportunities, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org .
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November 29, 2010 For Immediate Release Contact: Sarah Nichter (260-427-6024)
Celebrate Christmas on the Farm
Come out to Salomon Farm Park on Saturday, December 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for a taste of a traditional Christmas. Activities will include a live Nativity, horse and tractor drawn hay wagon rides, crafts for the kids, a visit from St. Nicholas and more.
Park in the Old Barn Parking lot. The event is free, although donations are encouraged.
For more information, call Tony Acosta at 427-6008. Salomon Farm Park is located at 817 West Dupont Road.
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For Immediate Release: November 23, 2010
Contact: Mitch Sheppard, 260-450-6560
New Café Opens in the Botanical Conservatory
FORTWAYNE, Ind. - Today Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Department Director Al Moll performed the ceremonial slicing of the first bagel to celebrate the grand opening of The Bagel Station Uptown, a new café located in the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory . The improvement is funded by a grant from the Foellinger Foundation.
The new eatery compliments the facility’s mission to provide an attractive respite, educational experiences and fun family recreation.
“The discussion of this expansion has been in the works for more than a decade. I’m very proud that this dream has come to fruition today,” said Mayor Henry. “The Conservatory is the second most popular tourism site in Fort Wayne which 65,000 -70,000 residents, visitors from across all 50 states, and international tourist enjoy annually. Now with the addition of the Bagel Station Uptown we are better able to serve the public.”
The opening of the new café provides added value to visitors to other downtown attractions such as the Embassy Theatre, the History Center, Science Central and the Museum of Art. Having a unique, local choice for meals or snacks makes it much easier and more enjoyable for families to make a day of it experiencing the vibrant variety of cultural amenities in the heart of the City.
A division of The Bagel Station, the new café is operated by Lisa Jackson, proprietor of the original Bagel Station opened in 1984. Jackson has always prided herself on using the freshest ingredients and making products from scratch using recipes developed in her own kitchen. Serving soups, salads, sandwiches, daily specials, pastries and espresso beverages, the Bagel Station Uptown offers a unique take on a home-grown Fort Wayne business. Adding to the diverse array of downtown eateries, the new café also caters boxed lunches for local businesses and is capable of easily outfitting large groups of motorcoach visitors with a full meal or delicious treats for the road.
The Bagel Station Uptown is open Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday noon - 4 p.m. Free parking is available across the street in the Civic Center parking garage (with purchase); metered parking is also available on Calhoun Street.
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For more information about the Botanical Conservatory click here or visit http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/
For Release: Monday, Nov. 22, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-6051
One Cart Recycling Questions/Answers here
Sign up for One Cart recycling here
10,000 CITY RESIDENTS SIGN UP FOR ONE-CART RECYCLING
Postcard Registration Hits Mailboxes this Week
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – Within three weeks of unveiling one-cart recycling registration, more than 10,000 city residents have reserved their new all-in-one recycling cart.
“We have seen an overwhelmingly positive response from city residents,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our goal is to increase recycling participation in Fort Wayne households from 30 to 60 percent. I urge residents to register for the new cart.”
Registration for the new recycling program is easy. The City is also posting commonly asked questions/answers online with voting capabilities. Inquiring residents will find answers to commonly asked questions such as, “What can be recycled in the new One Cart Recycling Program?” and “Who is eligible to recycle?”
City residents who have not already signed up for the new recycling program will receive prepaid postcards in the mail this week. Methods for signing up include returning the prepaid postcard, calling 311 or signing up online at www.recyclefortwayne.org . Residents must sign up to receive their new recycling cart. The 96-gallon cart is the preferred size for a household of two or more people. Single person households may opt for a 48-gallon cart.
During the month of December, the City’s new recycling carts will be on display at 12 Kroger and Scott's Food locations in Fort Wayne. Local retailers may request a display at their location by contacting the City 427-2715.
“We are working toward maximum exposure for the new recycling program,” said Director of Public Works Bob Kennedy. “Displays at widely shopped stores will hopefully encourage residents to sign up for their new all-in-one recycling cart.”
The city will host a press conference toward the end of December to announce additional details about the cart distribution, which is scheduled to begin January 2011.
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Released: November 22, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-2146
COVINGTON ROAD OPENING TOMORROW
FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Covington Road Trail Project and the Bridge Project on Covington Road between Homestead Road and Eggeman Road are complete and scheduled to open tomorrow, Tuesday, November 23, by early afternoon.
This section of Covington Road between Homestead Road and Eggeman Road has been closed for two months while the above two projects have been underway.
With Aboite Center Road opening last week, the opening of Covington Road tomorrow will allow the residence in the area to return to their normal traffic patterns.
The patience of motorists on the west side of the City is greatly appreciated as these roadway improvements were being completed.
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For Release: Monday, Nov. 22, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-2146
MAYOR CHALLENGES CITY RESIDENTS TO INCREASE HOLIDAY DONATIONS
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – With the holiday season upon us, Mayor Tom Henry expressed concern about the many families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet, let alone think about having any additional resources for celebrations.
“One thing the people of Fort Wayne have never lacked is a willingness to lend a hand to our neighbors,” said Mayor Henry. “The agencies and organizations working to help those who seek assistance are all well aware that times are tight, budgets are lean, and the need is great. The good news is, we can each do something to help.”
With that, the Mayor announced a challenge to City and County elected officials and employees, as well as Fort Wayne residents to increase donations this holiday season from the Stuff-A-Bus food drive at Georgetown Square November 22. Featured on the radio with the Jim and Carrie in the Morning WLDE-FM 101.7, the Mayor announced his family will drop off donated items to the Illinois location, which is one of four possible donation sites.
“Many in our community are feeling the effects of a sluggish economy, and I encourage everyone who is in a position to donate to those who are less fortunate,” said Mayor Henry, who also provided a monetary donation at the food drive.
The Stuff-A-Bus food drive is celebrating its 15th year and accepts nonperishable food items, toiletries and monetary donations. More than 150,000 pounds of food has been donated during the past 15 years.
Donation times are today and Tuesday from 5:30 a.m. to midnight and Wednesday 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Georgetown Square, Pine Valley (in front of Rustic Hutch and Travel Leaders), McMahon Tire (Coldwater next to Glenbrook Square) and Grabill Bank (Illinois Road across from Meijer).
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For immediate release: Thursday November 19, 2010
HEAVY LEAF FALL KEEPS CREWS BUSY
Saturday Collections to Move into South Neighborhoods
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – For the third Saturday in a row, City Street Department crews will work to collect fallen leaves. A heavy amount of leaves fell in the City’s central neighborhoods and that has required additional time in that area. Tomorrow the second collection of leaves in Fort Wayne’s south neighborhoods will begin.
Residents can track progress online at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves. The page is updated each afternoon and pinpoints not only the section of town crews are working in, but also the exact neighborhood. Additionally, residents can call the leaf pick-up hotline, 427-2302 to get daily updates.
For release: November 19, 2010
Statement from Mayor Tom Henry about City-County Emergency Communications remaining in the City-County Building:
As Mayor, I want to reaffirm my support for the location of the City-County emergency dispatch center in the City-County Building as planned. Any additional need for space or infrastructure capacity will be addressed as the building is reconfigured to welcome both the Fort Wayne Police and Allen County Sheriff’s departments.
Anyone who has lived through remodeling a home or building a new one understands that during the process something unexpected inevitably crops up, especially with an older building. Technology changes and space modification needs are bound to surface, even with good planning. The challenges of renovation are ongoing, but the City-County Building offers options to successfully resolve 911 dispatch center issues. There are also possibilities available in the community to handle the mutual needs of a City-County public safety radio shop.
I remain firmly committed to the pledge of achieving full City-County co-location. I am committed to a joint solution for the critical space needs of our local public safety departments.
With the plan to put both public safety departments in the City-County Building and to locate our development and management teams in 200 East Berry Street, we are coming together as a community to make things easier for our residents and to make local government work better.
We are finding new and better ways of doing the peoples’ business, striving to make City and County governments more effective and more responsive. And in these difficult times, now more than ever, we are pledged to do it wisely and prudently.
Of equal importance, City-County government co-location will extend an enthusiastic greeting to new jobs and business development through the creation of a one-stop shop for growth. Regardless of the minor bumps along the co-location road, we are pushing the door to greater collaboration wide open and reaching toward the full cost-saving potential that working smarter and working together will offer.
We are one community and our singular message to the world must be: This is the best place for business to grow, a wonderful place to live, and we are a team that is ready to help you realize your dreams.
A streamlined, easier-to-use local government is essential to that. The City-County government co-location plan is a good deal for City residents and a great deal for our entire community.
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For immediate release: November 18, 2010
Contact: Frank Suárez
PUFFERBELLY TRAIL TO CONNECT FORT WAYNE AND BEYOND
80 Mile Trail Moves Forward
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Connecting neighborhoods moved a mile forward today as Mayor Tom Henry and representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Northwest Allen County Trails and the Greenway Consortium celebrated the completion of the first mile of the 13-mile Pufferbelly Trail.
“Statistics show, 25% of all trips in this country are less than a mile in length. People do want to walk or bike for these short trips, but they want to do so knowing they will be safe. Turning abandoned railways into trails is a great initiative that allows us to take a Brownfield and turn it into active transportation”, said Mayor Tom Henry, City of Fort Wayne.
Joining Mayor Henry at a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completed mile was INDOT District Deputy Commissioner, Bob Alderman and members of the volunteer organizations Northwest Allen Trails and the Greenway Consortium, and City staff from the Division of Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Rails to Trails
The Pufferbelly Trail is Fort Wayne’s portion of the State of Indiana’s Visionary Trail proposed to go from Pokagon State Park in Steuben County to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton. The full length of that trail will be approximately 80 miles.
Fort Wayne’s Pufferbelly Trail uses the right-of-way of the Fort Wayne to Jackson, Michigan to Saginaw, Michigan Railroad. The rail line began in 1868 and later became part of the New York Central system in 1880. The railroad operated as the Penn Central in the 1970’s and ceased operation in 1976. Two years later the tracks were removed.
The 13-mile Pufferbelly Trail will run from Lawton Park downtown to Franke Park and on to Northwest Fort Wayne crossing Washington Center Road, Carroll Road and finally up to the north Allen County boundary line.
One Mile, 15 Jobs, New Parking and Playground
The completed one-mile of the Pufferbelly Trail goes from Wallen Road to the Parkview YMCA. It trail was constructed using $1,150,241 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project supported approximately 15 jobs during its design and construction phase.
To assist trail users and enhance the project, the YMCA constructed a playground and parking lot near the trail.
12 Miles to Go, Funding Needed
The Pufferbelly Trail, following the old rail line, will be an impressive addition to Fort Wayne’s trail system. It will blend urban and rural areas providing a unique view of Fort Wayne and it will provide safe connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists. Funding for additional phases of the project is not final, but construction on at least two phases is expected to begin in the next few years. Those include a section from Lawton Park to Franke Park and Fernhill Avenue and the section from Dupont Road to Carroll Road.
Both Northwest Allen Trails and the Greenway Consortium are fundraising to complete the next 12 miles of the Pufferbelly Trail. At today’s ribbon cutting ceremony, business owner, Bob Mann presented Mayor Henry with a check for $7,842 to be used for the project. His business, Summit City Bicycle and Fitness, held a “Sales for Trails” event in September to raise money for the project.
HolidayFest 2010 Announcement and Schedule of Events
A full list of HolidayFest events are located here .
Mayor Tom Henry helps kick off the 2010 Holidayfest announcement at Parkview Field November 16 with the Downtown Improvement District. A schedule of events is listed at http://www.holidayfestdowntown.com/ .
For release: Monday, November 15, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-2146
Photos listed below are available at high resolution upon request
NEW PROGRAM MAKES RECYCLING EASIER
Registration required for new program
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – Beginning in January 2011, Fort Wayne residents will no longer have to separate paper and cardboard from cans, glass and plastics. Residents are required to sign up to receive their all-in-one recycling cart that will be phased in beginning January.
“We believe One Cart Recycling will encourage Fort Wayne residents to participate in our recycling program, which works toward decreasing the amount of waste being sent to the landfill and ultimately saving citizens money,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The new recycling program, which begins in January, will allow City residents to recycle plastics with numbers 1 through 7. This will include common items such as margarine and yogurt containers and frozen food trays. Until December 31, 2010 residents may recycle only plastics numbers 1 and 2.
Nationwide estimates suggest that more than 50 percent of the items Americans throw into the trash could actually be recycled. In 2009, Fort Wayne residents disposed of more than 107,000 tons of garbage – only 9,000 tons went to recycling bins. As a result, less than 10 percent of the City’s waste was recycled.
“It is economically sound for all residents to participate in the new recycling program. The City has a contract in place that allows us to share recycling profits with the contractor,” said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy.
Under the new contract with National Serv-All, Fort Wayne will receive 50 percent of the profits generated by the sale of recyclable material, after the materials have been processed.
“This additional revenue will stay in the Solid Waste Fund, and will be instrumental in keeping our rates as low as possible for our residents,” said Mayor Henry.
Residents must notify the City if they wish to receive the new recycling cart. More than 6,000 residents have already signed up on-line at www.recyclefortwayne.org . All City residents will soon receive a pre-paid postcard in the mail that they can use to request a recycling cart. Residents who have already registered on-line do not need to return the post card.
“I’m encouraged by seeing this kind of immediate involvement from our community,” said Mayor Henry. “I project the program will help double our current involvement by this time next year, which will help save the city more than $400,000 annually.”
The new all-in-one recycling cart will replace the yellow and brown recycling bins. All recyclables can go into the cart starting January. Because the new recycling carts will have lids similar to the trash bins currently being used, blown away recyclables will be reduced, which will help keep streets cleaner. The garbage cart and recycling carts are similar except the recycling cart’s lid will be solid yellow with a molded label listing items people can recycle.
“Our goal is to not only reduce costs for residents but increase involvement in our community by making recycling as easy, convenient and economically sound as possible,” said Kennedy.
Changes to recycling include:
All recyclable items will go in the same cart.
Plastics No. 1 through 7 can be recycled.
Residents whose garbage is picked up in alleys will have recycling picked up in the same location beginning January.
Residents can select a 96-gallon or 48-gallon cart.
Sign up methods for residents living within city limits include:
Visiting www.recyclefortwayne.org
Calling 3-1-1
Filling out a prepaid postcard that all residents will receive toward the end of November
Additional details about the phase in of the new recycling program City-wide will be announced in December.
For additional information about the new recycling program, please visit www.recyclefortwayne.org .
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For Release: Friday, November 12, 2010
Contact: Public Information, 427-1120
CITY TO HOST POUBLIC MEETING ABOUT ANTHONY BOULEVARD TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Public invited to learn about possible solutions
FORT WAYNE , Ind. –The City of Fort Wayne is looking at ways to reduce traffic congestion on South Anthony Boulevard at the Norfolk-Southern Railroad tracks just north of Wayne Trace. The Community Development Division is hosting a public meeting in the Magee O’Connor Theatre at Indiana Tech’s Andorfer Commons (1600 East Washington Blvd.) Thursday, November 18, at 6 p.m., to discuss a feasibility study that examines options for separating the tracks from street level.
Traffic counts by the Northern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council, or NIRCC, show that 14,000 to15,000 vehicles travel Anthony Boulevard each day. As many as 35 freight trains cross Anthony Boulevard just north of Wayne Trace daily causing congestion and vehicle idling for drivers. As trains halt traffic flow, vehicles may idle for 10 minutes or more.
Solutions might include an overpass, an underpass or a different grade separation option. Potential costs and engineering challenges will be addressed at the meeting.
Anthony Boulevard is a major north-south artery on the east side of Fort Wayne. It is regarded by planners and residents alike as a “main street” in the southeast quadrant that creates access to retail, industrial and commercial enterprises. With the eventual separation of the railroad tracks from the traffic, businesses will be more accessible.
At the public meeting, Fort Wayne City staff will partner with DLZ Engineering, the consultants for the project, to answer questions about the feasibility study which is required before any state or federal funds can be secured. The feasibility study going on now is expected to conclude in late summer of 2011.
A follow-up meeting will occur in early 2011 for those who are unable to attend the November 18 meeting.
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For Release: Monday, November 8, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-1120
CITY CLOSED THURSDAY FOR VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY
Garbage, recycling pick-up unaffected, Free Golf for Veterans
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In observance of Veterans Day, the City of Fort Wayne offices, including City Utilities, Animal Care & Control, Community Center and the Weisser, Cooper and Jennings youth centers, will be closed Thursday, November 11.
The City will have regular business hours Wednesday and Friday.
The City’s garbage and recycling pick-up will be unaffected by this holiday. However, there will be no leaf pick-up on Veterans Day.
The Botanical Conservatory and City golf courses will be open regular hours Thursday. Veterans can play golf free of charge by showing veterans ID at City courses November 11.
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For immediate release: Monday November 8, 2010
Contact: Frank Suárez - 427-6051
LEAF COLLECTION MOUNTS IN NORTHERN NEIGHBORHOODS
Crews Move to Central Neighborhoods Tomorrow
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Drier and cooler temperatures caused heavy leaf fall on the first collection pass through the City’s northern neighborhoods and crews are continuing leaf collection in northern neighborhoods through tomorrow.
“The bulk of the leaves in our northern neighborhoods have fallen and residents have been extremely helpful by having their leaves ready for collection. As a result, crews worked on Saturday and are still making a pass through some northern neighborhoods today. Those residents in central neighborhoods shouldn’t worry though – they will receive the same detailed attention beginning tomorrow,” said Bob Kennedy Director of Public Works for the City of Fort Wayne.
Residents can track progress online at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The page is updated each afternoon and pinpoints not only the section of town crews are working in, but also the exact neighborhood. Additionally, residents can call the leaf pick-up hotline, 427-2302 to get daily updates.
Each of the City’s 355 neighborhoods will receive two separate pick-ups during the seven-week collection period.. Residents are asked to have their leaves at the curb by 7 a.m., at the beginning of their scheduled collection week.
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Mayor Attends Renaissance Pointe YMCA Open House/Grand Opening
Photos from Renaissance Pointe YMCA's Open House/Grand Opening November 5. Event highlights included tours of the facilities, ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches from YMCA staff and city leaders and a surprise basketball challenge. For more information about the YMCA, visit www.fwymca.org .
Photos by Liesl Marelli
For Release: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Contact: Public Information Office, 427-2146
MAYOR ANNOUNCES RETURN OF POPULAR COMMERCIAL FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM
Funding helps strengthen businesses, spruce up commercial corridors
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – Underscoring his commitment to Fort Wayne’s economic growth, Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the City of Fort Wayne will again make grant funding available to property owners who want to enhance the appearance of their businesses. Beginning November 12, Fort Wayne is accepting applications for the 2011 Commercial Façade Grant (CFG) program. The Mayor’s announcement was made in front of stores on Broadway and Taylor streets where businesses were previously awarded grants.
“Our commercial corridors are our neighborhood Main Streets,” said Mayor Henry. “Their vibrancy helps to keep nearby neighborhoods healthy. Even before taking office, I made a promise to our small business community that we would work together to strengthen their ability to succeed. The Commercial Façade Grant program is a promise kept.”
The CFG has grown in popularity since its inception three years ago. The program, initiated by Mayor Tom Henry’s administration, is designed to assist business owners making improvements to the exterior of their commercial properties using a combination of public and private funding.
“I would like to thank the 2010 CFG for giving me the opportunity to make substantial improvements to the exterior of my property located at 1753 West Main Street,” said Pam Michel of Pam Michel Design Services. “These improvements will not only enhance my place of business but will also enhance the surrounding neighborhood.”
The program makes funds available to businesses along many of the city’s more highly traveled roads, or corridors. The areas have been designated as Economic Development Target Areas (EDTAs) by Fort Wayne City Council. Through the program, grants are made to businesses to help offset the costs of façade renovations, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing, and other enhancements owners want to make to their property.
“An upgrade to a storefront sends a welcoming message to customers and a powerful signal to other businesses looking for great places to locate,” said Mayor Henry. “Through the program, we identify areas of Fort Wayne that could benefit from a lift and then work with business owners to take action. Renovated exteriors not only help to maintain our beautiful city, but also help to attract new businesses and sustain those already investing in Fort Wayne’s workforce and economy.”
“The Commercial Façade Grants exemplify how local government and businesses can partner to improve our city,” said Mayor Henry. “The key is listening to the needs of our business owners and finding ways to help them succeed. Together, my staff and I are doing everything we can to make Fort Wayne a place where good jobs can grow, businesses can prosper and families can thrive.”
Blaine Stuckey, owner of Mad Anthony Brewery at the corner of Broadway and Taylor Street, said the program enabled him to transform the appearance of an entire intersection at a visible location near downtown. “The program gave us the boost to make the exterior of our business as hip and inviting as we made the interior,” Stuckey said.
“We love this location and want to continue to be an anchor in the neighborhood. This program allowed us to make even more of a financial commitment to reflect our personal commitment. I’ve already heard comments from residents about how much better the Broadway corridor looks, and the Mayor’s grant program is certainly part of the reason.”
Chris Rongos, owner of George’s International Grocery, says the program’s benefits extend far beyond just the businesses receiving grant money. “The Commercial Façade Grant program has not only been a benefit to my business, but to the neighborhood as well,” said Rongos. “The participation of several property owners in the area has helped to identify and beautify the Broadway Corridor. The CFG program has allowed me to attract additional investment, which will further strengthen the neighborhood.”
Rongos said he is currently working with Subway, which is in the process of building a free-standing restaurant on his property.
“The Broadway Corridor is just one of the business areas I’ve walked in my three years as Mayor. Many of the Commercial Façade Grant applications began as conversations with employers and employees in some of these very stores,” said Mayor Henry.
The average matching amount of the grant is again expected to be approximately $20,000, but larger projects may qualify for a greater amount of assistance, the Mayor said.
Administered through the City’s Redevelopment Department, the grant applications will be available from November 12 to December 17, 2010, both in the Redevelopment offices in the City-County Building and online at www.cityoffortwayne.org . Property and business owners who meet certain criteria will be able to apply for funds that will likely help them meet spring construction timelines.
Businesses with questions or wanting more information may call Julie Sanchez at 427-2147. A map of EDTAs is available on the City’s website.
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For immediate release: November 4, 2010
Contact: Frank Suárez 427-6051
ONE CART RECYCLING ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Postcard Registration Coming Soon
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Residents wanting to participate in the City of Fort Wayne’s One Cart Recycling program can register now by going online at www.recyclefortwayne.org .
Additionally, postcards will be mailed at the beginning of December to those customers who do not want to register online. These postcards have pre-paid postage and should be filled out and dropped in the mail so you can register to receive the new recycling cart.
Customers can also register by calling 311.
Easy Registration Online
Once on www.recyclefortwayne.org follow these instructions.
Click on the “Sign Up Now” link shown in red.
Type in your street address.
Double check the address. If valid, click “Reserve Cart for this Address”.
Enter your first and last name and click on the circle for the size of cart desired - 96 or 48 gallons. A 96 gallon cart is recommended for households with 3 or more people and a 48 gallon cart is suggested for households with 1 to 2 people.
Once the information is completed, click “submit”.
Cart Delivery & Procedures
Beginning in January, the carts will be delivered on a phased-in basis, through April of 2011. Details on collection of the current yellow and brown bins will be announced before the end of the year.
The new One Cart recycling program is easy and allows residents to throw all recyclables into one cart. Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and plastics No. 1- 7, are all placed in one cart. There is no sorting. Another aspect that will make recycling easier with the One Cart system is that residents who used to place recycling at the curb and garbage in the alley can now place both carts in the alley.
Carts will have a yellow lid on the top, making it easy for residents to tell them apart from their garbage cart.
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For Immediate Release November 2, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Liesl Marelli Amanda Straub City of Fort Wayne National League of Cities 260-427-2146 202-626-3015
FORT WAYNE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
FORT WAYNE , Ind. – Fort Wayne has been chosen as one of 20 cities from across the country to be included in a national report recognizing successful immigrant integration programs and specifically highlights the City of Fort Wayne’s Hispanic Immigrant Liaison Palermo Galindo.
The report, Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: 20 Cities, 20 Good Practices , is produced by the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration (MAII) program.
The City of Fort Wayne recognizes that local government plays a central role in developing and implementing immigrant integration programs. The programs featured in the report exemplify successful public-private partnerships, advisory initiatives and action-oriented programs to help immigrants successfully acclimate to their new homes.
“I commend Palermo’s dedication to the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “ Palermo’s recognition for creating one of the best immigrant integration programs is a direct reflection of the quality personnel working for our City and what we strive to accomplish as a community.”
“This award is a great way to positively showcase Fort Wayne as a model city for others that have challenges with immigrants or refugees,” said Galindo. “We work with the community to help bring successful integration to Fort Wayne newcomers.”
Galindo credited the award to collaborative effort among more than twenty locally-based organizations such as Multicultural Council of Greater Fort Wayne, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-Fort Wayne), United Way of Allen County, American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana’s MIX Program, Catholic Charities, Darfur Women Peace & Development, Northeastern Center, Inc.’s Bienvenido Program, Burmese Advocacy Center and United Hispanic Americans.
“We had several projects we have worked on in Fort Wayne such as the NewCITYzen Naturalization Campaign, which provides information on Access Channel about citizenship and voting in Spanish and English,” said Galindo.
Galindo, who is Spanish and English speaking, said the city teams works with local organizations to provide interpreters for residents. Overcoming language and cultural barriers helps ensure successful communication for those seeking assistance and also those providing it.
The benefits ultimately outweigh the challenges, said Galindo, regarding immigrant issues.
“Immigrants strengthen our communities by bringing cultural and educational resources which help create economic opportunities. Local governments must provide necessary services to ensure a smooth transition for both the immigrants and the communities,” said Ricardo Gambetta, NLC’s manager. “The leaders of Fort Wayne are taking it upon themselves to respond to local integration challenges and should be proud to be showcased as an outstanding national example.”
“We hope that immigrants recognize they have resources available to assist them in Fort Wayne,” said Galindo. “Sometimes when a person’s native language isn’t English, they can feel intimidated when contacting the City. We are working to change that mindset. We are not only able to help, but more importantly, we want to help immigrants fully integrate into Fort Wayne.”
Additional resources:
For more information on the Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program, visit http://bit.ly/3VH0Uw .
Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: 20 Cities, 20 Good Practices is now available. The report is the second in the American Cities Series and highlights initiatives in twenty cities. Download the report by clicking here or going to http://www.nlc.org/ASSETS/E9098AFFF516466ABB2278433C739308/MAII_20%20Cities%20Report.pdf .
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Palermo Galindo
MEDIA CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Bodner Ozzie Mitson Communications Director Business/Legislative Liaison Indiana Michigan Power City of Fort Wayne 260-425-2133 260-427-2673
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY OF FORT WAYNE, I&M HOST OPEN HOUSES FOR PUBLIC ON CITY LIGHT LEASE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
FORT WAYNE, Ind., Nov. 1, 2010 – The City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will host three open-house style public meetings to answer questions about the City Light Lease Settlement agreement announced on October 28. The agreement resolves issues surrounding the conclusion of the 35-year-old City Light Lease and is subject to approval by Fort Wayne City Council and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
City and I&M officials will be at all three meetings to answer questions one-on-one from the public. The open-house style meetings will also have informational handouts. The meetings will be held in three areas across the city; locations, dates and times are below:
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 3 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Location: City-County Building, One East Main Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Date: Monday, Nov. 8 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana, 7602 Patriot Crossing, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Date: Monday, Nov. 15 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, 3211 Stellhorn Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana
“This is a solid agreement that will strengthen our community and serve the public interest,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I want to make sure that all of our citizens understand it and have an opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the City and I&M officials.”
The agreement, if approved, would end ongoing disputes and litigation between the City and I&M and confirms I&M as the exclusive electric service provider for Fort Wayne customers. Currently, a lawsuit over the matter is pending in Allen County Superior Court.
Under terms of the agreement, I&M would pay the City a total of $39.2 million over 15 years, with $5 million of that coming as an upfront payment. In exchange, the City relinquishes all claims to serve as the electricity supplier in the Fort Wayne area and transfers the remaining City Light property to I&M.
More information about the City Light Lease Settlement can be found on the Mayor’s website at www.cityoffortwayne.org/light-lease-settlement.html .
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For immediate release: Thursday October 28, 2010
Contact: Frank Suárez - 415-7313
Leaf Collection Ahead of Schedule
Crews Move North this Afternoon
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Weather is always a factor in the amount of leaves that fall when the City starts its we start our collection process. While many leaves were down in the City’s south side neighborhoods, crews were able to complete the first passage of south neighborhoods ahead of schedule. Crews have now moved into the north side neighborhoods where collection was to begin on Monday. Being ahead of schedule, will not cause missed pick-ups for those residents who were planning on the Monday pick-up.
“Sometimes it takes four days to get through a section of town and sometimes six or seven days. It always depends on the amount of leaves that have fallen. We will be in the northern neighborhoods today where many of the residents have already placed leaves in the park strip. Those that were planning to be ready next Monday will be revisited next week. It is important to take advantage of the weather conditions we currently have because we know weather can change as we get closer to December,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works for the City of Fort Wayne.
Residents can track progress online at cityoffortwayne.org/leaves . The page is updated each afternoon and pinpoints not only the section of town crews are working in, but also the exact neighborhood. Additionally, residents can call the leaf pick-up hotline, 427-2302 to get daily updates.
Each of the City’s 355 neighborhoods will receive two separate sweeps during the collection process. Residents are asked to have their leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection week.
For Immediate Release (Previously released) September 24, 2010 Information by Raquel R. Foster, Fort Wayne Public Information Officer, Fort Wayne Police Department
2010 Official Trick-or-Treat Hours
Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York has established the official hours for Trick-or-Treat for Halloween 2010.
Trick-or-Treat will be observed in the City from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, 2010. Trick-or-treaters should only visit homes with an illuminated exterior front light (porch light) indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcomed.
Trick-or-treaters should remember the following safety rules:
Wear reflective clothing Travel in groups composed of at least one adult Refrain from consuming treats until inspected by an adult Only cross streets at the crosswalks Do not wear costumes that obscure your vision Do not enter a stranger’s home Be prepared for adverse weather
For Immediate Release
Contact: Liesl Marelli 427-2146
Date: October 26, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY: SEVERE WEATHER ALERT
Fort Wayne, Allen County, is currently under a severe thunderstorm watch until early afternoon. We expect sustained high winds for up to 30 hours.
Be watchful for downed power lines and trees overhead for the next 30 hours. Stay tuned to local media for weather alerts. Please be mindful of the sirens in the city. Take appropriate cover and try to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
NONEMERGENCY: Please call 3-1-1 for all downed power lines (not sparking), broken branches and debris caused by high winds.
EMERGENCIES: Please call 9-1-1 only in case of emergency. Fallen tree branches or debris is not an emergency. Sparking power lines are considered an emergency. We would like to ensure we do not overwhelm 9-1-1 operation centers with unnecessary calls. All nonemergency issues should be called in to 3-1-1.
As of now, the 3-1-1 operating under regular business hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If severe weather persists, operations may be extended. We will announce a change to 3-1-1 hours as directed by Mayor Tom Henry.
CLOSURES: The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street, is closed until the tornado warning for Allen County has been lifted.
For release: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Contact: Joe Fox, 427-6957
FIRST BUSINESS SERVICES SHOWCASE A SUCCESS
Nearly 100 small-business owners and budding entrepreneurs attended
Fort Wayne, Ind. - More than 90 small-business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the showcase to learn about opportunities for funding and support, as well zoning and licensing from local government.
In an effort to improve relations between local government and businesses, Mayor Tom Henry shared his goals for the program as the showcase began.
"Each week I meet with new business owners in Fort Wayne … It seems each time I inform a business owner of how they can benefit from the City’s assistance, local employers tell me ‘Wow, Mayor, if I had only known that, I would have taken advantage of it a long time ago!’" said Mayor Henry.
"That is exactly why I asked my staff to put this Showcase together, to make sure that residents starting a business or thinking about starting a business know that Fort Wayne and Allen County have available resources to help their businesses succeed," Mayor Henry said.
The four-hour showcase included three breakout sessions that focused on finding public and private sources for start-up grants and small-business loans, accessing information necessary to commercial development and how to apply for contracts with the City.
Chris Kordyl, a co-owner of a new Fort Wayne business called New Vision Jewelers said he was glad he attended the Showcase.
"It’s never easy to start a business, but it’s great to know that the Mayor and local government offices are so interested in helping people like us and in learning how they can assist us even better in the future," said Kordyl. "I’ve never seen this type of outreach from government before."
Kordyl, who has two business partners, including one in Fort Wayne, said he hopes to move his wife and three children to the Fort Wayne area if his new business is successful. He said today’s showcase gave him added confidence that Fort Wayne was the right place to start his company.
Greg Leatherman, executive director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission said the attendance and positive feedback for the four-hour event exceeded his expectations.
"We received a good deal of positive feedback today that will help shape future Showcases," Leatherman said, referring to the comment form every participant was encouraged to complete. "We will continue to focus on keeping topics timely and on target, and with today’s strong turnout, we believe we can market future events even more broadly."
Mayor Henry informed attendees and the event’s sponsors that he will be in regular discussion with staff about additional ways the City can help local businesses grow.
"I am thrilled with the energy, ingenuity and optimism I encountered today," Mayor Henry said. "Fort Wayne’s residents will continue to see City government working to help them improve their businesses. This is an exciting time to live in Fort Wayne."
The Business Services Showcase was co-sponsored by the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Additional organizations included Partners in Contracting Corporation, Women’s Enterprise, WorkOne Northeast, Conexus Indiana and the Northeast Indiana Sustainable Business Council.
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For release: Monday, October 18, 2010
Contact: Public Information, 427-1120
MAYOR HENRY/BUSINESS LAUNCH - Bright Green Business
Green City Business Moves to New Era
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne businesses are beginning a new chapter - a greener chapter - as the Green City Business Program moves in a new direction, which was announced at a press conference from Fort Wayne Metals at 11 a.m. today.
“This is about building stronger businesses, exploring new economies and protecting our valuable resources for future generations,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Changing Times in Global Marketplace
To help meet the challenges of sustainable practices needed in the global market, the City of Fort Wayne began the Green City Business program in 2009. The program resulted in more than 90 businesses trained in sustainable methods. Today, several of those trained businesses officially formed the Northeast Indiana Sustainable Business Council, NISBC.
Through the support of Mayor Tom Henry, the group is taking the Green City Business program into a new phase, one that will reach across Northeast Indiana, and even beyond. The now regional program is called Bright Green Business.
"This business group is leading efforts to make our region competitive in the global marketplace. It's essential that we support their efforts,” said Mayor Henry. “It’s about creating well-paying sustainable jobs, and ultimately reducing costs for businesses as taxpayers,” Mayor Henry said, while adding that the city is also doing its part by incorporating more sustainable practices.
Peer- to-Peer Tailored Sustainability Training
NISBC is a business-to-business network that focuses on sustainable issues in manufacturing, facility management, high performance buildings, and even faith-based organizations.
NISBC’s goal is to help companies improve resource-efficiency in their operations and capitalize on new market opportunities.
This program offers training, certification and education to a regional audience.
The Bright Green Business program, through the NISBC, offers various levels of education. The program offers beginning prescriptive solutions ranging from reducing paper use or energy use to more advanced solutions including closed-loop materials cycles, sustainable product design and new technologies.
Through the network, businesses will also have opportunities to share ideas and surplus materials by means of peer-to-peer networking groups. Members are encouraged to advance over time, but are not required to.
The program will have an annual recertification process.
Business Support Grows Regionally
With continued commitment of the private sector and the City, the NISBC will create a combination of economic development and environmental sustainable opportunities that will assist area business in competing in the global marketplace. It’s already succeeding as 22 businesses from the community of Elkhart, The Sustainability Coalition, have joined NISBC in an effort to achieve even greater success in sustainability. The advantages of this collaboration are already increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Founding members of the Northeast Indiana Sustainable Business Council include, A. Hattersly and Sons, Fort Wayne Metals, Hagerman Group, Indiana Tech, Lincoln Financial, Parkview, Rothberg Logan and Warsco, The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Transformations Inc., and Insight Strategic Concepts, Inc. These organizations have committed time, money and countless other resources to this project.
“I hope that all businesses in the area will move forward with this program. It’s critical to their bottom line and the success of our region. What we do today creates a stable foundation for future generations,” said Mayor Henry.
Businesses interested in more information on the Bright Green Business program and the Northeast Indiana Sustainable Business Council should contact Kerri Przemielewski by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 260-452-4396.
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For release: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Contact: Public Information, 427-6051
ARDMORE MOVES TRAFFIC, BOOSTS ECONOMY
Ardmore Avenue re-opens two weeks ahead of schedule
Fort Wayne, Ind. - Ardmore Avenue re-opened today as a four-lane road and designated truck route.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined other community leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference to mark the event.
"I am delighted we now have a direct route that benefits local economic development," said Mayor Henry. "Ardmore Avenue's expansion is a two-fold success because not only does it meet our city's needs, but it also is a vital step toward reducing emissions."
As a two-lane road, Ardmore had stop signs that often backed-up traffic causing motorists to increase idling time. The new design keeps traffic flowing. It offers straight and direct connection to industry, businesses and neighborhoods along the north-south corridor.
The City worked closely with residents to ensure the plans met their needs. Trails built along Ardmore provide pedestrians safe and easy connectivity throughout the community.
"We began talking to residents all the way back in 2004. We value everyone's input and shaped Ardmore's expansion to incorporate the needs of our community," said Bob Kennedy, director of Public Works. "The neighborhood ended up with a finished project that will help alleviate traffic."
Road utilization was 14,000 vehicles per day. With the expansion, the city expects an increase of 6,000 vehicles each day, but with less congestion.
In addition to providing a major boost to north/south connectivity, the project also created local jobs.
"This was a great opportunity for our city," said Mayor Henry. "We hired locally, thus investing not only in our infrastructure but also in our economy."
Significant financing for the $3.2 million project came from the Redevelopment Commission, which was critical said Kennedy.
Construction began in May and finished 15 days ahead of schedule.
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For release: Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Contact: Public Information, 427-1120
CITY TAKES POSSESSION OF McMILLEN PARK APARTMENTS
Community will help decide best use for site in southeast Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne officially took possession of the former McMillen Park Apartments near Anthony and McKinnie in the middle of September. The 214-unit apartment complex, built just after World War II, has been mostly vacant in recent years. This summer, tenants residing in 52 units were provided with relocation services and assistance to move to comparable units of their choosing in other locations. With the City’s allocation of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds, $1.1 million was set aside to purchase the foreclosed property. Funding requirements with NSP direct that the City redevelop the site within ten years.
Mayor Tom Henry said local residents will play a vital role in determining the future of the site – a future which should assist with economic development in the immediate and surrounding area. Last week, City officials from several departments met with residents of Village Woods and Anthony Wayne neighborhoods to share information with the immediate community. Neighbors heard that the Fire Department sees the site as a rare opportunity for specific types of training, and some special units of the Police Department may also train in some of the buildings. Police and Neighborhood Code assured the residents that security measures were being taken and vowed to remain vigilant on monitoring the property as it is readied, ultimately, for demolition.
“We are looking at several different opportunities to engage the community, including partners and investors, in envisioning what this site may be,” said Mayor Henry. “We want to hear their ideas. Resources could be leveraged to help us look at the site as part of the greater area and come up with a holistic approach to address what the community wants, what the area needs, and what capacity exists with potential developers.”
The City has long heard from residents who felt the declining apartment complex negatively impacted their property values and quality of life. City Councilman Glynn Hines (D-6th ) is pleased to have a long-time neighborhood concern addressed. “The McMillen Park apartment complex has a historical place in the fabric of Fort Wayne and the southeast community. However, the time has come for us to move forward with innovations—both commercial and residential—that reflect the evolution and economic vitality of this neighborhood. The City’s possession of this property is the appropriate next step, and I look forward to working with the administration to identify the best fit for this location.”
At least two developers have expressed interest in participating in future conversations about the re-use of the site, according to the mayor. There is no requirement that the site be redeveloped as residential units, although the end result may be a mixed use project of commercial and residential space.
“We know healthy neighborhoods don’t just happen by accident,” said Mayor Henry. “While the City can’t force investment in a particular area, we are going to play an active role in bringing together the many components of development to help ensure this area is on the path to vibrancy and vitality once again. The residents here deserve no less.”
A follow-up meeting will be scheduled for early November.
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For immediate release: Wednesday October 13, 2010
Contact: Frank Suárez 427-6051
ARDMORE AVENUE FINISHES EARLY, RIBBON CUTTING THURSDAY
WHAT: Road opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Ardmore Avenue .
WHEN: Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Road opens shortly after ribbon cutting.
WHO: Mayor Tom Henry, Redevelopment Commission and Board of Works members, city council members, local businesses and residents.
WHY: To celebrate Ardmore Avenue ’s re-opening as a four-lane designated truck route.
Mayor Henry and Chamber Offer Opportunity for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses to Learn How to Find Resources
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce officials and local business representatives gathered today at Ottenweller Company to announce an upcoming opportunity for small businesses. The City and Chamber are presenting a Business Services Showcase , Wednesday, October 20, at the Public Safety Academy.
“It can be somewhat intimidating to try to find all of the information about what resources are available to business people in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry, at the Ottenweller Company. “This will be an excellent---and free---opportunity for our local entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn how to access all sorts of programs, services and advice. The City has tried to ‘de-mystify’ what may feel like an overwhelming amount of information.”
Ottenweller Company, a family business established in 1916, is a great example of a local company that has made use of many of the numerous resources available to local employers. Over the years, Ottenweller has successfully utilized local and state incentives such as industrial revenue bonds, tax abatements, and training grants to grow their business. The Showcase will help other companies of various sizes find similar resources.
The morning-long event will feature several panel discussions and resource sessions about issues such as where to seek financial resources to start or to grow a business. Among other topics offered will be information about how to make your business more green and sustainable; incentive programs such as façade grants, tax abatements, brownfield programs and loans; how the city handles problem commercial properties now with the commercial code; and the draft of the new stormwater green standards.
In a statement, County Commissioner Nelson Peters observed that cooperation between Fort Wayne and Allen County on economic issues have already improved the way local businesses operate and that he looks forward to working with the city to make processes even easier for employers and business owners.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayor Henry and his staff to ensure Fort Wayne and Allen County are the best place to work, own a business, and grow your business. There are so many opportunities for current and future employers, and together we will continue to improve how we communicate with those who are here, and sell ourselves to potential local employers.”
Organizations like Partners in Contracting Corporation and Women’s Enterprise will be there with information on how they help businesses prepare to do business with the State and Federal government through certification processes and programs like WBE and MBE certification for State government and the Small Business Administration’s HUBzone program. Conexus Indiana will be there to register businesses to access their Indiana Supplier Insight Web portal.
The Business Service Showcase will be held at the Public Safety Academy from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Registration is free, but is requested. Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make a reservation or call economic development specialist Elissa McGauley at 427-1127, or download the Business Services Showcase meeting agenda .
Halloween Pet Parade
* WHO: Four-footed, furry goblins are lining up to take part in the Halloween Pet Parade sponsored by Paws & Remember as a benefit for Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. . .
* WHAT: Pet owners are invited to come dressed in costume and to bring their costumed friendly pets by leash or by pet taxi to participate in a Halloween Pet Parade and costume judging contest with celebrity judges. . .
* WHEN: From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16th . . .
* WHERE: Headwaters Park West An entry fee of $20 per pet includes costume judging, a chance to win great prizes, food and also includes a custom color framed picture while you wait. For registration information visit www.fwpetparade.com
Mayor Henry and FWCS Put Safety First for Students
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Fairfield Elementary School principal Jeff Cline and others to celebrate International Walk to School Day Wednesday morning. Communities throughout the country and globally use the event as an effort to focus on the need for safe routes to schools, increasing physical activity among children and concern for the environment.
In 1997, the Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago, modeled after the United Kingdom’s lead. Back then, it was simply a day to bring community leaders and children together to create awareness of the need for communities to be walkable.
“One of my priorities when I took office,” said Mayor Henry, “was to direct staff to find ways to better connect Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods with the destinations people want to go, like schools, parks and shopping areas. Not everyone is able to, or wants to, use a car as a primary transportation means. We need to make it possible for pedestrians and bicyclists to move safely through the community, too.”
For generations, walking was the mode of transportation used by many students to get to school. In the 1960’s, about 42% of students walked or biked to school. Earlier in this decade, that percentage dropped to 16% and it is likely lower now.
Fairfield Elementary principal, Jeff Cline, says the 25-35% of their students who walk to school rely on the community to help ensure their safety. “It is important that we recognize having good, safe walkways to school helps keep kids safe,” Cline said. “Sidewalks that are out in the open, clear of breakage, overgrown weeds, and snow and ice in the winter can help keep our kids from using the busy streets and dark alleys as their pathways. We thank the city for looking at how they can continue to ensure that we have safe pathways for kids in Fort Wayne and our school neighbors for helping to provide for and protect the kids at Fairfield and throughout the FWCS community. “
Until the mid 1950’s, Fort Wayne’s transportation system was well built to serve the pedestrian, along with other forms of transportation. Once the City began to suburbanize, automobile use increased, which brought changes to the historic grid pattern of streets. This change in the development and design of thoroughfares has created long stretches of roadway with few or no pedestrian facilities provided.
When Mayor Henry took office in 2008, he saw the need for an expanded active transportation system, and with guidance from Plan-it Allen!, he directed City Planning staff to draft Fort Wayne’s first pedestrian plan, Walk Fort Wayne. The plan’s primary goal is to, “Provide for an interconnected pedestrian transportation network by providing policy direction to decision makers and prioritizing the installation of new pedestrian facilities along major thoroughfares that provide connectivity to key destinations.” The Walk Fort Wayne plan is anticipated to go before City Council in the next few months. The attached map reflects the total City investment thus far in 2010 for sidewalks and pedestrian safety facilities. Next year there will be a number of pedestrian infrastructure projects completed to add to the City’s pedestrian network.
The Transportation chapter of Plan-it Allen!, Fort Wayne / Allen County Comprehensive Plan, promotes new sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure to increase pedestrian safety, comfort and connectivity within our community. Walk Fort Wayne picks up where Plan-it Allen! left off and provides specific guidance on how to promote and invest in safe pedestrian connectivity. Fort Wayne’s planning staff, in collaboration with staff from the Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council, mapped all areas along major thoroughfares without sidewalks. Staff identified that over 350 miles of sidewalk are missing along the City’s major thoroughfares.
In 2005, federal legislators recognized the value of Safe Routes to School programs and as a result, congress is providing funding for States to establish programs. The Walk Fort Wayne plan devotes an entire chapter to the Safe Routes to School initiative, supporting and encouraging the community to support school children’s options for an active lifestyle.
To find out more about Walk Fort Wayne and the City’s efforts to improve pedestrian connectivity, please visit, www.cityoffortwayne.org/walkfortwayne .
Free Event Showcases Fort Wayne Trail Network
The popular community bike rides that took place this summer will offer one more unique opportunity to “Trek the Trails”. The City of Fort Wayne in conjunction with the Greenway Consortium and the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society, are sponsoring a nighttime ride that will focus on the planet Jupiter. The Free guided event will take place on Tuesday October 12, 2010 beginning at 7:30 PM.
If you see a bright “star” in the eastern sky this month – you’re likely seeing Jupiter. The biggest planet in our solar system is nearly at its brightest in October since Earth passed between Jupiter and the sun late last month. It’s the closest the planet has been to Earth in 47 years.
On this bike ride, the tour will stop and riders will be able to look through telescopes that will be set-up along the trail. The focus will be on the planet Jupiter and the Galilean Moons. Astronomers will be on hand to point out constellations, answer questions and provide additional information to stargazers.
“Our community is embracing the trail network. We are using the trails for recreation, for active transportation and now here’s a chance to use them for education. We will continue to look for creative ways to use the trails that bring even more value to the community,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The eight mile ride will meet at the Rockhill Park Trailhead, located at 1500 Catalpa Street, near the intersection of Freeman and West Jefferson Boulevard. The ride will head west on the Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
For the safety of all participants, bicyclists must have the following in order to participate on the ride.
- Front White Headlight - Rear Red Reflector or Rear Red Flashing Light - Helmet
Participants should wear light colored clothing which is more visible at night.
Residents interested in the ride and needing more information should call 427-6002.
A rainout date is set for October 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM.
Saturday, October 23, Doors Open at 8 pm; Movie at 9:15
Fort Wayne, Ind: Let’s do the time warp agaaaaain! As a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night, the Conservatory will once again spin the tale of Brad and Janet on a rainy night sheltered by the bizarre Dr. Frank N. Furter. The movie will be shown outside on the Terrace, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This movie is participatory in tradition and content may not be suitable for all/younger audiences. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. No reservations necessary. Admission: $2 Adults 18+/$1 Children. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, Boudoir Noir and Media 401.
Contact: Peggy Bender 427-5508
City of Fort Wayne, Animal Care & Control will hold its 23rd annual 2-mile Walk for Animals presented by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD on Sunday, October 10th at Franke Park. Pledge forms are available at Animal Care & Control and local Veterinary Hospitals. All participants must register and collect pledges of $33 total per individual walker or $120 total per family to walk, win shirts, enjoy free food, and sample vendor products. Fantastic prize packages are awarded to those turning in the highest pledges in multiple categories. Check in for participants with or without a dog begins at 12:30 p.m. inside pavilion one. A raffle and silent auction will also be held. For additional information or to make a donation towards the walk, call 260-427-5508.
Contact: Allison Miller, Pet Adoption Supervisor,
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, 260-427-5511
City of Fort Wayne, Animal Care & Control will hold a free Pet Parenting class for dog owners on Monday, Oct 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. in their education center located at 3020 Hillegas Road. The lecture with video style class covers crate training, housetraining, chewing, jumping, and other basic house manners that every dog and owner should understand. Dogs should not be brought to class. Pet Parenting sessions are sponsored monthly by Pet Supplies Plus and are free to the public although donations to the adoption program are welcomed. To enroll, call 427-5511.
Groundbreaking ceremony at Indiana’s First Boundless Playground Site
Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and Taylor Reuille from Taylor’s Friendship Circle announced today that thanks to the overwhelming participation of Fort Wayne residents, and their friends and families, Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground won the Pepsi Refresh Challenge and will be granted $70,000. After the announcement, the Mayor, with help from Taylor and Director Moll, broke ground in Kreager Park to officially mark the start of Indiana’s first Boundless Playground project. Fort Wayne was one of three communities nationwide participating in a Pepsi Refresh Challenge sponsored by CVS/pharmacy to build a Boundless Playground. The on-line challenge, which ran August 17 – September 28, was part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking effort that funds ideas, big and small, that can refresh the world. Fort Wayne was named the official winner of the challenge after people cast their votes online for which playground idea should receive funding to build a Boundless Playground. “I’d like to thank our residents for working together to help Taylor’s Dream become a reality for all of our children,” said Mayor Henry. “This victory for our city is yet another example of the fabulous civic spirit and enthusiasm of the people of Fort Wayne.” With the $70,000 grant added to the total raised, approximately $125,000 will still be needed to complete the project. Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground initiative began when a young girl, Taylor Reuille, realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn’t play at many playgrounds. A Boundless Playground will allow children with and without disabilities to play together, and will include amenities that address the needs of children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities. "I've been looking forward to this day for a long time!" said Taylor. "It will be so cool to see this playground built and all the kids playing together." Taylor’s Dream at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods. Community support for the final $125,000 is welcome. Funds will also be accepted for an endowment to maintain the playground. Donations of $500 or more will be listed on plaques at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the website. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. More information about Taylor’s Friendship Circle Boundless Playground efforts can be found at www.taylorsdream.com and at www.boundlessplayground.com. “We’d like to thank Pepsi and CVS/pharmacy for giving us this opportunity,” said Director Moll. “This wasn’t only a chance to raise $70,000, it was a way to increase public awareness about an outstanding, inclusive project that we hope everyone will take advantage of.”
The Downtown Optimist Club of Fort Wayne, Inc. presented a $40,000 gift to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today for the state’s first boundless playground project. The donation will be used to construct 4 shade structures at Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground. The Optimist Club donation will take the total raised to over $1.3 million, with $125,000 still needed to maintain this inclusive play area in Kreager Park. The Optimist Club was inspired by Taylor Reuille’s vision to build a playground where all kids could play together. Boundless playgrounds allow children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities to play too. “We’re pleased to participate in outfitting the playground,” said Optimist Club President Ruth Hammer. “Our aim over the years has always been to help area youth.” John C. Kohr, prominent Fort Wayne realtor for many years prior to his death in December 1955, at the age of 71 years, was a charter member of the Downtown Optimist Club. Mindful of the needs of youth in the community, Mr. Kohr willed the Optimist Club his 100 acre farm located on Hathaway Road in Allen County. The annual proceeds from this acreage has enabled the Downtown Optimist Club to support many youth activities and civic projects such as Little League baseball programs, Mental Health’s film library, Indiana State Police Respect for Law Camps, and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s Discovery Box program. “We’re thrilled with the support we’ve received from the Downtown Optimist Club,” said Director Moll. “I can’t think of anything more optimistic than working together to build a place where all children can play.” The purpose of the Downtown Optimist Club of Fort Wayne is to develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world. The Downtown Optimist Club of Fort Wayne is associated with Optimist International, as well as the Indiana State Association. Fort Wayne’s Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods. Community support is vital to maintain the playground. Donations of $500 or more will be recognized on a sign at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the Fort Wayne Parks’ website. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. More information about the Boundless Playground efforts can be found at www.taylorsdream.com .
Public Hearing Scheduled; Common Council to Consider Ordinance Amendments this Fall
The City of Fort Wayne’s Design Manual for new development and exterior renovation projects in the Downtown will be the subject of a public hearing before the Plan Commission on October 11. Anyone interested in speaking on either the proposed design manual or the design manual related amendments to the Zoning and Sign ordinances in City Code will be allowed to offer input during the public hearing, which will begin at 6 p.m. in room 126 of the City County Building. Once the Plan Commission makes its recommendation on the ordinance amendments and adopts the Design Manual, City Council will vote on the ordinance amendments as the final piece of the downtown design standards project. A cross-functional staff team has been working on this project since July of 2009. An advisory group made up of representatives from City Council, the Plan Commission, the Downtown Improvement District, and business and property owners also assisted in the project. “Mayor Henry recognizes the renewed interest in our downtown as activities and opportunities center there,” said John Urbahns, division director of Community Development. “This project addresses the ambiance, the character of our downtown development and helps ensure that continued growth is in keeping with the vibrant and attractive downtown we all envision.” Once fully adopted by the Plan Commission and Common Council, the Design and ordinance amendments will provide design direction and guidance to architects, property owners and developers as well as assist staff and the Plan Commission in reviewing new development and redevelopment projects in downtown Fort Wayne. Existing development is not affected. Downtown property owners will be notified by mail of the hearing .The proposed effective date for the ordinance amendments is January 2011. The proposed design standards will be applicable in the Downtown CM5A and CM5B zoning districts; a map showing the boundaries of those districts is attached. The draft Design Manual and proposed ordinance amendment documents, along with an overview of the downtown design manual project can be viewed online at www.CityofFortWayne.org/DesignManual .
Pedaling Traditions - Popular Bike Rides to go through Fall
Nearly 800 Trek the Trails
5 Additional Free Rides Added
At the urging of residents five additional bike rides have been added to the “Trek the Trails” summer bike ride schedule.
“Trek the Trails, offered a great free activity for residents of all ages and it offered a unique way to see Fort Wayne - along one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest. Residents asked for more and we’re happy to give them more,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Trek the Trails was a new tradition of community bike rides offered each Tuesday since June 1, 2010. The rides took place along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail for 13 weeks. They grew in popularity and three had more than 100 riders attend.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 was the last scheduled bike ride but now, bicyclists have five more opportunities to ride the trails.
The trail rides are free and each one is about 6-8 miles long. Helmets are a requirement for participants. If there is unsafe weather such as lightening, the ride will be cancelled.
Here is a list of the remaining trail rides. They all begin at 6:00pm.
August 24, 2010 Salomon Farm Loop and Pufferbelly Trail - meet at Salomon Farm parking lot, 817 W. Dupont Rd, by the trailhead kiosk sign. Ride is 6 miles.
August 31, 2010 Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath – meet at Rockhill Park at trailhead parking lot off Catalpa Street. Ride is 8 miles.
September 7, 2010 Rivergreenway from St. Joe Pathway to Downtown – meet at Johnny Appleseed Park, near Coliseum Boulevard, by the dam. Ride is 7 miles. (Updated meeting location )
September 14, 2010 Swinney Park to Foster Park – meet at Swinney Park Trailhead parking lot by swimming pool. Ride is 8.5 miles.
September 21, 2010 Rivergreenway along the Maumee Pathway from North River Road to Moser Park – meet at North River Rd Trailhead just west of Kreager Park otherwise known as the "boat launch" – Ride is 6 miles.
September 28, 2010 Aboite Trails – meet at Deer Ridge Elementary School by trail. Ride is 6-8 miles.
Riders may call 427-6002 for more information.
For Release: August 18, 2010
Contact: Joe Fox, Public Information, 260.427-1120
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Statement of Mayor Tom Henry on Next Steps in the Community’s Navistar Efforts:
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Our community received some challenging news yesterday from Navistar. While our spirits may have been dampened for a moment, we are not discouraged.
We are more committed now and more united in our fight for good jobs here in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana than we ever have been.
That’s why I am so pleased that so many business and community leaders and many of our local elected officials have joined me this afternoon. Fighting for good jobs is our community’s challenge and one that we are determined to meet together.
We stand here together united in our fight for business investment and our skilled workforce. We know there is no better place than Fort Wayne for good jobs to grow and companies to prosper.
There are no better employees than our talented and ready workforce.
And there is no more welcoming community than the one you’ll find right here.
We are pleased that Navistar’s CEO Daniel Ustian has accepted our invitation to talk with us about the company’s future here, as well as other possibilities. To update you on what has happened overnight, company officials have already been in contact with our representative, Mark Williams, president of Strategic Development Group, to arrange that meeting.
We are convinced that there are future options for Navistar in Fort Wayne, and we want to explore every possibility for retaining Navistar jobs. We want to demonstrate to the company that we are prepared to help them succeed and that Fort Wayne can remain a vital part of the Navistar profitability equation.
Fort Wayne is a legacy community for Navistar. We have a proud nearly 90 year history with the company producing great products. We believe that’s a foundation for future success.
We want the talented employees of Navistar to know that we want them to remain in our community. These exceptional professionals are an extraordinary community asset. These workers and their families are part of the fabric of our community. Their abilities make this area a more competitive business environment and their community involvements enrich Fort Wayne countless times over. We need them here.
And we want them to know that they have options. They can stay right here, build great careers and live happy and successful lives in our flourishing community.
We want to remind them that northeast Indiana is a center for design and engineering excellence with numerous employers in a variety of stable, growing innovation sectors, one that could easily be their new home. We want them to be aware that they can sharpen their skills at our first-class colleges and universities. And we are going to make sure that they know there are opportunities for them if they wish to remain a Hoosier.
One of my duties as Mayor is to find ways to keep Fort Wayne a great place for business. That is why I am glad to stand today with Kathleen Randolph and WorkOne Northeast. WorkOne is part of the collective effort of the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and other local and regional organizations that are working together to advance economic development in our community and to support Navistar’s local employees.
WorkOne’s efforts to help Navistar’s employees stay here in Fort Wayne is one more way we are working together as a community to address this difficult issue. Our message today is loud and clear: We are united in our fight for good jobs and our talented workforce. It is a fight we are committed to winning.
I would now like Kathleen Randolph, President & CEO of WorkOne Northeast to give details on the WorkOne Northeast training scholarship fund and the customized retention and recruitment effort.
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Thank you all for coming on such short notice, but the issue is one of the highest importance to our community. This afternoon I spoke with an official from Navistar about the future of the company and its exceptional employees here in our community. I can tell you three things: 1. Navistar is initiating a planned phase down of operations over the next 24 to 36 months to create an integrated, product development function for the company. No further details were offered; 2. We talked at length about the possibilities with the test track here and Navistar’s need for this resource. We believe there are opportunities and we will pursue them aggressively; and 3. Navistar CEO Daniel Ustian has accepted the invitation to meet with Mark Williams of Strategic Development Group, the national site selector engaged by the Alliance and the City of Fort Wayne, to discuss the company’s future in our community and possibilities for future options here. I have been in regular contact with Governor Daniels’ office and the Governor supports Fort Wayne’s efforts 100%. Even with this news, and we understand Navistar’s desire to remain competitive, we believe strongly that there are options here in Fort Wayne that will add real value to Navistar’s success. As we have said consistently, we believe there is no better place than Fort Wayne for good jobs to grow and companies to prosper. We remain confident that there are no better employees than the talented and ready workforce we have right here. And even faced with the unknown as we are today, we know there is no more welcoming community that the one you will find in Fort Wayne. This is what we can share with you today, but I anticipate additional announcements tomorrow as we continue our fight for good jobs and business investment in our community.
Discover what issues affect fair housing in Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry encourages residents to attend one of the upcoming public meetings this month to discuss fair housing and discrimination in the community. “We have been working with experts in the fair housing analysis field to take a good look at our community and where people live, and whether they choose where they live, “said Mayor Henry. “Fair housing choice means people should get to live in the neighborhoods and school districts where they want to live in the neighborhoods and school districts where they want to live, and not have barriers put up by outright discrimination.” Public meetings will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 25, both in meeting room C of the Allen County Public Library downtown. Residents are welcome to choose whichever meeting time is convenient. In each meeting, Engaging Solutions, LLC will provide a brief overview of how they have conducted the research and analysis in Fort Wayne, and the results they’ve found thus far. Not only have they combed through existing polices and plans, but they have conducted focus groups and collected surveys from stakeholders in the field. Public comment will be welcome and recorded at both meetings as part of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (A-I). The A-I is part of the City’s Consolidated Plan. The plan is a detailed, five-year plan that serves as the application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for federal funds. HUD funding comes to the City with the purpose of improving the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. The plan is the document that shows, through public input and documentation, which needs are greatest in the community and the priority for addressing those needs. “As has been a theme of my administration with public input, it’s so important that we hear from many voices as we assemble this plan,” said Mayor Henry. “HUD funds allow Fort Wayne to set our own priorities and determine the best use for available funding. This is an opportunity when local people set the agenda for federal money, which doesn’t always happen. We have public meetings, we invite comment on our website and we take great care to share information among the entire community.”
Free event to start with 9-11 memorial service, includes Don’t Miss a Beat CPR training, Red Cross blood drive and demonstrations from public safety agencies Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Regional Public Safety Academy Director and Fort Wayne-Allen County Homeland Security Director Bernie Beier invite the public to the inaugural Public Safety Day to be held Sept. 11.
The free, family-friendly event will feature demonstrations and information from local public safety agencies, tours of the Academy and adjacent Safety Village plus Don’t Miss a Beat, the free hands-only CPR training for anyone 12 and older. It will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre.
The event will start with a memorial service to remember those who died or were injured in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The Honor Guard will feature members from the Fort Wayne Fire Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and Indiana State Police.
“The terrorist attacks on the day almost nine years ago taught all of us the bravery and heroism of our first responders and the need for each of us to be prepared for emergencies of all kinds,” Mayor Henry said. “Public Safety Day is an opportunity for you and your family to find out what our local public safety agencies do and learn more about how you can be safer at home, in the car and in the community.”
The Three Rivers CPR Task Force will offer free hands-only, non-certified CPR training in the gymnasium at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 that morning. Certified instructors will present the hour-long class. It will teach anyone 12 or older how to give effective chest compressions to adults who have suffered a heart attack or other cardiac emergency. The training uses manikins or special kits. Everyone participating in the training will receive a free CPR practice kit with a training DVD to take home. No pre-registration is needed.
The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Academy. To schedule a blood donation appointment, call (260) 439-8200, (800) RED-CROSS or visit
www.redcrossblood.org .
“Public Safety Day is an opportunity to showcase our region’s first responders and what they do. Many safety events have a defined scope about a particular topic. This will provide a broad array of information and demonstrations, making it an event that’s useful to people of all ages,” said Bernie Beier, PSA director and Fort Wayne-Allen County Homeland Security Director. “You will come away with important information about how to keep you and your community safer.”
Agencies and organizations scheduled to participate include:
• Fort Wayne Police Department with demonstrations and emergency vehicle displays
• Fort Wayne Fire Department with demonstrations and apparatus displays
• Three Rivers Ambulance Authority with an ambulance to tour
• Kendallville Fire Department with triage trailer
• Indiana State Police with information about drunk and impaired driving
• American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana Indiana
• Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health with lead screenings
• Lutheran Health Network
• Parkview Health
• St. Joe Township Fire Department
• Allen County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
• Crisis Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control featuring animal safety tips and ordinance information
• Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority Public Safety Department
• Fort Wayne Communications with emergency dispatch vehicle
• High Performance Government Network with information for residents to learn how to work with local government to make their community a better and safer place
• Traxide Outreach Inc. featuring ATV and dirt-bike safety
• Sweetcakes Comedy with face painting and balloon entertainment
• Trine University’s criminal justice and emergency management programs
• Ivy Tech’s public safety-related programs
• Anthis Career Center’s public safety-related programs
Organizations with safety information interested in participating should contact Shawn Fort at the PSA at 439-8201.
Strategy to improve entries to Fort Wayne, enhance economic development Continuing with his commitment to commercial corridors and economic development throughout Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry kicked off the start to the City’s plan to improve and enhance entry points into Indiana’s second-largest city. Henry welcomed the 14-member Gateway Advisory Committee at its first meeting today. “Our gateways influence a visitor’s first impression of Fort Wayne, and they are an essential element in economic development,” Mayor Henry said to group. “As a result of stakeholder and public support for improving our gateways, I have charged planning staff to produce recommendations for our entries that will create a sense of place, instill a positive city image and promote investment.” The committee will assist the City’s planning staff over the next year to write a 10-year strategy to enhance the corridors leading into Fort Wayne from places such as interstates 69 and 469 and the airport or destinations such as the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and downtown. When complete, the plan will go before City Council for adoption into the City’s comprehensive plan, Plan-It Allen. The plan will address long-range and short-term recommendations to improve the function and aesthetics of existing and future gateways. Some projects can be implemented within the next year; others will take five to 10 years to implement. It will include policies that encourage continued maintenance and enhancement of major gateway areas. Specific project recommendations could include landscaping, lighting, pavement design, signage and roadway design. The plan will address both landmarks – a gateway at a single location such as the existing Fort Wayne bicentennial signs – and corridors, which extend along a street or highway such a streetscape improvement. Fort Wayne’s gateways may include a mixture of landmarks and corridors. The committee members are: • Cheri Becker, Leadership Fort Wayne • Karl Bandemer, Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance • Dan O’Connell, Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau • Jonathan Ray, Urban League • Irene Walters, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne • John Shoaff, City Council • Karen Goldner, City Council • Nick Hobbie, Lutheran Health Network • Rick Poinsatte, Steel Dynamics Inc. • Kevin McCrory, LandPlan Group • Nelson Peters, County Commissioners • John Morrison, downtown bank employee • Matt Kelley, One Lucky Guitar, Downtown Improvement District Board • Debra Williams, Parkview Health Becker and Bandemer are serving as the group’s co-chairs.
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As we all continue to struggle with the affects of summer heat, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is thanking Fort Wayne police for their assistance in rescuing dogs from hot vehicles. The shelter routinely receives calls of dogs left unattended in cars at shopping centers, businesses and even at movie theatres. Animal control officers investigate these calls to determine the level of danger posed to an animal. When windows are left partially opne, they place a temperature gauge inside and often record readings of 110 degrees or more on a summer day. Animal Control immediately contacts FWPD to have an officer open the vehicle to allow us to remove the animal and transport it to the shelter for safe keeping. According to Animal Control, “It may seem like a small detail, but we couldn’t provide the help that is needed without the assistance of local police. We are fortunate to be a community that works together to make a difference for animals and for people.” The shelter is reminding pet owners that August heat will be an ongoing concern for pets. Any animal left unattended in a vehicle could be removed. For safety sake, leave animals at home where they will be safe and comfortable.
New storm sewer installation, pavement reasons for temporary closures The Indiana Department of Transportation Fort Wayne District will close sections of Dupont Road and Wallen Road west of Lima Road next week, weather permitting. Dupont Road will close starting at 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, immediately west of the Lima Road intersection to allow crews to install storm sewers and repave the intersection. The entrance to Lima Commons and Lima Marketplace shopping centers from Dupont and the entrance to the shopping center and gas station to the north will have access from the west of the closure. It is expected to reopen after approximately 10 days. Wallen Road between Lima Road and Rummel Avenue will close to through traffic at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 for approximately 16 days. Crews will reconstruct the west approach. Access will be maintained for Village Drive from Wallen and adjacent businesses. Prairie Lane will continue to have access from Lima Road. Residential access will be maintained to homes adjacent to the work area on Wallen. Because of the closure of Cook Road between Lima and Coldwater roads, drivers may want to use Huguenard and Till roads as an alternate route for Wallen and Bethel and Carroll roads instead of Dupont. The closure is part of an INDOT project to add travel lanes on Lima Road/S.R. 3, between Ludwig Road to Dupont Road. The 2.88-mile added travel lanes project includes three northbound and three southbound lanes, raised center curb median separating opposing traffic, curb/gutter, closed drainage system, inlets, sewer pipes, and 8-foot-wide multi path on both sides. Project will be complete in 2011. All closures are weather permitting.
Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, Deputy Director Perry Ehresman and Neighborhood Program Manager Bennie Lewis celebrated the 35th anniversary of Cooper Community Center today with neighborhood children during Cooper Center’s Fun and Field Day. City Council Member Glynn Hines and Parks & Recreation staff also joined the festivities, which included an obstacle course, Hoop & Stick Relays, 100 meter dash, long jump, high jump and other activities designed to promote physical activity. Director Moll announced that the Department is exploring the possibility of constructing a parking lot at Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park to accommodate the large number of youth attending the summer playground program at Cooper Center, as well as the numerous events throughout the year. “We appreciate the leadership of Perry Ehresman, Bennie Lewis, Camille Curry and their outstanding staff,” said Mayor Henry. “Their early efforts this year to align youth center and playground programming has reenergized Cooper Center. It is helping to foster a new generation of leaders who are going to be an integral part of the Fort Wayne community.” In January, the Parks & Recreation Department announced the enhancement of programming at the youth facilities. The four separate programs—Jennings, Cooper, Weisser and the Playground Program—were combined into one Neighborhood Program to improve the delivery of services to a broader community. “We’re pleased with the results of our realignment,” said Lewis. “Now we have a family of youth centers working together to serve the entire community.” Cooper Center, located in Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park between Lafayette and Clinton Streets, was built when Mayor Lebamoff was in office and was opened in 1975. It was originally named the Cooper Teen Center and in the late eighties and early nineties was the hub for youth programming in the surrounding area. In the late nineties, Weisser Park Youth Center was built and programming was transferred to that site, leaving a void in the Reservoir Park area until 2006 when the City of Fort Wayne reopened Cooper Center. “This balance of old programming with innovative technology has proven to be a winner, with youthful growth, and repeat usage of the facility and amenities,” said Director Moll. Director Moll broached the subject of the community’s need for more youth centers, suggesting the McMillen Ice Arena be considered for a future site. He encouraged public feedback on the prospect.
Mayor Tom Henry dedicated the .44 mile Rivergreenway extension from Johnny Appleseed Park to the Ron Venderly Bridge on the IPFW campus today. IPFW Chancellor Michael Wartell, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, Greenways Manager Dawn Ritchie, City Council Members, and trail advocates joined the celebration. This 10 foot wide trail is Phase 1-A of a three mile extension of the Rivergreenway expected to connect with Shoaff Park in 2013. The next planned phase, in 2011, will run between the west side of the Venderly Bridge and Upper St. Joe Center Road. "Connecting our beloved Rivergreenway trail network to the IPFW campus is an achievement for all of us to celebrate, as this has been one of the most requested trail extensions,” said Mayor Henry. “It will not only serve as an additional recreational path along the St. Joseph River, but also a new way for pedestrians and bicyclists to get to northeast Indiana's largest university and provides additional connectivity to the North Anthony corridor." The trail extension begins at the Rivergreenway terminus on the north side of Johnny Appleseed Park and extends along the south side of the Coliseum Boulevard Bridge over the St. Joe River. On the southeast side of the Coliseum Boulevard Bridge, the trail heads south along North Anthony Boulevard. A boardwalk takes trail users down to river level at 180 degrees in order to head north and cross under Coliseum Boulevard to the IPFW campus. The trail continues northward to the Venderly Bridge and connects to the newly paved 1.25 mile Native Trees of Indiana River Walk on IPFW’s campus. Finally, the trail also links to the .5 mile North Anthony Trail and Streetscape Project completed by the City in 2009 – connecting with Concordia High School and the North Anthony Business Corridor. IPFW Chancellor Wartell said the extension “…is one more example of the many ways in which the University and the City work together to continually improve the quality of life for everyone in Fort Wayne and Allen County. We are very pleased to be a part of the Greenway system and look forward to the thousands of people who will use the trail and hope that they will continue their journey on our River Walk.” Cyclists are encouraged to try out the new extension Tuesday evening at 6 pm during the weekly community bike ride, “Bike Trek the Trails.” Participants should meet at IPFW on the east side of the Venderly Bridge. They will ride from IPFW to downtown Fort Wayne, for a total of 7 miles. Here is a list of the summer’s trail rides, which begin at 6 pm: · August 3, 2010 Rivergreenway from Foster Park to the Public Safety Academy – meet at Foster Park Trailhead parking lot by Pavilion No. 1 & Volleyball Courts. Ride is 8.5 miles. · August 10, 2010 Rivergreenway – Swinney Park to Foster Park – meet at Swinney Park Trailhead parking lot by swimming pool. Ride is 8.5 miles. · August 17, 2010 Aboite Trails – meet at Deer Ridge Elementary School by trail. Ride is 6-8 miles. · August 24, 2010 Salomon Farm Loop and Pufferbelly Trail - meet at Salomon Farm parking lot, 817 W. Dupont Rd., by the trailhead kiosk sign. Ride is 6 miles. “We have one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest and it’s free for everyone to enjoy,” said Director Moll. “Whether you’re exploring the land and meeting other trail users during the community bike ride, or you’re spending quality time with your family on a leisurely walk, get out and use the trails!”
Senator Richard Lugar issued a report today on the nation's refugee relocation program. It is a spotlight that the people of Fort Wayne welcome. Our community is home to the largest population of Burmese refugees in the United States, placing Fort Wayne on the frontline of this human rights tragedy and has created enormous challenges for our entire city.
I am delighted to say that against the odds and with little external support, our community has come together to address these ongoing issues, becoming a model of response under the most difficult of circumstances. But our community needs and deserves support from our governmental partners.
Senator Lugar's report highlights the weaknesses of the current program:
Communities are not asked or even informed of the arrival of thousands of refugees;
Schools and health care organizations are not given the resources necessary to meet the needs of the refugees and to protect the public health; and
Refugees are dumped into communities without necessary language or educational resources to succeed.
Please allow me to put this into context using Fort Wayne’s story as an example. Over the last two decades, the despots of Myanmar have brutalized the people of Burma and hundreds of thousands fled the country to refugee camps in Southeast Asia. In the early years, a few fortunate Burmese made it out of the country and came to Fort Wayne. By 2006, Fort Wayne had a significant Burmese population. That year, the United States agreed to resettle 50,000 Burmese and, without warning or consultation, Fort Wayne became a primary center for an unprecedented surge in Burmese refugee relocation.
In the space of two years, thousands of refugees were brought or arrived in Fort Wayne. The total has now risen to nearly 6,000. The majority of these refugees had been in rudimentary refugee camps for years. Consequently, they were unprepared to gain self-sufficiency and employment in the 90 days of support provided under the refugee relocation program. This wave of humanity threatened to overwhelm our health care and social service networks.
In response, I brought together the many groups that were struggling to meet the challenge. In addition I began to work with Senator Lugar, Senator Evan Bayh and others to understand the situation and seek support.
At the local level, our community responded with compassion and hard work. The talent and dedication of our health and nonprofit providers has been evident on a daily basis. Today, we continue to meet the challenge of a large refugee population that has not received the federal support it needs. The situation is far from perfect and much more needs to be done.
My thanks go to Senator Lugar for his leadership and support on this matter that speaks to the core of the American experience and the immigrant heritage so many of us share. The current program is unfair to communities and cruel to refugees. I hope the Senator’s report is given the attention it deserves and is the basis for significant change.
I remain proud of the extraordinary and innovative response to this situation by our community service providers. I am equally proud of the open hearts and generous spirit shown by our All-America City to our new Burmese residents. As Mayor of Fort Wayne, I will continue to press our representatives in Washington aggressively for the essential support that communities such as mine that have opened their arms to refugees deserve to receive.
A $200,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Land & Water Conservation Fund recently was conferred to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation for Indiana’s first Boundless Playground project. This award brings the fundraising campaign one step closer to its $1.3 million total. “We’d like to thank the Indiana Department of Natural Resources who administer the funds, and our local legislators, especially Senator Tom Wyss, for helping us with the process,” said Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll. “We’re right on schedule for groundbreaking in the fall.” The Parks & Recreation Department has sent out a request for proposals on Phase 1, which is site construction, including all underground utilities, site grading, asphalt parking, concrete walks, restroom building, shade structures, picnic tables, benches and all landscaping. The Department anticipates choosing a contractor, with Park Board and City Council approval, in September. While the Land & Water funding is critical to the fundraising campaign, public support is vital for the last $200,000. Donations of $500 or more will be listed on plaques at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the website. Fort Wayne’s Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods. The Fort Wayne Boundless Playground initiative began two years ago with the vision and dream of Taylor Reuille, who was 11 years old at the time. She realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn’t play at many playgrounds, researched the topic and found that a Boundless Playground would offer amazing play opportunities for children with and without disabilities, including those with physical, sensory, developmental and cognitive disabilities. Calling on the Mayor for his support, Taylor launched a public fundraising campaign called Taylor’s Friendship Circle. In August of 2008, Taylor and her mother, Kasandra Booher, presented the first Boundless Playground private contribution to the Mayor totaling $10,758.43. These proceeds came from small fundraisers, including funds contributed by Taylor’s teachers and fellow classmates at Harlan Elementary. City Council members and representatives from Turnstone and The League for the Blind & Disabled also added their support to the project. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
First time to electronically catalog properties of historical significance, will create joint city-county database With initial surveys underway, the City of Fort Wayne in partnership with ARCH has started the process to electronically catalog sites and structures of historical significance in Fort Wayne and throughout Allen County. “Ordinarily, for a city the size of Fort Wayne, there would be a city survey and one for the rest of Allen County,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “However, to maximize resources and make the information more user-friendly, the joint project and database makes sense. I am pleased we are able to work together with ARCH to make sure our community’s historic resources are appropriately cataloged.” To start the process, two of the City’s Historic Preservation Department staff and two staff members from ARCH, a non-profit historic preservation organization serving northeast Indiana, are currently conducting a “windshield” survey – a drive-by on each street and road – of current and potential historic properties. Using prepared maps, surveyors are working one township at a time. They will note if previously surveyed resources are still eligible and note newly eligible resources, plus take photos of potential historic districts. In future survey phases, staff will take photos and write complete descriptions of all eligible properties. This project, which is expected to be complete in 2014, will result in a joint city-county historic sites and structures inventory, which is used to evaluate the impact of projects and development as it relates to historic significance. The database will also be available to the public. “ARCH is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the City of Fort Wayne on this important project. Some properties that we identify during the survey process will be eligible for the national or state register, and, if listed, would also be eligible for a range of federal and state tax credit programs for rehabilitation work,” said Angie Quinn, executive director of ARCH. “Such projects help to stabilize downtowns, older neighborhoods, and the irreplaceable landmarks of our community.” For the database, historic sites and structures must be at least 40 years old and are evaluated under criteria from the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluation factors include architectural significance; historic importance as related to local, state or national events; and extent of alterations or additions. Allen County is geographically the largest county in Indiana with the most townships and incorporated municipalities. It has the third largest population with Fort Wayne as the second largest city in the state. This project is funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Staff time from the City and ARCH cover the remaining of 30 percent of the project’s cost. The last survey of historic properties in Fort Wayne was completed in the mid 1990s. Anyone with questions about this project can call the City’s Community Development Division at 427-1127 or ARCH at 426-5117.
Replacement trees will be planted in the fall Due to the infestation of the emerald ash borer, 105 ash trees along East Washington Boulevard from Edsall Avenue to Anthony Boulevard will be cut down July 26th – July 27th. Hardwood shade trees will be planted in the fall to replace the ash trees that have been removed.
“Replacement of these trees on one of our gateways is critical to the overall image of our community and will add value for residents,” said Chad Tinkel, City Arborist and Manager of Forestry Operations.
The emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle from Asia, was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002 and arrived in Indiana in 2004. Emerald ash borer were likely transported to the United States in cargo ships or airplanes carrying solid wood packing material. The adult beetles feed on ash foliage, but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. For more information on the emerald ash borer, visit
www.emeraldashborer.info .
Commemorating 20th Anniversary of Polish Sister City Relationship Mayor Tom Henry dedicated the Plock Friendship Garden today at the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Community Center to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Fort Wayne’s relationship with Plock. The Mayor was joined by Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, members of the delegation from Fort Wayne’s sister city Plock and members of the Fort Wayne Sister Cities’ board of directors. “Fort Wayne is truly blessed to have a Sister City as charming as Plock, Poland,” said Mayor Henry. “For 20 years we have built strong friendships and cultural exchanges that enrich our community. I hope that our wonderful visit to Plock in May and this visit from our Polish Sister City marks the beginning of 20 more years of great relationships and exchanges that benefit us both. May this friendship garden represent the beauty of our first 20 years and the growth and potential of the years to come.” The Plock Friendship Garden is a round paver patio landscaped with a low boxwood hedge, an annual bed and three park benches. The granite monument that will be placed in the center of the patio has the Plock city seal on one side and the following inscription on the other side: PLOCK, POLAND – FORT WAYNE, INDIANA SISTER CITIES PARTNERSHIP, EST MARCH 7, 1990 PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING FOR A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD “We’re pleased that we had the support of private partners like John Deere and Triscape, and many others, to ensure this project will be completed as planned,” said Moll. To celebrate the dedication, sixteen dancers from the Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company danced "Fanfare for Sisters" composed by David Crowe. The composition was in honor of the cultures of Fort Wayne's sister cities Plock (Poland), Gera (Germany) and Takaoka (Japan). The dance steps and costumes represented the cultures of those cities and the dance contained steps from the Polish Polonaise. Banners representing each culture were utilized in the dance and were designed by Fort Wayne Ballet's costumer, Tess Heet. The choreography was created by Joellen Wojtowicz, director of the FW Ballet Youth Company. The Wisla Song and Dance Ensemble gave a musical sample of what they will perform at the Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Tuesday evening at 8 pm. Tickets are free. The Wisla Ensemble is an amateur group comprised mostly of young university students who are driven by a passion for recreating folk dances from centuries past. Organized in the mid ‘90s, it was officially recognized by the House of Culture of the city of Plock. Wisla is a member of the Conference of International Organizations of Folkloric Festivals. In 1997, Wisla was selected to represent Poland at the Fourth International Folkloric Festival held in Sicily. Also in the same year, the Ensemble was awarded second place in a world-wide competition held in Belgium. The following companies have donated time and/or labor to the construction of the Plock Memorial Garden: John Deere Landscapes, Triscape Inc., East Allen Ag, Masolite, Trelan Landscape Supply, Bueschings Peat Moss, Birkmeier & Sons Monuments.
Good afternoon. Before I begin, I’d like to say a word about the passing of Ben GiaQuinta yesterday morning. With Ben’s death, Fort Wayne lost one of its great sons, a man who shone brightly wherever he went and who represented the very best of this city and this state. I am proud to have called Ben GiaQuinta a friend, and I know I am joined by many around Indiana when I say that my family’s thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today. Ben, you will be missed. I am speaking today as mayor, resident, and concerned citizen of Fort Wayne. I was stunned late last week to read that a member of Fort Wayne’s City Council believes that we as a community should simply throw in the towel on the nearly 1,100 quality, well-paying jobs currently at Navistar in Fort Wayne. In the words of this council member, “If the girl doesn’t want to date you, move on.” With all due respect, I could not disagree more. I am more than just the Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana – a job I could not be prouder to hold. I am also a third-generation life-long resident, with many family members living here, including my two children and both of my grandchildren. There is nothing more important to me than doing everything within my power to ensure that Fort Wayne continues to offer to our future generations all of the opportunities it offered to my parents’ generation and to mine. To that end, nothing could be more critical to the economic future of our city than the protection of current jobs and the creation of new job opportunities for the creative and hard-working residents of Fort Wayne. For me, this is not just a matter of the right policy for the city; it’s personal. I know a lot of my fellow citizens feel exactly the same way. The City recently hired a nationally recognized expert for $95,000 to assist the City’s efforts to retain over a thousand jobs that inject over $100 million into our economy every year. Some call this wasteful spending. Again, I respectfully, but strongly disagree. To the contrary, this is a wise investment in our economic future that is not just good policy, it is good business. I am as proud as I can be of how enthusiastically our community has stood up in recent weeks to express its support for the impressive men and women currently working at Navistar’s Fort Wayne location, and I would be derelict in my duties as Mayor if I did not make every responsible to fight to keep those jobs here in Fort Wayne. Second, I have noticed in recent days an alarming misrepresentation by some people regarding consultant contracts. The impression has been created that the City, under my direction, has entered into numerous new contracts with various consultants for amounts just under the $100,000 threshold, which would require Council approval. This impression is simply false. Let me be crystal-clear: the City has an annual operating budget of over $200 million, and in the two and a half years since I took office, these contracts account for less than one percent of the City’s budget. I take my responsibility as the chief steward of the taxpayers’ dollars extremely seriously. I also take very seriously the responsibility of our city council – a body I served on for twenty years. It is therefore of the utmost importance to me that the facts be made available to our citizens, our Council, and our media in order to have an honest discussion about how the City conducts its business. My office will continue in the weeks and months ahead to assure that people have better access to these facts than ever before. Third, and finally, I am an enthusiastic student of Fort Wayne government, its process, and its history. I served on City Council for two decade, and have seen that body change many times since I began my service in 1984. In that time, the relationship between the Mayor and the Council has ebbed and flowed, and thanks to technology and personal preferences, how things get done has changed too. In 1992, as Council president, I worked with then Councilmember Don Schmidt and others to dramatically change the process for Council review and approval of City contracts. At the time we had a Democratic Council and a Republican Mayor, and Council was responsible for approving every single consultant contract signed by the City. This struck many of us as an unnecessary obstruction to the smooth working of City government, so we set a threshold of $100,000, under which the Mayor could enter into financial agreements without the consent of Council. This arrangement has worked very well for 18 years, and some councils have even considered raising that threshold amount to a significantly higher number. Since I took office in 2008, it has become clear that some members of this current Council have a very different approach to, and idea about, how City contracts should be considered. It is incumbent upon me, as Mayor, to help find solutions that make sense, honor our system of local government, and – most importantly of all – honor the trust and responsibility Fort Wayne’s residents have placed in its elected officials. I have therefore asked the City’s Clerk, Sandy Kennedy, to serve with my deputy mayor, Beth Malloy, Council President Marty Bender, and two members of the City Council – to be appointed by Council President Bender – on a working group to present to the City Council and me a workable, agreeable approach to City contracts. Additionally, I am personally requesting that Council President Bender strongly consider appointing Councilmembers Liz Brown and Glynn Hines as the Council’s representatives to this working group. I have no doubt that working together, these five people can reach consensus on an approach that will work well for all of us, and I look forward to seeing their recommendations.
The starting location of this Tuesday’s community bike ride on the Rivergreenway - St. Joe Pathway - has moved to Johnny Appleseed Park near the dam by Coliseum Boulevard. The bike trek begins at 6:00 PM Tuesday July 13, 2010. This summer’s bike rides are proving popular with residents. One recent ride had more than 80 participants. Each ride is free and covers a distance of about 6-8 miles. The tours are guided by a person knowledgeable about the trail. Helmets are a requirement for participants. Bike rides are a great family activity, a great way to spend time with friends and to meet new friends. Here is a list of this summer’s trail rides. All start times are 6:00 PM. July 13, 2010 Rivergreenway St Joe Pathway – meet Johnny Appleseed Park – near the dam by Coliseum Boulevard. Ride is 7 miles July 20, 2010 Towpath Trail – meet at Rockhill Park at trailhead parking lot off Catalpa Street. Ride is 8 miles July 27, 2010 Rivergreenway from St Joe Pathway to Downtown – meet at IPFW, on the east side of pedestrian bridge over St Joe River. Ride is 7 miles August 3, 2010 Rivergreenway from Foster Park to the Public Safety Academy – meet at Foster Park Trailhead parking lot by Pavilion No. 1 & Volleyball Courts. Ride is 8.5 miles August 10, 2010 Rivergreenway – Swinney Park to Foster Park – meet at Trailhead parking lot by swimming pool. Ride is 8.5 miles August 17, 2010 Aboite Trails Deer Ridge Elementary School by trail. Ride is 6-8 miles August 24, 2010 Salomon Farm Loop and Pufferbelly Trail - meet Salomon Farm parking lot, 817 W Dupont Rd, by the trailhead kiosk sign. Ride is 6 miles
Employees leaving notices for customers in affected locations Fort Wayne’s sewer maintenance department will be smoke testing sewer lines in the Watersong and Chapel Creek neighborhoods beginning Monday, June 28, weather permitting. Testing the entire area is expected to take about a week. Smoke testing will be done in the area generally bounded by Union Chapel Road, Auburn Road, Falling Water Boulevard, Brandon Way, Crooked Creek Parkway and Chancel Way. Sanitary sewers in the area to be examined become overloaded when it rains, indicating that rain water and ground water are entering lines intended to carry sanitary sewage only. To find the areas that leak, sewer utility workers will systematically blow smoke into manholes. The smoke will come out of the sewer system in places where the sewer may be cracked, have a bad joint or have some other deficiency that causes a leak. Smoke may be seen coming out of manholes or out of the ground. The smoke is chemically generated but is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. It will be white or gray in color. Smoke may be seen coming from building gutters and downspouts if they are directly connected to sanitary sewer lines. Smoke coming from plumbing vents on roofs is not unusual. The smoke should not enter any homes or businesses. Smoke coming into a building may indicate that a drain trap – the J-shaped piece of pipe – is dry or that there is a plumbing defect. City Utilities suggests that property owners make sure all drain traps have water in them. Seldom-used floor drains are the most likely place that smoke will enter a building, so City Utilities recommends property owners pour a gallon of water into each floor drain. If smoke does enter a structure, the occupants should exit the building and look for City Utilities crews who will be nearby conducting the testing. Also, if residents return home and find smoke in the structure, they should call 311 or 427-8311 so that City Utilities can investigate the problem. Prior to the testing, City Utilities will deliver door hangers and letters to residents and businesses in the area where the testing will be done. Questions may be directed to City Utilities Sewer Maintenance through the 311 call center open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays.
Due to Wednesday evening’s storms, many street trees within the city of Fort Wayne have fallen over or have been damaged. Residents who have a fallen or damaged tree that was planted between the sidewalk and curb of their property may call the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department for help removing tree debris. The number to call is 311. Service calls will be dealt with according to the level of urgency. Damage to City Street Trees is very extensive and the crews expect the clean-up to take at least two weeks.
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with Challenger Sports to bring kids ages 4 to 14 a comprehensive British Soccer Camp. This camp will provide young players with the building blocks needed to develop the dazzling skills and quickness of feet used by players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcot. One of the most popular features is the rich cultural element that the International staff and British coaching curriculum adds to the proceedings every day. Each participant will receive their own soccer ball and t-shirt during this camp. Participants will be divided within the age groups for instruction and safety purposes.
The Challenger’s curriculum features:
Individual Ball Mastery
Juggling and First Touch
Passing and Control
Fakes, Moves and Turns
Shooting, Chipping, and Bending
Crossing
Volleying and Heading
Tackling and Defending
Registration deadline for July 5, 2010 camp: June 28
Registration deadline for August 9, 2010 class: August 2
Fee: $89 (Ages 4-5); $129 (Ages 6-9); $139 (Ages 10-14).
Location: Kreager Park, North River Road
Ages 4 – 5 7/5-7/9 M-F 9-10:30 am
7/5-7/9 M-F 5:45-7:15 pm
8/9-8/13 M-F 9-10:30 am
8/9-8/13 M-F 5:45-7:15 pm
Ages 6-9 7/5-7/9 M-F 9 am-12 pm
7/5-7/9 M-F 5:45-8:45 pm
8/9-8/13 M-F 9 am-12 pm
8/9-8/13 M-F 5:45-8:45 pm
Ages 10-14 7/5-7/9 M-F 9 am-12 pm
7/5-7/9 M-F 5:45-8:45 pm
8/9-8/13 M-F 9 am-12 pm
8/9-8/13 M-F 5:45-8:45 pm
To register, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll announced the Playful City USA initiative today at Lakeside Park, in conjunction with the kick-off of the Parks & Recreation Summer Playground Carnival season. Director Moll was joined by representatives from Turnstone Center, the League for the Blind & Disabled, Easter Seals Arc and the YMCA.
“A Play Task Force was created from a wonderful partnership of nonprofits, Parks & Recreation staff and civic-minded people who care about children,” said Moll. “Keeping kids moving is extremely important in establishing an early pattern of wellness, and unstructured play is vital to the development of healthy people. In light of this, we have put an emphasis on play for the City of Fort Wayne, and invite the public to join us.”
The Playful City USA initiative and Fort Wayne’s Play Task Force are associated with KaBOOM!, a national group advocating for a healthier generation of children. Last year, 93 cities in 33 states were recognized for their commitment to getting kids active through play. The major benefits of becoming a Playful City USA include raising children who are happier, smarter and healthier, increasing awareness of the benefits and availability of play in this community, national recognition for Fort Wayne and more grant opportunities.
“Providing our citizens, especially our children, with more opportunities for a healthy and active lifestyle is a goal of Mayor Henry’s administration and the Board of Park Commissioners, and we thank them for their support," said Moll. “The Parks & Recreation Department will continue to provide safe activities for kids in the parks through our free Summer Playground Program. Our youth centers and 10 playgrounds offer supervised activity through August 6th.”
Playgrounds and their carnival dates are:
Lions Park, Carew & Hazelwood June 24, 5-7 pm
Lakeside Park, Lake & Vermont June 23, 5-7 pm
Hamilton Park, Spring & Cherokee June 30, 5-7pm KaBOOM! Play Day
Psi Ote Park, Wennonah Lane July 7, 5-7 pm
Waynedale Park, Koons & Elzy July 14, 5-7 pm KaBOOM! Play Day
Kettler Park, Belmont & Buell July 15, 5-7 pm
Lafayette Park, Lafayette & Douglas July 21, 5-7 pm
Hanna Homestead, Gay & Lewis July 28, 5-7 pm
McCormick Park, Raymond & Holly July 29, 5-7 pm
Memorial Park, Maumee & Glasgow August 6, 3-5 pm KaBOOM! Play Day
The Summer Playground Program began on June 14 and is open to boys and girls ages 5 and older at participating parks Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Children are invited to play sports like kickball, t-ball and basketball, make arts & crafts, and take part in the Kohl’s Healthy Kids fitness program. A free lunch is provided by Fort Wayne Community Schools. The FREE summer neighborhood carnivals feature carnival games, prizes, clowns, face painting and food.
The League for the Blind and Disabled will have also have a Play Day during their annual Block Party on August 28th, 1 – 5 pm in the parking lot where there office is located, 5821 S. Anthony Blvd. The League’s Block Party will include demonstrations by Science Central and The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Turnstone Flyers wheelchair basketball vs. Mad Ants, food, games and more.
For more information about Playful City USA or Summer Playgrounds, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Work part of INDOT’s SR 3/Lima Road lane widening project The Indiana Department of Transportation Fort Wayne District is scheduled to reopen Till Road between Coldwater and Lima roads at 6 p.m. Thursday. Starting at 6 a.m. Friday, Wallen Road between Lima and Coldwater roads will close for approximately two weeks for the reconstruction of the east approach onto Lima and the installation of storm sewer lines. Both are weather permitting. Drivers should use Cook and Coldwater roads as alternate routes during the closure. Local traffic can access Wallen Road via Coldwater. This closure is part of an INDOT added travel lanes project on Lima Road/S.R. 3, which extends from Ludwig Road to Dupont Road. The 2.88-mile added travel lanes project includes three northbound and three southbound lanes, raised center curb median separating opposing traffic, curb/gutter, closed drainage system, inlets, sewer pipes, and an 8-foot-wide multiuse path on both sides. Project will be complete in 2011.
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll was joined by Community Center staff, senior athletes and Sechler’s Pickles to dedicate the City’s first permanent Pickleball Courts in Lions Park June 22, 2010. Four Pickleball courts were constructed by revamping one of the already existing tennis courts. A tennis court and a half tennis court with a backboard still remain, for those who wish to play tennis.
“Bringing Pickleball to Fort Wayne was a grass roots effort at the Community Center,” said Director Moll. “We listened to their request and marked off temporary courts at Lakeside Park last summer, then provided an indoor pavilion at Franke Park to play in during the winter. We’re hoping that by installing an outdoor court, this sport will catch on at all age levels.”
To encourage play, Director Moll announced that the Department will offer free Pickleball lessons for adults and children at Lions Park. Paddles and balls will be supplied.
Children’s Pickleball Lessons
June 25, 9:30 – 10:30 am
July 2, 9:30 – 10:30 am
July 9, 9:30 – 10:30 am
July 16, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Adult Pickleball Lessons
June 30, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
July 7, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
July 14, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
June 26, 9 – 10 am
July 3, 9 – 10 am
July 10, 9 – 10 am
“These new courts are great,” said Pickleball player Tom Fryback. Fryback will be one of the instructors giving free Pickleball lessons. “If you want the time of your life, you should give this game a try. One of the benefits is that you have more time to strategize than you do in tennis.”
Pickleball is often compared to badminton, ping pong and tennis, with its own set of rules. Here are some features of Pickleball:
Played indoors or outdoors
Badminton-sized court, with net lowered to 34 inches
Played with perforated plastic ball (like whiffle ball)
Wood or composite paddle twice the size of a ping pong paddle
Easy to learn, but can become fast-paced, competitive game
“Some tennis players are reluctant to try Pickleball because they don’t think they’ll get a good enough workout,” said Fryback. “But you do. Pickleball is less fatiguing than tennis, but it’s also exhilarating and satisfying. It’s easier on people with arthritis and hip pain.”
Sechler’s Pickles gave away free samples of their pickles at the dedication and are awarding pickle packs to the Senior Games’ Pickleball champs.
The Pickleball courts at Lions Park are open to the public.
Today's Honor Puts Utility in Elite Company For the tenth time in a row, Fort Wayne City Utilities has received the Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water. The honor for drinking water quality that surpasses the required federal standards was presented to City Utilities’ officials at the American Water Works Association’s annual conference in Chicago today, Monday, June 21, 2010. “Maintaining the Directors Award status for ten years demonstrates our philosophy of constant vigilance to improve water quality,” said Kumar Menon, Director of City Utilities. “We are honored to receive national recognition for this ongoing commitment.” The award was developed through a joint effort of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other national water organizations. It recognizes water utilities that provide quality water and are consistently implementing plans for improvements. City Utilities is one of only 32 water utilities in the country to win the award for the tenth straight year. The Partnership for Safe Water includes more than 200 water utilities, collectively serving more than 85 million people. This represents 60 percent of the United States population served by surface water systems like Fort Wayne’s. Through the partnership, water utilities undergo peer reviews, evaluate the capabilities of the treatment plant operation, and create and implement plans for improvement.
Free one-hour, non-certified class available to anyone 12 and older Anyone 12 or older can learn the life-saving skill of hands-only CPR through the next “Don’t Miss a Beat” training the morning of Wednesday, July 14. The free classes – starting at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. – will be held at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
Participants will use manikins or special kits to learn in about an hour how to perform compression CPR. Trained and experienced CPR instructors teach the classes and volunteer their time for this program.
To register for the training, visit
www.3RCPR.org or call 427-1164. Registration will also be available on site the day of the training.
“Last year, we honored a City employee who works at the Community Center for saving the life of a center visitor because she knew what to do in a cardiac emergency,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “By learning the life-saving skill of hands-only CPR, you too will be prepared. With this many people knowing this important technique, together we truly are stronger. Why not be another in our nearly 1,000 people who are ready to save a life because of ‘Don’t Miss a Beat.’”
This is the sixth time the City and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. Nearly 1,000 people have learned hands-only CPR through this program since it started in October 2008.
Anyone completing the training July 14 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for those paying for a CPR certification class through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross’s adult, child, infant CPR training class through December 31, 2010. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the July training.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
For more information, call (260) 427-1164, visit
3rcpr.org or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Elected officials, business and civic leaders advocate for company’s design, engineering center to stay, grow in northeast Indiana
Joining with other elected officials, community leaders and Navistar employees, Mayor Tom Henry led a public rally this morning at Parkview Field to show Fort Wayne’s support for keeping Navistar’s Truck Design and Technology Center and its more than 1,000 exceptional jobs here.
“As mayor in these difficult times, I’m working every moment of every day to make Fort Wayne the kind of place where good jobs can grow and families can thrive. Navistar is a vital part of that equation,” Mayor Henry told the crowd. “Navistar employees represent the kind of high-skill, high-wage jobs that will strengthen our local economy – and keep our community attractive and competitive long into the future.”
Mayor Henry has been working in cooperation with officials in Allen County government, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce to retain Navistar’s Fort Wayne operations while also exploring options for the Chicago-based company to expand in northeast Indiana.
“With our mission to retain and expand jobs in Fort Wayne and Allen County, the Alliance is committed to Navistar's legacy. It is valuable to our community and beneficial to Navistar as well. We are a community that thrives in the advanced manufacturing and defense industries. We have talented engineers and a technical workforce here that allows many employers to succeed at a national and international level,” said Andi Udris, president of the Alliance.
“As Navistar makes its final decision, the Chamber is positioned to showcase the reason business is better when it’s done in Fort Wayne. With a highly affordable cost of doing business in Fort Wayne, we are the best choice for Navistar to stake its claim. In addition the affordable cost of living provides an excellent and attractive place for Navistar employees to call home. Fort Wayne provides what very few communities can, an affordable yet growth-focused economic climate that allows for both Navistar and its employees to flourish,” said Mike Landram, CEO and president of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Henry noted Navistar has been in Fort Wayne for more than 90 years and the area has had a long history of building and designing trucks. Despite competition for this operation and the jobs that accompany it, local leaders are confident Fort Wayne remains the best place for Navistar’s engineering center.
The event was held at Parkview Field’s south plaza. Two of the City’s International-nameplate trucks, including a hybrid, where at the rally. Local engineers designed the trucks at the Fort Wayne facility, and the City’s fleet department has worked closely with the Navistar design center to test new components.
To find out more about local efforts to keep Navistar in Fort Wayne, visit
www.navistay.com or become a Navistay fan on Facebook and follow the Navistay Twitter feed.
Online survey part of City’s plan for neighborhood funding, programs Mayor Tom Henry invites Fort Wayne residents from all corners of the city to identify their household’s and neighborhood’s needs in an online survey. Information gathered during this process will help to identify community priorities and align programs for neighborhoods.
Now through June 30, residents can complete the 17-question survey online at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/neighborhoodsurvey . The questions ask about transportation, social service needs, neighborhood problems, homeownership and household demographics. Most respondents will be able to complete the survey in less than 10 minutes. All information will be kept confidential.
The survey results will be included in the City of Fort Wayne’s Housing and Community Development Plan which serves as Fort Wayne’s application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for approximately $17 million in a combination of Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnerships and Emergency Shelter Grant funding in the next five years. The plan requires the City to identify local challenges and ensure programs address those needs.
“The ideas and opinions of every person, in every neighborhood are important to me,” said Mayor Henry. “By taking a quick online survey today, you can help to set the City’s funding priorities and shape programs to assist residents and neighborhoods for the next five years. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, a young family or a senior, live in an older neighborhood or a brand new home, please tell me what you think. By working together, we can strengthen our community and make it a place of pride and opportunity for all.”
Nearly $5 million invested in vacant, foreclosed properties, making city national model for HUD initiative Standing in the front yard of a once vacant house soon to be occupied by a Fort Wayne family, Mayor Tom Henry celebrated the success of the $7.2 million Neighborhood Stabilization Program. He was also joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to proclaim June as Homeownership Month in Fort Wayne. The City has become a national model for HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program that works in partnership with potential homeowners and private contractors. In less than 18 months, the NSP purchase-custom rehabilitation program invested nearly $5 million in 32 vacant or foreclosed homes in the NSP target area. Many of these homes have been in more established neighborhoods in the center of the city. From the time the properties entered the program to their closing with new homeowners, the NSP purchase-custom rehab houses saw a collective increase of appraised values of more than 63 percent. “Joining with Department of Housing and Urban Development officials, I am honored to mark June as homeownership month. There is a reason a home symbolizes the American dream. Owning one helps to strengthen families, enhance neighborhoods and spur private investment in our All-America City,” Mayor Henry said. “The Neighborhood Stabilization Program has been an important tool for encouraging a renewed commitment to our neighborhoods. It has supported local jobs, improved troubled properties and turned houses into homes for Fort Wayne residents.” Through the program, each homebuyer worked with a private-sector development team to select an eligible property and then rehabilitate it prior to occupancy. The process focused on updating the house and making it safe, more energy efficient and generally more desirable. The NSP funds helped to cover the difference between the market value of the property and the rehabilitation costs. The City was also able to recirculate funds through first mortgages from buyers who purchased completed NSP homes into additional properties, making it a leader in the nation. Advancing Mayor Henry’s commitment to community collaboration, the City designed the custom-rehab program in partnership with the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors, Fort Wayne Home Builders Association members, Fort Wayne Apartment Association members, Habitat for Humanity and local contractors. The City is using remaining NSP money to work with the local Habitat chapter to recycle the funding into new homes for their clients. The City also used $1.1 million of NSP funds to purchase McMillen Park Apartments on McKinnie Avenue. The complex will be demolished to ready the site for future development. Another $800,000 was committed to Promising Partnerships, a collaboration of transitional housing services providers. The group will use the resources to acquire and rehabilitate primarily tax-foreclosed homes, transforming them into rental properties for low-income families.
Work part of INDOT’s SR 3/Lima Road lane widening project The Indiana Department of Transportation Fort Wayne District will close Till Road between Coldwater and Lima roads starting at 6 a.m. Friday, weather permitting, for approximately two weeks to construct the new pavement approach to Lima Road. Drivers should use Cook and Coldwater roads as alternate routes during the closure. Local traffic can access Till Road via Coldwater. This closure is part of an INDOT added travel lanes project on Lima Road/S.R. 3, which extends from Ludwig Road to Dupont Road. The 2.88-mile added travel lanes project includes three northbound and three southbound lanes, raised center curb median separating opposing traffic, curb/gutter, closed drainage system, inlets, sewer pipes, and an 8-foot-wide multiuse path on both sides. Project will be complete in 2011. All closures are weather permitting.
Service available on Council’s weekly City TV broadcasts At the suggestion of Fort Wayne City Councilwoman Liz Brown, Mayor Tom Henry has authorized the engagement of a closed-captioning service for Fort Wayne City Council meetings. Each weekly council session is now televised with live closed captioning. The on-screen captioning also appears on rebroadcasts of the meetings. As part of the ongoing collaboration between the City of Fort Wayne, City TV and Access Fort Wayne, Aberdeen Captioning Inc. was hired to start the service in June. City TV viewers can watch the spoken word live on Comcast 58 or Verizon 28 by enabling the closed-captioning function available on most televisions. The system works with an off-site captioner. The City provides a telephone line with an audio feed of the meeting. The captioner, much like a traditional court stenographer, uses a special device to type the words as they are spoken. A second phone line connects to the captioning equipment in Fort Wayne and inserts the text into the video feed, often with less than a second delay. The City’s one-year contract with Aberdeen is for 98 percent accuracy at 200 words per minute. The cost is $115 per hour of meeting. The cost is funded through the cable administration fund, a non-property tax resource generated through cable franchise fees.
Mayor Tom Henry and Director of Parks and Recreation Al Moll kicked off the 33rd Annual Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch on the steps of the City County building.
“Staying active is such an important component of healthy living—physically and mentally. Even more so in later years,” said Mayor Henry. “The Community Center does an excellent job providing affordable opportunities for adults 50 and better to get moving and to feel good about themselves.”
The Senior Games were created in 1978 to promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit, and to encourage all adults over 50 to adopt a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Styled after the Olympics, the games offer competition in more than 20 physically and mentally challenging events. Seniors can test their talent and skill, while enjoying good company and making new friends. The various Senior Game events have been scheduled over a three week period, June 7 - 24, 2010.
“Many of us haven’t competed in a sport since high school or college,” said Moll. “The Senior Games is a great way to get back that joy of competition. It’s a chance for some fierce, yet friendly, competition to earn us bragging rights.”
Participants and individual event winners will be recognized at an awards banquet on Thursday, June 24, 6pm at the Community Center on Main Street. Awards include door prizes and gift cards for event winners.
It’s not too late to join the fun! For more information regarding times and locations of events, please call the Community Center at 427-6460 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Part of utility relocation to prepare for construction of new bridge across St. Marys River The east lane of Clinton Street/US 27 from the entrance to Lawton Park to just south of the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge will be closed starting at 9 a.m. Monday, June 7 to allow for NIPSCO to relocate gas lines. Drivers may want to allow for extra time to drive through this construction zone. The lane closure will last for approximately four weeks, weather permitting. It is part of the utility relocation to prepare for construction to replace the existing bridge. The Indiana Department of Transportation had scheduled the replacement of this bridge over the St. Marys River to correct river flow conditions. The City of Fort Wayne is partnering with INDOT to make this bridge a signature gateway into downtown. Construction of the replacement bridge is scheduled to start this summer and be complete next year.
Five walks this summer with West Central June 3 demonstrate ongoing commitment to public input Recognizing that strong neighborhoods make for a vibrant and livable city, Mayor Tom Henry is kicking off the third consecutive year of neighborhood walks. The first of the 2010 five walks this summer is tonight in the West Central neighborhood. “Our All-America City is truly a city of neighborhoods,” Mayor Henry said. “These walks give me the chance to meet the people I serve in their front yards, driveways and sidewalks. They allow me to hear concerns firsthand, work to solve problems quickly and gather suggestions on how City government can serve our residents better.” Joining Mayor Henry tonight will be neighborhood leaders, members of the Mayor’s staff and representatives from City Utilities, Public Works, Community Development, the Fort Wayne Fire Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The other neighborhood walks for 2010, weather permitting, are: • July 1: Eastland Gardens • July 22: Tower Heights • Aug. 5: TBD in Northeast Quadrant • Aug. 26: Sheffield Woods The Mayor walks each of the neighborhoods from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday Bike Rides Path to New Community Tradition Free Recreation to Connect Community In what’s sure to become a popular community event Fort Wayne will bring the community together in a series of 13 bike rides on the trail network. The rides will be guided by someone knowledgeable about the area and the history of the area.
“Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 50 miles of trails winding through urban and rural areas around the city. This summer, residents will have a unique opportunity to meet other trail users, see some new trails and get some exercise," said Mayor Tom Henry.
Beginning Tuesday, June 1 at 6 p.m., cyclists will have an opportunity to join other trail users on a community bike ride every Tuesday of the summer. The 13 bike rides will take bicyclists through all parts of the community – along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail.
It’s a great opportunity to see Fort Wayne in a way you haven’t seen it before. Bike rides are a great family activity, a great way to spend time with friends and a fun way to socialize with new friends.
Each trail ride is about 6-8 miles long. Helmets are a requirement for participants. If there is unsafe weather such as lightening, the ride will be cancelled.
Here is a list of the trail rides. All rides begin at 6 p.m.
June 1, 2010 Towpath Trail – meet at Rockhill Park at trailhead parking lot off Catalpa Street. Ride is 8 miles.
June 8, 2010 Rivergreenway along the Maumee Pathway from North River Road to Moser Park – meet at North River Rd Trailhead meet just west of Kreager Park otherwise known as the "boat launch" – Ride is 6 miles.
June 15, 2010 Aboite Trails – meet at the back of the Indian Trails Park at trailhead - Ride is 6 - 8 miles.
June 22, 2010 Rivergreenway from Lawton Park to Rockhill Park – meet at Lawton Park, off Fourth Street by beginning of boardwalk. Ride is 7 miles.
June 29, 2010 Towpath Trail – meet at Rockhill Park at trailhead parking lot off Catalpa Street. Ride is 8 miles.
July 6, 2010 Rivergreenway along the Maumee Pathway from North River Road to Moser Park – meet at North River Road Trailhead, just west of Kreager Park; otherwise known as "boat launch". Ride is 6 miles.
July 13, 2010 (updated: new start location) Rivergreenway St Joe Pathway – meet at Johnny Appleseed Park near the dam by Coliseum Boulevard. Ride is 7 miles.
July 20, 2010 Towpath Trail – meet at Rockhill Park at trailhead parking lot off Catalpa Street. Ride is 8 miles.
July 27, 2010 Rivergreenway from St Joe Pathway to Downtown – meet at IPFW, on the east side of pedestrian bridge over St Joe River. Ride is 7 miles.
August 3, 2010 Rivergreenway from Foster Park to the Public Safety Academy – meet at Foster Park Trailhead parking lot by Pavilion No. 1 & Volleyball Courts. Ride is 8.5 miles.
August 10, 2010 Rivergreenway – Swinney Park to Foster Park – meet at Swinney Park Trailhead parking lot by swimming pool. Ride is 8.5 miles.
August 17, 2010Aboite Trails – meet at Deer Ridge Elementary School by trail. Ride is 6-8 miles.
August 24, 2010 Salomon Farm Loop and Pufferbelly Trail - meet at Salomon Farm parking lot, 817 W Dupont Rd, by the trailhead kiosk sign. Ride is 6 miles.
Road Open to Local Traffic City Utility crews are repairing a water main break in the 2500 block of Sherman Boulevard. The repairs are expected to keep the street closed until late this afternoon. Sherman is open to local traffic only between West State Boulevard and Goshen Road. Around 5 a.m., crews were called to the area for a water main break. That break was successfully repaired. A second water main broke a short distance from the original and that one is being repaired at this time.
Garbage pick-up pushed back one day The City of Fort Wayne’s offices, including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control, and Parks’ community and youth centers, will be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday. Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day all week with Monday’s collection on Tuesday and concluding with Friday’s route on Saturday. The City’s parking meters will be free Monday because of the City holiday. The City will have regular hours Tuesday, June 1.
Northside Pool opening for weekend May 29 All of the City’s free splash pads will be turned on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 with plans to keep them turned on until Labor Day.
Northside Pool will be open May 29 – 31, 2010 and June 5 – 6, opening daily starting June 12. McMillen Pool will be open June 5 – 6, with daily hours also starting June 12. Memorial Pool will open for the season on June 12.
Splash pads are touch activated. To turn the water on, look for a short pole (approx. 3 ft. tall) with a plastic dome top located within the play area. Place your hands on the dome for a few seconds. The water will appear shortly and run for several minutes. When the water stops, repeat the procedure. The splash pad at Robert E. Meyers Park is foot activated. Look for the touch pad on the ground at the east side of the splash pad.
Splash pads are located at the following parks:
Buckner Park: 6114 Bass Road
McCormick Park: 2300 Raymond & Holly
Memorial Park: 2301 Maumee & Glasgow
Robert E. Meyers Park: Inside North Gate of Parkview Field on Jefferson Blvd.
Shoaff Park: 6401 St. Joe Rd.
Waynedale Park: 2900 Koons & Elzey
For more information, log on to
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Anyone 12 and older can attend upcoming training classes July 14, Sept. 11 Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry applauds the participation of more than 300 people in the hands-only CPR training held earlier this month at the Public Safety Academy.
On May 8, 318 people learned this life-saving skill in the hour-long, non-certified class offered through the “Don’t Miss a Beat” program. Sixteen people donated blood through the American Red Cross blood drive held concurrently with the training. The event also featured demonstrations from local public safety agencies.
“Thanks to the ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ program, nearly a thousand residents have now been equipped to help save lives,” said Mayor Henry. “Hands-only CPR is an easy skill to learn, but with each new person trained, it becomes an ongoing gift to the community.”
In feedback from class participants, 99 percent indicated they felt better prepared to respond to an emergency and are willing to use the skills they learned in the class.
The Three Rivers CPR Task Force has taught almost 1,000 people the life-saving skill of compression-only CPR since Don’t Miss a Beat started in October 2008. This form of CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown the technique to be effective in helping to save lives.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to all the volunteers and sponsors who are making this no-cost training possible,” added Henry. “Through these valuable sessions and the free training kits, we’re creating second chances for those who might suffer cardiac emergencies.”
The task force is composed of representatives from the City, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network
The task force has two more public training sessions this year: July 14 at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 W. Main St., and Sept. 11 at Brookside Community Church, 6102 Evard Road. The City will accept registrations closer to the event date. The classes are open to anyone ages 12 and older.
For more information about “Don’t Miss a Beat” CPR training, call (260) 427-1164 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Public Works Makes a Difference - $100 Million in 2010 Improvements In celebration of National Public Works Week, Mayor Tom Henry and workers from the Public Works and City Utilities departments displayed a variety of work vehicles for students at Franke Park Elementary. Staff members explained how the vehicles like a street sweeper, plow truck, vacuum truck and sewer televising truck are used in everyday City activities.
“Whether it’s new roads, sidewalks or lighting that create safer and stronger neighborhoods, or pipes that provide more reliable water and sewer service, Public Works projects touch our lives every day. I’m glad we had this opportunity to visit with students at Franke Park because it’s never too early to learn about the importance of the work done by Public Works,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Fort Wayne’s public works projects fall under both the Public Works Department, which maintains streets, curbs, sidewalks, trails and lighting, and City Utilities, which builds, maintains and rehabs water, sewer and storm pipes, and treats water and sewage. The departments plan, design, build, operate and maintain transportation, water supply, sewage and refuse disposal systems that are essential to our quality of life, security and the economy.
“It’s a win-win with public works projects. Not only do we improve neighborhoods, we are also creating jobs and those local contractors that are hired not only earn a salary but they turn around and spend that money in the community,” said Mayor Henry.
A good example of how these projects boost the economy is the St. Joe Center Road widening, lighting, sidewalk and storm sewer project completed last fall. 80% of the $7.9 million dollar project was funded with Federal Urban Fund dollars. The City’s investment was about $1.6 million but the return on that investment for the local economy was more than $3.2 million. That’s money that came back into the community in the form of salaries paid to construction workers during the two year project period.
Last year Public Works and City Utilities created nearly 900 jobs with more than $50 million dollars in projects.
This year, with increased funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the City will invest nearly $100 million dollars in the City’s infrastructure.
The theme of this year’s National Public Works Week is “Above, Below and All Around You” to signify that Public Works projects are everywhere you look.
Maintaining and building infrastructure that improves the quality of life in a community is what Public Works does for citizens. Whether it’s plowing snow, paving streets, installing street lights, water mains or sewer pipes, building sidewalks, or building flood solutions, the Public Works projects are visible and vital to every community.
2010 Quick Glance by Numbers
Nearly 60 miles of road will be paved or asphalt reconstructed
More than 5 miles of trails will be constructed
Nearly 3 miles of sidewalks will be constructed
More than 20 miles of sewer, water and storm pipe will be constructed
It’s a Feline Frenzy Adoption Event at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control just in time to celebrate June Adopt a Cat Month. Hundreds of adorable, adoptable cats and kittens enter the city shelter during spring and summer months. Feline Frenzy will do it’s best to place as many healthy, vaccinated, spayed and neutered cats as possible back into the community and into loving homes. To ensure the program’s success, all feline adoptions will be subsidized through a special Maddie’s Fund Grant to allow the normal $65 cat adoption fee to be lowered to $10 during the June 2010 Feline Frenzy promotion. According to ACC spokesperson Peggy Bender, “We are doing our best to save more lives while easing the up front expenses of adding a pet to the family. We encourage the community to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity made possible through this special grant.” Included in each adoption is the video, Training Your Adopted Cat to help families learn the responsible care needs of cats throughout their lives. The shelter will evaluate the program’s success and hopes to be able to extend the offer beyond June as funding permits. Adopt-A-Cat Month® was created by American Humane in an effort to promote cat and kitten adoptions. Adopt-A-Cat Month is held annually in June, when shelters around the country are inundated with litters of kittens in desperate need of loving homes. The event encourages cat adoptions from shelters, promotes the benefits of owning a cat and informs the public about how to care for their pets responsibly.
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Work part of INDOT’s SR 3/Lima Road lane widening project Wallen Road east of Lima Road is scheduled to reopen at 6 p.m. today with a second closure scheduled for later this week to complete the installation of the storm sewer when weather conditions cooperate. The road will close again to finish the work, as early as 6 a.m. Tuesday if weather permits. Wallen Road will remain open until the second closure. Residential access will be maintained to homes adjacent to the work area. During the closure, drivers should use Cook and Coldwater roads as detours. This closure is part of an INDOT added travel lanes project on Lima Road/S.R. 3, which extends from Ludwig Road to Dupont Road. The 2.88-mile added travel lanes project includes three northbound and three southbound lanes, raised center curb median separating opposing traffic, curb/gutter, closed drainage system, inlets, sewer pipes, and 8-foot-wide multiuse path on both sides. Project will be complete in 2011. All closures are weather permitting.
Section to Close for 13 months beginning Monday Completed Maplecrest to bring Additional Trail Connection As the Maplecrest Road extension project moves forward the The Rivergreenway - Maumee Pathway will be closed in an area near the construction zone. This is a necessary safety step as the bridge construction takes place at the path. The Maumee Pathway will be closed from May 10, 2010 to June of 2011 during construction. The closure will be between the 5.0 mile marker and the 4.75 mile marker (see attached map). Trail users can continue to use the Maumee Pathway, but they will not be able to pass through the construction zone. Trail closed signs will be posted at the intersection of Pemberton Drive & Niagara Drive; the Coliseum Boulevard Trail Spur; and North River Road Trailhead. The Maplecrest Road project will extend the road 1.5 miles from Lake Avenue to State Road 930 and Adams Center Road. The road project will also bring benefits for trail users. A new trail will run along the Maplecrest Road Extension for the entire 1.5 mile length. There will also be an S-curve ramp from the new Maplecrest Road Trail to connect with the Rivergreenway.
Citizens who would like to support the Boundless Playground Project are invited to dine at the Jefferson Pointe Chick-fil-A on Thursday, May 13th, 5 pm – 7 pm. Chick-fil-A will donate 15% of each sale to Taylor’s Dream for the Boundless Playground Project. There will be no solicitation at this event. Two hundred thousand dollars is still needed to complete this $1.3 million project. The Fort Wayne Boundless Playground initiative was the vision and dream of 11-year-old Taylor Reuille, who realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn’t play at playgrounds in this area. She researched and found that a Boundless Playground would offer amazing play opportunities for children with and without disabilities, including those with physical, sensory, developmental and cognitive disabilities. Calling on the Mayor for his support, Taylor launched a public fundraising campaign.
In August of 2008, Taylor and her mother, Kasandra Booher, presented the first Boundless Playground private contribution to the Mayor totaling $10,758.43. These proceeds came from small fundraisers, including funds contributed by Taylor’s teachers and fellow classmates at Harlan Elementary. City Council members and representatives from Turnstone and The League for the Blind & Disabled also added their support to the project. Community support for the last $200,000 is vital to complete the project. Donations of $500 or more will be recognized on a sign at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the website. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. More information about the Boundless Playground efforts can be found at www.taylorsdream.com . Fort Wayne’s Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods.
Mayor Tom Henry was joined by Manager of Forestry Operations Chad Tinkel, members of the Tree Commission, Saint Joseph Catholic School Children,Trees Indiana and Easter Seals Arc as they celebrated Arbor Day at Buckner Park today. “Our trees are one of Fort Wayne’s remarkable assets,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “They clean our air, keep us cool, dampen noise and beautify our world. To keep them working hard for us, they need our attention. While many cities are cutting their tree programs, I am committed to finding other funding sources that will help us preserve our exceptional urban forest and keep our trees great, green and growing.” Mayor Henry announced that Fort Wayne has been named a ‘Tree City USA’ for the 20th year in a row. This designation was earned for tree canopy stewardship and a continued commitment to a green city. In addition, Fort Wayne earned a Growth Award from the National Arbor Foundation for a higher standard of forestry management of the City’s 80,000 trees. Before the planting of the ceremonial tree, Tinkel reported on some recommendations of the City’s community-wide Tree Commission. The Commission’s objective was to perform a comprehensive review of Fort Wayne’s urban forest and provide recommendations to Mayor Henry. One of the Commission’s recommendations was to improve storm response. The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department received the Make Your Trees Count—Urban Forest Conservation Grant and will utilize the funding for an Urban Forestry Storm Response and Recovery Plan that will be part of the City’s Emergency Response Plan. “In addition, the management of the forestry division has been restructured to improve efficiency and increase productivity,” said Tinkel. “In 2009, we pruned 7,681 street trees, 896 more trees than in 2008.” The Mayor announced the approval of a Tree Advisory Board to continue the work of the Tree Commission. The Board will be composed of public and private citizens and should be operating by the end of the year. It will be independent of any City Department, established by City Ordinance and report its findings directly to the Mayor and Park Director at least once a year. More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA . The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental, and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org .
River bottom to be examined for obstructions, levels will be up for summer In an effort to increase the quantity of water available during the summer months, the City’s Water Filtration Plant will perform its annual task installing flashboards at the St. Joe Dam beginning Monday May 3, 2010. The move will hold back more water in the reservoir behind the dam. Beginning at midnight Saturday, May 1, 2010, the river level on the St. Joe River north of the dam will be lowered. The lowering is necessary to allow the spillway to dry up so crews can safely install the flashboards. At the same time City Utilities will open the tainter gate at the Hosey Dam on the Maumee River. City Utilities will use the time period of lower rivers to examine and evaluate river bottom obstructions. This will lower river levels on the St. Marys, St. Joe and Maumee rivers for about 10 days to allow for the examination. Once the flashboards at the St. Joe Dam are installed the river level north of the dam will rise by about 30 inches.
May 8: Free CPR training, public safety demonstrations, Red Cross blood drive The City of Fort Wayne continues to accept registrations for the May 8 free, hands-only CPR training as part of “Don’t Miss a Beat.” All training will take place at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing.
Taught by certified instructors, five separate sessions will be held with classes starting at 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 that morning.
Online registration is available at
www.3rcpr.org or call 427-1164 to sign up for the hour-long, non-certified training class. On-site registrations will also be accepted that day.
“Don’t Miss a Beat” will train anyone ages 12 and older in how to give effective chest compressions to adults who have suffered a heart attack or other cardiac emergency. The training uses manikins or special kits. Everyone attending will receive a free CPR practice kit with a training DVD to take home.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown the technique to be effective in helping to save lives.
The City and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network make up the Three Rivers CPR Task Force and offer this free non-certified training. Since starting in October 2008, the program has trained more than 700 people.
In addition to the training, the American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Safety Academy. To schedule a blood donation appointment, call (800) GIVE-LIFE or check the box on the online class registration form.
Local public safety agencies will also offer demonstrations at the academy that day.
The Fort Wayne Police Department will have demonstrations of its voice stress analysis equipment plus tours of the firing range, and firearms and driving simulators. The Fort Wayne Fire Department is scheduled to have a fire engine at the Public Safety Academy with the opportunity to ask a firefighter questions and see what equipment is carried on the truck.
Three Rivers Ambulance Authority will have an ambulance available for a tour and the St. Joseph Township Volunteer Fire Department Search and Rescue dogs will be on site.
For more information about “Don’t Miss a Beat” CPR training, call (260) 427-1164 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The start time for the April 28, 2010 (tonight) Solid Waste Contract Committee meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City/County Building. The Committee decided that additional time would be needed as it hears presentations from vendors tonight, so the meeting was moved up 30 minutes from what was originally published. The Solid Waste Contract Committee was formed earlier this year to review current collection programs and provide direction for bid specifications. The Committee consists of four neighborhood representatives, three City Council members and two representatives of the Division of Public Works. Last year 98,210 tons of garbage and 9,097 tons of recyclable products was collected from Fort Wayne neighborhoods.
Events throughout May connect people to community character, local history Through activities highlighting the city’s many historic neighborhoods, buildings and landscapes, Mayor Tom Henry encourages Fort Wayne residents to join in celebrating National Historic Preservation Month throughout May.
“The character of a city is rooted in its sense of place and the history that has shaped it,” said Mayor Henry. “Through cooperation and commitment, our community continues to preserve and revitalize significant pieces of our heritage. In doing so, we honor our past and build upon it for the future. Together, we are keeping Fort Wayne a vital, appealing and authentic city.”
Programs and events will be offered by local organizations all month long for people interested in learning more about the community’s heritage and its historic preservation successes.
Some notable events during the month include:
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The History Center’s Miami Indian Heritage Day at Chief Richardville House , 5705 Bluffton Road, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday May 1;
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Settler’s annual herb and perennial sale , Swinney House at 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 7 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 8; and
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ARCH’s Fort Wayne Bike About guided bike ride of local history and architecture , starting from the corner of Berry and Clay streets at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22 or with a self-guided map.
As a way to promote and commemorate the month, the City’s Community Development division produced a Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Month poster and companion postcard. The preservation month poster and postcards have a link to the City’s online Heritage Calendar at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation .
The poster and postcard feature a vintage postcard image of the Lakeside Park sunken garden. Lakeside Park is part of Fort Wayne’s Park and Boulevard System, designed by noted landscape architect George Kessler. The system has been recently nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Copies of the postcards are available at the City-County Building and the Allen County Public Library downtown.
The City’s Historic Preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission work to strengthen the city’s historic resources through preservation and heritage development. The Historic Preservation program offers a range of assistance to help property owners recognize historic properties by listing them as Local Historic Districts or on the National Register of Historic Places. Technical assistance is also available to assist property owners in maintaining or recapturing the historic character of their properties.
For more information call 427-1127, or visit
www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation .
New Registrations Accepted For Rescheduled Date Due to his flight being cancelled because of volcanic ash, world renowned sustainability leader David Cook is unable to make it to Fort Wayne for his scheduled appearance at the regional sustainability conference titled, “The Next Step to Emerging Economies: a Green City Business Initiative”. Cook was to lead area businesses in a day long workshop on April 22, 2010 and work with other area groups tomorrow.
Based in Stockholm, Cook was scheduled to fly to Fort Wayne today after a morning speaking engagement in Brussels but had his flight cancelled because of volcanic ash.
“This just proves that nature is non-negotiable. I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to make it to Fort Wayne this week but I am glad we could find an alternate date so soon. I’m looking forward to working with the businesses of Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio,” said David Cook, founder of the Natural Step.
The Next Step to Emerging Economies workshop has been rescheduled to May 13, 2010 at the Grand Wayne Center. Nearly 130 business leaders from throughout the area are registered for the event. Those who registered for this week’s event do not need to re-register for the new date.
Registrants should contact Julia Gorrell at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 260-427-6059 with any questions.
There are a few additional spots available for those wanting to attend on the new date. The re-scheduled conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 13, 2010 at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne. Those interested in attending can register at http://www.regonline.com/emergingeconomies. The cost is $75 per attendee and includes lunch. Area businesses agreed to sponsor the conference as a way to keep the cost down and encourage business participation.
“I am proud of our business community for supporting this important initiative. It’s an event that clearly will show that the environment and profitability can live in harmony and grow our economy.” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The Next Step to Emerging Economies will present ideas from the Natural Step Network, an international nonprofit organization that helps integrate sustainability concepts into strategic planning. The network has trained well-known organizations including Nike, IKEA, Nissan, Starbucks, Dow Chemical, CH2M Hill and the City of Madison, Wisconsin.
David Cook, the Natural Step International’s former chief executive and now executive ambassador, will lead the workshop. Based in Stockholm, Cook has been connected to the Natural Step Network since 1997. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Advisory Council and the Sustainability External Advisory Committee of Dow Chemical. Also attending will be Natural Step USA Executive Director, Regina Hauser.
Attendees will learn about a systems-based approach, designed to develop a continuous learning environment. This approach helps organizations and communities accelerate progress on meeting the economic needs of today without compromising the environmental needs of future generations.
The Next Step to Emerging Economies workshop sponsors are CH2M Hill, Hilton Hotel Fort Wayne, Indiana Tech, Transformations Furniture, Ameresco, Citilink, Grand Wayne Convention Center, Kelly Box, Fort Wayne Metals, Kroger, Parkview, Indiana Michigan Power, Fort Wayne Newspapers, SIRVA, NIPSCO, Trane, the Indiana Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Current Mechanical, Elk Components, Hoosier Environmental Council, Moss Construction Cost Management, Rothberg Logan & Warsco, STAR Financial, Toter Inc., Viridian Architectural Design Inc., Omnisource.
Due to resurfacing, the playground in Memorial Park next to the splashpad is closed and fenced off. The safety surfacing underneath the playground is being replaced. Weather permitting, the playground will reopen by the end of the month. Memorial Park is located at 2301 Maumee Ave.
For more information about Memorial Park, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000.
Eminent Radiation Oncologist and former City Councilman Dr. John Crawford announced a $27,000 gift to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today for the state’s first Boundless Playground Project. Dr. Crawford’s donation will take the total raised to over $1.1 million, with $200,000 still needed to construct this inclusive play area planned for Kreager Park. Dr. Crawford was inspired by Taylor Reuille’s vision to build a playground where all kids could play together. Boundless playgrounds allow children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities to play too.
“As a city councilman, I always felt the money that I directed to the Parks gave back to the community in many ways,” said Dr. Crawford. “And as a citizen, I’m glad that I can participate in helping to fund this worthy project.”
Dr. Crawford served 3 terms on Fort Wayne’s City Council, and helped bring many capital improvements to the parks, including the ice rink at Headwater’s Park, Fort Wayne’s first sprayground at Memorial Park, as well the Memorial Wall and improvements to the pool house, the award-winning Swinney Japanese Pavilion and the restoration of Swinney Pond.
Fort Wayne’s Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods.
In honor of Dr. Crawford’s donation, Pod B will be named for his son Grant.
“At this playground, all kids will have an equal opportunity to have fun,” said Director Moll. “For instance, there will be features like wheelchair ramps and shorter slides with side supports.”
During the news conference, Dr. Crawford also announced a $1,000 donation from Dr. Rudy Kachmann for the Boundless Playground.
Community support is vital to complete the project. Donations of $500 or more will be recognized on a sign at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the Fort Wayne Parks’ website. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. More information about the Boundless Playground efforts can be found at
www.taylorsdream.com .
Hurshtown Reservoir will open Thursday, April 15 at 6 am. Often called the best fishing spot in Allen County, this 240-acre lake is located at 16000 Roth Road near Grabill. Some of the best catches include small mouth bass, white crappie and catfish. The reservoir is also stocked with walleye. All state fishing regulations apply and fishing licenses are required.
Besides great fishing, Hurshtown features a 2.75 mile walking path, areas for picnics and outdoor volleyball, and rowboat rentals.
Admission to Hurshtown Reservoir is $4 per car for a daily pass, $25 for an annual pass and $13 for a senior annual pass. If you walk in or bike in, admission is 50¢ per person. Rowboats are available for $4 per hour.
The reservoir is open Thursday – Monday until 8 pm through May. In June, July and August, the reservoir will be open Thursday – Monday from 7 am – 9 pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For more information, call 627-3390 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Deadline Approaches for Earth Day 2010 Event The registration deadline for businesses in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio to sign up for the regional sustainability conference -“The Next Step to Emerging Economies” is drawing near. Space is limited and attendees have until noon on April 19, 2010 to register for the event.
“This one-day conference will help regional job creators learn and translate proven ideas into their strategic plans. Sustainability is the conference focus; enhancing economic opportunity is our ultimate goal,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The event will present ideas from the Natural Step Network, an international nonprofit organization that helps integrate sustainability concepts into strategic planning. The network has trained well-known organizations including Nike, IKEA, Nissan, Starbucks, Dow Chemical, CH2M Hill and the City of Madison, Wisc.
David Cook, the Natural Step International’s former chief executive and now executive ambassador, will lead the workshop. Based in Stockholm, Cook has been connected to the Natural Step Network since 1997. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Advisory Council and the Sustainability External Advisory Committee of Dow Chemical. Also attending will be Natural Step USA Executive Director, Regina Hauser.
“A central lesson of the new economy is that ‘green’ is as good for business as it is for the environment,” said Mayor Henry. “Sustainability is now a fundamental part of the profit equation for any competitive company. Equipping local business owners and executives with sustainable business practices will ensure our community remains an attractive and vibrant place long into the future.”
Attendees will learn about a systems-based approach, designed to develop a continuous learning environment. This approach helps organizations and communities accelerate progress on meeting the economic needs of today without compromising the environmental needs of future generations.
The conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 22, 2010, at the Grand Wayne Center. The cost is $75 per attendee and includes lunch. Area businesses see this as an important event. They agreed to sponsor the conference as a way to encourage business participation.
“A prestigious event of this caliber often costs four times that amount. This is a tremendous value for businesses in the area,” said Terry Thornsbury, president of Viridian Architectural Design and conference committee member.
Online registration is available at
http://www.regonline.com/emergingeconomies . For more information about the conference, contact Julia Gorrell at 427-6059 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Again, the registration deadline is noon on April 19, 2010.
The Next Step to Emerging Economies workshop sponsors are CH2M Hill, Hilton Hotel Fort Wayne, Indiana Tech, Transformations Furniture, Ameresco, Citilink, Grand Wayne Convention Center, Kelly Box, Fort Wayne Metals, Parkview, Indiana Michigan Power, Fort Wayne Newspapers, SIRVA, NIPSCO, Trane, the Indiana Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Current Mechanical, Elk Components, Hoosier Environmental Council, Moss Construction Cost Management, Rothberg Logan & Warsco, STAR Financial, Toter Inc., Viridian Architectural Design Inc., Omnisource.
Churches encouraged to ring bells three times at 1 p.m. Wednesday Strengthening a Sister City bond in the wake of the tragic plane crash Saturday that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 96 other people, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today expressed his sympathy to the people of Poland and asked Fort Wayne residents to send their condolences to Plock residents. Starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday through May 2 during regular business hours, a condolence book will be available in the lobby of the City-County Building for anyone to sign. Mayor Henry will present the book to Plock’s mayor, Mirosław Milewski, next month as part of the already-planned Sister City trip to Fort Wayne’s Eastern European partner. Mayor Henry also invited churches and other houses of worship to ring their bells three times at 1 p.m. Wednesday followed by a minute of silence to mark the accident involving Polish dignitaries during a trip to Russia. “The horrific plane crash that killed many of Poland’s top leaders is not only a national tragedy, but also one that touches all of us here in Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “Our hearts go out to the people of Poland, as we join with our Sister City Plock in mourning their immeasurable loss. We are with them in spirit. Through the gesture of the condolence book, we can share our sorrow and show that Indiana cares.” This year commemorates the 20th anniversary of Fort Wayne’s Sister City relationship with Plock. C.M. Sloan & Sons donated the condolence book that will go to Poland.
City provides gloves, trash bags, T-shirts plus an after-party at Headwaters East Groups interested in being part of the City of Fort Wayne’s annual spring cleanup May 15 still have time to sign up. Mayor Tom Henry invites volunteers to put the polish on their hometown by joining a team to pick up litter and debris from parks, neighborhoods, trails, roadways and riverbanks. The registration period now extends through April 21.
Online registration is available at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup or by calling 427-1345 during business hours.
This is the 20th year that the City has been involved in the national Great American Cleanup program, part of Keep America Beautiful. With the national tagline of “Green Starts Here,” volunteers of all ages will focus on cleaning up public spaces. The City will provide groups with garbage bags, gloves and T-shirts.
Leaders from neighborhood associations, businesses, faith-based organizations, service groups, schools or scouting organizations can select a location or the City can place them in an area of greatest need. Groups can also choose another day if they make arrangements with the City.
Currently about 2,500 people have registered for the event. In 2010, more than 4,200 volunteers participated.
A post-cleanup party for volunteers with food, music and raffle prizes will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at Headwaters Park East.
For more information, call the City’s Solid Waste office at 427-1345. The City is also accepting monetary and in-kind donations from corporate sponsors.
National sponsors for the Great American Cleanup are American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; ARM & HAMMER; Colgate-Palmolive Company; The Dow Chemical Company; GLAD Trash Bags; Pepsi-Cola Company; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; Solo Cup Company; Troy-Bilt Lawn and Garden Equipment; University of Phoenix; Waste Management, Inc.; Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.; and educational partner: Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve, located at 600 Lindenwood Ave., will open for the season on Tuesday, April 13 at 9 am.
This 110-acre wooded park features 4 hiking trails of varying lengths (one is wheelchair and stroller accessible), a pond and an open-air pavilion. Hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, picnicking and just relaxing are a few of the activities the public can enjoy at the preserve.
Lindenwood is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday noon – 6 pm.
For information about field trips and birthday parties at Lindenwood, visit our website at
www.fortwayneparks.org or call (260) 427-6005.
The Botanical Conservatory will add a new attraction to their annual live butterfly display this year: fairies! This spring showcase opens Saturday, April 10 and runs through Sunday, June 27. The butterflies are confined to the chrysalis hatching lab and the display tent, but fairies travel beyond the limits of the imagination! Inside the tent, watch a variety of butterflies feeding among the impatiens, floating lazily on the air, and basking in the sun. School groups are welcome to request butterfly curriculum in advance of a visit. Outside the tent, visitors can search for hidden fairy homes and gathering spots, learn fairy lore, and even dress in wings for photos. Enjoy the fanciful spring setting, linger in the relaxing butterfly display, and search for evidence of the Fair Folk. Sponsored by 97.3 WMEE, PBS 39 and Media 401. The Botanical Conservatory is located downtown at 1100 S. Calhoun St.Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 12-4 p.m.Admission: Adults $5/Children age 3-17 $3 Ages 2 and under Free
Group rate available for 20 or more adults For more information, please visit our website: www.botanicalconservatory.org or call us at 427-6440.
Program remains extremely popular with Fort Wayne residents Less than two hours after opening the application process, the City of Fort Wayne has no more available appointments for the 2010 homeowner improvement program. The City had a large volume of calls when the program opened at 8 a.m. today, and regrets any inconvenience that this may have caused residents. New this year, applicants were asked to call 311, the City’s One Call to City Hall, to prequalify and request an appointment. For residents who left messages with 311, the 311 call takers are returning messages in the order in which they were received in the system. The City’s homeowner improvement program provides grants or low-interest loans to assist homeowners with mechanical and exterior repairs. It also funds retrofits allowing seniors or disabled residents to remain in their homes. This year’s program has a total of $700,000 in funding available to homeowners with household incomes at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income.
Be prepared when your pet needs you to be! Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control will hold a Dog First Aid class on Sunday, May 2 from 12-4 p.m. at Animal Care & Control, 3020 Hillegas Road. The $55 class fee includes instruction by a registered veterinary technician, classroom materials, dog First Aid manual and DVD to build skills and provide guidance in emergency situations until veterinary care is available. Enroll by calling 260-427-5508.
Topics Include:
Urgent care situations, including wounds, electrical shock, eye, paw, and ear injuries
Administering medications
Managing breathing or cardiac emergencies
Preparing for disasters
Symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies
Creating a pet First Aid kit
Tips on maintaining your pet’s health and well-being
Internationally known Natural Step leader to present workshop on proven green-strategy advantages on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day As part of his ongoing efforts to stimulate job growth and strengthen the local economy, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry invites business leaders from throughout northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio to mark Earth Day by attending a regional sustainability conference. The event titled The Next Step in Emerging Economies: A Green City Business Workshop will be held on April 22 in downtown Fort Wayne.
Initiated by participants in Fort Wayne’s Green City Business program, the day-long session will present ideas from the Natural Step Network, an international nonprofit organization that helps integrate sustainability concepts into strategic planning. The network has trained well-known organizations including Nike, IKEA, Nissan, Starbucks, Dow Chemical, CH2M Hill and the City of Madison, Wisconsin.
The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Grand Wayne Center. The cost is $75 per attendee and includes lunch.
David Cook, the Natural Step International’s former chief executive and now executive ambassador, will lead the workshop. Based in Stockholm, Cook has been connected to the Natural Step Network since 1997. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Advisory Council and the Sustainability External Advisory Committee of Dow Chemical.
“A central lesson of the new economy is that ‘green’ is as good for business as it is for the environment,” said Mayor Henry. “Sustainability is now a fundamental part of the profit equation for any competitive company. Equipping local business owners and executives with sustainable business practices will ensure our community remains an attractive and vibrant place long into the future. This one-day conference will help regional job creators learn and translate proven ideas into their strategic plans. Sustainability is the conference focus; enhancing economic opportunity is our ultimate goal.”
The conference’s systems-based approach is designed to develop a continuous learning environment. It helps organizations and communities accelerate progress on meeting the economic needs of today without compromising the environmental needs of future generations. To facilitate lasting impact, Webinars, online discussions and peer-to-peer events will be available to attendees through The Natural Step after the Earth Day conference.
Online registration is available at
http://www.regonline.com/emergingeconomies . For more information about the conference, contact Julia Gorrell at 427-6059 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Next Step to Emerging Economies workshop sponsors are CH2M Hill, Hilton Hotel Fort Wayne, Indiana Tech, Transformations Furniture, Ameresco, Citilink, Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Michigan Power, SIRVA, Trane, the Indiana Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Current Mechanical, Elk Components, Hoosier Environmental Council, Moss Construction Cost Management, Rothberg Logan & Warsco, STAR Financial, Toter Inc., Viridian Architectural Design Inc., Omnisource and Kelly Box.
More than 90 local companies have gone through Fort Wayne’s Green City Business training. The voluntary program encourages existing facilities to improve efficiencies through pollution prevention, solid waste reduction, energy conservation and water conservation. For more information about this award-winning program, visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy/gb.
Work of Fort Wayne’s Complete Count Committee applauded for ensuring a full tally of all people living in city One day before the official April 1 Census Day, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry reminded all Fort Wayne residents to return their 10-question census forms if they haven’t already done so. As of today, Fort Wayne households had a mail participation rate of 55 percent, 5 percent above the national average.
“If you have not returned your census form yet, now is the time. If you and your family are living in Fort Wayne, you need to be counted. Everyone should be counted,” Mayor Henry said.
The Mayor also thanked the members of the City’s 2010 Census Complete Count Committee for their involvement in spreading the word about the significance of this once-a-decade headcount that determines federal funding, allots Congressional and statehouse representation and serves as a vital demographic tool.
“The census response rate is critical to our community and our ability to deliver much needed services. The data are used to help apportion $400 billion annually of federal funding,” Mayor Henry said. “Our gratitude goes to the members of the Complete Count Committee who are here today and have attended meetings since July. They have been instrumental in spreading the word about how important and safe the census is. They have helped us reach all parts of our community.”
The Complete Count Committee’s volunteer members have used outreach strategies to increase the number of people who mail back the questionnaire. The actual door-to-door work of gathering information from people who do not complete their census forms will be done by official Census employees.
Under federal law, all census responses are private and strictly confidential. The President and all federal, state and local agencies – including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, Welfare and law enforcement agencies – do not have access to census responses.
People who haven’t received a form, misplaced it or have questions can call (866) 872-6868 toll free 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Spanish-language assistance is available at (866) 928-2010; TDD service is available at (866) 783-2010. Questionnaire assistance centers are also available throughout Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.
The Fort Wayne Complete Count Committee included:
• Vanessa Lozoya, United Hispanic Americans
• Palermo Galindo, City of Fort Wayne
• Nyein Chan, Catholic Charities
• Claudia Johnson, Community Harvest Food Bank
• Diana Guzman, Aging & In-Home Services
• Tom Walls, City of Fort Wayne
• Loaine Hagerty, St. Joe Community Health Foundation
• Irene Paxia, Red Cross Multicultural Information Exchange Program
• The Rev. James Keller, New Life Lutheran Church
• Ngozi Rogers, Indiana's NewsCenter
• SuzAnne Runge, Wayne Township Trustee’s Office
• Mollie Cripe, Allen County Housing & Homeless Task Force
• Gordon Mattoon, Associated Churches
• Tammy Sheppard and Judy Meikliejohn, Community Action of Northeast Indiana
• Mastora Bakhiet, Darfur Women’s Peace and Development Network Organization
• Jamie Martin, Vincent Village
• Mike Green, Allen County Commissioners Office
• Tony Aduro, African Immigrants Social & Economic Development Agency
• Fernando Zapari, Judith Bautista, Sandra DeLira, El Mexicano Newspaper
• Craig Martin, Fort Wayne Community Schools
• Jonathan Ray, Fort Wayne Urban League
• Mike Talbot, Allen County Extension Services
• Marlene Arenas, community volunteer
• Patti Crisp, Charis House
• Pat Turner, Continuum of Care
• Jim Graham, Wayne Township Trustee’s Office
• Chan Aung, Burmese Advocacy Center
• Kathie Green, Congressman Mark Souder’s Office
• Maribeth Callicoat, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce
• Ocleva Williams, Neighborhood Action Center
• Frieda Current, community volunteer
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll was joined by representatives from City Council, the Lincoln Foundation, and media sponsors as he announced the 2010 Foellinger Theatre season. This summer’s events will feature more signature concerts, more nationally-known tribute bands, and more current movies.
“We’ll have a vibrant mix of entertainment, with dynamic new acts that will appeal to a large audience, as well as some traditional favorites,” said Director Moll. “And the best news is that we’re offering a lineup of exceptional performances at affordable prices.”
The Department has expanded the number of Signature groups this season, including Gary Puckett of Union Gap Fame, who garnered six consecutive gold records and top ten Billboard hits including "Young Girl," "This Girl is a Woman Now" and "Over You." Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians with Al Pierson will make an appearance on July 23. Pierson shows a dedication to the distinctive and recognizable style and grand tradition that made the Lombardo Orchestra one of the most listened to, talked about, and imitated big bands of all times. They’ll perform memorable tunes such as “Seems Like Old Times” and “Ain’t She Sweet.” The Guess Who will perform September 11. This world famous Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba had multiple hits in the seventies including “American Woman,” “No Time,” and “These Eyes.”
Three nationally-known tribute bands will take the stage this summer: Hotel California, an Eagles tribute, Revolution, the Beatles tribute, and The Bluz Brothers. Another new addition this year will be An Dro, a unique group that performs traditional acoustic music built on a foundation of Celtic and Irish music, and The Golden Dragon Acrobats from China.
The concert season will open on May 22 with the return of The Grass Roots in an all new performance. During their reign in the late '60s-early '70s, they set a record for being on the Billboard charts an unbelievable 307 straight weeks with hits like “Temptation Eyes,” “Let’s Live for Today,” and “Midnight Confessions.” The Lettermen, one of our most popular acts, will take the stage toward the end of the season in August.
Once again the Theatre will also offer free movies to the community, kicking off the season with “Michael Jackson’s This is It” along with a King of Pop dress-up contest. The season will be filled with current movies like “The Blind Side,” “Sherlock Holmes,” and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” as well as the Disney movies “Up“ and “The Princess and the Frog.”
To purchase tickets in advance, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org or call the Parks and Recreation main office at 427-6000.
I would like to thank each member of the task force, and John Stafford, our moderator, for your hard work and commitment to finding a solution to our mutual space needs. As part of my original invitation, a simple charge was set forth: 1) To find a plan using the City-County Building and 200 East Berry Street that would best serve the public and bring City and County governments together; and 2) to find a way to fund it. I’m feeling good about where we are today. We have met our goals. We found a way to achieve full co-location. And we found a way to pay for it and stay within our budgets. Together, we truly are stronger. With the plan to put both public safety departments in the City-County Building and our development and management teams in 200 East Berry Street, we will be able to come together as a community, make things easier for our residents and make local government work better. Of equal importance, we will have rolled out the welcome mat for new jobs and business development by creating a one-stop shop for economic growth. In terms of space use and functionality, it will be a full co-location plan. The plan advanced with sincerity by Councilman Moss would have us paying nearly the same amount to achieve a very limited form of co-location that would close the door on greater cooperation and cost savings in the future, and shortchange us in our ability to compete in the 21st-century economy. With the new data from the architects on the base plan, we have validation that the resources already identified will be sufficient to get the job done. The dollars appropriated by City Council meet the City’s contribution. And the $3 million pledged by County Council plus the additional $1 million that I offered for the new police lab meet the County’s portion of the tab. Taken together, we have the resources we need right now to move forward on the full, basic co-location plan. We have met the challenge. I said at the start that I was confident the task force could find an answer, one that would better serve the public, use our resources wisely and help us to grow – one that would reaffirm our sense of community and create lasting value. We are one community. And my friends, together, we are stronger. Let’s seize this moment and move forward with the plan for full co-location. Let’s come together now, build on our strengths and make great things happen for our entire community.
Meeting open to public, broadcast on City TV The City’s Solid Waste Contract Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Monday March 29, 2010 in Council Chambers, Room 126 of the City-County Building. The meeting is open to the public. City TV will also broadcast the meeting on Comcast Channel 58 and Verizon Channel 28. Video from the session will also be available on the City’s website next week. The committee is composed of Neighborhood Area Partnership leaders, members of City Council and representatives from the Public Works Department. The ad-hoc committee was formed earlier this year to review current collection programs and provide direction for the upcoming waste contracts. The group will remain in place to assist in preparing the bid document, reviewing prospective bids and finally, recommendations to the Board of Works and the City Council. The members are: · Adrienne Mauer – Southwest Neighborhood Partnership Chair · Bill Crowley – Southeast Neighborhood Partnership Chair · David Kohli – Northeast Neighborhood Partnership Chair · Rod Vargo – Northwest Neighborhood Partnership Co-Chair · Liz Brown –City Council Member – At-large · Karen Goldner – City Council Member – 2nd District · Glynn Hines – City Council Member – 6th District · Bob Kennedy – Director of Public Works · Matt Gratz – Solid Waste Program Manager
Interlocal agreement creates separate agency to handle emergency dispatch, radio services More than 30 years after it was first proposed, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today joined with the Allen County Commissioners and members of the Fort Wayne City Council to sign the interlocal agreement that merges the City and County 911 call centers. Following unanimous approvals from the County Commissioners, County Council and City Council, Mayor Henry’s decisive signature caps the approval process and ensures the creation of the Consolidated Communications Partnership and its operations board consisting of the Allen County Sheriff, his chief deputy and the chiefs of the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments. “Together we are stronger,” said Mayor Henry. “There is no place that our ‘one community’ message resonates with more power than in the realization of the unified City-County 911 call center. With this agreement, we write a new chapter in our history. But of greater importance, we ensure our community is safer, build a more responsive and efficient local government to better serve the public, and demonstrate the courage to make decisions that will add lasting value.” Initially the City will fund 70 percent of the partnership’s costs with the County paying the remaining 30 percent. Starting in 2012 for the 2013 fiscal year, the contribution percentages will be adjusted every three years based on call and run volumes or any agency addition to the partnership. The operations board will meet within 30 days of today. The agreement anticipates that the partnership’s executive director will be hired within 60 days of its initial meeting. All employees of the City and County’s communications departments will become employees of the Consolidated Communications Partnership, which is a separate agency from City or County government. “The CCP offers Fort Wayne and Allen County residents an increase in solid public safety services in a well-coordinated manner,” said City Council President Marty Bender. “In my 35 years with the City, this merger has finally found agreement with everyone connected to it. All I can say now is ‘thank goodness this issue has come to a good conclusion.’” The City Council and County Council will have budget oversight of the Consolidated Communications Partnership. The City’s controller will be responsible for the partnership’s accounting. The consolidated call center will remain in its current location in the City-County Building. The agreement also modifies the Multiple Agency Communications Partnership, which exists solely in the event of an operations board tie vote from two separate meetings. The MACP consists of the Fort Wayne Police chief, Fort Wayne Fire chief, Township Fire Chief’s Association president, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority executive director, an Allen County Commissioner and a Mayoral appointee in even-numbered years and a person appointed by the County Commissioners in odd-numbered years. The agreement lasts for three years and automatically renews for three-year periods unless terminated under the rules outlined. The Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement Feb. 19 with County Council approval March 18. The City Council voted in favor March 23.
For 35 years the Board of Trustees of the Fort Wayne Community Trust has met annually as stewards of this extraordinary community resource. Over these decades, we have come together on behalf of the people of Fort Wayne to review the state of the trust and to ensure its proper management. This year our meeting has a unique significance, because the term of the lease on which it was founded, the lease between Indiana Michigan Power and the City, has come to an end. Nonetheless, the City and I&M continue in their negotiations as we work to secure a fair resolution of all issues. Let me reassure you, both parties remain absolutely committed to the mediation process. We believe that progress is being made and are hopeful that a favorable outcome will be reached. No one is more dedicated to fairly settling this matter than I am. Our team is equally pledged to honor Mediator Whiteleather’s and Judge Levine’s requests not to comment publicly about the ongoing negotiations. Even so, as we hope for a positive resolution and begin to think about what may come, I would like to suggest a framework for how we, as a community, might address the future of this exceptional asset and the opportunities it represents. We must always remember that the trust belongs to the people of Fort Wayne. The natural conclusion of the lease creates a common focal point for the start of a dialogue about our community’s real goals and priorities, our wants and needs, our hopes and dreams. I believe that our citizens should have the chance to contribute their own ideas and to engage in discovering what will be the best use for these funds. Our choices must be ones we study thoughtfully and make together as a community. They will deserve the same kind of careful consideration that inspired the formation of the trust itself. To that end, I believe that it will be essential to establish clear and insightful principles to guide our investigation. I envision a process that will be deliberative, inclusive, strategic, farsighted, reflective of the spirit of the trust, sensitive to the community’s distinct characteristics and committed to public involvement. Throughout this process, our collective mission must be to craft wise decisions that will be beneficial for all of us, now and for generations to come – to use this treasure to strengthen our community and make it a place of pride and opportunity for all. I’d like to explore these ideas further with all of you and then set preliminary planning in motion. Thank you.
Nature’s Crossroads, a new seed company located in Bloomington, Indiana, is donating organic seeds to the Food for the Fort: Community Gardening Project. The donated seeds include: tomatoes, peppers, basil, peas, melons, squash and kale. “We love supporting community gardening programs, especially when they are helping to feed the hungry,” said general manager Maggie Sullivan. “We’re always excited to see communities that are supporting local food production.” Interested in starting a community garden in your neighborhood? Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, the Purdue Extension Office, Jane Ford, Master Gardener and Cheri Becker, Park Board member and Executive Director of Leadership Fort Wayne are coordinating a free community garden workshop for residents and interested neighborhood associations. The workshop will cover an introduction to vegetable gardens, the City requirements for having a community garden and instructions on how to build raised beds. The workshop is free to everyone although seating is limited to fifty people. The Food for the Fort Workshop will be held on March 25, 2010 from 6 – 8 pm in room “A” at the downtown Allen County Public Library.
Continuing his commitment to strengthen Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods, Mayor Tom Henry announced the availability of about $300,000 in funds to assist those who hope to become homeowners.
“For most families, owning their own home symbolizes the American Dream,” said Mayor Henry. “While the market continues to struggle, Fort Wayne still has an abundance of quality housing available at affordable prices for many of our residents. With the small added boost of down payment assistance, we are investing in our community and bringing more responsible homeowners into our neighborhoods.”
Homeowners must fall into the “under 80 percent” of Area Median Income category to be included in the program. As an example, for a household of two, the total annual income cannot exceed $40,500. A table showing Area Median Income by Household Size is available on the City of Fort Wayne website.
The amount of down payment assistance is determined by the requirements of the homebuyer’s lender and the location of the home. For most areas in the city, the upper limit is $5,000 in assistance. For the NSP area, roughly the core of the city, the upper limit is $10,000. An NSP-area map is available at
www.NSPFortWayne.org . For the model homes in Renaissance Pointe, the down payment assistance is $10,000. In all cases, the exact amount will be determined by the buyer’s bank or lender’s requirements. Loan specialists will work with interested homebuyers to help determine their eligibility and details of the terms.
Homebuyers interested in this program should call 427-1127 and ask to speak with a loan specialist. Prospective buyers must have a purchase agreement in place to be considered for the down payment assistance program.
Further details can be found on the City’s website,
www.cityoffortwayne.org .
A Few Changes Added in Prioritizing, Allocating CDBG Funds Mayor Tom Henry today announced the availability of about $200,000 for improving the quality of life for low- to moderate-income families in the community. The annual, local Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), funded through the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), benefits individuals and families through its support of programs and services delivered by non-profit agencies. Monies are awarded to organizations through a competitive process. For 2010, Mayor Henry has raised the upper grant limit from $20,000 to $25,000 as a way to increase the impact of these limited dollars.
“I see the challenges Fort Wayne families are facing every day,” said Mayor Henry. “From safe programs for children to nutritional enhancement for senior citizens, from job skills for our under-employed workers and educational enrichment for those who want to increase their opportunities, these are the types of vital programs that CDBG funds make possible.”
The CDBG process will see a few changes in 2010. Agencies will be required to attend a training session to apply for resources, helping applicants gain a better understanding of community funding priorities. Organizations receiving funds will also be expected to participate in the Continuum of Care subcommittees that focus on program components designed to address the needs of the homeless through self-sufficiency efforts. The objective of this new approach is to bring more voices into the dialogue about how the community can classify and address local needs.
“Fort Wayne is blessed with many people who care and want to make a difference,” said Henry. “The more we can encourage participation in collaborative communication, the more we extend our ability to serve all of our community. We want to bring as many ideas to the table as possible to help ensure we’re all heading in the same direction.”
CDBG applications are available to interested agencies and other non-profit and faith-based groups on the City’s website at
www.cityoffortwayne.org under the Community Development section. Applications are due April 16, and funding awards are expected by mid-May.
Thursday’s changes to improve traffic flow and air quality, reduce idling Drivers on North Clinton Street should be aware of some traffic signal changes at the signalized intersections between Coliseum Boulevard and Medical Park Drive/Wakefield Avenue. The adjustments will start around 11 a.m. Thursday, March 18. Called “lead-lag” operation, a left-turn arrow for south-bound traffic on North Clinton will come on with the through-traffic signal, then the through traffic will go in both directions and conclude with the north-bound through and left-turn traffic. Currently these intersections have the left-turning traffic from Clinton going at the same time. Side streets will have the green signal after the north-bound turn arrow. Because these are fully actuated signals, through traffic on Clinton will have the green signal unless vehicles are detected in the left-turn lanes or the side streets. The signal modifications are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce delays and emissions. The City’s Traffic Engineering Department worked closely with 3rd District Councilman Tom Didier for these improvements. This change will provide better movement of vehicles along this key corridor but will require drivers to pay attention to the new signal cycles, especially for people who are accustomed to traffic signal patterns on their daily commutes. Drivers with questions or concerns about traffic signals can call 427-1172.
City Utilities crews have completed repair work of the water main break on Taylor Street and the street has reopened. Earlier today Taylor was closed between Fairfield Avenue and Broadway Avenue because a 100-year-old cast iron pipe broke causing water to wash away dirt and a portion of the street to collapse. City Utilities has 1,150 miles of water main pipe. Currently we replace about 6 miles of older water main pipe each year. As the system ages and the percentage of pipes over 100 years old continues to grow, City Utilities is hoping to double that amount in the coming years. A difficult task with a tight budget that must cover rising costs of chemicals, electricity and federal unfunded mandates for water treatment.
Easter egg hunts aren’t just for children anymore! Dogs everywhere are invited to join the fun at the third annual Easter Bone Hunt sponsored by Happy Dogs Daycare to benefit the Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control pet adoptions program.
The event will be held at Franke Park on Saturday, April 3 from 1-3 p.m. Registration begins at 12-noon. Dogs are eligible to hunt for treat filled Easter eggs and qualify for prize baskets with a $10 donation per dog to Animal Care & Control. Visit with pet-friendly vendors, purchase a photo shoot of your dog with the Easter Bunny and buy raffle tickets to add to the fun and show support for helping homeless animals find forever homes. For more information visit
www.happydogsday-care.com or call 260-755-2537.
Will be four-way stop during dismissal time through end of school year The new traffic signal at the intersection of Auburn and Wallen roads will go into operation at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday, March 18. It has been flashing all red since its installation earlier this month. The signal will have left-turn arrows for Wallen Road. To accommodate traffic leaving St. Vincent’s School, the signal will flash red in all directions from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. weekdays through the end of the school year June 4. After that date, the fully actuated signal will operate normally around the clock. During the school’s spring break, April 2-9, the light will not have the weekday all-red flash cycle. This signal includes wireless detection technology, using radios and antennas to detect the presence of vehicles. Using this technology saves approximately 15 to 20 percent of the signal installation cost by eliminating a majority of the underground conduit and induction loops.
Will discuss cost estimates from architects for co-location The joint City-County building task force is scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m. March 26 in the Omni Room for a presentation from the architects hired to outline cost estimates and conceptual plans for co-location of City and County offices in the City-County Building and 200 E. Berry. Representatives from SchenkelShultz and Design Collaborative will present their findings. Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York and Allen County Sheriff Ken Fries are also scheduled to take questions from the task force. The meeting is open to the public and will be televised live and rebroadcast on City TV, which is Comcast Channel 58 and Verizon Channel 28.
Taylor Street between Fairfield Avenue and Broadway Avenue is closed today due to a water main break. Motorists should use the detour route of Fairfield to Creighton to Broadway. Taylor will be open to local traffic only. The broken pipe is a 6” cast iron pipe that is over 100-years-old. Gushing water from the pipe has washed away dirt under the road and caused a portion of Taylor to cave-in just east of Broadway Avenue. A 72” brick sewer pipe dating back to the early 1900’s has also been damaged by the rushing water. City Utilities has 1,150 miles of water main pipe. Currently we replace about 6 miles of older water main pipe each year. As the system ages and the percentage of pipes over 100 years old continues to grow, City Utilities is hoping to double that amount in the coming years, a difficult task with a tight budget that must cover rising costs of chemicals, electricity and federal unfunded mandates for water treatment. At this time we do not know how long the repair will take. We will update you later today.
Free session aimed at second-stage business interested in government contracts, contractors The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Enterprise – A Program of the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, Small Business Administration, SCORE, Community Development Corp. and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will offer a free workshop Thursday, March 18 about local businesses working with government and the defense industry.
The workshop will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building.
The session is aimed at second-stage business owners in a wide range of sectors from lawn mowing to high-tech or individuals who want to learn more about how local businesses work with the government or progress in the local defense industry.
Gil Perry with Partners in Contracting Corp. and the Small Business Development Center and Bruce Stach of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership will be the workshop’s presenters.
Topics to be covered Thursday include:
• Introduction of Gil Perry and the formation of a Procurement Technical Assistance Center here in Fort Wayne,
www.piccorp.org • Overview of current area changes happening in the defense industry and the newly formed “defense cluster” including sub-contract opportunities with local prime contractors, including the charter members of the NEI Defense Cluster; 122nd Air National Guard, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, ITT, Navistar, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada, Raytheon, and USSI
• Why a business may or may not want to work on government contracts
• Process of getting certified to bid on contracts and resources for training
• Government Procurement Conference May 25 at the Grand Wayne Center
• Defining contract opportunities with a city, county, state or federal entity including the City and County’s joint purchasing websites at
bidding.cityoffortwayne.org and
bidding.allencounty.us .
The other workshops planned for 2010 are:
• Franchising, April 15
• Business Expo, May 20
• Commercial Kitchen, June 17
• Taxes and Record Keeping, Aug. 19
• Keys for Business Start-Up, Sept. 16
• Importing & Exporting, Oct. 21
• Patents, Trademarks, Copyright, Nov. 18
• Keys for Business Start-Up, Dec. 16
All workshops except October’s importing and exporting session will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.
Following recent events, I am inviting leaders from the Burmese community and those who work closely with this growing population to meet with me personally. I was saddened when I heard about the sign posted at Ricker’s. However, I thank Jay Ricker for quickly addressing the issue and making a very public apology. I am pleased the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission is looking into the matter as well. I am reminded again that our community conversation about tolerance and understanding must be an ongoing one. Our efforts to make Fort Wayne a great place to live and a real hometown for all residents must never waver. I look forward to a constructive conversation and dialogue during the meeting about how we can create opportunities for immigrants to better integrate into our community and ways to celebrate the culture of some of our newest residents. Throughout my life and during my 20 years on the Fort Wayne City Council, I have supported and advanced equality and fair treatment for all people. These principles are part of our nation’s great heritage and must always be promoted. To that end, I have worked closely with local organizations and the state to open the Refugee Center in 2008 that serves individuals from all over the world who now reside here. Our city has a long history of welcoming immigrants. Like many other Americans, my family came to this country looking for new and better opportunities. Whether then or now, we know the challenges to newcomers are many. But for more than two centuries, our community has been enriched by the talents, skills and cultures of those that call Fort Wayne home. Our city is stronger and more vibrant because of its diversity. It is hallmark of our All-America City and something for which we all should be proud.
Groups to participate in City’s annual spring cleaning of parks, trails, playgrounds, streets, riverbanks Neighborhood associations, businesses, faith-based organizations and other volunteer groups can now register for the City of Fort Wayne’s annual spring clean-up on May 15. The registration form is available
www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup .
The City is taking part in the national Great American Cleanup program, part of Keep America Beautiful. With the national tagline of “Green Starts Here, volunteers of all ages will focus on cleaning up litter and debris from the City’s parks, roadways, trails and riverbanks. The City will provide groups with garbage bags, gloves and t-shirts.
“Like this year’s theme of ‘Green Starts Here,’ Fort Wayne’s Great American Cleanup starts with volunteers like you who give just a few hours of time to make a noticeable difference in our community,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “In 2009, we had more than 4,000 volunteers who collected almost 200,000 pounds of litter and debris, and I am confident we can have that many people or more from neighborhoods, schools, companies and other organizations to make Fort Wayne look its best for the beginning of summer.”
A post-cleanup party for volunteers with food, music and raffle prizes will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at Headwaters Park East.
For more information, people can call the City’s Solid Waste office at 427-1345. Registrations are due by April 9.
The Great American Cleanup is the country’s largest beautification and community improvement project. It provides a high-profile platform for activities that meet specific local needs, including litter cleanups, litter prevention education, graffiti removal, beautification and community improvement projects, river cleanups, etc. Almost 3 million volunteers nationwide are expected to participate in the 2010 event.
In 2009, more than 4,200 people participated in Fort Wayne’s event with 12,600 volunteer hours donated. They picked up more than 193,360 pounds of litter and debris. They cleaned 42 miles of roadways, 1,300 acres of parks, 15 miles of trails and 19 miles of riverbanks, plus 3 acres of wetlands and 5 illegal dumpsites. The City collected 500 pounds of aluminum and steel and 575 tires for recycling. During the cleanup, 30 graffiti sites were removed or abated.
The City has hosted the local Great American Cleanup for about 20 years.
The National Sponsors of the 2010 Great American Cleanup are: The Dow Chemical Co.; The Glad Products Co.; Nestlé Pure Life Purified Water; o.b. tampons; Pepsi-Cola Co.; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; Solo Cup Co.; Troy-Bilt Lawn and Garden Equipment; Waste Management, Inc.; Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.; and Educational Partner: Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Media campaign reminds motorists not to drive through high water Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joins the Maumee River Basin Commission to proclaim March 15 through March 19 Flood Safety Awareness Week. “As the City of Fort Wayne and the Maumee River Basin Commission continue to reduce and mitigate the threat of flooding in Fort Wayne neighborhoods, we cannot forget high water poses threats to the health and safety of our residents,” Mayor Henry said. “We all need to act responsibly during floods for the safety of ourselves, our families and our neighbors.” In addition to formal proclamations from the City and the counties of Allen, Adams, Wells, DeKalb, Noble and Steuben, the commission is sponsoring a media campaign running this month on the networks of Indiana’s NewsCenter called “Turn Around, Save a Life.” With local footage, the message to drivers and residents is not to enter standing water during flood events. Maumee River Basin Commission Executive Director Rod Renkenberger reminds homeowners to be sure the insurance for their house includes coverage for property loss due to floods and sewer backups. Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from flood, sewer or stormwater backups. “During the last three floods, we have witnessed numerous occasions where flood victims have lost their personal property, only to find out that their contents were not covered by insurance. We recommend all residents check with their insurance agent regarding contents coverage during flood events and for stormwater and sewer backups,” Renkenberger said. “The standard flood insurance policy does not cover contents and personal property. The commission strongly encourages residents to purchase a contents rider for adequate coverage.”
Last March Mayor Tom Henry helped kick off the “Food for the Fort” gardening project at the Burmese Cultural Center, where thirty-four raised garden beds were set up and prepared to help resettled Burmese residents learn how to grow vegetables and herbs native to Burma in Indiana soil. In addition to the Burmese garden, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department expanded the Salomon Farm garden to include organically grown produce for Community Harvest Food Bank. Another group of interested people in the Williams Woodland neighborhood came together and constructed raised beds and planted vegetables and herbs for the benefit of neighborhood residents. While still in its beginning stages this effort is supported by a core group of committed individuals who collectively believe this grassroots effort can help build a stronger and more sustainable community and environment while providing residents with fresh healthy produce. Community gardens are not new; this concept is not even new to Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has offered residents gardening opportunities at Foster Park along Bluffton Road for years. The Purdue Extension Office has consistently trained area residents through their Master Gardening Workshops and there are plenty of us who love the challenge offered by planting a garden each spring. Food for the Fort is different in that it proposes to use vacant private land for garden use. Urban land that has been vacated and stands empty, possibly growing unsightly weeds and often inviting vandalism when it could be the source of beauty and food for area residents. The Food for the Fort community garden initiative is not just about growing food but about bringing the residents of participating neighborhoods together. Neighbors will work alongside each other for the common purpose of sharing in the bounty of fresh home-grown vegetables. Food for the Fort is an opportunity to engage citizens and organizations to provide healthy produce for themselves and their neighbors as a means of improving nutrition. It is an opportunity for citizens of all ages to meet new people and celebrate our similarities and our unique differences. As residents build stronger relationships, their natural inclination will be to watch out for each other, bringing the added benefit of a reduction in neighborhood crime. Community gardens may best be described as a collective effort on behalf of a group of residents to grow food with the approval of the property owner or on property owned by a participating property owner for the benefit of neighborhood residents. To encourage expansion of the Food for the Fort initiative Perry Ehresman of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, Ricky Kemery of the Purdue Extension Office, Jane Ford, Master Gardener and Cheri Becker, Park Board member and Executive Director of Leadership Fort Wayne are coordinating a free community garden workshop for residents and interested neighborhood associations. The workshop will cover an introduction to vegetable gardens, the City requirements for having a community garden and instructions on how to build raised beds. The workshop is free to everyone although seating is limited to fifty people. The Food for the Fort Workshop will be held on March 25, 2010 from 6 PM to 8 PM in room “A” at the downtown Allen County Public Library.
Vehicles, pedestrians restricted at construction site through mid-May For driver and pedestrian safety, Harrison Street between Jefferson Boulevard and the Botanical Conservatory parking lot will be closed to all traffic Wednesday, March 17 through May 14, weather permitting, to construct the walkway between the new Courtyard by Marriott and the Indiana Hotel.
Drivers will be able to access to the Harrison Square parking garage, on-street parking and the Botanical Conservatory lot from the south. Harrison Street will be open to two-way traffic between Douglas Avenue and the walkway construction site. Traffic flow on Douglas is unaffected by the closure.
During the closure, the north gate on Jefferson and the right field gate on Douglas – between the Lincoln Event Center and the Appleseed Picnic Pavilion – will be open for pedestrians 7 a.m. to dark on non-game days and 7 a.m. to three hours prior to the start of the game when the TinCaps are playing at home.
Nine holes at McMillen and Foster Park Golf Courses have been opened. The driving ranges are not open at this time due to the fact that the ground is too soft to retrieve the range balls. Shoaff Park Golf Course is expected to open today as well. To check on daily green conditions, call the golf course where you plan to play:
Foster Park Golf Course: 427-6735
McMillen Park Golf Course: 427-6710
Shoaff Park Golf Course: 427-6745
Season tickets go on sale at all of the clubhouses on March 15, featuring 2009 prices! Tee times can be reserved on line at www.fortwayneparks.org. You can also arrange for a league or plan a golf outing for your business or organization at one of our City courses
This year’s season promises to be one of the best yet with many exciting opportunities such as:
Kids Play Free
Student discounts
Ladies Day
Membership packages
Special promotions and discounts
Ladies Beginning Golf Lesson Program
For more information, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
13 high-quality projects in targeted locations enhance neighborhoods
At Jamison’s Meats’ North Anthony location, which will make exterior improvements this summer, Mayor Tom Henry announced today the 13 recipients for the second annual Commercial Façade Grants. The City’s $260,000 in matching funds could result in close to $1 million of private investment throughout Fort Wayne. “I am proud to bring the Commercial Façade Grant program back with another 13 impressive projects in all corners of our city,” Mayor Henry said. “The program is building on the success of last year’s recipients. This is a competitive process, and we have high-quality projects with great visibility. The City’s Commercial Façade Grants are an outstanding example of a partnership between the public and private sectors that helps to create and retain jobs and enhance neighborhoods.” The program requires a minimum of a dollar-for-dollar match for exterior improvements to businesses in Economic Development Target Areas, with a total investment of $1.2 million. This year’s projects include landscaping, lighting, signage, windows and awnings. The City’s Community Development Division received 35 applications late last year for the 2010 program. The projects, with grants ranging from $2,300 to $40,000, will be done this year. Community Development staff are evaluating the selected projects using best practices for neighborhood-friendly aesthetics plus identifying any cost efficiencies to maximize the investment. The City will reimburse grant recipients after the work is finished. 2010 recipients:
CFG Grant Recipients
Address
Project Scope
AK Distribution
6314 Lima
fence, roofing, door, signage, awning
The Philmore on Broadway
2441 Broadway
signage, parking, landscaping, windows, patio, door, wall ext.
Mad Anthony Brewing Co.
2002 Broadway
siding, windows, doors, lighting, awnings
Jamison Meats
3423 N. Anthony
signage, awnings, doors, building built up by 4 feet
Little Burma Asian Grocery
3230 S. Calhoun
painting, parking lot, awning
Old House Galleries
701 Columbia
slate siding, awnings, steel roofing, fencing, windows, doors
Acme Bar
1105 E. State
repaint, parking lot, awning
Intrascape
1401 Broadway
window awnings, lighting, signage
Well's Street Discount
1642 N. Wells
landscaping, painting, signage, lighting, and parking lot
Air Source One
1639 N. Wells
new siding, windows, steel rooftop
J. Beers
1224 E. State
awnings, lighting, door, painting
Lutheran Life Villages
6701 S. Anthony
update lighting
Pam Michel Design Services
3448 W. Jefferson
siding, gutters/downspout, windows, door, roofing, painting
In 2009, 26 projects received $400,000 in grants with more than $1.47 million going back into the local economy through construction and exterior improvements.
On Monday, March 15, Brooks Construction will begin replacing boardwalk decking on a section of the Rivergreenway located below the Bluffton Road Bridge on the St. Marys Pathway, and the section just east of Pemberton Dr. on the Maumee Pathway.
Only the boardwalks being worked on will be closed 7:30 am – 5 pm weekdays. The boardwalks will be reopened to trail users in the evenings and on weekends at those construction sites. Information about future construction locations will be made available to the public as work progresses. The expected completion date is June 26.
Due to years of punishment from hard winters and strong floods, much of the Rivergreenway boardwalk decking requires replacing. The type of decking chosen is called Deck Lok. It’s extremely durable vinyl with a non-slip surface.
One hundred percent of this project will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
For up-to-date information on this project and all trail closures, please check the Fort Wayne Parks webpage for the Rivergreenway at
www.fortwayneparks.org .
The Lawton Skatepark, located near the corner of Clinton Street and 4th Street in downtown Fort Wayne, is open for the season. Hours are 6 am – 11 pm. The lights at the park will turn off at 10:45 pm to alert skaters that the park will be closing soon.
This 20,000 square foot facility has 9 tons of reinforced steel and 500 cubic yards of concrete, as well as bowls, ramps and “fun boxes” that imitate the city scape. The most advanced bowl has a 9' drop off.
Only in-line skates and skateboards are allowed in the park. This is an extreme sport so protective gear is required when using the Skatepark: helmets, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads. This facility is not supervised and patrons must skate at their own risk.
For more information, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will open registration for children’s day camps and summer activities on Friday, March 12. If your child didn’t bring home a “Summer in the Park” or “Day Camp” brochure from school, you may call the office at 427-6000 to request one be mailed to you.
Our online system will allow for more convenient registration and payment, but families are asked to first complete a “Household Set-Up” on-line to register their family. The best way to guarantee your spot is to register on-line using this real-time system.
Ways to Register on or after March 12:
Online: www.fortwayneparks.org
Fax: completed form to 260-427-6020.
Drop box: 705 E. State Blvd.
Mail: completed form to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne IN 46805.
Ways to Register on or after March 22:
In person: at the Department’s main office, 705 E. State Blvd. Hours are 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
By phone: 260-427-6000
For more information, or to view our current brochures, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000.
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the clubhouses at Foster Park, Shoaff Park and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open Monday, March 15 and remain open every day until the end of the season. To check on daily green conditions, call the golf course where you plan to play:
Foster Park Golf Course: 427-6735
McMillen Park Golf Course: 427-6710
Shoaff Park Golf Course: 427-6745
Season tickets go on sale at all of the clubhouses on March 15, featuring 2009 prices! Tee times can be reserved on line at
www.fortwayneparks.org . You can also arrange for a league or plan a golf outing for your business or organization at one of our City courses
This year’s season promises to be one of the best yet with many exciting opportunities such as:
Kids Play Free
Student discounts
Ladies Day
Membership packages
Special promotions and discounts
Ladies Beginning Golf Lesson Program
For more information, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
University of Saint Francis Offers Scholarships to LSA Graduates
Youth who participate in the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Lifetime Sports Academy (LSA) for three years are eligible to apply for a full-tuition scholarship to attend the University of Saint Francis.
The Tom Jehl LSA Scholarship is awarded to new students entering the University of Saint Francis who have participated in LSA and have actively volunteered in the community. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 and enroll as a full time undergraduate student. Recipients can receive this scholarship for a total of eight semesters provided that they maintain full-time enrollment and earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. All applicants are required to complete the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Two full-tuition scholarships will be awarded each year to highly qualified applicants that demonstrate a minimum of three years of participation in LSA. Other applications will be considered for scholarships ranging from $1,000 - $3,000 and are awarded based on the number of years that a student has participated in LSA and his/her level of volunteerism. The amount of the scholarship cannot exceed tuition and fees after Federal, State and Institutional Aid.
To apply:
Complete the scholarship application by April 16, 2010 and return to:
Office of Enrollment Services 2701 Spring Street Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Apply for admission to the University of Saint Francis (apply on-line at
www.st.edu/admissions ).
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 10.
If you have any questions, please contact Perry Ehresman at 427-6009.
Applications accepted through April 5 for service-learning opportunity Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the formation of the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council, which will be a group of up to 25 high school students focusing on service learning.
The council members will identify ways they can address some of the community’s most urgent issues through connections with stakeholders in non-profit organizations, business corridors and youth agencies.
“The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council will have more than two dozen talented, energized youth get involved in making a difference in Fort Wayne by taking ownership of their projects,” Mayor Henry said. “I think the participation of these students in their hometown could encourage them to stay in Fort Wayne after graduation from high school or college and continue with community involvement for decades to come.”
With written applications due April 5, the students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors for the 2010-2011 school year. Students selected for in-person interviews will be contacted by May 5 with final selections to be made this summer.
The council members will have a 12-month commitment. Meetings, which will be 60 to 90 minutes long, start in August at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. All council members must live within the city and attend public, private or home schools. Mayor Henry wants the council to reflect the diversity of Fort Wayne.
“The youth of our community are the future of our city,” Henry said. “We must not only provide them with an education and caring environment, but a way to create an atmosphere in which they would like to live.”
The application – which requires student information, short answer, two adult references and parent/guardian permission – is available at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec .
Photo Contest sponsored by City and County park departments How many times have you been out in the woods or driving down the highway and spotted a strange looking tree or plant and wished you had a camera? Or you saw the clouds making an unusual picture in the sky? Now’s your chance to document these freaky formations only Mother Nature could love and possibly win a prize. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Allen County Parks encourage you to get out your digital cameras, put on your hiking boots, and search for peculiar nature formations. For instance, sometimes tree trunks have bizarre shapes or gourds resemble the face of a famous person. This contest is an outgrowth of an Indiana Department of Natural Resources contest for weirdest trees. For examples of some weirdly shaped trees, visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-InvasionWeirdTrees_2008.pdf Here are the rules:
The formation must be within Allen County
The formation must be natural forming (not the result of pruning or other manipulation)
Pictures should be digital and sent to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The formation’s location information must accompany the picture
One photo entry per person
Photographer’s name, email, phone and address accompany picture
Picture must be received no later than April 1, 2010
A panel of arborists and park officials will judge photos for the weirdest formation in Allen County, and will announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. So get out there and find the best example of a weird formation. We will announce the winners at the Arbor Day press conference April 30th, 2010. We have some great prizes this year! First place winners will receive a one-day admission ticket to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for 2 adults and 2 children, including a pass for 12 free rides. And to add to the fun, the first place winner will also receive their preference of either an individual or family Annual Pass to Allen County Parks. Second and third place winners will receive their choice of either a free swim ticket to any of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation pools, or a complimentary ticket for a 9 or 18 hole round of golf at Foster, McMillen or Shoaff Golf Course. For more information about trees in general, and Fort Wayne’s status as a Tree City USA, visit www.fortwayneparks.org . Also visit http://allencountyparks.org for tree and contest information.
Popular Program Makes Assistance Available to Commercial Property Owners in Corridors Throughout Community Mayor Tom Henry today announced the release of more funds for commercial property owners while showcasing a project completed with the first round of grant money. “Since before I was elected, Iâve had a commitment to âstrengthening the heartâ of our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I remember the days when many of our commercial corridors were thriving areas of business and activity. I want the City to do what it can to help the business owners whoâve invested in these areas achieve that level of success once again. We donât always have a lot of control over decisions made by large employers about locating or expanding in our community, but these small business owners have made a commitment and an investment and we can leverage some opportunities to help them grow.” The commercial façade grant program makes funds available to offset the costs of facades, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing and other enhancements owners want to make to their property. The City has designated $200,000 for this round of the grant program. The grant is usually leveraged in a dollar-to-dollar ratio, so each dollar of public funding is met with a minimum of $1 of private investment. One business owner on Wells Street used the grant to create a visual focal point on his property. “Our matching grant money provided by this program allowed us to invest $40,000 in the building and add a 75 foot by 20 foot mural based on Fort Wayne history, nostalgia and memories,” said Sam Hyde, owner of Hyde Brothers Booksellers. “We hope this will become a cultural addition to the historically significant Wells Street corridor.” In the first round of funding earlier this year, the matching amount of the grant was expected to be about $20,000. The program was so successful that the original $200,000 set aside to fund it was doubled to $400,000 at Mayor Henryâs request. Twenty-six projects representing about $1.5 million in investment resulted. Projects had to be located in City Council-designated economic development target areas (EDTAs), several of which exist throughout the community. An EDTA area map is available at the cityâs website. The average matching amount of the grant is again expected to be about $20,000, but larger projects may qualify for more assistance, the Mayor said. Administered through the Redevelopment Department, the grant applications will be available Nov. 13 to Dec. 18 both in the City-County Building and online. Property and business owners who meet the criteria will be able to apply for funds that will likely help them with spring construction projects. “Here along the Wells Street Corridor, we have an ideal location where the business community, the neighborhood and the City have all worked in concert to identify the vision and priorities for the area.” said Mayor Henry. “The shared energy and commitment is making a difference in the vitality of one of Fort Wayneâs first commercial corridors to ensure its future has a chance to be as vibrant as its past.” Applications will be available from the Redevelopment office and online in the next few weeks. Businesses with questions or wanting more information may call Julie Sanchez at 427-2147.
Dogs and cats are more than pets—they’re family. And just like any other member of the family, pets deserve to be cared for and protected. That’s why Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is offering a Dog First Aid class on Saturday, March 27 from 12-4 p.m. at Animal Care & Control. “We want pet owners to be prepared when their pets need them to be," said spokesperson Peggy Bender. "This class is taught by a registered veterinary technician and provides owners with critical first aid tools to help keep pets healthy and safe.” The $55 class fee includes all classroom materials, a dog First Aid manual, and First Aid DVD to build skills and provide guidance in emergency situations until veterinary care is available. Call 260-427-5508 to enroll. Topics Include: Urgent care situations, including wounds, electrical shock, eye, paw, and ear injuries Administering medications Managing breathing or cardiac emergencies Preparing for disasters Symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies Creating a pet First Aid kit Tips on maintaining your pet’s health and well-being
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Fort Wayne State of the City address as prepared Mayor Thomas C. Henry 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 2010 IPFW Rhinehart Recital Hall Good evening. Thank you, Chancellor Wartell, for your warm welcome. I am honored to be here at IPFW, a key partner in strengthening the economy of Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. Over 80 percent of IPFW students remain here after graduation. That success is shared by all our local colleges and universities, including Indiana Tech, the University of Saint Francis and Ivy Tech Northeast. Workforce development, through higher education, vocational programs and trade apprenticeships, is an investment in our talent and our future. Manchester College’s decision to start a pharmacy program at Parkview Hospital’s Randallia campus is a prime example of the important role higher education plays in growing our economy. This is the only pharmacy program in all of northern Indiana. It will connect our powerful regional healthcare networks with one of the fastest-growing areas of employment. In America, education has always created the chance for people to get ahead, and those opportunities are even more crucial now. We are improving the likelihood of job success through the new Talent Initiative, which is a result of our efforts with workforce and economic development agencies and educational institutions. Funded through a $20 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the initiative will prepare our workforce for high-skill jobs focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. The Community Foundation, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and its foundation, WorkOne, IPFW, Ivy Tech and local school corporations including Fort Wayne Community and East Allen are working hard to keep Fort Wayne working in a high-tech economy. In fact, the six planned New Tech high schools, with a focus on project-based learning, will give Northeast Indiana a higher concentration of this innovative program than any other region in the country. We are living in tough economic times, tougher than any we’ve seen in 75 years. The pain of these difficult times and the hardships experienced by many are something I carry with me every day as Mayor. Still, I am convinced that Fort Wayne will both survive and thrive. Why? Because we have the energy, the ideas, the spirit and the courage to take the tough and transform it into a brighter tomorrow for all of us. We have a legacy of innovation that can come to life again. We are a proud, hard working people who never give up, who rise to every challenge and demonstrate the best in humanity when the going gets rough. That is why I am working every moment of every day to keep Fort Wayne working. That is why I believe that by working together, we can keep Fort Wayne growing. My friends, together we are stronger. A story that best reflects that philosophy and my singular focus on job creation is our Fort Wayne General Motors plant. Although GM announced the closure of 14 plants last year, we not only weathered the storm, the local plant came out larger and stronger. We can all celebrate the retention and attraction of those nearly 3,000 jobs. The decision to expand the Fort Wayne plant showcases our outstanding workforce, infrastructure, positive business climate and the incentives brought together by the City and County. Nowhere is our “together, we are stronger” message more vital than in our economic development efforts. Our work with Allen County, the Regional Partnership, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, the Downtown Improvement District, and the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center shows our commitment to making this community more attractive to new jobs and business growth. We know we need available sites for industrial development, coordinated long-term infrastructure and new mechanisms like the Downtown Development Corporation to jumpstart business – and we are on it. Making the best trucks in the world is part of our DNA. It is part of our innovation heritage. That’s why the fate of Navistar’s engineering facility is of such concern. I was pleased Navistar officials accepted my invitation to meet with them. But you can be sure that I will continue to do everything in my power working with community leaders along with the Alliance plus state and federal officials to fight for these jobs in northeast Indiana. There is no better place to design the next generation of highly efficient trucks than here in Fort Wayne. The success of Canlan Ice Sports and the two hotels now under construction have enhanced our city in unique ways. I brought together a consortium of seven local banks to make the downtown Courtyard by Marriott a reality. I wish to thank these banks for stepping up in these tough economic times. The Town Place Suites by Marriott and ice rink puts the spotlight on additional private developers who are building this remarkable facility. Thank you. These projects are creating full-time jobs and increasing our desirability for conventions and events, while adding 300 well-placed rooms. How many other communities can tout these wins in this economy? As other cities cut vital services, lay off police officers and firefighters, and close facilities, Fort Wayne is working hard to maintain the City services our residents expect. Our City has been able to avoid any cuts in core services. Through strong fiscal management, hard work, and innovative, cost-saving measures, our City ended 2009 $2.3 million under budget. That does not mean I am not concerned about property tax caps and how they will affect our future budgets, but Fort Wayne is well positioned financially. Other Indiana cities are discussing new revenue streams, but this is not needed in Fort Wayne. Let me reassure you, I will not put any additional burdens on our non-profit organizations, who are creating jobs and delivering important services. Working together to keep Fort Wayne growing means a local government that is equipped and ready to lead, ready to welcome new jobs and ready meet the public’s expectations. That is why I am determined to find a community solution to the space needs of City and County government. With the plan to put public safety in the City-County Building and our administrative teams in 200 East Berry Street – the only workable solution, we have a chance to come together as a community, make things easier for our residents and make local government work better. We must rise above the outmoded ways of doing business and make City and County government more efficient, responsive, and cost effective. We have a rare opportunity to do something that is right for today and right for generations to come. Let’s have the courage to get it done and be the one, great community I know we can be. Together, we are stronger. And nowhere is that more important than in our life-saving 911 communications. With the recent news of the Sheriff’s acceptance, we are excited and hopeful that a joint agreement will soon be signed. We are working hard to capture our fair share of stimulus funds because they bring jobs and new investment to our community. So far the City has secured more than $19 million in stimulus funds, not to mention the millions going to schools, non-profits and businesses. This year, $3 million of that money will pay for repaving key thoroughfares in our city – Jefferson and Washington boulevards, Wayne and Berry streets, Rudisill Boulevard and East State Boulevard. This new money will also improve our sewers, trails and airports, plus social service and law enforcement programs and mostly importantly create and retain jobs. Speaking of law enforcement, in 2009, the Fort Wayne Police Department, under Chief Rusty York’s leadership, reported an 8 and a quarter percent reduction in overall crime as compared to 2008. More importantly, 2009 marked the lowest crime rate in Fort Wayne in 30 years; yes, the lowest crime rate in three decades. I am proud that our Fort Wayne police officers continue to look at ways to prevent, not just respond, to crime. The new northeast outpost on East State Boulevard is a great example of taking action. After a string of business robberies, the police department worked with Parkview Hospital and is now using a building on their campus. As a result we saw the number of robberies in that area drop. Tonight I am also excited to announce my intent to create the “Bank on Fort Wayne” program. This new initiative will generate opportunities for any Fort Wayne residents who have relied on expensive check-cashing services and payday loan operations. This initiative will allow them to open bank accounts at local financial institutions while also receiving financial tools. Founded on the success of similar programs in Evansville and other cities, I see Bank on Fort Wayne as a win-win. It will allow some of Fort Wayne’s hardest working residents to keep more of the money they earn, save for the future, and establish relationships with local banks. I look forward to working with Councilman Hines with his banking experience, as well as the financial institutions here in Fort Wayne on this important project. I am also working hard to create the necessary infrastructure for business growth and success of Fort Wayne residents and families. This spring, construction will start on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge on Clinton Street, creating a new gateway into downtown. With about 80% of the cost coming from state and federal funds, this bridge is designed for all users: vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, and will remind people every day of the legacy of America’s best-known civil rights leader. Work is also scheduled to begin this year on Ardmore Avenue between Jefferson and Taylor Street, Auburn Road between Cook and Clinton and Washington Center Road at Dartmouth Drive. I am working hard to make Fort Wayne’s transportation network accessible to all users. This year City staff will complete our Bike Fort Wayne and Comprehensive Sidewalk Connectivity plans, which will be adopted into the City-County comprehensive plan. These initiatives are designed to make it easier for Fort Wayne residents and visitors to walk or bike to places they normally would have driven. I cannot overlook my commitment to investing in trails, including $3 million of stimulus funds going into their expansion and improvements. With the completion of Phase 4 of the Towpath Trail this year, you will be able to walk or bike across Allen County from Aboite Township to New Haven on 49 contiguous miles of multiuse trails. This is a landmark achievement for our community and has happened only because the City worked with the County, New Haven, Aboite New Trails, Northwest Allen Trails and the Greenway Consortium. In 2010 our City Utilities division will concentrate on providing the high-quality service and system enhancements that improve our quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods and support job growth through the increased capacity of our water and sewer systems. City Utilities will continue its partnership with the Anthis Career Center to give students hands-on experience with concrete street restoration following City Utilities repairs. Undoubtedly as we move forward with the long-term control plan, there will be opportunities in engineering and other construction support jobs in Fort Wayne in the foreseeable future. Jobs are an important component of our Utility. Last year more than 700 jobs were created or retained through nearly 40 City Utilities projects. We will continue to invest in the system in 2010, with most of these jobs going to our local workforce. Although our utility is facing budget constraints, we continue to find new ways to save money through efficiencies and innovation. Our rivers are Fort Wayne’s signature natural feature. They define us and unify us. I am working hard to transform them into a landmark asset we all can enjoy. City Utilities will continue to comply with the federally mandated yet unfunded Consent Decree. This year investments of nearly $82 million will go to projects that reduce the raw sewage that goes into our rivers and provide clean drinking water to our residents. Currently we have about one billion gallons of combined sewer overflow going into our local waterways. When this project is done, we will have reduced the untreated overflow by 90%. Under the leadership of Bob Kennedy, 2009 Public Works Leader of the Year, we are reducing the threat of flooding to Fort Wayne families. This year, with a $1.5 million FEMA and Indiana Department of Homeland Security grant, we will purchase about 52 homes through voluntary buyouts in the Junk Ditch area. We will buy the homes at market value, restore the land to greenspace and forever end the concern about high water for these families. In 2009 we protected about 150 homes from flooding on the St. Marys River with the flood-control projects in the Woodhurst, Southwood Park and Park-Thompson neighborhoods. With these buyouts and projects on our three rivers, we are closer than ever to the day when residential flooding is a thing of the past in Fort Wayne. When I ran for mayor, I called for renewed attention to Fort Wayne’s rivers. I am pleased to see that from Invent Tomorrow's community visits and surveys the Number 1 request from our citizens was to use our waterways. As a result, a group called “Friends of the Rivers” was formed. Working in conjunction with IPFW, a new event is coming to Fort Wayne on June 26th: the IPFW RiverFest. Its purpose is to raise awareness and appreciation of the rivers and to use them for entertainment and fun. I think this event is an important kick-off as we look for ways to create riverfront development. Infrastructure improvements aren’t just new pavement and sewer replacements. I am also working hard to invest in neighborhoods and commercial corridors. Last year, I launched the “Commercial Façade Grant” program that transformed $400,000 of City funds for exterior improvements into more than $1 million of private investment in targeted areas. This year I am pledging $260,000 from the City, which once again could result in more than $1 million of private money going into 13 projects. Additionally, I am committed to improvements that make our commercial corridors friendly for visitors and businesses. Last year we completed improvements on Wells Street, Calhoun and North Anthony. Starting this spring, Community Development staff will team up with business and property owners along the Pontiac corridor to design future improvements. Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods are fundamental to this city and I am honored to have many of the Area Partnership chairs, co-chairs and neighborhood presidents from the more than 400 active associations here tonight. I commend you for the work you do daily to make Fort Wayne vibrant and livable. Our Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services touched more than 200 families through programs that reduced the threat of lead-based paint, provided needed repairs and stabilized and revitalized neighborhoods. To further improve our community, I have directed Public Works to set aside $2.5 million this year to repair residential concrete streets. I am committed to continuing these efforts each year. Fort Wayne’s Parks system is one of our community’s most beloved assets, which is why I am working hard to find and expand the opportunities for all Fort Wayne residents to use and enjoy our facilities and programs. It is truly a great example of a public-private partnership. When Taylor Reuille was 11 years old, she realized that most playgrounds don’t accommodate all children; children who use wheelchairs or have visual or hearing impairments, Down Syndrome or autism. She wanted a place where all children can play together. She discovered the Boundless Playground concept, yet there were none in Fort Wayne or even Indiana. Taylor decided to do something about it. She raised more than $10,000 and got in touch with me and the Parks Department about getting this idea off the ground. We found a suitable location at Kreager Park for this $1.3 million project and because of private donations and the support of the Parks Foundation, we are able to get Indiana’s first Boundless Playground under construction this summer. Taylor and her mother Kassandra Booher have joined us tonight and I would like to congratulate Taylor for dreaming big and then being willing to get to work. The momentum of downtown revitalization must continue especially following the opening of Parkview Field. Cindy and I are already looking forward to another season of baseball this year. I am particularly proud of the two-way conversion of Calhoun Street. I know it was a challenging project for some, but I am confident we are going to see it pay off by providing infrastructure that encourages store-front development while retaining the key features people like to see such as wide sidewalks, significant trees and outside dining. Our investments are brining good news. Sales tax revenue from downtown increased in 2009. Many of our downtown businesses extended hours and noticed an increase in patrons even after the TinCaps’ championship season. While we celebrate the progress we have made in revitalizing downtown, the City will remain a driving force in fostering private investment in the heart of our city. Working in partnership with the Downtown Improvement District and the Alliance, we’re poised to give our downtown plan an update. I will want to hear from you about how we can make our downtown thriving and interesting every day, year-round. I am joining leaders from across northeast Indiana in the public, private, educational and non-profit sectors to create a clear vision and economic development strategy for the place we call home. With this inclusive approach, the Regional Partnership’s “Vision 2020” will focus on our competitive business climate, collective talent, infrastructure and quality of place. Just like the Downtown Plan, we can’t do this alone. On behalf of the Vision 2020 Coordinating Group, I invite you to take part in next month’s workshops because together we are stronger. Nearly every day, I see people in Fort Wayne coming together to solve our toughest problems. I think one of the best examples was the All-America City Award Fort Wayne won last year. With the theme of All Together Now, members of the delegation demonstrated collaboration and just plain hard work to improve services for our city’s international population, connect our community through multiuse trails and reach at-risk youth through our Great Kids Make Great Communities program. Because of these successes, I am working hard to engage you in important community decisions. I have seen time and again that Fort Wayne residents have great ideas and want to be heard. For instance, your input has been critical in our bike and sidewalk plans. I have also enlisted help from key stakeholders for the Social Service Summits, Tree Commission and the Southtown Advisory Committee. This year, the area partnership chairs as well as City Council members are serving on a task force to help me as we decide on the specifications of a new garbage and recycling contract. I want all of you to be a part of your City government, and I will make sure you have the opportunity to have your voice heard. I will also continue to invest in our 311 system as it becomes more and more popular as your one call to City Hall, taking more than 156,000 inquiries last year. These are unprecedented times. With every challenge comes an opportunity; the opportunity to find a new way to deliver a service, a new way to save money or a new way to work together. Now is the time to question the status quo to find fresh approaches and new answers to our most vexing problems. Fort Wayne is well positioned going into the future. We continue to find ways to leverage new and existing resources to help Fort Wayne businesses grow and prosper. We continue to deliver high-quality services every day to our residents. City government is doing more with less to ensure the outstanding quality of life Fort Wayne residents enjoy. The state of our city is strong. As I have been thinking about the future of Fort Wayne and how together we are stronger, I keep coming back to one of my favorite quotes from Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” I look forward to many successes this year. Thank you.
City collaborating with Women’s Enterprise, Chamber, SBA, SCORE, Indiana Small Business Development Center to offer free workshops The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation with Women’s Enterprise, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration, SCORE, Community Development Corp. and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will offer the free Keys for Business Start-up workshop about starting a business and self-employment Thursday, Feb. 18. The workshop, which will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building, will cover the following topics: • Business legal structure • Programs available through the City • Business planning • Financial tools and cash flow • Banking and credit • Funding sources and strategies The topics are designed for people who are thinking about starting a business or have recently launched a new venture and have questions. The workshop’s presenters include attorney Joshua Burkhardt of Beers Mallers Backs & Salin, LLP; Bill Causey, Les Baggett and George Schenkel with SCORE; and Ken McCory of the Indiana Small Business Development Center. The other workshops planned for 2010 are: • Procurement, March 18 • Franchising, April 15 • Business Expo, May 20 • Commercial Kitchen, June 17 • Taxes and Record Keeping, Aug. 19 • Keys for Business Start-Up, Sept. 16 • Importing & Exporting, Oct. 21 • Patents, Trademarks, Copyright, Nov. 18 • Keys for Business Start-Up, Dec. 16 All workshops except October’s importing and exporting session will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.
Free event will be at 5:30 p.m. at Rhinehart Music Center to welcome families, students, business community The City of Fort Wayne has rescheduled Mayor Tom Henry’s State of the City address to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 because of the snowy conditions in Fort Wayne. The 30-minute speech will be in Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Rhinehart Music Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and people are encouraged to arrive by 5:15. It is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. A catered reception in the Rhinehart lobby will follow the speech. Free surface parking is available north of the building. The event was originally scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the same location. Mayor’s Night In slated for Monday has been rescheduled to Feb. 22.
Group Looks at Garbage and Recycling Practices Mayor Tom Henry is asking community leaders to assist in defining the criteria for the garbage and recycling contract. The mayor recently formed a Solid Waste Contract Committee that includes Neighborhood Partnership representatives, members of City Council and representatives from the Public Works department. “This is a strong group of diverse voices that are closely tied to listening to and representing the public, and taking public input. I believe they will come up with solid recommendations that will be good for the City,” said Mayor Tom Henry. The committee includes three council members and four neighborhood partnership leaders – all are leaders who speak frequently with the residents of Fort Wayne. The group is examining solid waste collection and recycling practices in the City including the study of recycling incentive programs, collection processes and bid specifications for the recycle/garbage contract. The group will meet through mid-year before making recommendations to be included in the bid document. The committee will remain in place to assist in preparing the bid document, reviewing prospective bids and finally, recommendations to the Board of Works and the City Council. Committee Members include: Adrienne Mauer – Southwest Neighborhood Partnership Chair Bill Crowley – Southeast Neighborhood Partnership Chair David Kohli – Northeast Neighborhood Partnership Chair Rod Vargo – Northwest Neighborhood Partnership Co-Chair Liz Brown –City Council Member – At-large Karen Goldner – City Council Member – 2nd District Glynn Hines – City Council Member – 6th District Bob Kennedy – Director of Public Works Matt Gratz – Solid Waste Program Manager A strong solid waste collection and recycling program is critical to the City. Last year the city collected 98,210 tons of garbage and 9,097 tons of recyclable products from Fort Wayne neighborhoods.
Thank you all for coming. Over the past year you’ve heard me talk a lot about my commitment to finding a community solution to the space needs of City and County governments. As this long process has unfolded, I’ve become more and more convinced that in a common solution we have a rare opportunity to do something that is right for today and right for generations to come. With the plan to put both public safety departments in the City-County Building and our development and management teams in 200 East Berry Street, we have a chance to come together as a community, to make things easier for our residents and to make local government work better. Isn’t that what this is all about? Together we can rise above the outmoded ways of doing the people’s business and actually make our City and County governments more effective and more responsive. And we can do it wisely and prudently. We have an opportunity to say welcome to new jobs and business development through the creation of a one-stop shop for growth. We have the chance to push the door to greater collaboration wide open and reach the full cost-saving potential that working smarter and working together will offer. We are one community and our singular message to the world must be: This is the best place for your business to grow, and we’re a team that is ready to help you do it. A streamlined, easier-to-use local government is essential to that. The 200 East Berry Street proposal is a good deal for City residents. But as part of the co-location proposal with the County, the good deal for City residents can be a great deal for our entire community – if we act now. Last Friday at the public hearing, we heard that message loud and strong from our business community. It came from the 1,600 members of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. It was reinforced by business executives representing over 20,000 jobs in our community who put their names on a letter and then came before the task force with their personal calls to action. It was stated emphatically by an executive of one of our major corporations who told us that his company is making future decisions based in part upon how easy it is to work with local governments, and that we can do better. It was persuasively voiced by small business owners and neighborhood leaders who described why the same-old, same-old is not working. The tally from the public hearing: Nearly unanimous support for a community solution, nearly unanimous support for co-location. Throughout this entire process, only one group has remained unaligned, our Allen County Council. That’s not to say that every elected official won’t have questions. Or that we all won’t whittle costs to the bone and value engineer every element to ensure that this effort comes in under budget like every other recent City project has done. But your elected officials are all good stewards of taxpayer dollars. And I can I say with pride: We are all Hoosiers, so we guard every nickel. And in these tough economic times, we are even more determined to use our resources with care. That’s why the chance to save money and better serve the public while reducing the footprint of local government is more important now than ever. That’s why this rare opportunity to find a community solution must not be lost. While I have listened long and hard to the concerns of Allen County Council members, I am also listening to the voices of our community. We can wait no longer. I believe so strongly in a community solution to our mutual space needs that today I am removing the final barrier. In support of the plan first proposed by Nelson Peters, I am offering Allen County government a City loan of up to $2.5 million to add to the County’s $3 million already committed toward renovation of the City-County Building. Proceeds from the sale of the County’s excess buildings can be used to repay the loan. With the pledge of these resources we can move forward – starting now. It is time we demonstrated the courage to make decisions that are in the long-term best interests of our entire community. With the decision for co-location, we will be investing in the future and creating lasting value, benefiting all taxpayers and residents. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. It is not a City solution or a County solution, but a community solution. We are one community. And the real truth is this: Together, we are stronger. This is our challenge for the new decade. Let’s come together, work together, build on our strengths and start to make great things happen for our entire community.
WHEREAS, On February 7, 2010 the Indianapolis Colts will face the New Orleans Saints in Miami for Super Bowl XLVI; and
WHEREAS, This will be the 438th game the Colts have played since the team moved to Indianapolis in 1984; and
WHEREAS, Fans and supporters have enjoyed 230 winning games provided by the talented Indianapolis Colts football team; and
WHEREAS, The City of Fort Wayne enthusiastically supports the Indianapolis Colts in a victory for the 2010 Super Bowl by encouraging all citizens to “Go Blue”.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, THOMAS C. HENRY, Mayor of the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, do hereby proclaim, February 6th and 7th, 2010, as
“GO BLUE” WEEKEND
in Fort Wayne, and encourage all residents to participate by wearing blue this Saturday and Sunday to support the Indianapolis Colts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Office of Mayor, City of Fort Wayne, Indiana to be affixed this 3rd day of February, 2010.
Thomas C. Henry
Mayor
Today at Salomon Farm Park, Vera Bradley Senior Marketing Creative Director Monica Edwards presented framed images from their 2010 Spring Catalog to Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Director Jim Anderson and Elizabeth Krohn, manager of H. Souder & Sons General Store. The stunning photography (by Tom Galliher of Galliher Photography) was given in appreciation for allowing the Fort Wayne business to stage a photo shoot at each of their facilities. The majority of photos, including the cover, were taken near the Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park. The Vera Bradley company picnic was held in the Old Barn in 2008, which inspired the idea to use the beautifully renovated barn and the surrounding scenery, complete with a sparkling pond, prairie grasses and majestic trees. “They’re thanking us, but we should be thanking them for promoting Salomon Farm to over one million prospective patrons nationwide who may not realize what we have to offer in Fort Wayne,” said Director Moll. “They included a very complimentary description of Salomon Farm and a link to our website in the catalog.” The Zoo, Souder & Son’s General Store and The Country Shops of Grabill received the same special marketing attention in their sections. The new African Journey, sea lions and the zoo train are featured on a spread in the middle of the catalog, and readers are encouraged to visit www.verabradleylife.com to see more zoo pictures, or to share their favorite photos. “We’re proud to have a few of our area’s key attractions featured in the Vera Bradley Spring Catalogue," said Zoo Director and CVB Board Chairperson, Jim Anderson. "It beautifully showcases the gems in our own backyard, including the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. This exposure serves as a positive impression of our destination to Vera Bradley customers and potential visitors around the country.” Grabill store managers Elizabeth Krohn and Sasha Hullinger had their pictures displayed as retail partners to Vera Bradley. Their shops are located side-by-side in downtown Grabill. An Amish buggy, Souders Home Center and the town’s Vera Bradley store-within-a-store “The Cottage” were featured in the Grabill section.
Purcell Resigns to Aid Family, Roller Assumes Interim Role Mayor Tom Henry today announced the resignation of Deputy Mayor Greg Purcell and the appointment of City Controller Pat Roller to an interim capacity. Due to the significant nature of the role and numerous critical issues underway, Purcell will remain employed with the City during a three-month transition period. He is leaving to devote more attention to the care of family members in Michigan. He joined Mayor Henry’s staff in September 2008. “Greg Purcell has been a key member of my cabinet,” said Mayor Henry. “His departure saddens me, but I respect his decision and his commitment to his family. His leadership can be seen in Fort Wayne’s designation as a proud three-time All-America City award winner, the successful resolution of the longstanding City and County bridge issue and the homerun opening of Parkview Field. His dedicated service through three City administrations is something for which all of us in this community can be grateful.” Roller will begin her duties immediately. During this short-term period, she will retain her division title, but will receive support from key division and department heads to ensure that seamless municipal operations are maintained. City Controller since January 2004, Roller joined the City under the Richard administration and was asked to remain in that slot by Mayor Henry. Prior to her career with the City, she served as Second Vice President and Financial Director within the Investment Division of Lincoln Financial Group. Throughout this transitional phase, Director of Public Works Bob Kennedy has also agreed to assume expanded administrative responsibilities. Kennedy was recently recognized by American City & County magazine as its 2009 Public Works Leader of the Year. The search process to permanently fill the Deputy Mayor’s position will be delineated in the near future.
Draft manual available for review and input with open house Feb. 11 The City of Fort Wayne’s draft Design Manual for new development and exterior renovation projects in the Downtown is ready for public comment. Anyone interested in learning more about the proposed manual is invited to attend an Open House Thursday, Feb. 11, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C of the Allen County Public Library’s downtown branch.
“Mayor Henry is fond of saying that Downtown is everyone’s neighborhood,” said John Urbahns, division director of Community Development. “This is a great opportunity for the public to get involved and let us know what they think makes an attractive and vibrant downtown. We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to join us for the Open House.”
A cross-functional internal City team has been working on an update to downtown design standards and recommendations at the direction of City Council. An advisory group made up of representatives from City Council, the Plan Commission, the Downtown Improvement District, and business and property owners also assisted in the project. A design survey distributed last fall allowed participants to evaluate things like facades, lighting, parking options and landscaping.
The downtown design standards project will result in an amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance. A new, comprehensive downtown design manual will provide design direction and guidance to architects, property owners and developers as well as assist staff and the Plan Commission in reviewing new development and redevelopment projects in downtown Fort Wayne.
At the Open House, attendees will be able to visit several “stations” which explain specific sections of the manual. Although a formal program will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will be able to ask questions of staff at each station before and after the program.
The draft document can be viewed online at
www.CityofFortWayne.org/DesignManual or in hard copy at the City-County Building (Information Desks on 1st, 6th floor and 8th floors) and at the Downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library.
The skating ponds at Lakeside, E. Swinney and Reservoir Parks will remain closed to skaters this weekend. The Parks & Recreation Department will have the red lights and flags at the ponds to indicate that conditions are not safe.
Staff from the Parks & Recreation Department check ice conditions daily and found weak ice along the edges of all three ponds.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Reaching more youth with improved efficiency Today during the meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, Bennie Lewis, Manager of Neighborhood Programs, announced the enhancement of programming at the youth facilities in 2010. The four separate programs—Jennings, Cooper, Weisser and the Playground Program—will be combined into one Neighborhood Program to improve the delivery of services to a broader community.
Although the locations of the programs have not changed, the umbrella of the Neighborhood Program will provide the following advantages:
Reduced duplication of staff and services
Opportunity to reach more youth within the neighborhoods
Availability of extra trained staff when short staffed or during events
Allows Programming to continue without cancellation
Opens signature programs to an expanded community
Promotes Parks & Recreation within the neighborhoods, building trust and integrity
Provides a strong distribution network to promote events
The most exciting change is that the Saturday SBA Academy has been moved to Tuesday evenings. Feedback gathered over the years indicated that a weeknight meeting would be more convenient for students, parents and the teaching staff.
Lewis also announced a valuable partnership with Community Harvest Food Bank. Their Kid’s Café will provide meals for SBA, which will enable the Parks & Recreation Department to direct all funds to programming, rather than dividing it between food service and programming.
Girl’s Talk is a new mentoring program offered at Jennings Center this year. This is a forum for young ladies 8 – 18 to talk to an adult female about challenges they face at school or home. The girls also take on community projects and will visit an assisted living center during this session to work on a quilting project.
The following schedule reflects a heavy emphasis on homework, Math and Language Arts:
Pick up from Cooper and Jennings Centers: 3:30-4:30pm
Kids Café: 4:30-5:15pm
MAAT Ceremony: 5:20-5:35pm
Homework: 5:35-6:05pm
Language Arts: 6:15-6:45pm
Math: 6:45-7:15pm
SBA, located at Weisser Center, assists children, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with math skills, language arts, and African and African-American history and culture. Cultural field trips, speakers, and events are used to enrich both the students and the community.
Attorney Richard Samek was re-elected President of the Board of Park Commissioners on Thursday “Rick’s leadership has been an invaluable asset to the board,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks and Recreation. “He’s clearly committed to our mission to enhance the quality of life in our city through our park system.” Besides his association with the Parks and Recreation Department, Samek is on the City of Fort Wayne Economic Development Task Force, was the co-chair of the City of Fort Wayne’s North River Task Force and is involved with Make-A-Wish of Indiana, Metro YMCA and SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect). Pamela Kelly, M.D. was re-elected as Vice President and Cheri Becker and William Zielke are currently serving as Park Board Commissioners. Overall policy and management direction of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is provided by a four member bi-partisan Board of Park Commissioners appointed by the mayor for staggered four year terms. Following provisions of the Indiana statute (I.C. 36-10-4), the Board approves budget revenues and expenditures, passes bond issues, acquires and improves property, adopts new programs, establishes management policy and regulations, and provides a public venue for community debate and input.
Meeting on first Monday of the month will continue to air on City TV Starting in February, the City of Fort Wayne’s monthly neighborhood association presidents’ meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. The February meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Omni Room. The meetings had previously been held at 7 p.m. City TV, available on Comcast Channel 58 and Verizon Channel 28, will continue to air the meeting live at the new time. The meetings are typically held in the Omni Room on the first Monday of the month, unless it is a City holiday and then it moved to a week later.
Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and Taylor Reuille from Taylor’s Friendship Circle announced today that over one million dollars has been raised for Indiana’s first Boundless Playground project. A $100,000 gift from the Park Foundation took the amount raised to a total of $1,009,214. Approximately $300,000 is still needed to complete the project.
The Fort Wayne Boundless Playground initiative was the vision and dream of 11-year-old Taylor Reuille, who realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn’t play at playgrounds in this area. She researched and found that a Boundless Playground would offer amazing play opportunities for children with and without disabilities, including those with physical, sensory, developmental and cognitive disabilities. Calling on the Mayor for his support, Taylor launched a public fundraising campaign called Taylor’s Friendship Circle. In August of 2008, Taylor and her mother, Kasandra Booher, presented the first Boundless Playground private contribution to the Mayor totaling $10,758.43. These proceeds came from small fundraisers, including funds contributed by Taylor’s teachers and fellow classmates at Harlan Elementary. City Council members and representatives from Turnstone and The League for the Blind & Disabled also added their support to the project.
"The accomplishments of Taylor and the supporters of Indiana's first Boundless Playground including the Park Foundation illustrates what our community can achieve when we come together. What has been the dream of an 11-year-old girl will become reality, a place where all children can play," Mayor Henry said. "I think this project speaks volumes about our commitment of ensuring that our All America City continues to be an all inclusive city as well."
“I am so thankful that our community has pulled together in these tough times to help in creating Indiana's first Boundless Playground,” said Taylor. “This playground is going to make such a huge impact in the lives of all children and adults.”
Community support for the last $300,000 is vital to complete the project. Donations of $500 or more will be listed on plaques at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the website. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. More information about Taylor’s Friendship Circle Boundless Playground efforts can be found at
www.taylorsdream.com and at
www.boundlessplayground.com .
“This $1.3 million campaign that the Park Department took on has been an extreme challenge in these economic times,” said Director Moll. “However the Park Foundation’s generous gift proves that a worthwhile project can always get support, and will ensure that groundbreaking will take place in late summer or early fall this year.”
Fort Wayne’s Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods.
Free 5:30 p.m. event at Rhinehart Music Center welcomes families, students, business community Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the annual State of the City address will be held Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Rhinehart Music Center. The community event will feature a new time, beginning at 5:30 p.m. “The State of the City address is an annual tradition that belongs to the people of this community,” said Mayor Henry. “I wanted a time that would allow more members of the workforce, students and families to attend. Put Feb.10 on your calendar. Please come and find out what is happening in your city government.” Doors will open at 5 p.m. and people are encouraged to arrive by 5:15. It is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Mayor Henry’s address is scheduled to focus on projects and initiatives in 2010 with highlights of City government’s successes in 2009. It should be about 30 minutes in length. The address will also be carried live by Indiana’s NewsCenter Channel 21.1 and NewsChannel 15 plus City TV. IPFW Chancellor Michael Wartell will introduce Mayor Henry. “Fort Wayne’s colleges and universities are critical partners in our community’s efforts to attract and retain high-skill, high-wage jobs and promote business growth. By holding the annual State of the City address at IPFW, the City is showcasing one of the newest buildings at northeast Indiana’s largest university and highlighting the role IPFW and other Fort Wayne colleges and universities are playing in our economic and workforce development,” Mayor Henry said. A catered reception in the Rhinehart lobby will follow the speech. Free surface parking is available north of the building.
Input from nearly 700 people to help create Downtown Design Manual
Fort Wayne residents have once again expressed support for thoughtful design in downtown Fort Wayne through the downtown design survey earlier this fall. An internal team and an advisory group will use the survey's information as they create a Downtown Design Manual by early next year.
“Engaging the public in the revision process is a critical element to ensure that we are planning with people, not for them,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “We received an outstanding response from the public and will use this information as we shape policy that will leave a lasting legacy for our downtown and entire community.”
Respondents expressed a decided preference for an appealing pedestrian experience in downtown, particularly for anything that includes landscaping, planters and greenery. Other preferences included the use of durable materials such as brick and stone, street-level windows, lower ground-mounted signage and wide, unobstructed sidewalks.
“Fort Wayne residents consistently tell us they care about how their city looks,” said Community Development Director John Urbahns. “Information from this survey as well as the input from the comprehensive plan process and the Downtown Blueprint points to how people value and appreciate the aesthetic experience of public spaces.”
The City will use the survey and information from the internal team and advisory group to create a Downtown Design Manual. The existing Downtown Design Guidelines is an advisory document that provides general recommendations. The new manual will continue to have recommendations but may include required elements that would be incorporated into a zoning ordinance amendment, which would need City Council approval. Required elements would need to be quantifiable and not based on a specific taste or style. Once complete, the draft design manual will be made available for public review and comment.
“One of the things that makes downtown Fort Wayne an interesting place is the variety of styles: the Allen County Courthouse, One Summit Square, the Lincoln Tower and the Grand Wayne Center for example. We want our design manual to maintain architectural diversity while encouraging features we know Fort Wayne residents appreciate and want to see more of,” Mayor Henry said.
The survey, taken by 693 people, had respondents evaluate building materials, signage, sidewalks, windows and other design elements of buildings and public spaces. Respondents could also indicate if the feature should be encouraged or required. A full summary of the responses is available at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/designsurvey .
Agreement provides $2 million over 3 years for $26.4 million equipment investment in local assembly plant
Allen County Commissioners Bill Brown, Linda Bloom and Nelson Peters and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry jointly announced today an incentive package for General Motors' investment of $26.4 million in equipment to build heavy-duty trucks at the local assembly plant.
“GM is an essential asset to not only Fort Wayne and Allen County but the entire region,” said Commissioner Brown. “Their commitment to stay and grow production is vital to our future.”
The proposed package will have the City and County evenly split the $2 million to be paid over three years to retain local jobs. It complements the County's tax abatement for the plant.
“GM's Fort Wayne assembly plant has become a national leader in efficiency and productivity, which speaks highly to the local people who work there,” Mayor Henry said. “I appreciate the work of Commissioner Peters and the County on this project. The cooperation of the City and County on this incentive package for the heavy-duty line is critical for the retention of these manufacturing jobs.”
The Mayor, Allen County Commissioners, City Council, County Council and the County Redevelopment Commission must approve the agreement, which is expected before the end of the year.
The GM assembly plant on Lafayette Center Road employs nearly 2,500 people with a $124 million annual payroll. About half of the plant's employees live within the city of Fort Wayne.
Water Service Restored
Crews from Fort Wayne City Utilities finished repair of a water main break on Parnell Avenue. Water is now restored to customers along Parnell, and the street is open.
The main break occurred just before 7:00am on Parnell between Ferguson Avenue and Vance Avenue.
No water service in 3100, 3200 blocks of Parnell
Parnell Avenue is closed between Ferguson and Vance avenues as City Utilities crews repair a water main break.
Customers in the 3100 and 3200 blocks of Parnell are temporarily without water service. The break was reported at about 7 a.m. today.
The City will announce when the street reopens.
Group to Focus on a Community-based Solution to City-County Space Needs
Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the first meeting of the task force of elected officials formed to find a joint solution to the building and space needs of the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County has been scheduled for December 18, 2009 at 11 a.m. The initial session will be held in the Omni Room of the City-County Building. All task force meetings will be open to the public.
“I am pleased that City and County elected officials are coming together so quickly to act on our mutual goal of finding a community-based solution to our building and space needs,” said Mayor Henry. “The City-County Building and 200 East Berry represent a unique opportunity for local government to better serve the public and make the best use of our resources. I am confident that with all decision-making bodies engaged, we can find an answer that will promote greater long-term cooperation and cost savings, benefiting all taxpayers and residents.”
The task force is composed of three Allen County Council members, three Fort Wayne City Council members, the three Allen County Commissioners and Mayor Henry. It will be moderated by John Stafford, Director of the Community Research Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Stafford recently chaired the City-County Facilities Working Group.
The facilities working group will provide the model for the task force. Its foundational research, guiding principles and recommendations, as well as the consensus options that emerged from its report, will be the starting point for the new group's efforts.
Crews from Fort Wayne City Utilities are expected to be at scene of a water main break on South Hanna Street most of the day. Water service for customers on Hanna between East Pontiac Street and Eckart Street has been restored.
Motorists should find an alternate route between the 2700 and 3900 block of South Hanna Street.
Today Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Department Director Al Moll announced the opening of a very unique exhibit at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. “Downtown Landmarks” features a collection of highly detailed scale models of historically and architecturally significant downtown buildings. Set among nearly 2,000 gorgeous poinsettia plants, the exhibit represents a new collaborative approach to exhibit design.
Moll explained, “our partnership with local design firms has allowed the Conservatory to really ramp up the excitement surrounding our showcase garden. Downtown Landmarks features art, history, horticulture, and entertainment. Each design firm adopted a structure which they consider to be significant to the current or past downtown landscape.” Companies providing design, curatorial, and fabrication services include:
Design Collaborative, Inc. ' Ron Dick, Principal ' The Lincoln Tower
Martin-Riley Architects, Engineers ' John Riley, Partner ' The Baker Street Train Station
Moake Park Group, Inc. ' Dick Moake, Owner -- The Keenan Hotel
MSKTD & Associates, Inc. ' Jim Kratzat, President ' The Embassy
According to Moll, the Conservatory's goals in creating the exhibit are to:
educate the public on the history of downtown Fort Wayne
provide an aesthetically enjoyable horticultural exhibit
encourage discussion on urban planning and the urban lifestyle of the past and future
share the unique artistic expression present in each building model
evoke fond memories of downtown
capture the imagination of younger visitors
create an attractive and intriguing atmosphere
showcase the design sponsors and highlight the unique cooperative partnership necessary to move this exhibit from concept to reality.
There several activities planned in the future to highlight the exhibit and provide fun and educational opportunities for visitors:
Holiday Kick-Off Party
Wednesday, November 25, 5-9 pm
Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, make a card for a service person, meet Mrs. Claus and let us give you a photo with Santa. You can also meet Becka and Teeka, two live reindeer that know all about the North Pole. Don't forget to participate in the Fort Wayne Downtown Lighting Ceremony before or after your visit to our holiday garden and displays. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply. No reservations required. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM.
Piñata Paradise
November 14-December 6
Piñatas are a traditional part of Mexican Christmas celebrations. Enjoy our creative display in the Desert Garden, designed and decorated by area children. At the end of the display the candy-filled creations are donated to local children's agencies for their holiday celebrations.
Nights of Lights
Thursdays and Fridays in December
Thursday and Fridays in December; the facility will remain open until 8:00 ' as a special added bonus Thursday evenings will feature free make-it/take-it holiday crafts and a spectacular music and light show will add a magical glow to the terrace garden.
Three Faces of St. Paul's
December 19-January 31
One well-known downtown landmark in this “City of Churches” is St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran. As the congregation approaches its 175th anniversary, we celebrate a remarkable story of genesis, destruction, rebuilding, and a very special Christmas, as told through a set of detailed models and the history they record.
Art Exhibits
December 1-December 29
Greg Becker - Acrylic paintings
Greg's passion for art has been with him since his beginnings in a one-stoplight rural Indiana town. After high school, Greg completed a Commercial Art degree with a Fine Arts minor at the University of Saint Francis. He and his wife Jennifer live in Fort Wayne where he is an Art Director.
George Mundell - Photography
George bought his first camera and some books on photography in 1973. He discovered that photography is more than pushing a button; it's part science and part art. His subject matter varies in matter and location and he enjoys the creative side of photography the most.
Greg Mendez - Metal Sculpture
Continue your garden visit into the crisp outdoors beyond the Desert House and you will discover an exhibit of life-size sculpted figures. Individually, the sculptures exemplify the capability of human movement and raw emotion. As a whole the exhibit is designed to provoke and inspire the viewer to interpret his own scene or story. Greg Mendez is a graduate of the University of Saint Francis where he studied Fine Art with a concentration in sculpture.
Stories from the Conductor
Saturday, November 28, 10 am-2 pm
For about 100 years, Fort Wayne history -- and in fact U.S. history -- was closely linked to its railroads. Visit the Conservatory's Downtown Landmarks exhibit this Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy Mr. Conductor's lively first-person interpretation as he shares train legends and lore in costume with our guests. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply.
Santa & the Reindeer
Saturdays, December 5, 12, & 19
12-4 pm
Santa and two of his reindeer will be on site to greet the children while Mom and Dad take pictures to capture the moment. Explore the Conservatory in its holiday glory ' this year's theme is “Downtown Landmarks”. Enjoy scale models of buildings past and present such as the Baker Street Train Station, the Lincoln Tower, and the Keenan Hotel. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply.
Build a City interactive exhibit
January 5-31
Get hands-on with downtown landmarks, and bring the kids to build their own version of a livable city. Our classroom will be converted to a play room, where different kinds of blocks and construction toys can be arranged on street grids in endless combinations of office buildings, homes, stores, parks, and city service facilities amidst public roads, railroads, and bike paths. Drop-in visitors work cooperatively to try out different visions, changing daily. Tips about city planning offer insight into the challenging work of city officials. Interactive exhibit, open during public hours.
Origami Architecture exhibit
February 2-28
Become acquainted with architectural styles through this collection of fascinating paper models. Using pop-up book techniques, an origamic architect can design a template which, when cut and folded, reveals the stark but intriguing form of a familiar landmark or architectural icon.
Science Fun for Everyone
Reindeer Aerodynamics
December 5 & 19, 11 am & 2 pm
Have you ever wondered what it would take to really get Rudolph off the ground? Working with the four forces of flight, different types of propulsion and parabolic trajectories we might not get our little stuffed reindeer around the world, but we'll at least get him across the room.
Science Fun for Everyone
Buildings and Structures
January 16 & 30, 11 am & 2 pm; January 21, 6 pm
Have you ever wondered why skyscrapers don't fall over in a strong wind, or how a few thin cables can hold up a bridge? Join us as we explore what helps structures stand up and why some come crashing down. You will even get the chance to build and test your own structure.
Indoor Guide to Downtown Architecture
The city of Fort Wayne is home to a rich and varied architectural history, ranging from 18th century log cabins to the modern skyscrapers of today. Angie Quinn, the Executive Director of ARCH, will introduce you to some of the most notable structures and styles using both an extensive set of photos and slides and the architectural models on display in the Botanical Conservatory's Downtown Landmarks showcase exhibit. Age: 16-adult. Registration deadline: Feb. 12; fee $11, $9 for members.
Origami Architecture
Imagine “origami crane meets pop-up card.” Origami is not just cranes and boats ' origamic principles can be applied to architectural forms with remarkably sophisticated results. With a little careful cutting and folding, participants can produce a 90-degree-view structure out of a single piece of cardstock. Participants will be introduced to the resources and techniques used to craft the structures on display in the Discovery Gallery and will have the chance to cut and fold their own simple structure. Kit included; a steady hand is essential for use of the sharp knife. Age: 18+. Registration deadline: Feb. 5; fee $15, $13 for members
Quick Facts
Exhibit Title: Downtown Landmarks
Location: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Dates of Exhibit: Daily through April 4, 2010
Sponsors: PBS39, Magic 95.1, The Wilson Foundation
For More Information Contact: Mitch Sheppard, 260/427-6441
Two blocks feature 45 trees, new sidewalks with brick insets, southbound traffic between Berry and Washington
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry became the first person today to drive south on the two blocks of Calhoun Street between Berry Street and Washington Boulevard, following the completion of the Calhoun Street improvement project.
“I have been a supporter of two-way Calhoun since I took office, and I am honored to be the first of many to drive south on these blocks,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This project is critical to improve downtown traffic circulation, and the improvements we made will foster the kind of retail business development Fort Wayne residents want to see in the heart of their city. I appreciate the patience of drivers, pedestrians and business owners on Calhoun Street as we constructed these improvements.”
Started in August, the project included the addition of delivery lanes in both blocks, a southbound travel lane, turn lanes at the intersections and 45 4-inch caliber trees approximately 20-foot tall in shared soil vaults for improved tree health and lifespan. The design widened the useable sidewalks on both sides of the street. The project will also improve access to Calhoun Street south of downtown.
Two-way Calhoun continues design elements found in other downtown corridors with brick paver insets in the new sidewalks, LED paver lights and historically styled streetlights and poles.
“It was important to preserve the integrity of Calhoun as we made these improvements. We knew these two blocks are a vital part of the downtown experience, and we spent many hours planning the design elements and working with downtown stakeholders to make sure the street remained a unique part of the community,” said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy. “I am sure drivers will find this change welcome as they navigate downtown, yet pedestrians will also appreciate the wide sidewalks and improved street lighting.”
In 2006, City Council approved plans to convert the one-way section of Calhoun Street to two-way traffic after a study found a need for improved traffic circulation following the closure of Harrison Street for the Grand Wayne Center expansion and Webster Street in front of the expanded Allen County Public Library earlier this decade.
“Converting Calhoun back to a two-way traffic pattern has been in the planning stages for some time,” said Community Development Director John Urbahns. “As we designed the project, Community Development and Public Works listened to the property owners, both in this two-block area and farther south, and we considered how best to support the downtown business district to fit our commitment to multi-modal transportation. We believe we achieved a design that offers both efficiency and aesthetic attractiveness. We know this change adds to the resurgence of energy and momentum in our downtown.”
Bike racks, street furniture and about 60 cast-stone planters, matching those on the Washington-Jefferson block, will be installed in the coming months. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will maintain the planters. The City will invite downtown stakeholders and other interested parties to attend a presentation to help create the final plan for additional features on the new two-way Calhoun.
The completion of the project has also garnered support from the Downtown Improvement District.
“The Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District welcomes the reopening of Calhoun Street, traditionally one of downtown Fort Wayne's most pedestrian-friendly as well as commerce-oriented corridors,” said Rich Davis, DID president. “We commend the planners, engineers and contractors for their sensitivity to the needs of local businesses during the construction phase and look forward to working with the City to make this street not only a pleasant year-round thoroughfare but also one of downtown's preferred destinations.”
The City's Public Works and Community Development divisions in cooperation with Bonar Group and Design Collaborative designed the project. Hipskind Concrete was the lead contractor.
The project cost about $1.1 million, funded through the 2009 CEDIT bond.
Thank you for coming. My challenge every day as Mayor, as an elected official, is to make life better for our citizens and to strengthen our community. That has been my sole motivation as we have explored the issue of City-County co-location. I believe my fellow Allen County and Fort Wayne elected officials share that commitment.
Last Thursday, with the vote of the Allen County Council, I sincerely believed that the dream of a joint solution to City and County building and space needs had faded.
Dreams do die, you know. Sound ideas, good plans, even our principles can die if our commitment to them is not there, if we don't work to advance them and if local leaders don't step up. But I am an optimist by nature.
Throughout the discouraging moments, my determination to building a more responsive and effective local government has never wavered. My desire for greater cooperation and collaboration between the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County has remained as strong as ever. We are one community. My resolve is driven by our mutual need to find community-based solutions that will save money, ensure the delivery of high-quality services to every citizen, help us weather the difficult times and thrive for generations to come.
Since my comments last Thursday, many in this community have spoken out. Elected officials, business and neighborhood leaders, people on the street, and even members of the media, have sent encouraging signals that they too believe that the goal of a common solution and greater collaboration is one that deserves our continuing effort. I agree.
I am convinced the City-County Building and 200 East Berry Street represent a one-of-a-kind opportunity to better serve the public and make the best use of our resources. I believe a unified solution will spur greater cooperation and cost savings, to the benefit of all taxpayers and residents. I am confident we can find that answer, one that will reaffirm our sense of community, even as it creates lasting value.
I'm here today to tell you that I am not done. I am not giving up. I still believe that local government can create a joint platform on which to build for the future. Today I am inviting City and County elected officials to join again in this effort.
To that end, I am calling for the formation of a task force that gives voice to all local elected decision-making bodies on this issue. This is the time for all of us to come together. It has been the missing ingredient to date.
The task force's composition: three Allen County Council members, three Fort Wayne City Council member, all three Allen County Commissioners and myself, as Mayor. This puts every decision-making group at the table, precisely where they need to be.
John Stafford, Director of IPFW's Community Research Institute and the able leader of City-County Facilities Working Group, has agreed to continue his efforts on this important community issue by moderating the task force. The working group model and its guiding principles will serve as the template for the task force.
I also recommend that the task force build on the solid foundation, the guiding principles and recommendations of that group. The consensus options that emerged from its recent report can serve as the starting point for the task force.
Let us seize this moment to move forward. Let us use this time wisely to envision together the common future we all will share. Let's not allow this moment to pass. Let's join together now to chart a new course that demonstrates powerfully that working together we are stronger, more resourceful and better able to serve this great community.
Thank you.
Fort Wayne City Utilities is calling on its customers to “Cease the Grease” this holiday season. Many households do more cooking for family gatherings and other events during the holidays. City Utilities is asking that we make an effort to avoid sending fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the drain.
Some residents make the mistake of pouring cooking oils and grease down the kitchen sink or flushing it down the toilet. This is especially true during the holiday season when families may be frying turkeys or preparing other traditional foods that contain large amounts of FOGs.
“City Utilities spends more than an half million dollars a year cleaning grease out of our sewer lines,” says John Clark, City Utilities Deputy Director for Capital Asset Management. “When grease gets into the sewers it can harden and build up and can cause blockages in public sewer lines and even in home plumbing. Grease blockages can cause sewage to backup in homes and neighborhoods. These backups are unpleasant to deal with, smelly and can damage the environment. Ultimately damage caused by blocked pipes can inconvenience motorists if sewer must be dug up and repaired. It's better to keep the grease out of sewers in the first place.”
Although the terms “oil” and “grease” are often used interchangeably, they are different substances. rease is typically a solid white residue left in a pan after frying bacon or cooking other meats. Oil, such as vegetable oil, is typically a liquid at room temperature.
The popular trend of frying a whole turkey in an outdoor fryer for Thanksgiving can result in about 20 gallons of used cooking oil. If you are frying a turkey, City Utilities suggests letting the oil cool then putting it back into the container in which it was purchased. The oil can be refrigerated and reused, or the container can be sealed and placed in the trash for collection.
Fryer oil is not the only source of increased FOG going to sewers during the holidays. Many pre-prepared foods and food mixes contain some kind of fat, oil or grease. Salad dressings, butter, dairy products, even baked goods contain FOG. To keep FOG out of sewers, City Utilities suggests scraping all food scraps from pots, pans, cooking utensils and dishes into the trash before washing or rinsing dishes.
Construction finishing today, two-way traffic to start as part of 11:30 news conference
Calhoun Street between Berry Street and Washington Boulevard is scheduled to reopen to two-way traffic between 11:30 and noon Tuesday.
The contractor is adding pavement markings today.
Started in August, the project included the addition of delivery lanes in both blocks, a southbound travel lane, turn lanes at the intersections and 45 4-inch caliber trees approximately 20-foot tall in shared soil vaults for improved tree health and lifespan. The design widened the useable sidewalks on both sides of the street. The project will also improve access to Calhoun Street south of downtown.
City Council in 2006 approved plans to convert the one-way section of Calhoun Street to two-way traffic after a study found a need for improved traffic circulation following the closure of Harrison Street for the Grand Wayne Center expansion and Webster Street in front of the expanded Allen County Public Library earlier this decade.
Project Boosts Economy - Hires Local Workers
New trees, a new turn lane, and a new sidewalk are part of the facelift of Wayne Trace between Oxford Street and McKee Street.
This important corridor has many improvements that will strengthen the neighborhood.
“Certainly the trees, sidewalk and turn lane are what people will notice, but the new stormwater pipes, drains and gutters, and the lowering of the road for drainage will greatly enhance the businesses and residences in the neighborhood,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
For years the industrial parking lots along Wayne Trace retained water after a storm because the road was higher than the lots. Now the road has been lowered and new stormwater pipes, drains and gutters are in place to better manage stormwater.
The grade of pavement has been upgraded to meet the standards of the many industrial vehicles that access the area and a center turn lane and traffic signal upgrades have been added to improve traffic flow and safety.
The project also made safety improvements for pedestrians. A new sidewalk was added on the east side of the roadway. Aesthetically, the neighborhood is improved with landscaping and the addition of 58 trees.
Creating Jobs
80 percent of the funding for the $2.5 million worth of improvements came from Federal funds. The City's portion was $600,004. It represents a tremendous return on investment for the City as $370,000 came back into the community in the form of salaries and wages for 46 workers during the four month construction project.
“What is always great about these projects is that not only are we improving and strengthening neighborhoods, but we are creating jobs and helping the economy. The money paid in salaries will be turned over again in the community as those workers spend in our stores and restaurants,” said Mayor Henry.
Beaten Path
Wayne Trace has a long history in Fort Wayne. It was once a trail used by Native Americans, and then a route used by General “Mad” Anthony Wayne and the American military in the 1790's. In the 1850's the area was paralleled by the railroad and industry grew. Wayne Trace was an import road to the area's first industrial park in the 1920's, anchored by companies such as International Truck, Rea, and Phelps Dodge.
Neighbors and Trees Benefit
The City of Fort Wayne is testing new sidewalk material made from recycled rubber tires and plastics, such as milk jugs. The innovative move brings a safer path for neighbors, allows tree roots to breathe and expand and saves costs to the City.
88 square yards of the Terrewalk pavers will be used around trees in a new five block sidewalk located between Vance Avenue and St. Joe River Drive on Parnell Avenue.
For residents in the area the new sidewalk is a welcome site, they've had no sidewalk and have had to walk in the street. It's a safer path for neighbors and those students who walk to nearby North Side High School.
“The new sidewalk is definitely needed and will improve safety for walkers. It's a tremendous asset for the neighborhood. For the environment, the fact that the pavers are made of recycled material is a big plus. Reusing what we've discarded is a sound principle and that reduces our carbon footprint. We have to continue to look for more of these types of efforts in the future,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Traditional concrete sidewalks are thicker and are poured deeper into the ground. They often impede root systems and cause the roots to push through the concrete causing the sidewalks to buckle and making them uneven and difficult to walk on.
Terrewalks are about two inches thick and do not go down as far as a poured concrete sidewalk. This allows mature trees, like those on Parnell, to have more room for their root systems.
“Terrewalks give the mature trees a better chance to thrive and extend their useful lives. Trees are important to a neighborhood. They help reduce stormwater runoff, provide shading to reduce energy costs for residents, and raise real estate values,” said Chad Tinkel, Arborist - City of Fort Wayne.
The cost of the project was just over $152,000. It's believed that the durability and longevity of the Terrewalks will save us money down the road.
“We believe the pavers will be cost effective because with current concrete sidewalks anytime we have a repair, it can be expensive as we have to tear up the entire sidewalk. With the pavers we'll be able to lift one to trim the roots and then put the paver back in place,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works.
The Terrewalks pavers weigh about 36 pounds and come in a 2 x 2.5 foot panel. The sidewalk is formed by interlocking the pavers which is able to support about 3000 pounds. Because of the recycled material used, they are softer than concrete walks.
Fort Wayne is one of 35 communities around the country that has tried this innovative Terrewalk. The City will still use concrete for sidewalks but the pavers will be considered for specialized settings in the future.
The dream of a joint solution to City of Fort Wayne and Allen County space needs through co-location just died today. I believed a joint solution was achievable and did everything in my power to realize that dream. The County Commissioners indicated the same. Allen County Council seemed to say that they thought the idea had merit, but in the end, they did not support it with the resources to make it happen. It was their decision and I respect that. Today the exploration of a City-County co-location approach ends. But when one door closes, another opens, and for the City of Fort Wayne that door leads to 200 East Berry Street. We will begin immediately to make plans for the new City Hall we announced in June of this year. The heart of that decision was about getting the most out of every taxpayer dollar and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services to every citizen. This is a decision that will help us do both, now and long into the future. Consolidating operations will save money and increase efficiencies.
Businesses, schools, homes to have Safe Haven decal in window to indicate where children in danger can go
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined representatives from the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants today to announce the new Safe Haven program where children in unsafe situations can take refuge.
The Mayor gathered in front of the home of Harrison Hill Neighborhood Association President Jan Davis and her husband, Jim Davis, as the first home to participate in the program.
“I have championed the idea of a 'safe home' program for Fort Wayne since before I took office,” Mayor Henry said. “I would like to thank the Police Department, Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Mad Ants for stepping up to make this program a reality and giving our city's children the opportunity to stay safe, both through knowledge and Safe Haven locations.”
The Safe Haven program, consisting of background-checked businesses, homes and schools, is an extension of the Police Department's Mad Ants Safety Awareness Program that teaches elementary students in Fort Wayne Community Schools about safety concerns children may face in person and online.
“Making sure children are safe in and out of school is a critical component of ensuring they are academically successful,” FWCS Security Director John H. Weicker said. “We are happy to be a part of this partnership that teaches students how to keep themselves safe and gives them a secure place to go in their neighborhood when they feel threatened.”
Participating homes and businesses will have the Safe Haven decal displayed in their front windows. The businesses and residents will go through the necessary background check before being accepted into the program.
“The Mad Ants are proud to join with the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and the City of Fort Wayne to offer the FWPD - Mad Ants Safety Awareness Program, which is being made possible with the generous support of ITT Corporation and Comcast,” said Jeff Potter, Mad Ants president. “This great program continues the hard work of the Police Department and FWCS in their efforts to make this community safer for our kids. With the Safe Haven network and the safety awareness school programs, we hope to provide kids with the information and resources to lead a safe, productive life here in Fort Wayne.”
The program organizers would like to see homes and businesses throughout Fort Wayne participating in the program. Businesses and residents located in the city who want to be part of the Safe Haven network need to call Jeff Johnson at 469-4667x110.
“Regardless whether residential or business environments, our children are within these communities daily and to know that our residents as well our businesses are to be part of this Safe Haven initiative speaks volumes to our continued efforts in assuring the safety of Fort Wayne's children,” said Police Chief Rusty York. “I look forward to seeing these Safe Haven decals in the windows of homes and businesses in all corners of Fort Wayne.”
The program sponsors are the Fort Wayne Police Department, Mad Ants, ITT, Comcast and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
HUD APPROVES EXTENSION TO ALLOW MORE FAMILIES TO BE ASSISTED
Mayor Tom Henry joined representatives from the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health and the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation today to mark a milestone in their combined efforts to reduce lead paint hazards in homes. They were recognizing a home that had undergone lead hazard clearance work after two children who live there were found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood. A $1.89 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was awarded to the collaborative to address the issue of lead hazards in homes.
Recently, the group finished clearing its100th house of lead paint hazards. Most homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. Lead-based paint is more common and was used more extensively in homes built before 1950. Much of Fort Wayne's housing stock falls into this age. Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't always see, can both be serious health hazards. The health concern is mainly for children under 7, whose brains are still developing and are particularly susceptible to long-term health issues if the exposure continues. They are identified through blood tests which can show elevated levels of lead.
“All parents want to keep their children safe and healthy,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “In our city, many families live in older houses that may have some of these hidden dangers, like lead-based paint. We need to help address this danger to help protect the children who live in or visit these homes.”
A child is identified as “lead poisoned” by a physician or through community outreach efforts by Allen County Healthy Homes Program, which is co-sponsored by the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and the Fort Wayne 'Allen County Department of Health.
“Children's bodies take in lead more easily, and even a small amount of lead can cause irreversible brain damage and lead to behavior problems,” says Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan. “Unfortunately, a child who is lead poisoned may not look or feel sick. The only way to know for sure is to have the child tested.”
When a child has been identified as being “lead poisoned,” their home is targeted for remediation. The remediation may consist of removing deteriorated segments of lead-based paint in a lead-safe manner, and repainting with lead-free paint. More severe cases may require more extensive remediation, such as replacing doors, windows or trim, or covering a contaminated surface with drywall and caulking it to ensure no dust escapes.
When the lead hazard control interventions are finished, a clearance test must determine if the home's clean up is now completed or if more work is needed before children can live there safely.
Rick and Dawn Mault and their two toddlers now live in a home that has been cleared of its lead-paint hazards. Their twin boys were tested by their family doctor during a regular checkup and one of them was identified as lead poisoned. Experts say if someone suspects their home has lead hazards, there are a few things they can do to reduce their family's risk:
'¢ Renters should notify landlords about any peeling or chipping paint
'¢ Clean up paint chips immediately in a lead-safe manner
'¢ Clean floors, window frames, window sills and other surfaces weekly (with warm water and a general, all-purpose cleaner)
'¢ Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces
'¢ Clean or remove shoes before entering the home to avoid tracking in lead from soil
'¢ Wash children's hands often and feed them foods high in vitamin C, iron and calcium
'¢ If the children are under the age of 7, have them tested for lead poisoning.
For more information on Lead Poisoning Prevention and how to create a Healthy Home Environment, consult the
www.allencounty-clpp.com or contact the hotline (260) 449-8600. A questionnaire helps parents of children aged 1 ' 6 determine if they need to consult with their physician. If you have additional questions, contact either the Department of Health or the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation which have staff available for group presentations or private consultations.
The grant is administered by the City of Fort Wayne's Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services (OHNS), which also administers several million dollars in grants from HUD to address housing and public service needs in the City. Not only is OHNS the fiscal agent for the grant, it provides staff and contractor expertise in performing housing rehabilitation to satisfy the requirements of the grant. Initially, the grant was expected to result in 150 more lead safe housing units in Fort Wayne over a 3-year period. Recently, the 100th housing unit was completed, and HUD granted the City a one year extension to meet the original plan.
The grant estimated $8,000 as the average cost per unit to address the lead hazards. In practice, and with changing legislative requirements, most units have required between $8,000 and $12,000 to address the need. In the Mault family's case, a few doors and windows were replaced and walls were painted in the dining room and basement to remove any lead paint hazards.
As parents will attest, the cost is not the most important aspect of the situation. “I feel so much better,” said Dawn Mault, homeowner of a newly-cleared house and mother of twin toddlers. “I was able to be educated by the health department and learn about lead poisoning. Initially I was very scared but I am so grateful that my house is now safe for my children to be in.”
40 Homes in Buyout Area
Homeowners along the frequently flooded Junk Ditch, will soon be able to cut their losses and move on. After sustaining repeated damages during past flooding events, 40 houses along Junk Ditch will be purchased and demolished, and the area turned into greenspace.
“I know a number of homeowners along the Junk Ditch are thrilled with this tremendous news. It's been my goal as mayor to do everything possible to protect homes from flooding and I share their joy,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Today, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security presented Fort Wayne with a ceremonial check for $1.5 million for flood mitigation along the Junk Ditch. The money represents the sum of two grants to purchase 40 homes in the area bordered by Taylor Street, Ardmore Avenue, Covington Road, and Freeman Street on the City's near southwest side.
The City worked closely with the Maumee River Basin Commission to submit the grant applications earlier this year. The dollar amount for this grant, $1.5 million, is the largest the City has ever received at one time.
"We are pleased with the work the City of Fort Wayne and the Maumee River Basin Commission has done... they are great partners to work with in mitigating for the homeowners of this area along the Junk Ditch. The City has worked diligently to move this process forward,” said Manuela Johnson, Director of the Mitigation Program for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
“The Maumee River Basin Commission is happy to be of assistance in working on this project with the City of Fort Wayne and promoting its commitment to flood mitigation efforts and reducing flood damages,” said Rod Renkenberger, Executive Director of the Maumee River Basin Commission.
The agreement is still being drafted, but it's expected that appraisals could begin by February with buyouts coming shortly thereafter.
The Junk Ditch is a tributary of the St. Marys. It often floods during heavy rains. An Army Corp of Engineers study determined permanent flood protection was not an option for this low lying area and the City has worked for years to find the funding to purchase homes. The City hopes to hear news on another grant application later this year which would cover 12 additional homes in the area.
Since the great flood of 1982 the City and the Maumee River Basin Commission has purchased more than 160 homes in flood prone areas.
Leaf pick-up continues in the northern part of the City Tuesday. Because of the large volume of leaves that fell in the last two weeks crews are still collecting leaves in the in the northern part of the City. Next week is set aside as a catch up week.
For daily updates of crew locations please check
cityoffortwayne.org/leaves2009
We will update the media before we move into the central part of the City.
Southtown Area Advisory Committee to advise Mayor Henry on how to increase private investment, jobs near Southtown Centre
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry continued the City's efforts to increase private investment, commercial development and jobs in the Southtown Centre area of southeast Fort Wayne with the formation of the Southtown Area Advisory Committee. Today the Mayor signed an executive order to create the group of more than a dozen business and community leaders appointed by the Mayor.
“This is a dynamic, action-oriented group of individuals committed to bringing more commercial development, job opportunities and economic success to the Southtown area,” said Mayor Henry. “I look forward to working with the committee and thank its members for their willingness to serve.”
The Southtown Area Advisory Committee includes representatives from the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Southside Business Group, private business owners, the Southeast Strategy Advisory Committee, key area churches and community leaders. Business owners Ted Williams and John Dortch are co-chairs of the committee. City Councilman Glynn Hines, 6th District, is also a member of the group.
“During my time on City Council, there has been considerable public and private investment in southeast Fort Wayne. However, we need to continue the momentum to make sure we explore every opportunity for continued growth,” said Councilman Hines. “Our goal is to produce measurable results that bring jobs and economic development to southeast Fort Wayne.”
The committee will serve as a sounding board for the City concerning potential development opportunities in the area. Members of the group will also serve as ambassadors to encourage additional private investment in the area.
“We have a number of people on this committee who are very successful doing business in southeast Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “By promoting this area to potential investors and sharing their stories, these entrepreneurs can help us attract new businesses and ultimately additional jobs to the Southtown area.”
One of the committee's key goals is to help to ensure the sustainability of the Regional Public Safety Academy located at Southtown Centre. Considering its potential to attract large groups for training and events, business leaders view the Academy as a catalyst for economic growth and jobs in the area.
The executive order authorizes the Southtown Area Advisory Committee to function for two years. At the end of that time, the Mayor will review the committee's results and can reauthorize it for another period. If after two years action to reauthorize the committee is not taken, it will expire.
Southtown Area Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ted Williams, McDonald's Restaurant
John Dortch, The Preston Joan Group
Committee Members:
Rick Bender, Wal-Mart South store manager
Mike Bynum, Southeast Strategy Advisory Committee
Pastor Wayne Feay, Fellowship Missionary Church
City Councilman Glynn Hines, 6th District
Charlie Hire, Hires Automotive Center, vice-president Southside Business Group
Lewis King, King's Barbershop, Southeast Strategy Advisory Committee
Mike Landram, interim president and CEO, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce
Michael Olson, Belmont Beverage
Pastor Anthony Payton, Come As You Are Community Church
Marge Wulliman, president, Southside Business Group
Fernando Zapari, El Mexicano newspaper
City of Fort Wayne staff:
Julie Sanchez, redevelopment specialist
Bernie Beier, Regional Public Safety Academy director
Voluntarily purchase homes in Junk Ditch
“The announcement of $1.5 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is great news for the City of Fort Wayne and residents in the Junk Ditch area. City staff in cooperation with the Maumee River Basin Commission worked closely with FEMA and IDHS staff to make this happen.
“This money will fund voluntary buy-outs of properties and continues my administration's goal of protecting and removing homes and families from Fort Wayne's floodplain. Homeowners in this area have experienced repeated flooding, and this grant will give them the opportunity to never have to worry about rising waters again.”
Project demonstrates continued commitment to neighborhoods, commercial corridors
Joined by Wells Street business owners, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today cut the ribbon between new bollards for additional pedestrian safety to mark the completion of improvements to Wells Street between the old Wells Street bridge and Huffman Street.
“Cutting the ribbon today on the Wells Street streetscape improvement project shows commitment to Fort Wayne's commercial corridors, which are often anchors for some of the city's oldest, most historic neighborhoods,” Mayor Henry said. “The improvements here are for everyone: pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, property owners and business patrons. The Wells Street business district has recently seen remarkable investment from both private business owners and the public sector. Streetscape improvements can only enhance the experience for anyone who visits this key location that's immediately north of downtown.”
Balancing the needs of vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, this streetscape improvement project added new sidewalks, several bump-out areas for improved pedestrian safety, gateway markers and fixed banner signs, benches, bollards, bike racks and brick-paver inserts in the sidewalk. The contractor also milled and resurfaced the roadway pavement.
In 2007 members of the Wells Corridor Business Association worked with the Fort Wayne chapter of the American Institute of Architects to hold a workshop about potential for streetscape improvements that would create a visual identity for Fort Wayne's second oldest business district while also improving safety for pedestrians.
Building on momentum from the AIA charette, two local firms, LandPlan Group and E-Tech, worked with the City's Public Works and Community Development divisions and business and property owners along Wells Street to design this context-sensitive project.
Context-sensitive streets balance safety and mobility for all transportation modes. The resulting comprehensive design responds to the demand of multiple modes of travel: motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and mass transit. It also considers adjacent land uses, local densities and nearby destinations.
“Once again, here on Wells Street, we are seeing how ideas and concepts of Fort Wayne residents can become reality through effective urban planning,” said Community Development Director John Urbahns. “The City believes in engaging the public in planning to help create actual, tangible results that produce further opportunities for private investment and thriving neighborhoods.”
Since 2006, the Wells Street corridor has seen substantial private investment including Richard's Bakery, Sloan Funeral Home, Don Chavez, and Pepsi Co., plus Hyde Bros. Booksellers and G.I. Joe's participated in the City's 2009 Commercial Façade Grant program.
“The City's investment in Fort Wayne's second oldest business district has brought back safe pedestrian connectivity in a beautiful streetscape that resembles the historic Wells Street pedestrian bridge,” said Judi Wire, president of the Wells Corridor Business Association and owner of Great Panes Glass Co. “This inviting atmosphere will help promote continued reinvestment on this corridor and links us to the revitalization efforts happening downtown.”
The City funded the $792,000 project with a $550,000 federal Community Development Block Grant, $49,000 of City Council CEDIT contributions and about $200,000 from the 2009 CEDIT bond.
New Life for Historic Passageway
A historic transportation corridor that has evolved with the City is beginning a new era. The City is putting the finishing touches on a four mile stretch of the Towpath Trail to be used by bikers, joggers, and walkers.
“Connecting neighborhoods, in a way we live today, is critical to the quality of life for any community. The Towpath Trail continues Fort Wayne's commitment to stronger neighborhoods by creating safe pathways that tie neighborhoods together,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The four mile stretch of the Towpath Trail will connect several neighborhoods, schools and apartment complexes to the trail system. It begins at Rockhill Park and winds southwest to the Eagle Marsh Wetlands on Engle Road. It has a unique feature of two pedestrian bridges along the path. Trail users can now go from Engle Road to New Haven on the trail network.
The Towpath Trail is historically significant to Fort Wayne. The area was once a part of the Wabash & Eric Canal, a critical trade route that was a key to the City's success in the early days. Its name comes from the old Wabash & Erie Canal “towpath”, which was the dirt “path” along the canal used by mules to “tow” boats.
Later the area was used as part of the Interurban Railroad system'¦ a line used to transport passengers between Fort Wayne and Huntington.
Today it is being used by health and nature enthusiasts and by people wanting safe connectivity to walk, jog, or bike through the City.
“We still have a few finishing touches to complete this four mile stretch, but most of the work is complete. It's exciting because once the County and Aboite New Trails complete the last mile and a-half of the Towpath from Engle Road to Lutheran Hospital, we'll have 49 miles of connected trail and users will be able to go from Aboite to New Haven without leaving the trail,” said Dawn Ritchie, City Greenways Manager.
Some of the Informational and directional signage and a 200-foot boardwalk will be completed on the trail next spring. The public can access this four mile portion of the Towpath Trail in two locations, Rockhill Park and Glendale Drive.
River Level Lower Next Week
The St. Joe River will be lowered next week so workers can remove the flashboards at the St. Joe dam.
Beginning Saturday, October 31, 2009 at midnight the river north of the dam will be lowered to allow the spillway to dry so workers can remove the flashboards. Monday, November 2, 2009, weather permitting, workers will remove the flashboards.
Flashboards are placed at the dam each spring in order to increase the amount of water in the river just upstream of the dam. This is done to ensure that the City has an adequate supply of water during the dry summer months. Once the flashboards are removed the river level north of the dam will return to its typical fall level.
Proposal creates governance structure for consolidated 911 center to improve public safety
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is working with the Allen County Commissioners to create a consolidated City-County 911 call center. Henry encourages the County Commissioners to support the proposed interlocal agreement, which will be up for a formal vote during the Commission's regular meeting Friday.
The three-year interlocal agreement establishes a joint partnership with a cost-sharing structure representative of the volume of calls from the respective areas. It sets up an operations board with three members appointed by the Mayor and three by the County Commissioners. A seventh member is jointly selected by the other six.
Mayor Henry looks forward to working with the County Commissioners, County Council and City Council as the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County move forward with creating a consolidated 911 call center.
“The proposed interlocal agreement puts together a governance structure for a combined Consolidated Communications Partnership that works for city and county residents and their respective public safety agencies,” Mayor Henry said. “I can't begin to tell you how many people have asked me why we have two separate centers separated by a glass wall. This agreement will bring down that wall and improve public safety for the citizens and taxpayers of the City of Fort Wayne and the County of Allen.”
Under the proposal, the operations board will be responsible for selecting the agency's executive director. The City's controller will handle the accounting for the partnership. The executive director will compile an annual benchmarking report that will cover at minimum: number of calls received, number of runs dispatched, speed of response and budgetary efficiencies. A cost-savings estimate has not been calculated for this proposal.
The plan calls for all current City and County dispatch center employees to become partnership employees. The operations board will select a benefit package equivalent to the City or County's. Existing employees will not suffer any reduction in pay or benefits.
“The state is going to require consolidation of E-911 centers by 2014. This proposal lets the City and the County do it on our own terms,” Mayor Henry said. “We have seen success when the City and the County work together ' such as the joint land use departments ' and I see no reason why a single emergency dispatch center won't see similar benefits for everyone involved.”
Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York and Fort Wayne Fire Chief Pete Kelly also support this proposal.
The agreement requires approval from the Mayor, City Council, Allen County Commission and County Council. A timeline for implementation will be established after approval.
Residents can contact 311 for bagged leaf pick-up in 2 business days
The City of Fort Wayne's leaf collection will start Oct. 26 in the central section as outlined on the leaf collection map.
Residents need to have all leaves to the parkstrip or curb by 7 a.m. Monday during that week's collection. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves, and cars should not be parked over the leaves. Leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up.
The south section is scheduled to start Nov. 2 and the north section Nov. 9.
Starting Oct. 26, residents who bagged their leaves in biodegradable bags can call 311 or 427-8311, one call to City Hall, to request priority pick-up within two business days. The City will also take online bagged leaf pick-up requests starting Monday by
clicking here .
Residents can
click here to view the daily schedule and leaf collection map. The site will be updated daily during the collection period with information about where crews will be on a particular day. The leaf pick-up hotline at 427-2302 will have daily updates.
The 2009 leaf pick-up will have two collections for each address.
The Street Department will be in the following sections for 2009:
'¢ Monday-Friday Central
'¢ Nov. 2-6 South
'¢ Nov. 9-13 North
'¢ Nov. 16-20 Central
'¢ Nov. 29- Dec 4 South
'¢ Dec. 7-11 North
The week of Nov. 23 to Nov. 27 will be used as a catch-up week due to any weather delays.
The intersection of Duck and Barr Streets will be closed for sewer repair work but customers should have no problem getting to area businesses. During the construction, Barr and Duck street will be closed to motorists but visitors will always have access to the four businesses in the immediate area, including: Don Hall's Gas House, Takaoka of Japan, Club Soda, and the Headwaters Park.
Work is underway on the repair of a 42” combined sewer pipe near the intersection of Duck and Barr Street. Crews are working to repair the brick pipe which collapsed earlier this year.
The pipe is used when it rains to transport overflow to the nearby St. Marys River. Temporary pumping systems were set up to relieve the situation during rain events until the repair work could be scheduled and completed.
The repairs are estimated to take approximately six weeks to complete.
For a PDF of the detour, click here: maumee_pathway_reroute.pdf
As the County continues reconstruction of the Coombs Street Bridge a portion of the Rivergreenway will be re-routed. Crews will replace a section of the Maumee Pathway where it crosses the bridge perpendicularly on the north side
Beginning Thursday October 22, 2009 the Maumee Pathway will be detoured from the intersection of Edgewater Avenue and Columbia Avenue to Tecumseh Street. The detour will utilize the sidewalk along the south side of Columbia Avenue.
The work is expected to take about three weeks.
New bike racks installed downtown, additional bike lanes to be added in spring
Standing in front of new lime-green bike racks on Wayne Street, Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the City of Fort Wayne is continuing its progress of making the community and especially downtown more bicycle friendly.
“The City in cooperation with the Bike Fort Wayne task force has been implementing ideas from the public input we received in the last year, and we are starting to see the results,” Mayor Henry said. “Downtown was the top destination people indicated they wanted to ride their bikes to, so we are continuing with ways to make it more friendly for those using two wheels.”
The City is installing 117 bike racks in downtown Fort Wayne with one of three designs:
'¢ 12-inch circle that frames a bicycle silhouette and mounts directly to parking meter posts
'¢ free-standing bollard that has a 12-inch ring to which bikes can be secured
'¢ standard inverted U rack
The racks will be located primarily along Wayne and Berry streets between Broadway and Barr Street, along Calhoun Street between Washington Boulevard and Berry, along Barr near the Barr Street Market, Headwaters Park, Freimann Square and Parkview Field.
A Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant from the Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council with a 20 percent match from the Community Development Division's portion of the CEDIT bond funds the $18,770 project. City Traffic Operations crews are installing the racks.
Bike lanes on Wayne, Berry, Rudisill
Earlier this summer, the City added a bike lane on Wayne Street between Ewing and Calhoun streets as part of a resurfacing project.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has approved American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding for the addition of bike lanes as part of pavement resurfacing for the remaining blocks of Wayne between Broadway and Coombs Street and Berry Street between that same stretch.
In addition, INDOT approved stimulus money for bike lanes and lane reconfiguration of Rudisill Boulevard from Anthony Boulevard to Old Mill Road. Between Anthony and Calhoun Street, the pavement will be resurfaced with the addition of bike lanes in both directions and reducing two through-lanes in either direction with one through lane each way and a turn lane throughout. From Calhoun to Old Mill, the existing pavement markings will be ground off to add bike lanes and the same three-lane configuration.
INDOT will let both projects Dec. 9 with construction expected next spring.
Reed Road Bike Route
The City's Traffic Operations crews will install custom-designed bike route signs starting this month along the previously announced Reed Road bike route that runs between at the Reed and Evard Road intersection and Tennessee Avenue at the Rivergreenway. For this route, vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. Pavement markings for the route will be added next spring.
For a map of this pilot project visit:
http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/speacial_features/reed_road_br.pdf
Update on Bike Fort Wayne plan
The City's Community Development Division is slated to have a draft of the Bike Fort Wayne plan finished this year and presented to City Council as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan in early 2010. With help and guidance from the Bike Fort Wayne Task Force, the plan will provide policy, program and project guidance to increase the use of bicycles as transportation in Fort Wayne.
The 10-year plan will cover a bikeway network that connects neighborhoods to destinations with a variety of infrastructure, legislative initiatives to expand bicycle transportation opportunities, and education and outreach to increase the number of people safely using bicycles. The task force is helping to write goals, objectives and strategies for each section.
2010 Bike Summit planning underway
The City of Fort Wayne's internal working group has started planning a second communitywide bike summit. It will be in the spring, but an exact date and location has not been determined.
“Last year's summit was remarkably well attended, so we have decided to bring back a version for 2010,” Mayor Henry said. “One of the strengths of our efforts to make Fort Wayne more bicycle friendly has been the plentiful public input and the ongoing interest people have had in the plan. We want to continue involving current and future cyclists in this process.”
Background on public input
Last year, the City of Fort Wayne received more than 4,000 responses to a print and online survey asking residents about their use of bicycles. Respondents overwhelmingly indicated they would like to ride their bikes to the places they would otherwise drive if better bicycle infrastructure existed.
In the spring, the City hosted a bike summit to get a better sense of where bicyclists currently and want to ride.
The survey showed the following:
'¢ 71 percent of respondents online road their bikes at least once a week during their riding season.
'¢ One in four online respondents use a bicycle to commute to work.
'¢ Concerns about safety from vehicles and drivers, lack of trails or bike lanes and natural conditions like weather and darkness are the top three reasons people said they do not ride more often.
'¢ Written survey respondents most frequently ride on residential streets, followed by greenway trails.
The complete results from the written and online surveys are available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/bikeusesurvey .
Competition demonstrates training, proficiency of City employees
Through a demonstration of proficiency and safety, three City of Fort Wayne Street Department employees won awards in the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program Transportation Expo and Snow Plow Rodeo held Sept. 23-24 at the former Grissom Air Force Base.
Representatives from LTAP visited Fort Wayne today to present these Street Department operators with the following awards:
1st place: Single-axel dump truck, Dave Yarman
1st place: Tandem-axel dump truck, Fred Waltenburg
2nd place: Front loader, Tim Schrader
The rodeo concluded the two-day session that also included classroom instruction and training for street and highway departments employees across the state. The timed skills test with a 20 mph speed limit puts the driver through an obstacle course that mimics snow-plowing conditions such as tight-turning radius, plowing along a curb, backing up and serpentine routes.
“Although the idea of a 'snow plow rodeo' in September sounds like a novelty, these awards demonstrate how our Street Department employees are well trained and demonstrate their proficiency and professionalism when tested,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Congratulations to Dave, Fred and Tim for their awards. Fort Wayne residents should feel confident that all Street Department operators are prepared to handle equipment safely and effectively. That translates into an efficient use of City resources.”
LTAP is a program of the Purdue Civil Engineering Department and the Federal Highway Administration. LTAP provides improved access to highway technology to local highway agencies to meet the growing demands placed on local roads, bridges and public transportation.
Program to be on satellite campus in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry congratulates the Manchester College Board of Trustees on its unanimous decision Saturday to start a doctorate of pharmacy program at a Fort Wayne satellite campus. The four-year program will enroll students starting in 2012. It will be the only pharmacy program in northern Indiana.
“The decision by Manchester College to start a PharmD program in Fort Wayne is a wonderful investment of financial and intellectual capital in our city,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “As the healthcare sector continues to grow in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, Manchester College's expansion of professional programs is going to be key in creating the highly skilled, highly educated workforce employers demand.”
Manchester College anticipates a total of 250 students plus 40 faculty and staff with many of them anticipated to live in Fort Wayne. Starting salaries for pharmacists often exceed $100,000 annually, and the demand for pharmacists is expected grow in the coming years. Fort Wayne's strong regional medical facilities make it likely that graduates will stay in the area, especially as the area of pharmacists working directly in hospitals continue to grow.
“We are ready to welcome the new faculty and students to Fort Wayne and look forward to seeing higher education grow in our city, which will ultimately benefit all of our residents,” Mayor Henry said.
To see the Manchester College news release, visit:
http://www.manchester.edu/OCA/PR/Files/News/PharmDecision101709.htm
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman recognizes City at Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance meeting
The City of Fort Wayne earned statewide recognition of its use of alternative and biofuels when it won the Indiana Department of Agriculture's Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award.
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented City Fleet Director Larry Campbell with the award Wednesday at the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance's 10-year anniversary luncheon at the Governor's Mansion in Indianapolis.
The City started using alternative fuels in 2005 with a blend of B20 biodiesel into the diesel fleet and began fueling what was 37 flex-fuel police vehicles at Lassus Bros.' Wallen Road location. Since then the City has used more than 180,000 gallons of biodiesel in blends from B2 to B20 and are on track to use over 50,000 gallons of biodiesel in 2009.
Mayor Tom Henry has expanded the City's commitment to alternative fuels with 379 vehicles that can use the E85 ethanol-gasoline blend. Fort Wayne is one of nine partners in the CICCA and Office of Energy Development Clean Cities Grant application funded from the American Reinvestment and Recover Act to add three additional E85 stations in Fort Wayne and a $2,000 reimbursement for each purchase of hybrid vehicles, up to $18,000.
“The use of biofuels creates a win-win for Fort Wayne and Indiana,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “Renewable fuels and hybrid vehicles are the future of energy use yet the City is doing it right now and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Indiana is also a leading producer of corn and soybeans, which is used to produce ethanol and biodiesel, so we are supporting Hoosier farmers too.”
The Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award is named after Indianapolis Racing League driver and biofuel advocate Paul Dana, who was killed in a car-racing accident in 2006.
Good afternoon, Chairman Kenley, Chairman Crawford and members of the Gaming Study Committee. Thank you for the chance to speak to you today. As Mayor of the City of Fort Wayne and on behalf of its citizens, I commend you for your leadership on the issue of
gaming in Indiana.
I am here today in search of opportunity ' the opportunity for new jobs and economic growth. I am here to ask for your recommendation to the Indiana General Assembly in support of a referendum on legalized casino gaming for the people of Fort Wayne.
I am committed to securing a referendum that will allow Fort Wayne residents to make their own decision about gaming ' to choose for themselves what is beneficial for our community and what opportunities they want to explore.
I believe an opportunity that can strengthen the economy of Fort Wayne, our region and state, that can bring new jobs, high-quality investment and development, and significant new revenue every year into our community, is one that deserves serious consideration.
If upon your recommendation the General Assembly enacts legislation allowing a referendum on legalized casino gaming in Fort Wayne, if our community chooses to support gaming, and if a development meets our conditions, I will pursue it.
As Mayor, I am committed to creating opportunity for all our citizens and making sure that Fort Wayne has every chance to thrive. In these difficult economic times, I believe that we must find new ways to grow jobs and build a more attractive and competitive city and region.
But more than anything else, I want the people of Fort Wayne to have the chance to decide for themselves on this important issue.
Indiana recently marked the 20th anniversary of the lottery. In the two decades that have followed its introduction, legalized gaming has grown substantially in Indiana. In fiscal year 2009, gaming tax revenue totaled nearly $1.1 billion dollars ' that includes revenues from the lottery and the many other forms of legalized gaming that exist in our state. Today those options include lottery games, riverboat casinos, racinos, horse racing, pull-tabs, charity bingos and charity casinos.
Gaming is already a reality in Fort Wayne. In fact, it permeates the community. Please allow me to share a map that better makes this statement. Thanks to the Hoosier Lottery, off-track betting, pull-tabs in bars and taverns, and a number of charity bingos and charity casinos operating at present, legalized gaming already exists in 336 venues in Fort Wayne. Except for the lottery, all of those opportunities came to pass without a referendum.
As the second largest metropolitan area in the state of Indiana without a casino, Fort Wayne has not been a full beneficiary of the potential financial benefits of casino revenues. As Mayor, my first responsibility is to the citizens of Fort Wayne and the city's economic health. In these challenging times, I am committed to exploring opportunities for all our citizens and helping to position Fort Wayne for a future of growth and prosperity. If a casino in Fort Wayne represents the potential for new jobs, high-quality investment and significant new revenue, it is an opportunity that the citizens of Fort Wayne should have the right to consider.
The exploration of gaming and the request for a referendum is not a decision that my administration has come to lightly. We have commissioned studies, we have investigated the impact on other communities in Indiana, and we have looked at how the other communities have integrated gaming into their agendas, goals and operations. We have examined whether and how there have been positive impacts on those communities. Having studied the issue thoroughly, I am convinced now is the time for Fort Wayne to have this debate.
In a recent poll, Fort Wayne voters were asked who should decide whether legalized gaming comes to our city. Their choice was clear and overwhelming: 89 percent of those surveyed believe Fort Wayne voters should decide.
When asked whether a referendum to allow gaming in Fort Wayne should be put on the ballot, 82 percent said yes. Only 13 percent said no.
In short, Fort Wayne voters believe that they should decide the future of legalized gaming in Fort Wayne, and they want to see a referendum on the ballot.
I respect the fact that there are diverse opinions on the issue of gaming. That's why I believe it is important for the citizens of Fort Wayne to have the right to decide what opportunities they want to explore.
On an issue of this magnitude, the public should be allowed to speak. To be able to choose our own destiny is a founding American principle. I trust the judgment of the people of Fort Wayne. I ask that you support legislation that would permit a referendum on the issue of gaming so that the citizens of Fort Wayne may voice their own decision.
Thank you very much for the invitation to present testimony here today. At this time, I am happy to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you again.
Informal session will allow opportunity for citizen comment about organization of offices
The public is invited to weigh in on the anticipated moves of City and County government offices within the City-County Building and 200 E. Berry St. The public forum on space use will be held on Monday, October 19, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building.
John Stafford, Director of IPFW's Community Research Institute and leader of the facilities working group that helped the City and County identify potential alternatives for using the two buildings, will facilitate Monday's meeting.
“City and County officials have been doing a lot of research and talking, but it will ultimately be Fort Wayne and Allen County residents who use these offices and facilities,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “As we continue to evaluate what departments should be located where, it is important we hear from the public about their preferences in this reorganization of the location of key local government services.”
The informal session will include a presentation about the proposals, a brief written survey and the opportunity to comment about what City and County departments seem logical to place together.
"During this time of mediation, when the City of Fort Wayne remains committed to good faith negotiations, I&M's legal action today is discouraging.
"No one is more invested in fairly settling the issues between the City and I&M than I am. My team and I are absolutely committed to the mediation process and look forward to future discussions with I&M despite the announcement today.
"More than ever, I am determined to seek an outcome that is in the best interests of our community, one that fairly values the privilege of serving Fort Wayne electric utility customers, and that also protects ratepayers.
"The lease between the City and I&M ensures that there will be no interruption of service. To those who live within our electric utility's service boundaries, please know that your electric service will continue as usual. That is a promise.
"As we reflect on I&M's actions today, it is useful to remember why this issue is so important. The Fort Wayne electric utility is a unique and valuable asset that belongs to the people of this community. Serving its customers is a privilege that has significant worth. In these difficult economic times, I know every citizen is counting on me to safeguard this precious community asset and get the best deal possible."
I believe strongly that our electric utility: something so valuable, something that has been entrusted to me as Mayor, something that belongs to every Fort Wayne citizen, deserves to be protected. I am fighting for fairness and the rights of the people of Fort Wayne.
Two Pick-Ups Schedule for Each Neighborhood
Leaf pick-up in the City's 355 neighborhoods will begin later this month. The Street Department will collect leaves in two separate sweeps through each neighborhood. Crews will roll into the neighborhoods between October 26th and December 11, 2009. (see attached map)
Fort Wayne Leaf Pick-up 2009:
October 26-30 Central
November 2-6 South
November 9-13 North
November 16-20 Central
November 29- Dec 4 South
December 7-11 North
The week of November 23-27 will be used as a catch-up week due to any weather delays.
Leaf collection can occur on any day of the designated collection week. It is important for residents to have leaves ready for pick-up by 7:00am on Monday of their designated week. Crews cannot backtrack through neighborhoods.
Leaf collection is provided at the street only. Leaves are to be raked to the curb or park strip in front of the residence or placed in biodegradable bags for collection. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves, and cars should not be parked over the leaves.
Residents can visit the City's website at
www.cityoffortwayne.org to view the schedule for their neighborhood. The site will be updated daily during the collection period with the latest information about where crews will be on a particular day. Additionally, residents can call the leaf pick-up hotline, 427-2302 to get daily updates.
To schedule a pick-up with biodegradable bags, residents can call 3-1-1.
On October 13, 2009 the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department achieved reaccreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is one of only 88 park and recreation agencies in the country to currently hold national accreditation. This notable accomplishment was announced in Salt Lake City, UT at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2009 Congress and Exposition.
“We're very proud to once again reach this distinguished level of achievement,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Al Moll. “All of our Parks' employees should be commended for their dedication to not only maintaining this degree of excellence, but continuously striving to improve the park and recreation system. And, as always, we're extremely grateful for the support of the Mayor and the Park Board. ”
The process of reaccreditation is extensive and took several months to accomplish. After completing the application process, the agency developed a detailed self-assessment report followed by a visit to Fort Wayne by a team of experienced park and recreation professionals. Finally, a review was conducted by CAPRA and reaccreditation was formally conferred by the Commission on October 13, 2009.
Every five years, an accredited agency must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure continued compliance with the accreditation standards that have been established by the Commission. These standards represent all areas of operation for parks and recreation departments. National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to respond to 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient operations. To become accredited, agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 102 of the remaining standards.
The Commission is comprised of representatives from the National Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Managers Association, American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the Armed Forces Recreation Society, and the Council of State Executive Directors.
Plan holds 2010 service at 2009 rates; Proposes new bid process in 2010
The City of Fort Wayne has reached an agreement with National Serv-All to provide garbage and recycling collection services for 2010 at 2009 rates. National Serv-All's current four-year contract with the City expires December 31, 2009. The proposed one-year deal, which requires approval by the Board of Works, would freeze rates at current levels, and calls for monthly meetings to improve service.
“This agreement is in the best interests of Fort Wayne residents,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Citizens will not see their rates increase next year, and we have asked for provisions that will help improve service.”
Based upon the principle that open competition would best serve the needs of citizens, the City issued a Request for Proposals for garbage and recycling collection in July of this year. With a Request for Proposals (RFP), vendors must complete on price as well as performance factors. Five companies responded to the RFP. A proposal by Earth First was considered to be the lowest and most responsive. Because the company is a start-up, the City decided that further due diligence was warranted. In the meantime, National Serv-All challenged the process despite the fact that a Request for Proposals process was used to award National Serv-All its current contract.
The City's use of the Request for Proposals process was based on a good faith interpretation of state law, a desire to open the process to competition, and an effort to assure citizens of the best price and performance. However, based on further research and opinion, it was prudently decided to spare citizens the risk and cost of potential litigation. Entering into a short-term agreement for garbage collection was determined to be the option that best served the interest of citizens and provided the lowest cost.
The one-year agreement with National Serv-All allows the City to re-bid the garbage and recycling collection contract as early as July of 2010 (effective January 2011). The new bidding process will include a comprehensive review of the City's solid waste operations; solicitation of public input regarding solid waste; and the development of updated bid specifications and contract terms that are consistent with the best practices of other municipalities. The City will also confer with experts in solid waste contracting to advise and assist in performing these activities.
“Without question, this was a difficult process,” Mayor Henry added. “However, by sticking to the principle of seeking competition as a means of providing citizens the best price and service, we've reached an agreement that not only saves money but ensures an even better bidding process in 2010.”
The one-year agreement between the City and National Serv-All will be sent to the Board of Works for its review during its regular meeting on October 14, 2009.
Preferred plan would locate City Police and County Sheriff in City-County Building Today, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced that he is asking the Allen County Commissioners to work with the City to co-locate City and County public safety functions, including the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Sheriff's Department, in the City-County building, and locating other City and County government services in shared space at 200 E. Berry Street. “In a letter the Commissioners sent to me this week, they indicated their desire to co-locate Fort Wayne Police, the Sheriff Department and other public safety functions,” Mayor Henry said. “I believe that is an option worth pursuing.” The City has been exploring options to better meet its space needs since 2003. The issue became more urgent this summer as the expiration of the Fort Wayne Police Department's lease at its Creighton Street headquarters neared expiration. After exploring a number of alternatives, and identifying the property at 200 E. Berry Street as the location best suited to meet those needs, the Henry Administration along with the Commissioners tasked the Working Group, made up of John Stafford, Pat Roller and Mark Royse, to examine various options for using the building. On September 30th, the Working Group presented four: (1) The City of Fort Wayne moving all of its operations, including the Fort Wayne Police Department, to 200 E. Berry Street was determined to be perhaps the most cost effective option and the easiest to implement. (2) Conversely, the most expensive and most complicated option involved moving the City's police and fire departments to 200 E. Berry Street, the County Sheriff to the City-County Building and splitting other City and County functions between both buildings. (3) A third option would co-locate Fort Wayne Police, Public Safety and the County Sheriff at 200 E. Berry Street, and other City and County functions continuing to share space in the City-County Building. However, the fourth recommendation to co-locate the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Sheriff's Department to the City-County Building, with other City and County functions sharing space at 200 E. Berry Street has emerged as the option that has gained the most consensuses. “Once again, I thank the Working Group, for objectively examining the space needs of both city and county government. Their efforts provided transparent, sensible recommendations supported by factual data and sound financial analysis,” said Mayor Henry. “I look forward to continuing an open and inclusive dialogue about our mutual space needs. Over the next few weeks, in addition to working with County leaders, I've directed my internal team to come up with ways to gather additional community input. I've asked that those efforts include a public forum as well as online feedback,” Mayor Henry added. “I look forward to the next steps in this process as we work together to strengthen our community and better serve all the citizens of Fort Wayne and Allen County.” The City hopes to move ahead with a plan by October 30, 2009.
Public to help prioritize money for housing, homelessness, other Community Development projects
The City of Fort Wayne's Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is hosting two public forums this month to help set priorities for federal funding that goes to housing, homelessness, special populations and other Community Development projects.
The input will be used to create the next five-year Housing and Community Development Plan. At the meetings, City staff will also present an overview of accomplishments in the past year.
“One of the themes of my administration has been to engage the community, and these meetings are natural extension of that pledge. Because these programs need to address the needs of our entire community, we need to hear from residents directly about what they believe to be important,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our plan can only be as effective as the information we have, therefore public participation is crucial.”
The meetings will be 6 p.m. Wednesday in Wagenhals Hall at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 405 W. Wayne St., and 6 p.m. Oct. 27 in Andorfer Commons' auditorium at Indiana Tech, 1600 E. Washington Blvd. They are free and open to the public. OHNS staff encourages representatives from non-profit and faith-based organizations serving these populations to attend on behalf of their clients.
An online survey will be also available later this month on the City's website to gain additional input for the plan.
Public participation recognized as part of success The City of Fort Wayne earned an Award of Distinction from the International Downtown Association for planning efforts that resulted in Harrison Square and other downtown revitalization projects in Fort Wayne. “We are starting to see the planning efforts of City officials and Fort Wayne residents paying off and turning into a tangible outcome,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “Downtown Fort Wayne has become a destination in our city and region, but only because we planned for it. I appreciate having the hard work of hundreds if not thousands of Fort Wayne residents honored by the International Downtown Association.” Fort Wayne was one of eight communities recognized in the planning category and the only Indiana city to earn an award at the association's annual conference. “It's always gratifying when our efforts are recognized by a group of experts in the field of developing strong downtowns,” said John Urbahns, director of community development, “but just as important is that our own community is seeing the success in our process and enjoying the results of thoughtful planning by both the public sector and the private sector and the input from hundreds of participants. Once again we see that the strongest results come from the commitment of many individuals.” The City's application focused on the Downtown Blueprint process and subsequent plans that lead to Harrison Square and Parkview Field. The narrative emphasized the many and varied partnerships and collaborations that ultimately created the inviting and welcoming public space. Fort Wayne's project was one of 77 award submissions IDA received this year as part of its Downtown Achievement Awards. The 2009 Downtown Achievement Award winners were recognized during ID's 55th Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sept.11 to15. Founded in 1954, the International Downtown Association has more than 650 member organizations worldwide in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Fort Wayne's submission can be viewed at
Downtown Development - slideshow
The City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) continued mediation yesterday regarding issues surrounding the City Light Lease. The mediation session again lasted throughout the day and late into the evening. Although the parties have not reached an agreement and no date for another formal mediation session has been scheduled, they have agreed to continue to negotiate. At the request of the mediator, John W. Whiteleather, both the City and I&M have agreed not to comment publicly about the negotiations while they continue. The parties both look forward to an amicable resolution to their negotiations.
Free scattered site tour Oct. 9-11 features properties part of Neighborhood Stabilization Program
2302 Florida Drive
Prospective homebuyers and those interested in seeing 8 renovated homes in various states of construction can visit the free City Living Tour open houses 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 and noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11.
The free scattered-site tour features homes being renovated by local builders who are participating in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a federally funded initiative to restore homes and revitalize neighborhoods hardest by the economic downturn.
The locations and the builders are:
'¢ 2319 John St., Ideal Builders
'¢ 2302 Florida Dr., Gerber Building
'¢ 1903 Kensington Blvd., Gerber Building
'¢ 2412 Gay St., Lancia Homes
'¢ 1137 Rivermet Ave., Belay Builders
'¢ 2429 Smith St., Miracle Contracting
'¢ 4502 Winston Dr., Gerber Building
'¢ 533 E. Creighton Ave., Miracle Contracting
A map of the homes' locations is available at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/community_development/hns/files/city_living_homes.pdf .
“Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Stabilization Program has been a remarkable success, but I think it has been flying under the radar of most people. The program really has been able to take federal dollars and transform vacant houses into livable homes,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This free tour will allow prospective buyers and those curious about our efforts to revitalize some of Fort Wayne's core neighborhoods to see what is possible in this program.”
The houses are all for sale for between approximately $75,000 to $100,000 to qualified moderate- and middle-income buyers. Homebuyers in the program must meet income guidelines. For a family of four, that would be up to $73,000 annually. More information about program guidelines and restrictions is available at www.nspfortwayne.org or at the properties during the tour.
Focusing on vacant, foreclosed properties in selected locations, the $7 million for the local program blends the financial resources of the City of Fort Wayne with the talents of private-sector housing professionals - builders, developers, architects, designers, realtors, appraisers and lenders. The houses are then renovated for up to 150 percent of the completed appraised value. The buyers pay the appraised price.
Road Improvements Boost Economy
The finishing touches are complete and traffic is flowing on St. Joe Center Road. The two year construction project improves traffic flow, safety and connectivity.
“This project is a definite improvement for the neighborhoods along St. Joe Center Road. It eliminates the traffic back-ups that used to occur in the area and it improves safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The St. Joe Center Road widening project includes the area from the St. Joe River, west, to Reed Road, east. The new road has four traffic lanes, an increase over the two lanes for the previous road. A center bi-directional left turn lane was added between the intersections of St. Joe Road to Saw Mill Woods. More than 17,000 motorists use the road daily.
A new storm sewer system was installed and the road elevation was lowered to improve drainage. Safety concerns were addressed for pedestrians with the addition of sidewalks and ADA ramps on both sides of the street. The project included driveway construction improvements, street lights, curbs, gutters and traffic control signal upgrades.
Investment Flows into Local Economy
80% of the $7.9 million dollar project was funded with Federal Urban Fund dollars. The City's investment was about $1.6 million but the return on that investment for the local economy was more than $3.2 million. That's money that came back into the community in the form of salaries paid to construction workers in the two year project period.
“That's tremendous in this time of an economic downturn. Not only are we making neighborhoods better but we're employing local workers and putting money into the local economy,” said Mayor Henry.
The Public Works Department will complete more than 40 miles of repair and construction on Fort Wayne roads this year.
Corridors Connect Community
Major corridors that connect our City's neighborhoods, such as St. Joe Center Road, are significant to the community's connectivity.
“Linking neighborhoods is essential to a thriving community and the area along the St. Joe Center Road corridor is certainly a vital part of our community,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works.
Corridor improvements occurred last year on West Jefferson Boulevard near Time Corners and are currently underway or planned on Wayne Trace, Ardmore and State.
All lanes now open; barricades, detours removed
The City of Fort Wayne and the Indiana Department of Transportation have reopened the three lanes of Spy Run Avenue between Elizabeth Street and State Boulevard.
E&B Paving finished the surface of the repair in the 2200 block of Spy Run Avenue earlier this morning. The cooler temperatures and the lack of rain helped speed the process of reopening the street that carries 28,000 vehicles daily.
The City and the Indiana Department of Transportation closed Spy Run between Elizabeth Street and State Boulevard Monday night when sagging pavement was discovered. City Utilities inspected the water main and storm sewer in that area and found no problems with the lines.
On Tuesday, the west curb lane in this area will be reconstructed and could result in lane restrictions. The City will announce any restrictions in advance of the construction.
The City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) participated in a mediation session yesterday (Sept. 23) regarding issues surrounding the City Light Lease. The mediation session lasted throughout the day and late into the evening. Although the parties have not reached an agreement, they have agreed to continue to negotiate. The parties will meet again for a formal mediation session on October 1, 2009, and intend to engage in discussions prior to that meeting. At the request of the mediator, John W. Whiteleather, both the City and I&M have agreed not to comment publicly about the negotiations. The parties both look forward to an amicable resolution to their negotiations.
Publication recognizes leadership during 2008 flood, ice storm clean-up
American City & County magazine selected Fort Wayne Public Works Director Bob Kennedy as 2009 Public Works Leader of the Year for his accomplishments in 2008. An article naming Kennedy the “master of disaster” appears in the September edition of the publication.
Mayor Tom Henry and 2nd District Councilwoman Karen Goldner submitted an application highlighting Kennedy's proactive and responsive efforts to prevent flood damage, clean-up from the December ice storm and adding multiuse trails in Fort Wayne.
“Bob has been the City's go-to guy in times of floods and following the massive debris left behind by the ice storm at the end of last year,” Mayor Henry said. “He has an amazing knowledge of Fort Wayne's infrastructure, yet he has a gift of working with his employees and the public to create effective solutions that save money and satisfy residents.”
A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Kennedy started in the Street Department more than 20 years ago and worked his way up to public works director in 2007. He led the City's flood-fighting efforts in 2003, 2005, 2008 and again earlier this year. Not only has Kennedy worked on immediate flood-control measures, he was instrumental in long-term solutions to river flooding including the construction of a rain garden following voluntary buyouts of houses on the Spy Run Creek and the $3.2 million Woodhurst flood control project, which was finished this year.
“One of the secrets to Bob Kennedy's success as a public works director is his ability to size up a problem and know how to work with people who can fix it,” said Bill Wolpin, editorial director of American City & County. “His lifelong investment in his community will pay dividends that will last for generations.”
Another project featured in the article was Kennedy's collaborative efforts with Aboite New Trails and the Oprah's Big Give Fort Wayne Trails fund-raising project last year. Kennedy worked with Mayor Henry to secure $500,000 from a bond dedicated to trails to use as matching funds during the six-week campaign that transformed $10,000 of seed money into more than $1.2 million for local trail efforts. In 2008, Public Works added 4.7 miles of trails.
“Bob is willing to expand successful programs with a 'make it happen' attitude, which is a hallmark of his management style. He has an amazing institutional knowledge of Fort Wayne City government and his departments,” said Councilwoman Goldner. “He is the first person to work on solving a problem and the last person to take credit for that solution. He is not afraid to help other City departments, such as the limb pick-up program following the ice storm.”
The subscribers of American City & County submit nominations for the Public Works Leader of the Year Award. The magazine's editorial staff selects the award's recipient each year.
To view the article,
click here .
City will announce when lanes reopen
E&B Paving is finishing the asphalt base in the 2200 block of Spy Run Avenue today. Weather permitting Friday, crews will apply the final surface starting at 7:30 a.m. and it could reopen by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. Friday. The City will send out an update when it reopens.
The City and the Indiana Department of Transportation closed Spy Run between Elizabeth Street and State Boulevard Monday night when sagging pavement was discovered. City Utilities inspected the water main and storm sewer in that area and found no problems with the lines.
The section of pavement is being reconstructed to INDOT standards.
Spy Run between Elizabeth Street and State Boulevard remains closed until further notice. One lane of Lafayette Street and Spy Run Avenue is open between Jefferson Boulevard and Elizabeth Street to local traffic.
Until it reopens, drivers can use Main Street and Sherman Boulevard or Columbia Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard. Wells Street is under construction and not recommended as detour. Truck traffic should use a detour on Coliseum Boulevard.
On Tuesday, the west curb lane will be reconstruction and could result in lane restrictions. The City will announce any restrictions in advance of the construction.
Red Cross blood drive, public safety agency demonstrations part of morning's activities
The City of Fort Wayne is continuing to accept registrations for free hands-only CPR training as part of “Don't Miss a Beat” at Brookside Community Church, 6102 Evard Road, Oct. 3.
The one-hour, non-certified class, offered five times that Saturday, will train anyone ages 12 and older how to give effective chest compressions ' using manikins or special kits ' to adults who have suffered a heart attack.
People can register at www.3rcpr.org or by calling 427-1164 to sign up for the hour-long non-certified training class. On-site registrations will also be accepted. Classes start at 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11a.m.
In addition the class, demonstrations from public safety agencies will be at the church that morning and an American Red Cross blood drive will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Class participants will also have the chance to win door prizes.
This is the fourth time the City of Fort Wayne, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. Almost 500 people have learned hands-only CPR through the Three Rivers CPR Task Force's Don't Miss a Beat program since it began nearly a year ago.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
Anyone completing the training Oct. 3 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for those paying for a CPR certification class through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross's adult, child, infant CPR training class through June 30, 2010. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the October training.
To schedule a blood donation appointment, call 800-GIVE-LIFE.
Drivers should continue to use alternate routes
The 2200 block of Spy Run Avenue is currently being repaired by E&B Paving, after a portion of the roadway sagged Monday evening. Spy Run between Elizabeth Street and State Boulevard remains closed until further notice.
The City of Fort Wayne will send out an update when lanes reopen. Through traffic should continue to use alternate routes. One lane of Lafayette Street and Spy Run Avenue is open between Jefferson Boulevard and Elizabeth Street to local traffic.
City Utilities did not find any problems with the water main or storm sewer underneath this section of pavement.
Drivers can use Main Street and Sherman Boulevard or Columbia Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard. Wells Street is under construction and not recommended as detour. Truck traffic should use a detour on Coliseum Boulevard.
Lane remains open between Jefferson, Elizabeth
Roadway reconstruction in the 2200 block of Spy Run Avenue is scheduled to start Wednesday morning with two lanes reopening Thursday and fully open Friday, weather permitting.
City Utilities did not find any problems with the water main or storm sewer underneath the section of pavement that dipped a few inches Monday evening. Crews inspected the storm sewer with an underground camera and dug to inspect the water main. City engineers do not have an exact cause for why the pavement sunk.
One lane of Lafayette Street and Spy Run Avenue is open between Jefferson Boulevard and Elizabeth Street. Spy Run between Elizabeth and State Boulevard is closed at this time.
Drivers can use Main Street and Sherman Boulevard or Columbia Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard. Wells Street is under construction and not recommended as detour. Truck traffic should use a detour on Coliseum Boulevard.
2010 budget represents continuation of strong fiscal management of city services
Meeting the challenge of doing more with less, Mayor Tom Henry has presented City Council with a balanced budget for 2010. At $132.2 million, 2010's Proposed Civil City Budget comes in significantly lower than 2009's $134 million budget. However, despite budgeting nearly $2 million in reduced expenditures, 2010's fiscal plan contains no cuts in services to citizens.
The 2010 Proposed Civil City Budget is a perfect example of the Henry Administration's commitment to engage, innovate and perform. City department heads and staff were challenged to find innovative ways to keep their budgets at the lower of either 2008 actual expenditures or 2009 budgeted expenses while still performing at the high level citizens expect.
“We knew more than a year ago that 2010 would be a tough year financially, but because we looked ahead and engaged City employees at every level of the organization, we've come up with a plan that trims spending while ensuring excellent service to citizens,” said Mayor Henry.
Employing a mix of sound fiscal strategies including reductions on the expense side, and maximizing grant opportunities on the revenue side, the 2010 budget plan balances overall revenues of $132.2 million with the same amount in expenses.
By division, public safety accounts for 70% of the 2010 Civil City Budget. Parks and Recreation makes up 10% of the budget followed by administrative (9%), public works (7%) and community development (4%).
By expense category, personnel costs make up nearly 80% of the civil city budget. The City's total employee headcount for 2010 is down slightly from 2009. The reductions are due to natural attrition. City employees, who received no pay increase in 2009, are budgeted to receive a 1.5% raise in 2010.
“This budget is a testament to the hard work of City Controller Pat Roller, her staff and all City employees,” said Mayor Henry. “As we continue to work to responsibly manage the City's resources, we look forward to working with members of city council to finalize our fiscal plan for 2010.”
To view a copy of the 2010 Proposed Civil City Budget,
click here .
Traffic is being re-routed tonight as City Utilities workers investigate the cause and ultimately repair the source of unstable pavement in the 2200 block of Spy Run Avenue, just south of State Boulevard.
Crews were called to the scene shortly after 5 p.m. today after the pavement began to buckle in a portion of the road. City Utilities crews are locating the source of the unstable ground at this time.
At around 9 p.m. all four lanes of traffic were closed. Local traffic should use Main Street and Sherman Boulevard or Columbia Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard. Wells Street is under construction and not recommended as detour. Truck traffic will use a detour on Coliseum Boulevard. The Indiana Department of Transportation will release more information about the truck detour.
Crews will be working through the night, and all four lanes are expected to be closed tomorrow morning. Drivers who use Spy Run will need to find an alternate route until the street is reopened. City Utilities does not know when the lanes will reopen.
Bipartisan group of mayors from Indiana's largest cities to share best practices, advocate at Statehouse
Mayors from Indiana's largest cities selected Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry earlier this month as the chair of the new Indiana Urban Mayors Caucus.
“I am honored to be elected by my peers as the first chairman of this bipartisan group of mayors. Since taking office, I have seen first hand how Indiana's largest cities share many of the same challenges and opportunities, ranging from public safety to shrinking revenues to downtown revitalization and maintaining quality housing stock. This caucus will give Indiana's largest cities an additional venue to share ideas and best practices while advocating at the Statehouse for the cities where more than 40 percent of Hoosiers live,” said Mayor Henry.
The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns will provide administrative services to the new group. The bipartisan caucus will meet throughout the year with concentrating on the legislative session at the Statehouse and pledged to have leadership from both parties. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is the vice chair.
“While each city in the caucus is unique, this group will allow us to discuss what our state's metropolitan areas need in order to be our most successful and productive. There is no better source of information about urban Indiana than the mayors involved in this group,” Mayor Henry said.
The caucus will next meet in October as part of the annual IACT conference to be held in French Lick.
Service interrupted for 3800 to 4700 blocks; Jefferson Pointe unaffected
A Fort Wayne City Utilities water main repair on West Jefferson Boulevard has created a lane restriction for westbound traffic between the traffic signal at Jefferson and Illinois Road and the signal at the entrance to Jefferson Pointe.
Crews are repairing the leak that has interrupted service in the 3800 to 4700 blocks of West Jefferson. Because of the depth of the main, it is unknown at this time how serious the leak is and how much time may be needed to make a repair.
Drivers who use West Jefferson may want to find an alternate route this afternoon and this evening.
The Parkwest complex and several other businesses and medical offices in the area are without water. Jefferson Pointe shopping center is not affected.
Cambridge Boulevard to Close Next Week for Stormwater Pipe Installation
Residents in the Lincoln Park neighborhood are getting some relief from flash flooding, but in order to continue the progress of installing a stormwater pipe, Cambridge Boulevard will be closed next week.
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:30am, Cambridge at the intersection of Yale Drive will be closed in order to cross the street with the pipe installation. The street will be closed through at least Wednesday depending on the weather.
City Utilities crews began the neighborhood improvement of installing stormwater pipe about two weeks ago in an effort to relieve flooding that had occurred near the intersection of Trinity Boulevard and Cambridge.
While Cambridge will be closed for only a few days next week, crews will continue installing pipe through other parts of the neighborhood, installing stormwater inlets on Cambridge, Stanford and Trinity, and repairing streets and sidewalks after the installation is complete. These neighborhood enhancements should be complete by the end of October.
Balanced approach serves industry, consumers, taxpayers while creating, retaining local jobs
The City of Fort Wayne is putting together implementation plans for the City's $2.474 million portion of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which is part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
“The City of Fort Wayne's application took a balanced approach to the funding, enabling City government, business and industry, and residents to receive benefit from these dollars,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “This stimulus money is going to have the value of creating and retaining local jobs while also improving energy efficiency and ultimately saving money for Fort Wayne taxpayers, businesses and residents.”
Approximately half the grant will go to energy efficiency improvements to 200 E. Berry St. or other City buildings. Although the list of improvements is still being finalized for the Berry Street building, it is likely to include replacement of the chiller and cooling tower and improvements to the boiler system. These upgrades could result in an energy-cost savings of $600,000 annually for the City. Mayor Henry anticipates much this work will go to local contractors employing Fort Wayne area residents.
Twenty percent of the grant, about $494,880, will be placed in a revolving loan fund to encourage commercial and industrial facilities to install energy-efficient equipment. A task force is currently establishing guidelines for the program. The Community Development Corp. of Northeast Indiana will administer the funding, which should be available by May.
The remaining money will go toward residential outreach and create a new position at the City to help Fort Wayne residents, especially those from low- to moderate-income households, reduce their energy consumption. The City also plans to create a refrigerator and freezer rebate program to remove older appliances and replace them with more energy-efficient versions. The tactics for each of these programs are being developed.
The grant will fund the new job for two years. The position will work on education and outreach plus tracking energy use in Fort Wayne.
The U.S. Department of Energy calculates that for every $95,000 of grant money spent, a job is created or retained. By those guidelines, Fort Wayne's energy block grant award represents 56 local jobs created or retained.
City businesses continue to embrace the concept of going “green.” Eight additional businesses have achieved Green City Business certification.
“It's great to see our businesses responding and committing to the environment. Their efforts to go green are enhancing our community and its future,” said Mayor Tom Henry, City of Fort Wayne.
The eight businesses that recently received Green City status include:
Lincoln Financial Group
Morrison Kattman Menze, Incorporated
Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corporation
Grand Wayne Convention Center
Citilink
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, A Nestlé Company
The Hagerman Group
Parkview Family YMCA.
The certified businesses serve as a resource and example to other businesses in the community that are working toward sustainability.
The Green City Business program is designed to help businesses and organizations voluntarily adopt more environmentally friendly business practices and save on energy costs. In the initial year of the Green City Business program 61 Fort Wayne businesses enrolled in training programs. The goal is to have 100 businesses enrolled by the end of the year.
Fort Wayne's Energy and Environmental Services Department conducts free training sessions that provide consolidated resource education, a business matched mentor to assist in the certification process, and the opportunity to connect with other businesses pursuing the same goal.
The next free Green City Business training session is Wednesday, October 7, 2009. Registration is required and available online at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy/gb or by contacting Julia Gorrell at 427-6059.
Cellular Company Commits to 311
Calling Fort Wayne's 311, “One Call to City Hall”, just got easier for AT&T cellular phone customers. The company is now offering customers the opportunity to use their cell phone to call the three digit 311 number for easy access to non-emergency City services. The calls can be made from anywhere in Allen County.
AT&T joins other providers already offering cellular service to 311, including Comcast, Verizon, Vonage, Sprint and Centennial.
“Fort Wayne's 311 Call Center has become an indispensable resource for citizens and City government alike. The more familiar our residents become with the service, the more they use it to reach City departments. I am glad we can now offer the convenience of 3-digit dialing AT&T's wireless customers," said Mayor Tom Henry.
311, “One Call to City Hall”, gives citizens quick and easy access to non-emergency City services. The system tracks the call from beginning to end and has the ability to provide a tracking number to callers so that they can check back on the status of their inquiry.
Fort Wayne was the first City in the state to implement the 311 system, launching the system in January of 2007. Citizen use of 311 continues to grow. From sign-on in 2007 through August of this year, a total of 324,493 calls have come in to 311. More than 700 calls a day come to 311.
Growth has also come in the services offered by 311. When the system began in 2007 it took calls for 7 Fort Wayne city departments but today 18 departments are part of 311. The departments include: Right of Way, Solid Waste, Street Department, Street Lighting, Sign Shop, Signal Shop, Neighborhood Code, Parking Control, Property Management, Water Maintenance, Sewer Maintenance, Animal Care and Control, Filtration Plant, Waste Water Plant, Purchasing Department, Parks Department, Fire Administration, and Fire Prevention.
311, “One Call to City Hall”, operates from 7:30pm-5:30pm Monday through Friday. After hours callers can use the prompt system to reach sewer and water maintenance. 311 can also be reached by calling 427-8311.
Citizens having emergencies should call 911.
Company Communication Refutes Electric Provider's Claims of Cooperation
Efforts by the City of Fort Wayne to gather information and inspect facilities in preparation for the transition of its electric utility to a new supplier remain thwarted by Indiana Michigan Power (I&M). The provision of this information is one of the specific requirements of the current lease. I&M's refusal to convey this data has been cited as one of several contract breaches in a default letter issued by the City on August 20, 2009.
“For the citizen-owners of the Fort Wayne electric utility and for its customers, I&M's unwillingness to provide information is not merely a negotiating tactic,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “It signals a broken contract and a violation of the public trust. It also prohibits planning for a smooth and orderly transition, and blocks the City from moving ahead to secure the best value for the community's potential $100 million asset.”
While I&M's public statements continue to assert full cooperation, its private correspondence indicates something different. Excerpts from communication between the City and I&M offer factual detail, as follows:
“The City will be commencing a review of the various substations and distribution
facilities throughout Fort Wayne in the coming weeks. We will, of course, stay outside
the fenced boundaries, but as a courtesy, we wanted to let you know that this review
has commenced.
“Please also accept this letter as a formal request for a tour of each of I&M's substations
and other distribution facilities within the City's footprint. To that end, please provide
me with available dates and times so that we can coordinate such activity.”
' City of Fort Wayne letter to I&M, July 22, 2009
“'¦I&M received the enclosed letter'¦as a 'formal request' for an inspection and tour
of all I&M substations and distribution facilities 'within the City's footprint.'
“In the interim, and until we have more guidance from the City, we will not be
scheduling any 'tours' of I&M's facilities as'¦requested.”
' I&M letter to the City of Fort Wayne, July 31, 2009
“'¦has advised me that he and the City's engineer consultants would like to review and have access to the I&M substations listed below:
Anthony 12 kV Substation ' McMillen Circuit
Anthony 12 kV Substation ' Tokheim Circuit
Anthony 12 kV Substation ' Wallace Circuit
Fulton 12 kV Substation ' Bloomingdale Circuit
Fulton 12 kV Substation ' Broadway Circuit
Fulton 12 kV Substation ' Edsall Circuit
Glenbrook 12 kV Substation ' Fernhill Circuit
Harvest Park 12 KV Substation ' Gladieux Circuit
Hillcrest 12 kV Substation ' Dunbar Circuit
Hillcrest 12 kV Substation ' Venture Circuit
IUPU 12 kV Substation ' College Park Circuit
Lincoln 12 kV Substation ' Maysville Circuit
McKinley 12 kV Substation ' Engle Circuit
McKinley 12 kV Substation ' Hale Circuit
McKinley 12 kV Substation ' Phenie Circuit
McKinley 12 kV Substation ' Taylor Circuit
Parnell 12 kV Substation ' Northcrest Circuit
Parnell 12 kV Substation ' Summerfield Circuit
Parnell 12 kV Substation ' University Circuit
Parnell 12 kV Substation ' Vance Circuit
Pettit 12 kV Substation ' Belmont Circuit
Pettit 12 kV Substation ' Sears Circuit
Pettit 12 kV Substation ' Vernon Circuit
Spring 12 kV Substation ' Highland Circuit
Spring 12 kV Substation ' Tyler Circuit
Spy Run 12 kV Substation ' Centlivre Circuit
Spy Run 12 kV Substation ' Delaware Circuit
Spy Run 12 kV Substation ' Goshen Circuit
Spy Run 12 kV Substation ' Lawton Circuit
Spy Run 12 kV Substation ' Rumsey Circuit
Spy Run 12 kV Substation ' Three Rivers Circuit
State Street 12 kV Substation ' Brentwood Circuit
State Street 12 kV Substation ' Trier Circuit
Trier 12 kV Substation ' Buckingham Circuit
Wayne Trace 12 kV Substation ' Paulding Circuit
Wayne Trace 12 kV Substation ' Stinson Circuit
Webster 12 kV Substation ' Harmar Circuit
Webster 12 kV Substation ' Oakdale Circuit
Webster 12 kV Substation ' Oxford Circuit
' City of Fort Wayne letter to I&M, August 14, 2009
To date, the City has received no response to the letter sent to I&M on August 14, 2009, or to any of the other information requests it has presented to the company.
Subsequent media reports featuring quotes from an I&M representative underscore the inherent conflict between the private record and the public message, as follows:
“We said they could look at the substation facilities and we have not heard back
from them, so, it's hard to understand why they're making these claims that we're
not being cooperative."
' Susanne Moorman Rowe, I&M Spokesperson, Indiana's NewsCenter, September 2, 2009
“Susanne Moorman Rowe, communications director for I&M, said the utility would
allow such inspections, but I&M insists on escorting people around energized equipment.
“We said, 'Just call us and schedule.' They never called to schedule, she said.”
' The News-Sentinel, September 2, 2009
“Susanne Moorman Rowe, I&M director of communications, said assertions that her company has not complied with requests are false.”
' The Journal Gazette, September 3, 2009
According to the terms of the lease, I&M must return a viable electric utility system to the City upon conclusion of the lease and supply the City with all necessary information to ensure the development of a detailed transition and operational plan. Regardless of I&M's statements or actions to the contrary, the City in good faith and with integrity will continue to pursue the information guaranteed to it under the terms of the existing lease.
Red Cross blood drive, public safety agency demonstrations part of morning's activities
The Three Rivers CPR Task Force is bringing free, hands-only CPR training to Brookside Community Church, 6102 Evard Road, Oct. 3.
The one-hour, non-certified class, offered five times that Saturday, will train anyone ages 12 and older how to give effective chest compressions ' using manikins or special kits ' to adults who have suffered a heart attack.
This is the fourth time the City of Fort Wayne, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. Almost 500 people have learned hands-only CPR through the Three Rivers CPR Task Force's Don't Miss a Beat program since it began nearly a year ago.
“In less than 60 minutes, Don't Miss a Beat will teach how to save a life. Past participants have told us overwhelmingly that they feel better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Most of us never expect to use this skill, but you never know when a family member, neighbor or complete stranger might need your help.”
Classes start at 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11a.m. To register for the class, visit
3RCPR.org or call 427-1164.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
“We have designed Don't Miss a Beat class for people who have never taken a CPR class or those who want to brush up on their skills,” said Erin McDonald, American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana's Director of Preparedness & Safety Solutions. “Our volunteers are certified CPR instructors who will make sure the class is fun yet instructive. You will know how to give life-saving chest compressions when you leave Brookside Church Oct. 3.”
Anyone completing the training Oct. 3 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for those paying for a CPR certification class through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross's adult, child, infant CPR training class through June 30, 2010. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the October training.
The Red Cross will also accept blood donations from 8 a.m. to noon that day at the church. To schedule a blood donation appointment, call 800-GIVE-LIFE.
Demonstrations from local public safety agencies are also scheduled to be there.
During 2005 and 2006, TRAA responded to 452 cardiac arrest cases that happened outside a medical setting, according to numbers from the Emergency Medical Services Foundation here in Fort Wayne. Of those, only 17 percent of victims received bystander CPR.
“In 2008, Fort Wayne had about a 37 percent save rate for cardiac arrests, which is impressive as compared to national statistics, but we can increase the number of survivors if more people knew CPR,” said Gary Booher, TRAA Executive Director. “Early bystander CPR, in addition to early access to 911 emergency dispatch, first responders with AED capabilities in 4 minutes and advanced life support-capable ambulance in 8 minutes are the major components necessary for greatest survivability, according to research.”
For more information, call (260) 427-1164 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Looks to expand participating in statewide program for 2010
Before taking office Jan. 1, 2008, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry pledged to have the City of Fort Wayne participate in more joint purchasing efforts to help tax dollars stretch further.
For gasoline purchases, Mayor Henry has followed through on that promise by participating in the State of Indiana Bond Bank's fuel-price hedging program as a way to safeguard the City budget against price volatility.
“Fuel hedging is essentially an insurance policy for the City's budget, protecting us against unexpected price jumps that can wipe out even the best-planned fuel budget,” Mayor Henry said. “We can effectively estimate how much gasoline we will need in a given year, but the varying price can make it difficult to create an accurate budget. This tool allows us to reliably plan expenditure, not just use, and ultimately protect Fort Wayne's taxpayers.”
Fort Wayne is one of six Indiana cities participating in the program. The City's contract runs from June 1 to Dec. 31 of this year. The City has a monthly administrative fee that is added on as a per gallon fee. For the month of July, Fort Wayne paid an extra 7 cents per gallon to cover the costs of the program.
The 2009 contract covers 65 percent of the gasoline the City purchases ' 262,000 gallons ' either from the City's existing wholesaler or retail outlets. It sets a ceiling of $2.05 and a floor of about $1.70 for the price per gallon. The City is currently paying about $1.95 per gallon plus the program fee for gas. The City does not purchase the gasoline through the Bond Bank.
If the price goes above the price cap, the Bond Bank covers the difference through “swap dealers,” commodities' traders who use the futures markets. The cost difference does not come from Indiana taxpayers.
Fort Wayne and the State have worked with Maverick Energy Consulting to participate in this new program.
“By taking advantage of the IBB's hedge program, the City can pool their gasoline purchasing power with other governmental entities across the state to efficiently participate in a program that protects Fort Wayne and other participating municipalities from dramatic price increases,” said Maverick Energy's John Righeimer. “By participating in the program for the full fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2010, thereby reducing price escalation risk for an entire year, the City of Fort Wayne is protected against oil and gasoline prices increases in 2010 as compared to today's prices.”
The City looks to expand its participation in the program for 2010 to include a larger percentage of gasoline purchases and potentially diesel fuel. The IBB's program may also include other entities such as schools for next year.
Competitive grant money will also result in three additional E85 Lassus Bros. stations
Through the Clean Cities program, the City of Fort Wayne will get cost-sharing stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act competitive grant that will reduce petroleum consumption.
Next year, the City will receive a $2,000 reimbursement for the purchase of each hybrid vehicle, up to $18,000, through the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance Comprehensive Alternative Fuels Implementation Plan.
Working in cooperation with the City, Lassus Bros. Oil will get more than $200,000 to add three E85 stations, which will bring Lassus' total in the Fort Wayne area to five. E85 is an alternative fuel made from a blend of ethanol and gasoline.
“The City of Fort Wayne has been a national leader in the use of alternative fuels and implementing hybrid vehicles into the City's fleet,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “Our ongoing partnership with the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance and Lassus Bros. Oil has resulted in more than $200,000 of competitive grant money from the U.S. Department of Energy coming to our community, which will ultimately reduce Fort Wayne's reliance on foreign oil.”
The grant to Lassus requires a 50 percent match from the company. The City worked with Lassus to choose the stations at Scott and Illinois roads, Maplecrest and Rothman roads and Northbrook Plaza/Lima Road for the new E85 pumps. Fort Wayne Police will be able to refuel their E85-compatible vehicles at these stations as well as the fuel being available to the public starting in about four months at these three new locations.
“Lassus Bros. Oil Inc. is very excited to be partnering with the City of Fort Wayne and Central Indiana Clean City Alliance,” said Todd Lassus, president of Lassus Bros. Oil. “Once installed, these locations will provide owners of flex fueled vehicles more facilities to purchase this alternative fuel. We are pleased to provide E85 fuel to our customers helping to reduce foreign oil dependence while contributing to the growth of Indiana's economy.”
The Department of Energy selected CICCA to receive $10.1 million as one of 25 recipients of this portion of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. This grant had more than 130 applicants.
Indiana's project will implement propane, compressed natural gas, and hybrid vehicles from light- to heavy-duty and includes infrastructure for CNG and E85 vehicles. The fleets involved include the state's municipality fleets, Sysco Distribution, and others. This project incorporates more than 900 alternative fuel vehicles and 13 fueling sites. DOE estimates that the initiative will help displace one million gallons of petroleum annually.
Under the Recovery Act, the Clean Cities program will fund a range of energy efficient and advanced vehicle technologies, such as hybrids, electric vehicles, plug-in electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles, helping reduce petroleum consumption across the U.S. In addition, funding will support refueling infrastructure for various alternative fuel vehicles, including biofuels and natural gas. Other efforts under the Clean Cities program include public education and training initiatives to further the program's goal of reducing the national demand for petroleum.
For more information from the Department of Energy about this program, visit:
http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7843.htm .
In celebration of Active Aging Week, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department Community Center will offer daily opportunities for people age 50+ to participate in fun, low-cost activities. Call the Community Center at 427-6460 to reserve your spot.
Scheduled activities for the week are:
Monday, September 21st
Wii Bowling Tournament, 10 am, $1 per person. Sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care.
Tuesday, September 22nd
Fitness classes & Assessments, 9,10 & 11 am, $1 per person, Cholesterol & Diabetic Screenings, Free
Corn Hole Tournament, 1 pm, $1 per person
Wednesday, September 23rd
Ping Pong, 8:30 ' 11:30 am, $1 per person
Get Acquainted Open House, 10 am
Thursday, September 24th
Fitness Class Session Begins with Assessments, 9, 10 & 11 am, $1 per person per class
Walking Tour/Downtown Fort Wayne,10 am, $2 per person
Friday, September 25th
Left-Right-Center Tournament, 10 am, $1 per person
Active Aging Week is the annual health promotion event organized by International Council on Active Aging and promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by giving older adults the opportunity to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.
Traffic signal to resume operation in about two weeks
Starting at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, the intersection of Wayne Trace and Oxford Street will become a temporary 4-way stop during the Wayne Trace road reconstruction project.
City crews will place temporary stop signs at this location. The traffic signals will be relocated within the intersection and should resume operation in about two weeks.
The north leg of Wayne Trace will be open to businesses, but closed to through traffic between Oxford and Pontiac Street.
The reconstruction project will include new roadway, improved drainage and sidewalks on the east side.
Mayor Fights to Protect Citizens' Rights, Stop Loss of Valuable Community Asset
Joining forces with State Representative Win Moses (D'Fort Wayne), Mayor Tom Henry today held Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) accountable for failing to meet the terms of its lease with the City of Fort Wayne as the current provider of electricity to portions of the central city. In response to its deficiencies, the City has issued a letter of default to I&M.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their determination to fight for the rights of Fort Wayne ratepayers and taxpayers, and to defend the community's ownership of its electric utility and the opportunity it represents to serve its customers.
“Fort Wayne's electric utility is a potential $100 million community asset,” stated Mayor Henry. “Our utility was leased, but never sold, to I&M. For 35 years, I&M has had access to that asset and enjoyed the privilege of serving our customers. After such a long time, I decided it made good business sense to revisit the deal and ensure that our citizens receive fair value moving forward. I believe a little competition is good. What is important to note is that when the lease ends, I&M must return a viable electric utility system to the City. What troubles me is that I&M is not ready to do that, and the clock is ticking.”
“I&M wants you to believe the Fort Wayne electric utility belongs to them, but the lease is clear,” noted State Rep. Moses. “It belongs to the people. When they talk about rates skyrocketing and poor service with a new operator, they're using scare tactics to cover the fact they're trying to steal our system. I&M has never paid one penny for the right to serve our customers. Their behavior is unfair. It's also something unheard of in the industry.”
With this legal notice, the City is taking action to protect its electric utility system, its rights under the existing lease, and of greater importance, its customers and citizen-owners. The letter was sent on August 20, 2009. It describes areas in which I&M has not met its basic obligations to the people of Fort Wayne.
' more '
The City's letter to I&M outlines the following defaults under the lease:
'¢ Failure to provide emergency services. I&M failed to provide emergency backup electric service to the City's Three Rivers Filtration Plant and to the St. Joe Dam and Pumping Station. The City spent nearly $8 million to address and mitigate those failures. I&M's recklessness left some of this community's life-sustaining services vulnerable.
'¢ Refusal to coordinate with the City concerning use and waste of leased property. Rather than coordinating with the City as required, I&M unilaterally replaced or retired facilities and equipment undermining the ability to guarantee the delivery of a viable, independent electric utility system to the City upon conclusion of the lease. Additionally, the company continues to modify the system at an increasingly aggressive rate in an attempt to obliterate it, despite the City's election to take it back.
'¢ Refusal to provide essential information and data to the City. To plan for and manage the transition from I&M to the City, the City created a working group. On numerous occasions, the group asked for data and information from the company to make those preparations. Each of the City's requests was rebuffed. Simultaneously, I&M criticized the City in public for not presenting a detailed transition and operational plan, something that could only be developed with the information that I&M was, and is, holding hostage.
“In spite of an extensive public relations campaign to enhance its image, expanded corporate generosity to buy goodwill and protests to the contrary, I&M has not met the terms of its lease with the City, been honest with the people of Fort Wayne or negotiated in good faith,” added Henry. “The company has refused to provide information necessary to prepare for an orderly transition. It has not coordinated on the use of leased property. And of greater concern, I&M has not installed the facilities necessary to provide emergency electric service to the City's water filtration and sewage treatment plants, putting those fundamental services, and our public health and safety, at risk. Safeguarding our community is my highest priority. These are failures I cannot allow to go unchallenged.”
The letter also identifies ways to resolve the defaults and promote an efficient transfer of the system, including payments, assurances that I&M will address specific issues, explanations of its actions, and the provision of the vital information required by the City.
The City suggested mediation to I&M some months ago and remains open to resolving its differences with the company through dialogue and mediation.
“Over these many years, I&M's relationship with the City has been a positive one,” concluded Henry. “Although we could not come to a new agreement through our past negotiations, we value our long association and the good service that I&M has provided. Even now, I know that we are mutually pledged to a smooth transition and to maintaining the delivery of high-quality electric service to Fort Wayne customers at all times.”
The City's current lease with I&M was signed on September 13, 1974. It will end on March 1, 2010. At the beginning of June, Mayor Henry announced that the City had elected to exercise its option to take its municipal electric utility to the market through a competitive bidding process that would allow for the selection of a new operator.
Collaborative Efforts Add Charm and Personality to Wells Street
Work is set to begin this week on the Wells Street Corridor, from Fairmount to Huffman. Planned improvements will enhance the ambience as well as the pedestrian friendliness of this historic commercial district corridor.
“This project was initiated by a request from the Wells Area Merchants to provide necessary streetscape enhancements in an effort to create an identity for the business district, create a safer pedestrian environment, promote the business district and add to the Bloomingdale Neighborhood's sustainability,” said John Urbahns, director of Community Development.
The project was designed by two local firms, the Land Plan Group and E-Tech. The City's Community Development Division and Public Works Division collaborated with the Wells Street businesses in the development of a comprehensive design that addresses the needs of multiple modes of travel: auto, pedestrian, bicyclists and transit.
Judi Wire, president of the Wells Area Merchants group, said she is pleased to see the streetscape improvements begin. “This is the culmination of five years of collaboration with businesses, residents, City staff and local land plan groups,” Wire said. “This is just another project coming to fruition that is evidence of the Wells Corridor's commitment to years of planning.”
The project provides a safe, walkable environment by creating several bump-out areas and clearly identifiable crosswalks. Additional amenities designed to complement and enhance the business district include bollards (a short post to help define the separation between pedestrian and vehicular traffic ways), bike racks, park benches and brick paver inserts in the sidewalks. To promote the Wells Street corridor, new gateway markers and fixed banner signs will be installed. The existing street lighting will be retained.
"The collaboration between the City and the Wells Area Merchants in developing this streetscape plan is an example of successful community development,” said Russ Garriott, planner with the city. “Over the past few years businesses along Wells have invested in improving their facades and beautifying the corridor, this project will further build on that momentum."
The project carries a price tag of $792,000, funded from various funding sources, including CDBG money, CEDIT funds and $49,000 from City Council, representing $4,000 from District 5; $10,000 from District 3; and $35,000 from the at-large Council funding.
Local artist's wooden sculpture depicting Fort Wayne, Takaoka to be given as part of Japanese city's 400th anniversary celebration
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will head to Asia next month with a Sister Cities trip to Japan and China as part of Fort Wayne's ongoing relationship with Takaoka, Japan, and to explore a potential Sister City in China.
This morning Mayor Henry joined local artist Michael Schmid to unveil the painted wooden sculpture the City will present to Fort Wayne's Japanese sister city, Takaoka, during its 400th anniversary celebration in September.
Titled “Okurimono,” Japanese for gift, the sculpture depicts Fort Wayne and Takaoka juxtaposed under a single sun. For Fort Wayne, it shows the city's skyline, the Old Fort and a great blue heron in wetlands. Two cranes, a cherry tree and bonsai tree, a Buddha and the Zuiryu-ji temple represent Takaoka.
“Fort Wayne has had a strong tradition of Sister City relationships with support from the City and community volunteers. This is my inaugural trip to Asia, and being able to join in Takaoka's 400th anniversary celebration will be remarkable,” Mayor Henry said. “The visit to China is going to be a wonderful opportunity for Fort Wayne to explore trade and business opportunities for local companies and build relationships that could create jobs for northeast Indiana.”
Part of the China visit may include an opportunity to evaluate a Chinese sister city relationship.
Mayor Henry, his wife Cindy and the 10 other members of the local delegation will leave Fort Wayne Sept. 9 and return Sept. 19. The City of Takaoka is paying for the Mayor's trip to Japan, and the Henrys are paying for Mrs. Henry's portion. The Henrys are also paying for their trip to China. Local delegates are paying their own way.
Takaoka is Fort Wayne's first sister city, starting in 1976. Fort Wayne is also a sister city to Gera, Germany, and Plock, Poland. A member in Sister Cities International, Fort Wayne's sister cities relationships have offered cultural exchanges with people-to-people diplomacy.
The Fort Wayne Board of Public Works is a multi-purpose board with administrative responsibilities covering a comprehensive range of municipal functions. Its primary functions lie in its policy direction of the Division of Public Works and Utilities, document management, all city thoroughfare construction and maintenance, traffic engineering and street lighting, and municipal water, sewer, and storm water services through the Stormwater Management Board. For more information on the Board of Public Works office please call 311. We are located in the Citizens Square Building, 200 East Berry Street, Suite 210 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802.
The Board of Public Works/Stormwater Board meetings are held on Tuesdays at 12:00 at Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry Street, Fort Wayne Indiana, Council Chambers Room 035.
Shan Gunawardena - Board Chair
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Kumar Menon - Board Member
Matthew Wirtz - Board/Stormwater Member
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Mike Avila - Board/Stormwater Member
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Michelle Nelson - Manager
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Michelle Fulk-Vondran - Board of Public Works Clerk
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Emily Ridgway - Accountant
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The City of Fort Wayne is changing the speed limits on two sections of Covington Road Friday, following approval from the Board of Public Safety.
The speed limit from Dicke Road to the city limits will go to 40 miles per hour, down from 45 mph. From Covington Commons subdivision to Dicke Road, the new speed limit will be 35 mph, up from 30 mph.
The change downward is in preparation for the new Covington Road Trail which is currently under construction. The change between Covington Commons and Dicke Road was because prevailing conditions are more conducive to the 35 mph speed and has been requested by drivers.
A partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Community Schools is providing valuable experience for students.
Since June students from the Anthis Career Center's Construction Trades class have been doing concrete, curb, sidewalk, ramps and patch work for City Utilities.
“I value education and I'm delighted the City could give students an opportunity to get some practical experience,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This apprenticeship is one example of how the City can partner with educators and make a commitment to Fort Wayne's young people. We hope to continue such practices in the future.”
“An integral part of today's education is providing students with opportunities to participate in real-world job experiences,” said Dr. Wendy Robinson, Superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools. “Whether students want to become engineers or doctors or concrete workers, getting a taste of that job early makes every aspect of education more relevant to life after high school.”
In the initial year of the project, one crew, consisting of five students and an instructor from Anthis, was invited to assist City Utilities in concrete repair work. These projects come from water main repairs where streets and sidewalks were removed to repair a damaged pipe. After a pipe is repaired, temporary patches are put in place to allow the site to settle. The Anthis students come in 30 to 40 days later to help with the backlog of projects waiting for permanent concrete repair. The students have completed 72 projects so far this summer.
“We are very impressed with their efforts and the attention the students gave to the details of the work. All of their completed projects were done well and easily passed inspection,” said Water Maintenance Supervisor, Peter Hill.
Hill actively works with the City's youth as a coach and in other activities. It was his idea to try to create some practical work experience programs for students.
The concrete jobs give Anthis students project based learning and hands-on experience in a career field in which they are interested.
“The students were able to learn what it's all about to work in the concrete business and they learned what was expected of them. They learned to get up at 6am and pack a lunch to make sure they were on the job no later than 7am '¦ if they were late they got the day off,” said Chris Roberts, instructor, Anthis Career Center. “On the job, it was practical experience that provided invaluable opportunities to learn and ask questions.”
The work performed by the Anthis students allows City Utility crews to focus on pipe repair. The students get paid and are eligible for class credits too. They will continue working through September.
Northside Pool Closing August 22 Northside Pool will close for the season Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 5 pm, but all of the City's free splash pads will remain open through most of September. Splash pad hours are 9 am ' 9 pm daily through Labor Day. After Labor Day, splash pad hours will be noon ' 8 pm daily. The splash pads will be turned off for the season at 8 pm, September 20. All splash pads are touch activated. To turn the water on, look for a short pole (approx. 3 ft. tall) with a plastic dome top located within the play area. Place your hands on the dome for a few seconds. The water will appear shortly and run for several minutes. When the water stops, repeat the procedure. The splash pad at Robert E. Meyers Park is foot activated. Look for the touch pad on the ground at the east side of the splash pad. Splash pads are located at the following parks: Buckner Park McCormick Park 6114 Bass Road 2300 Raymond & Holly Memorial Park Robert E. Meyers Park 2301 Maumee & Glasgow Inside North Gate of Parkview Field on Jefferson Blvd. Shoaff Park 6401 St. Joe Rd. Waynedale Park 2900 Koons & Elzey For more information, log on to www.fortwayneparks.org.
National League of Cities' pilot project will work with local government, agencies for civic engagement, citizenship
Joining officials from the National League of Cities and local agencies serving immigrants and refugees, Mayor Tom Henry announced today Fort Wayne is one of three cities nationwide selected to participate in the league's pilot program to engage and integrate immigrants into the community and civic life.
Fort Wayne will participate in the Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program for 2009. It will focus on City government, non-profit agencies serving immigrant and refugee populations and immigrants themselves to emphasize civic engagement, working toward American citizenship and participation in the 2010 census.
“Fort Wayne cannot afford to have an 'us and them' mentality on this issue. Our city, as well as our entire country, has a rich history of immigration. As I have experienced repeatedly, we all gain when we work together and this program capitalizes on bringing groups together to achieve a greater goal,” Mayor Henry said. “We all have a responsibility, including immigrants and refugees themselves, to integrate some of Fort Wayne's newest residents into our collective civic life. We will all benefit when their heritage, culture and experiences become part of the fabric of Fort Wayne.”
The National League of Cities selected Fort Wayne because of its nationally recognized efforts from Mayor Henry and City government, local agencies and state and federal government working together to address Fort Wayne's growing international population, many of whom are political refugees. Last year the same groups collaborated to open the Community Resource Center for Refugees, 2826 S. Calhoun St., in September.
“Fort Wayne's participation in NLC's Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program will enhance the city's efforts in addressing the immigrant and refugee population,” said Kathleen Novak, president, National League of Cities, mayor, Northglenn, Colo. “It is our hope that, by connecting local officials and community-based organizations, cities can manage the social and economic implications of growing immigrant populations.”
The Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program focuses on promoting civic engagement and naturalization among immigrant communities in U.S. cities. It will establish a knowledge-sharing network among cities and organizations. MAII aims to be a resource for municipal officials and community-based organizations who seek assistance in addressing immigrant integration challenges.
The two primary components of the program are:
'¢ The CITYzenship community initiative will help city officials strengthen working relationships with immigrant communities and organizations. Participants will work toward an action plan to manage immigrant integration challenges in Fort Wayne. The Municipal Action for Immigrant project will provide city participants with customized levels of assistance and support to help local officials promote civic participation and naturalization.
'¢ The NewCITYzen naturalization campaign will focus on highlighting the many benefits of citizenship. Fort Wayne can to use the program's campaign toolkit to launch a naturalization campaigns locally.
Hispanic and immigrant liaison Palermo Galindo and other City staff will work closely with NLC staff and local agencies to design a customized program specifically for immigrants in Fort Wayne. The partnership will last a minimum of six months and could be extended as the groups further define short-term and long-term goals. The program comes at no cost to the City or participating agencies and individuals.
The other cities participating in 2009 are Littleton, Colo., and another city yet to be announced.
The Rivergreenway trail at the Three Rivers Filtration Plant on Spy Run Avenue is open again. The trail was closed in June of 2007 due to improvements at the Filtration Plant.
Greenway Manager Dawn Ritchie would like to remind citizens that they are sharing the trails with others and should follow these guidelines:
No motorized vehicles, except wheelchairs
No littering or illegal dumping
Ride bicycles recreationally, do not race
Keep pets on leashes and pick up after your pet
Bicyclists should wear helmets
Bicyclists should use a bell or other sounding device when overtaking slower bicycles or pedestrians, or give an audible warning such as “passing on your left”
Ride, skate, walk and run on the right. Pass on the left. Do not block the trail.
Do not mark on pathways for races or walks
For information, call 427-6002.
Beginning Friday, August 7th, wood chips will be available at no cost to the public from the Parks and Recreation Department.
The free chips will be on a first-come, first-served basis at Franke Park. Signs directing people to the Day Camp parking lot are posted. Visitors should bring shovels, as the chips are not bagged.
The wood comes from street and park trees that have been chipped by the Department. It's great for gardeners who want to protect their plants during the winter months with a warm blanket of chips!
Brings variety of media, City government experience to administration
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced Vince Robinson as his appointment to lead the City's public information office.
“I have consistently talked about City government and my administration hiring the best people for the job. Vince is distinctly that choice for public information director,” Mayor Henry said. “He has exactly the kind of experience and contacts needed to do this job effectively. I look forward to him joining my staff later this month and hitting the ground running.”
Robinson will return to City government Aug. 17 as public information director. He had the same position under Mayor Graham Richard in 2000 and 2001. Since that time, he has been owner of Diversity Media Group and editor of INK newspaper, a weekly publication reporting on news of interest to minorities in Fort Wayne. The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce named Robinson Diversity Business Person of the Year for 2003.
An Indiana University journalism alumnus and Fort Wayne native, Robinson has more than 20 years of experience in journalism and media relations. He has worked as news director at WANE-TV, a reporter for WRTV-TV in Indianapolis, and advertising sales at Fort Wayne Newspapers. His community involvement includes the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, Fort Wayne Urban Coalition and the Fort Wayne/Allen County branch of the NAACP.
“Coming back to the City of Fort Wayne combines my commitment to my hometown with my professional experience,” Robinson said. “Mayor Henry has some significant projects and continues to work to make Fort Wayne a great place to live, work, start a business and raise a family. We have similar ideals for this community, and I want to be part of helping to articulate Mayor Henry's vision for Fort Wayne.”
Robinson will provide strategic thinking for the public information office as well as working with public information officers from other City departments, 311 call center staff, area advocates and other City employees for consistent, timely information to the public using a variety of communication tools.
Mayor Henry's choice for Robinson has been met with positive reactions from community leaders including County Councilwoman Maye Johnson and City Councilwoman Karen Goldner.
“To say he has a finger on the pulse of this community would be an understatement. This young man has volunteered his time, knowledge and talent to assist various community programs and services that promote growth and direction for the community and the individuals who comprise it,” Johnson said.
“I am thrilled that Mayor Henry selected Vince Robinson. He is an excellent choice with his experience in the public and private sector,” Goldner said. “After working together under Mayor Richard and in the community, I have seen him demonstrate good judgment time and again while continuing to work toward a better Fort Wayne.”
Sidewalk Survey Ready for Responses
Mayor Tom Henry is inviting residents to complete surveys asking for priorities on how to make the community easier to navigate for walkers. City Utilities customers will find a brief survey in their August bills, regarding sidewalks and asking for input on which locations are destinations that may need increased service from sidewalks, trails and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The effort was started at the direction of Mayor Henry, who wants to make Fort Wayne an easier city to navigate for pedestrians.
“It's important to help our citizens connect with the destinations they find most necessary,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We recognize that many people use our sidewalk system for recreation and leisure, but also for transportation, traveling to a school, shopping center or a medical office, for instance. Making sure we have safe, adequate facilities for them is important. This effort aims to identify the areas throughout the community where we need to consider connecting or creating more accessible pedestrian opportunities.”
A cross-functional internal City team has been working on mapping the existing sidewalks and trails. An advisory group made up of external stakeholders is also helping with identifying potential user groups such as seniors and immigrants.
Besides the survey in City Utility bills, they will be available at Allen County Public Library branches within the city during the month of August, and at local community centers and facilities through September. All surveys should be turned back in to the City by the end of September. Residents are also encouraged to go online to complete the survey at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/sidewalkplan . The deadline for responses is Sept. 30.
The goal is to have results by mid-October. The Sidewalk Plan will ultimately help provide guidance for plans and development of pedestrian infrastructure along major roadways over the next several years. Mayor Henry has previously implemented working groups to assess bicycle infrastructure and high speed rail, as part of making the community more accessible to various forms of transportation.
Delegation to take field before game, Mayor Henry to throw out first pitch
The public is invited to celebrate Fort Wayne's win as an All-America City Thursday night at the TinCaps game at Parkview Field.
The delegation and Mayor Tom Henry will take the field at about 6:40 p.m. to be recognized as one of 10 communities to win this award that shows civic engagement by identifying and solving community challenges. Mayor Henry will also throw out the first pitch.
“This award is about the work our community does every day to make our city a great place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Henry. “Thursday's game will be an opportunity to publicly recognize not only the delegation, but everyone who makes Fort Wayne truly an All-America City.”
In addition to the pre-game ceremonies, members of the delegation will be at the ballpark throughout the game to talk to people about the projects that were part of bid plus a special video presentation and t-shirt giveaways to people in the stands. The game is also a Thirsty Thursday promotion with fireworks after the game.
To purchase game tickets, call 482-6400, visit the Parkview Field ticket office from 9 a.m. through the end of the day's game now through Thursday or visit
www.tincaps.com . Game attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue in support of Fort Wayne's award.
In June, Fort Wayne was one of 10 communities across the country to win the National Civic League's 2009 All-America City award. The city's team, with the theme of All Together Now, was recognized for its efforts in assisting refugees and helping them integrate and succeed in the community, assisting children through the Great Kids Make Great Communities program, and efforts to raise funds to improve connectivity of the local trail network and create safer neighborhoods.
4-year-old's 911 call to be on national TV after local taping in April
The City of Fort Wayne's first “Kid Hero” is scheduled to be featured on Investigation Discovery's “Call 911” Friday night. Four-year-old Alex called 911 in January when his mother fell down the stairs and became unconscious. He was able to sing his new address to the City Communications' call taker.
Interviews with Alex, his mother Jamie, the call taker Manda Overly and Fort Wayne Police Officer Vic Torres were filmed in Fort Wayne in April.
The show will air for the first time 8 p.m. Friday, July 31 on Comcast Channel 111 and Verizon FIOS Channel 123.
In January, Mayor Tom Henry, 911 Communications, the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority recognized Alex with the first Kid Hero award, including a Kid Hero backpack. The award is designed to recognize children who call 911 and are able to effectively communicate the needed information to dispatchers and follow the dispatchers' instructions.
For information about when to use 911, visit
http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/content/view/1626/1647/ .
For tips parents can use to help teach their children about 911, visit
http://www.911forkids.com/ .
Crosswalks to be installed next week
A new traffic signal with crosswalk indicators at the intersection of Parnell and St. Joe River Drive will go into operation Monday, Aug. 3 after 9 a.m.
Crosswalks are also scheduled to be painted that day, weather permitting.
The equipment was installed this week.
Summer is winding down, and with school children returning to school, the local pools will be closing soon. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department pools are closing on the following dates:
Memorial Pool, 2301 Maumee & Glasgow
The last day for the season is Sunday, August 9th, 12:30 - 5 pm
McMillen Pool, Oxford & Hessen Cassel
The last day for the season is Sunday, August 16th,1:30 - 6 pm
Northside Pool, East State Blvd. & Parnell Avenue
The last day for the season is Saturday, August 22nd,12:30 - 5 pm.
To accommodate crews working on Allen County's Tecumseh Street Bridge project and City Utilities sewer pipe repair near Headwaters Park, river levels are being lowered today.
Early this morning the Tainter Gate at the Hosey Dam on the Maumee River was raised to lower river levels. The move will lower all three rivers in the City of Fort Wayne over the next two days.
It is anticipated that the rivers will remain lowered for a period of up to two weeks. When work is completed the Tainter Gate will be lowered and the rivers will come back up.
Residents can call to schedule 10-minute appointment
Mayor Tom Henry will hold his second Mayor's Night In of 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the City-County Building.
Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in his office on the 9th floor to discuss their concerns and comments about City government or services.
“The City of Fort Wayne has had some significant announcements this summer, but these meetings often focus on specific matters of concern to residents,” Mayor Henry said. “Just like my series of neighborhood walks this summer, Mayor's Night In gives me an opportunity to meet directly with the people that I serve and hear what is important to them.”
Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor's Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff.
Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor. Anyone who has had a Mayor's Night In or Mayor's Night Out appointment in the last year will be placed on a waiting list to give other residents the opportunity to meet with Mayor Henry.
Mayor Henry has hosted a Mayor's Night In or Mayor's Night Out during each quarter of 2009 so far. His final Mayor's Night In for 2009 will be announced this fall.
A significant project in protecting the Woodhurst and Southwood Park neighborhoods from flooding is complete.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Public Works Director Bob Kennedy and residents from the neighborhoods for at ribbon cutting to mark the completion of a one-mile Woodhurst flood control project. The project features a 1 mile long wall that connects with an earthen levee.
The City worked with the Army Corp of Engineers to design the wall after floods hit the area in 2003 and 2005.
“After two devastating floods within 18 months of each other, residents along the St. Marys River wanted something done to prevent future flood damage. The City was ready to step up to help quickly,” said Mayor Henry.
In July 2003 and January 2005, the St. Marys River rose well above flood stage, threatening homes along the river. Instead of waiting for federal flood assistance, the City funded the project with a stormwater bond.
“We were already conducting a study with the Army Corp and after the second flood we decided something had to be done on a local level, said Bob, Kennedy, Director of Public Works. So we decided to spend $8.5 million for flood construction projects and another $2.5 million in home buyouts to address flooding in south Fort Wayne.”
The $3 million invested in the Woodhurst not only protects the neighborhood, it's also a boost to the economy. About $1.4 million of the project's costs remained in the local economy in the form of salaries and wages.
Mayor Henry says he's proud of how closely residents worked together with city staff in planning the project.
“In the spirit of an All-America City, municipal government collaborated with residents to make today a reality where we can celebrate not shun our rivers,” said Mayor Henry.
“The City was very responsive to resident's comments and suggestions. There were a number of public meetings at which the City presented its plans and sought input. In fact in a number of areas the City incorporated suggestions from residents, said Charles Heiny, Woodhurst resident. This project is a splendid example of community government in action.”
The ceremony also celebrated the reopening of the Rivergreenway from Hartman Road to Airport Expressway after being closed for more than year while the floodwall was under construction.
Originally a park road, the route was converted to the St. Marys Pathway in the 1980s. The floodwall contractor used this one-mile section for construction traffic. The path was redesigned and reconstructed after the flood control project. Alec Johnson, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation's landscape architect, designed the new alignment, giving the greenway a better view of the river and improved experience for trail users.
Community leaders to encourage full participation in important, safe decennial population tally
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry welcomed the City's 2010 Census Complete Count Committee as they started their work today to encourage all Fort Wayne residents to complete the 10-question census form that will arrive in mailboxes next year. Mayor Henry proclaimed today as U.S. Census Day in the City of Fort Wayne.
A voluntary committee, the nearly 20 members will work with difficult-to-enumerate populations in Fort Wayne with the message that the decennial headcount is important and safe.
“The U.S. Census is not only an important tool for demographics, but it is also critical for determining grants and funding for federal programs at the local level. For each person who is not counted, that is much-needed money for health and human service programs, job training, Title 1 education programs, transportation funding, agricultural grants and Housing and Urban Development grants that will not come to Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Fort Wayne's Complete Count Committee will supplement the Census Bureau's advertising efforts by using the members' local connections of neighbor informing neighbor to result in every person being counted.”
The Complete Count Committee will not actually go door to door for people who do not complete the census form; that is the responsibility of Census employees. Instead, committee members will use outreach strategies to increase the number of people who complete the questionnaire.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, groups most likely to be undercounted are:
'¢ Minorities
'¢ Children
'¢ People below poverty
'¢ Immigrants and refugees
'¢ People living in large urban areas or rural areas
The Census Bureau encourages local, tribal and state governments to assemble Complete Count Committees to get more people to complete the mail-in form. The U.S. Postal Service will mail out questionnaires in March 2010.
Under federal law, all responses to census questionnaires are private and strictly confidential. The President and all federal, state and local agencies ' including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, Welfare and law enforcement entities ' do not have access to census responses.
The Census Monitoring Board estimated Census 2000 undercounted about 47,000 people in Indiana with an undercount rate of 0.77 percent. Of those not counted, the board calculated 40 percent of them were under age 18 for an undercount rate of 1.15 percent for children.
In addition to federal funding, census numbers apportion the number of Congressional districts for each state, which also results in the number of seats Indiana has in the Electoral College for presidential elections.
Fort Wayne's Complete Count Committee members are:
'¢ Loaine Hagerty, St. Joe Community Health Foundation
'¢ Tony Aduro, African Immigrants Social & Economic Development Agency
'¢ Nyein Chan, Catholic Charities
'¢ Irene Paxia, Red Cross Multicultural Exchange
'¢ The Rev. James Keller, New Life Lutheran Church
'¢ Ngozi Rogers, Indiana's Newscenter
'¢ Rosa Gerra, United Hispanic-Americans
'¢ Claudia Johnson, Community Harvest Food Bank
'¢ Patti Crisp, Charis House
'¢ Jamie Garwood, United Way
'¢ Maye Johnson, Allen County Council
'¢ Pat Turner, City of Fort Wayne
'¢ Fernando Zapari, El Mexicano Newspaper
'¢ Pam Brookshire, Community Action of Northeast Indiana
'¢ Craig Martin and George Fields, Fort Wayne Community Schools
'¢ The Rev. Roger Reece, Associated Churches
'¢ Saneta Maiko, Multi-Cultural Council
'¢ Richard Stevenson, Wayne Township trustee
'¢ Palermo Galindo, City of Fort Wayne
The committee's co-chairs are Rogers and Galindo.
Henry praises community organizations addressing needs, citizen advisers who helped set funding priorities
Mayor Tom Henry joined a group of 6- and 7-year-olds who are attending Wellspring's Daycamp at First Presbyterian Church this morning to ann ounce 2009 Community Development Block Grant allocations from the City of Fort Wayne. The Wellspring program, which targets children from low income families, is one of the programs receiv ing part of the $235,000 in funds for public services.
“The Community Development Block Grant program is one of the few examples of federal money coming into our community where local decisions affect its use,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “A group of citizen advisers helps me set the priority for how the funds will be allocated and what challenges will be addressed with this funding. In this time of increasing need and decreasing resources, we strive to distribute the funds in such a way that we make each dollar go as far as it can.”
Mayor Henry said the CDBG funds fo r public services have been prioritized to the greatest needs in our community. He commended the many agencies and organizations capably working to address the most pressing concerns, and said these grants will help support and maintain programs that lift up and assist senior citizens, low-income families, refugees, and those who need job training or health services.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
CDBG funds can be used for a variety of activities including public infrastructure improvements, rehabilitation, acquisition, clearance (demolition), economic development, and public services. The City is allowed to spend a portion of the CDBG allotment on public services. Public services include (but are not limited to) child care, health care, job training, recreation programs, education programs, public safety services, services for seniors, and services for homeless persons. The $235,000 allocations in today's announcement comprise the public services portion of the entire Block Grant.
CDBG: Where does it come from?
The City of Fort Wayne receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The amount awarded is based on a formula taking into account many factors, including population and other characteristics. In 2009 the City is receiving $2,132,451. This is the first time since 2003 that Fort Wayne has not experienced a cut in CDBG funds. Last year, the City expected a 10-15% reduction each year going forward, but this year the amount stayed about the same and did not decrease, which allows more funding support than the City had anticipated being able to offer.
CDBG: The City's Grant Application Process
Each year the City takes applications from local non-profit organizations for funding social service programs. The City receives anywhere between 30 and 50 applications annually. Funding decisions are made based on a needs assessment and public community meetings completed as part of the five-year Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan identifies what services the community needs and places a priority on those services. The Plan serves as the basis for allocating the CDBG funds over the next five years and gets updated at least annually.
2009
Community Development Block Grant Funding Amounts
Applicant
Activity
Funding
Amount
Program
Description
African Immigrants Social and Economic Development Agency
Job Coaching Initiative
$10,000
Provide
job coaching, skills training, application training, and on the job mentoring
to African refugees.
Associated Churches of Fort
Wayne
Associated Churches Food Bank
$14,000
Provide
food through 26 food pantry sites.
Blue Jacket, Inc.
Career Academy
$10,000
Program
provides ex-felons with the skills and opportunities necessary to earn
transitional and/or permanent employment.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne
- South Bend
Refugee Resettlement
$10,000
Provide
case management and resettlement services to recently resettled refugees.
City of Fort Wayne
Neighborhood Clean-Up
$17,000
Provide
dumpsters and haul away for neighborhoods wanting to clean up debris and
abandoned tires.
East Allen County Schools
EACS Neighborhood Action
Center at Autumn
Woods Apartment
$10,000
Provide
Autumn Woods Apartment residents with supportive services to meet ongoing
needs and to help these families keep their children in school
Fort Wayne Medical
Society Foundation
Fort Wayne Medical
Education Program
$10,000
Provide
prenatal visits and lab screening for women awaiting Medicaid eligibility
approval.
Fort Wayne Medical
Society Foundation
Healthier Moms and Babies
$10,000
Health
education and case management for low-income, high-risk pregnant women.
Fort Wayne Parks &
Recreation
Jennings Work Study
$7,500
Provide
job skills training to high school age children.
Fort Wayne Urban League
Pre-Job Skills Training
$7,500
Provide
instruction and assistance that educates and equips children for economic
self-reliance and provides adults the skills they need to attain economic
self-sufficiency through good jobs
Fort Wayne Urban League
Pre-Apprenticeship
$7,000
Prepare
candidates for employment in the construction field.
Genesis Outreach
Workforce Development Training
Center
$8,000
Workforce
development training center for homeless in which clients are employed in a
"paid internship"-style setting while gaining necessary job skills
for today's workforce.
Mental Health Association in Allen County
Mental Health Association Client Advocacy for the Mentally Ill
$9,000
Provide
client advocacy for the mentally ill to individuals including options for
care and treatment.
Burmese Advocacy Center
Skills Training Program
$8,000
Provide
refugee and immigrants with employment skills.
Neighborhood Health Clinics
Healthcare for Burmese Residents of Fort Wayne
$14,000
Provide
medical and dental services to Burmese population.
Super Shot, Inc.
Free Immunization Clinics for Children
$9,000
Provide
26 free monthly immunization clinics to provide immunizations to children for
childhood diseases.
The Reclamation Project, Inc
English as a New Language(ENL) & Transportation Instruction for
Refugees
$10,000
Program
helps aid and assist in the English language development of newly resettled
adult refugees.
Turnstone Center for Children
and Adults with Disabilities
Turnstone's Residential Ramp
Building Program
$9,000
Provide
wheelchair access ramps to Fort
Wayne residents who have a physical disability and
limited income
United Hispanic Americans, Inc.
Bilingual Employment Support Services
$9,000
Provide
job skills and job search training education to individuals in Spanish and
English, as well as computer literacy workshops twice a month.
United Way of Allen
County
Ready to Learn/Ready Schools
$10,000
Provides
an existing network of collaborative partners to better meet the educational
needs of the City's most vulnerable children.
United Way of Allen
County
Earned Income Tax Credit Program: Put Money in your Pocket
$5,000
Outreach
efforts to low- and moderate-income workers who can benefit from the federal
and state Earned Income Tax Credit through free, local tax preparation
services.
Wellspring Interfaith Social Services, Inc.
Wellspring Food Bank
$14,000
This
program provides food and personal hygiene needs up to once-per-month for
individuals and families residing primarily in the central city.
Wellspring Interfaith Social Services, Inc.
Wellspring Summer Day Camp
Program
$9,000
Provide
summer day camp to low-income children.
Wellspring Interfaith Social Services, Inc.
Wellspring Older Adult Program
$8,000
This
program helps provide physical, nutritional and cognitive support for seniors
through various activities on a daily basis.
Total:
$235,000
Topics include legal structures for companies, financial statements
The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Women's Enterprise ' A Program of the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, Small Business Administration, SCORE, Community Development Corp. and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will offer a free forum on small-business taxes and recordkeeping Aug. 20.
The workshop, which will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building, will cover the following topics:
'¢ Business legal structure
'¢ Financial statements
'¢ Recordkeeping for taxes
The topics are designed for people who are currently in business or considering starting a business. The workshop's presenters are attorney Joshua Burkhardt of Beer Mallers Backs & Salin, LLP; and SCORE's Jack Dever and Al Kruetzman.
The remaining workshops planned for 2009 are:
'¢ New business start-up in a recession, Sept. 17
'¢ Procurement, Oct. 15
'¢ Patents, trademarks and copyright, Nov. 19
All workshops will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building. For more information, contact Denise Porter-Ross at 427-2603 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll and Historic Fort Wayne President Ken Sorg thanked Lincoln Financial Group for donating a 19th century reproduction cannon to the Old Fort today.
“The addition of this fine Civil War era artillery piece allows Historic Fort Wayne the opportunity to display and demonstrate over 100 years of military ordinance, spanning from the French & Indian War through the Civil War,” said Moll.
While the original cannon had a wooden carriage, Lincoln Foundation provided the funds to trade out the carriage for a metal one that would have a longer lifetime in the elements of the weather.
“Lincoln is pleased that the cannon has a new home at the Old Fort and will be enjoyed by many visitors,” said Sandi Kemmish, Director of Lincoln Financial Foundation.
Following the news conference, Civil War re-enactors kicked off Camp Allen Muster 1860 ' 1865, a Three Rivers Festival event. Volunteers demonstrated what life was like during the Civil War, which included soldiers completing their drills, cooks preparing the type of food they ate during that time period, and displaying children's games and toys common in that era.
There were three American forts built in Fort Wayne during its early years. The current fort is a replica of the one constructed by Major John Whistler and his men during 1815'1816 and was the last fort to stand at the junction of the St. Mary's, St. Joseph and Maumee Rivers. It was designed purely for defense against Native Americans and could be comfortably defended by a relatively small number of men.
Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. is dedicated to creating a permanent endowment for the Old Fort, maintaining routine upkeep, and developing a historically-based education program. With private and corporate investors, as well as local volunteers, Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. believes that this endeavor will play an integral role in the revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne.
July is National Parks and Recreation month.
More Training Available to Homeowners, Those Considering Home Ownership
This month the City of Fort Wayne will offer home ownership education classes on two upcoming Saturdays: July 18 and July 25, both 8AM to noon, in the Omni Room at the City-County Building. The 8-hour training is broken into two 4-hour sessions and covers the following topics:
'¢ Are you ready to buy a home?
'¢ Managing your money.
'¢ Understanding credit.
'¢ Getting a mortgage loan.
'¢ Sample forms and documents.
'¢ Shopping for a home.
'¢ Keeping your home and managing your finances.
'¢ Homeowners insurance.
Those interested in attending the free classes should pre-register by calling Kim Rodriguez at 427-2133 or email their name and contact phone number to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Registrants should call or email by 5 p.m. July 16 or 23.
“We're pleased with the strong response we're seeing to this educational opportunity,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We had 17 individuals complete the training in June, but we already have 18 signed up for July. The classes have plenty of space, though, and I want to encourage anyone considering home ownership to invest the time in this free class to find out whether it is a wise choice for their family. Our neighborhoods benefit from homeowners who understand their responsibilities.”
The session on July 18 is part 1 and the session on July 25 is part 2 of the training, but attendees do not have to take them in order. Participants can begin with part 2 if that date is more convenient. Additional training sessions for both parts 1 and 2 are scheduled for Aug. 8 (part 1) and Aug. 15 (part 2) and a complete listing can be found at the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program website,
www.NSPFortwayne.org .
Organizers used City's sports development grant for event at IPFW
Continuing to enhance Fort Wayne's appeal as a destination for first-rate amateur sporting events, Mayor Tom Henry joined officials from the Big Ten Conference, the National Soccer Festival and the Fort Wayne Sports Corp. to announce for the first time ever the conference's seven men's soccer teams will participate 2010 National Soccer Festival.
The City of Fort Wayne gave the National Soccer Festival a $10,000 sports business development grant to attract the Big Ten. Mayor Henry announced the grant program in May to encourage local organizations to host their amateur sports tournaments in Fort Wayne.
“Fort Wayne has put itself on the map for being an outstanding destination in the Midwest for sports venues and sporting events of all kinds. Having the Big Ten Conference bring their men's soccer teams to our city for preseason play is significant and speaks highly to the National Soccer Festival and IPFW,” said Mayor Henry. “Today's announcement is exactly the reason why I created the sports development grant program. I know Fort Wayne is a burgeoning market for events that provide family-friendly entertainment that attracts visitors. It makes economic sense for the City to be part of building this market.”
The more sporting events and tournaments Fort Wayne venues host, the more likely they are to host them in the future, which is why Mayor Henry wanted the grant money to hold, recruit or bring athletic events consisting of games, exhibitions, tournaments, and other sports-related events to Fort Wayne that will bring in significant out-of-town visitors.
“Sports tourism generates between $13 and $15 million annually in our community, so we appreciate Mayor Henry and the City of Fort Wayne recognizing the value of these outstanding sporting events and supporting efforts to bring more of them here through the sports development grant program,” said Dan O'Connell, president and CEO Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Hosting a Big Ten Conference competition puts Fort Wayne in a position to host future Big Ten events. We should all be excited about expanding the National Soccer Festival to include the Big Ten Conference.”
Festival organizers do not know how many attendees to expect for the 2010 festival since it will be the first time for Big Ten Conference play, but it has traditionally had more than 1,000 visitors. Fort Wayne is an attractive location geographically for the conference as it is centrally located to the universities and many of their alumni.
The Big Ten Challenge, the working name for the preseason event, will be part of the festival that also features teams from IPFW, Indiana Tech and St. Francis as well as other Division I teams. The 2010 festival also includes a conference coaches meeting, player picnic, preseason media event and soccer clinics for youth players. The festival's title sponsor for 2010 is Shindigz.
“Every Big Ten coach who has taken a team to the National Soccer Festival has had great things to say about the experience, so the opportunity to showcase all seven of our men's teams at such a first-class event is very exciting,” said Big Ten Assistant Commissioner Chad Hawley. “I continue to be impressed by the City of Fort Wayne's enthusiasm for this event ' bringing the entire Conference together for first-rate competition in the heart of Big Ten country will be a great way to kick off the 2010 season.”
Founded in 2000, the festival is held at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne's Hefner Soccer Complex. The 2010 National Soccer Festival will be Aug. 26 to Aug. 29. This year's festival will be Aug. 21, 22 and Aug. 27 through Aug. 29.
The Three Rivers Jack & Jill Golf Tournament scheduled for July 11th was rained out. The tournament has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 25th. Players should call the McMillen Pro Shop at 427-6710 for a tee time.
Regional attraction scores hat trick of jobs, private investment, tourism boost
Celebrating the start of an ice facility unique to Indiana, Mayor Tom Henry and representatives from 3 Sheets Development LLC, HRC Hotels LLC and Canlan Ice Sports plus youth hockey players, figure skaters and a Komet Hockey player or two broke ground today on Fort Wayne's new $14 million, three-sheet ice center and nearby $6 million hotel. This new development represents new jobs, significant private investment, and a major attraction added to the community's growing sports tourism industry.
“In a summer filled with All-America moments, today is another standout,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This new ice rink epitomizes what makes Fort Wayne exceptional. It is a project that says welcome to visitors, fills our citizens with pride and tells those in the business world that Fort Wayne is prepared and ready to help them succeed. Working together, we are building a first-class community in which good jobs can grow and families can thrive. Thanks to 3 Sheets Development, Canlan Ice Sports and HRC Hotels for investing in our community and cementing Fort Wayne's reputation as a regional destination for high-quality sports entertainment and athletic facilities.”
Located on a 22-acre brownfield between Wells Street, Fernhill Avenue and Lima Road, the new 108,000-square-foot ice facility will have three sheets of ice that can be used for hockey, figure skating or recreational skating. It will have a 200-seat, full-service restaurant, pro shop, four event rooms, and 13 locker rooms. The seating capacity for the rink has not been determined.
With 98 percent of the cost privately funded, it will be the only three-sheet location in Indiana and will give the city a competitive edge in hosting regional hockey tournaments and skating competitions. The nearest rinks with three sheets of ice are in Chicago and Detroit. Ramsey expects it will have 65 employees when fully operational.
“When people talk about a team effort, they are talking about this project,” said Todd Ramsey with 3 Sheets Development. “While the challenges have been monumental, we have been blessed to put together a group that can see the benefit of this venture and take the risks needed to make it a reality. Mayor Henry and his staff as well as Councilman Tom Didier have been instrumental in the entire development process. We are convinced that this will be a great draw for the City for years to come.”
The rink is owned by 3 Sheets and managed by Canlan Ice Sports, a Canadian company that is locating its American offices at the Fort Wayne facility. Canlan is also under an agreement to manage the City's McMillen Ice Arena.
The City will invest about $250,000 in infrastructure improvements, including water, sewer and stormwater improvements and the Pufferbelly Trail, a bike and pedestrian path with a section crossing the site.
The rink is part of a larger development that will also have a $6 million, 89-room Towne Place Suites by Marriott. The hotel developer is HRC Hotels from Valparaiso, Indiana. Developers expect it to have a solid clientele from out-of-town guests here for what has become known as “Spiece on ice,” a reference to the privately owned and operated Spiece Fieldhouse, which has become a multi-state destination for youth basketball tournaments. HRC Hotels expects Towne Place Suites to have about 20 employees.
“We are excited to be entering this growing market and see real potential for this hotel site,” said HRC Hotels spokesman Brian Gilchrist. “We not only are looking forward to the added business the ice rink will be able to provide but are also relying on the strong corporate business presence midweek along with other weekend business generated from the various venues in Fort Wayne. We are confident that the Towne Place Suites, through its unique offerings, will be able to accommodate all the various clientele coming into the market.”
Sports tourism is a growing industry for Fort Wayne. Spiece Fieldhouse, McMillen Ice Arena and other local facilities are regular hosts of sports tournaments, camps and events for athletes of all ages. The Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates local sports tourism will bring in more than 90,000 visitors, including players, their families and spectators, which will bring with them $13 million to $15 million for 2009.
“The new ice arena completes the City's efforts to help build and invest in the growth of sports tourism to benefit local residents by improving our local economy through tourism, while also helping to improve the quality of life in Fort Wayne by improving our local sports venues,” said Dan O'Connell, CVB president and CEO. “Visitors to Fort Wayne bring in money and help to grow our economy. Key destinations like the Children's Zoo, Parkview Field and now the new ice rink keep Fort Wayne in a strong position to attract visitors from across the region.”
The ice rink is scheduled to open in November 2009. The hotel is slated to open its doors during spring 2010.
Fort Wayne City Utilities will be “smoke testing” sewer lines in the southeast Fort Wayne beginning Monday July 13, 2009. The area being tested is bounded by Pontiac Street to the north, Abbott Street to the west, Oxford Street to south, and Wayne Trace Avenue on the east. The testing should be completed within one week. (See attached map)
Smoke testing is a process that allows crews to find leaks and other problems that are contributing to sewer overflows.
During the procedure crews will blow smoke into manholes to test sections of sewer and storm lines. If the smoke comes out of the sewer system it's an indication that sewers may be cracked, have a bad joint, or another deficiency that causes it to leak.
The smoke being used is chemically generated but is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. It will be white or grey in color.
Residents may see smoke coming out of manholes and inlets or out of the ground. Additionally, smoke may be seen coming from building gutters, downspouts, plumbing vents on roofs. Smoke should not enter any homes. If it does enter a home it could mean a drain tap is dry or that there is a plumbing defect. City Utilities suggests that property owners make sure that drain traps have water in them. For seldom used floor drains it is suggested that homeowners pour a gallon of water into each drain.
If residents find smoke in their home they should exit the building and look for City Utilities crews who will be nearby conducting the tests. If residents are away and return home to find smoke in their home, they should call the 311 service center so that City Utilities can investigate the problem.
Prior to the testing, City Utilities will be delivering door hangers and letters to residents and businesses in the area where the testing will be done. Questions may be directed to City Utilities at 427-1255 or to the 311 service center.
Most restrictions Saturday only, another will be about a year
Construction on the Courtyard by Marriott hotel at Harrison Square and the Parkview Cycling Festival at Parkview Field will result in some additional lane and road closures Saturday and a new lane closure for the duration of the hotel's construction.
On Saturday, there will be no traffic on Harrison between Jefferson Boulevard and Douglas Street, but the two west lanes will be open for cyclists participating in the race. Weather permitting Monday, Shiel Sexton, the hotel's general contractor, will move concrete barricades to the center of Harrison Street, which will remain there for about year. Once the barricades are in place, one lane for southbound traffic will be open on this section of Harrison.
For race day, the concrete barricades on the two southern lanes of Jefferson between Ewing Street and Douglas will be removed from the street, but it will remain closed to traffic to accommodate the bike race. The Jefferson barricades will be placed on the street again by Monday morning. These lane restrictions, already in place, will also continue during construction.
Other all-day road closures for Saturday's bike race will be:
'¢ Ewing from Baker Street to Jefferson
'¢ Webster Street from Douglas to Brackenridge Street
'¢ Douglas from Harrison to Webster
'¢ Brackenridge from Calhoun to Ewing.
26 projects in targeted locations to make exterior improvements
Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the City's $400,000 commercial façade grant program will result in nearly $1.1 million of private investment for improving commercial properties in Fort Wayne. The 26 projects will infuse $1.47 million into the economy.
Mayor Henry originally required the program to be a dollar-for-dollar private match, but many property owners expanded the scope and decided to build to larger projects that included some interior work or larger exterior projects. The grant totals ranged from $2,250 to $40,000.
“I think of our commercial façade grants as a 'stimulus package' for Fort Wayne's small businesses,” Mayor Henry said. “I have had a commitment to Fort Wayne's neighborhoods and our business corridors from the day I took office. This grant program really encourages investment in Fort Wayne businesses by creating the economics of the first impression. Both customers and neighbors appreciate appealing aesthetics, and it can only enhance our business community.”
The grants covered costs such as window and door replacements, masonry restoration, new paint, signage and landscaping.
Today's announcement was at Prairie Quest Consulting, 620 E. Berry Street. This woman-owned business moved to Fort Wayne's East Central neighborhood and decided to apply for the grant as part of its overall investment in rehabilitating the structure.
“The City's façade grant program was instrumental in our plans to purchase a building and relocate to downtown. My company committed to using local contractors and suppliers for all the work, so Prairie Quest's investment as well as the City's grant stayed in the Fort Wayne economy,” said Stacey Smith, Prairie Quest Consulting's president and CEO. “I would like to thank Mayor Henry and the City of Fort Wayne for creating this program. This is exactly the kind of public-private leverage that takes the best of what business can do with the partnership of City government.”
To qualify, projects had to be within the City's Economic Development Target Areas. Many of the projects are located along key commercial corridors, including North Anthony Boulevard, Wells Street and Broadway. Most grants went to companies that have been in the same location for many years and others that are newer occupants.
One of those companies that used a grant for an existing location was G.I. Joe's Army Surplus at 1638 N. Wells Street.
“The facade grant program allowed us to dream bigger, and that's just what we have done. I cannot believe the catalyst the grant has been. We have a few extra thousand dollars available through our construction loan, and already plan on more and more improvements,” said Shawna Nicelley, co-owner of G.I. Joe's. “We have been hearing all sorts of positive feedback from our customers and our neighbors. It has helped us improve not only our property but our neighborhood. The city's $10,000 investment is bringing over $30,000 of improvements in one building.”
The City was also able to add five projects since the original recipient list was announced. Mayor Henry initially announced 21 projects, but because of lower construction bids or cost-saving recommendations from the grant's design review committee, almost $59,000 became available. That money was then granted to five other companies that were part of the original application process.
Four of the projects are complete. The City reimburses the grant recipients after the work is finished. Work on the remaining locations is expected to be finished by the end of 2009.
The City anticipates to take grant applications for the 2010 program late this year. For more information about the program, contact Redevelopment Specialist Julie Sanchez at 427-1127 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The complete list of 2009 grant recipients is:
Grant Recipient
Grant Amount
George's
International Grocery
$40,000.00
Quimby Village Association
$40,000.00
LMA Enterprises-Firefly
$32,369.00
Prairie
Quest
$25,597.50
Lutheran
Homes
$20,000.00
Metro
Real Estate 1
$20,000.00
Metro
Real Estate 2
$20,000.00
Knitting
off Broadway
$20,000.00
Old Crown
Inc
$20,000.00
Intrascape
Inc
$20,000.00
Darryl
Gorman
$20,000.00
Spyros
Pancake House
$19,630.00
The River
Tavern
$15,000.00
Home
Appliance Leasing
$14,112.50
G.I. Joe's
Army Surplus
$10,000.00
The
Reclamation Project
$9,636.00
Shambaugh
Family LTD
$9,000.00
Zesto Ice
Cream
$8,425.00
Bobick's
Golf
$7,818.60
Hyde
Brothers Booksellers
$6,200.00
Great
Panes Glass
$5,555.20
Engine
House Development
$4,656.50
Anthony
M. Henry
$4,250.00
Casselwood-DKJ
Holdings
$4,067.00
Gouloff-Jordan
Surveyor
$3,472.50
Ron
Kohart
$2,250.00
Total
$402,039.80
Amounts listed in bold are the 5 additional projects and reflect the initial grant application amount, not the final amount approved.
In a morning news conference, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control was recognized by The Humane Society of the United States for being a progressive leader among US shelters and public safety programs.
According to the recent article, “Out of Control, Into Compassion,” that appeared in The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Sheltering magazine' “The public wants to be kept safe from dangerous dogs, stray dogs, health hazards, and diseases. They also want to know that their local agencies are humane-minded, compassionate places working alongside other community animal welfare groups to stop animal cruelty and reduce euthanasia. Enforcement is a part of that, but education is often just as important.”
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control has learned to step outside the “governmental box” by using fund raising and a high-quality volunteer program to provide essential services that tax-based dollars cannot support, but animals need.
“We see education and service to community animal problems as a priority in Fort Wayne,” said Director Belinda Lewis, “We could write tickets all day, but law enforcement alone cannot solve neighborhood problems. Education and outreach is essential to helping people and saving the lives of animals.”
According to HSUS Indiana State Director Anne Sterling, “Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control managed by Belinda Lewis and her team should serve as an inspiration to other animal control departments looking for ways to expand their services, serve the community, and save more lives. Under Belinda's leadership, Fort Wayne has developed one of the more progressive, community-friendly animal control departments in the country.”
Facts about Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is a municipal animal control program within the public safety division of the City of Fort Wayne.
Provided animal rescue, animal care, a pet adoption service and a centralized lost and found service for 16,608 animals in 2008
Animal Control Officers responded to 20,809 calls for service in 2008
Mission Statement:
Guided by the humane ethic and livability interests within our neighborhoods the mission of Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is to ensure public health and safety as well as prevent pet overpopulation, animal neglect, and animal cruelty through education, rescue, and law enforcement.
Statements by The Humane Society of the United States
“The HSUS Animal Services Consultation (ASC) program provides in-depth evaluation services to public and private animal care and control agencies. By using teams of HSUS staff and independent consultants, the program has helped clients accomplish goals ranging from planning for a new facility to solving endemic policy and management issues. Since 1994, Belinda Lewis, Director of Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control has served as a team consultant for this program on more than ten evaluations in major metropolitan areas such as Baltimore, Denver and Toronto. Belinda's expertise, coupled with her ability to deliver a consistent, professional message, has made her a valued member of every team.” Kimberley Intino, CAWA, Director, Shelter Services Program.
“Whenever our magazine covers an animal control topic, Belinda Lewis is the first source I want to call, because she's both knowledgeable and patient; I know that the information I get from her will be not only helpful, but practical. She approaches her job with a compassionate heart paired with a mind that grasps both the advantages and limitations of local government." M. Carrie Allan, Editor, Animal Sheltering magazine.
Local artists age 50 and older are invited to enter the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation's Annual Senior Judged Art Show at the Community Center, 233 W. Main Street. Categories include Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor, Photography/Computer imagery, Sculpture/3-D art and Mixed Media. The entry fee is $3 per piece. Entries will be accepted at the Community Center on Wednesday, July 8th, 6 pm ' 8 pm and Thursday, July 9th, 8 am ' 2 pm.
The public is invited to vote for their favorite entries July 13 ' 16, 8 am ' 8 pm. The winners will receive their awards on Friday, July 17 at noon. The winning art will be displayed July 20 ' 23, 8 am ' 8 pm at the Community Center.
Winning entries from previous years are not eligible. All entries must be framed and wire hung prior to entry. Gift certificates to Creative Framing will be awarded for Best Overall Show ($75), first runner-up ($50), and second runner-up ($25). Honorable mention ribbons will also be awarded in each category. The Art Show is sponsored by the Community Center and Creative Framing. Judging will be performed by the viewing public. Any ties will be determined by a panel of volunteers. This is a Three Rivers Festival Event.
For more information, please call 427-6466.
Free Seminar Coming to Help More Businesses
The City of Fort Wayne's Green City Business Program received the Technology Solutions Award presented by Public Technology Institute. The Washington D.C. based group recognized Fort Wayne's Green City program for its efforts to merge ecological, economic and social factors in an effort to create a sustainable community. Fort Wayne's program focuses on sustainability by training businesses to have better environmental practices that reduce operating costs.
Award Presenters touted our program for incorporating a mentoring aspect that pairs businesses together in meeting green standards.
The Green City Business program offers live interactive training that help businesses understand what they can do to make their business more "green" and save money on energy costs. More than 30 Fort Wayne businesses were involved in the first training session and a second training session is scheduled for this month.
Fort Wayne businesses can attend a free training session on Wednesday July 15, 2009 from 12:15pm-4:30pm. Pre-registration is required by July 9, 2009. To register for the workshop contact Julia Gorrell at 427-6059 or visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy/gb .
Session will focus on state's efforts to bring passenger rail service back to Fort Wayne as Midwest looks to high-speed rail network
State Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne) and the Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association and in cooperation with the City of Fort Wayne will host a forum with Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Michael Reed. Open to the public, the meeting will be at 4 p.m. July 9 at the Baker Street Station, 221 W. Baker St.
Sen. Wyss, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, and NIPRA invited Commissioner Reed to Fort Wayne for an update on Gov. Mitch Daniels' support of passenger rail service in Indiana and the state's application for federal funding of high-speed rail. Reed is also scheduled to take questions from the audience.
“The Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association is very grateful to Senator Tom Wyss for his work in securing Commissioner Mike Reed for this most important meeting. We believe there is growing interest in our state legislative delegation to see passenger rail service restored to Fort Wayne in the near future,” said Geoff Paddock, member of NIPRA and one of the organizers of the meeting with the commissioner.
The meeting will focus on INDOT's rail plan to connect Indiana cities to Chicago with passenger rail service. In 2002, Fort Wayne was selected as an intermediary stop on a proposed high-speed rail line between Chicago and Cleveland, but the Fort Wayne route remains in limbo until the state and U.S. Department of Transportation finalize passenger-rail plans.
“Bringing passenger rail back to Fort Wayne, in whatever form it takes, can be an engine for jobs in northeast Indiana,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our state is a critical link between Chicago and Ohio, and Fort Wayne should be the route. We have amazing support in our city for the return of passenger rail since we recognize the value it would add to our community.”
This is the second public forum NIPRA has hosted. In April, the rail-advocacy group held the Rally for Rail with 800 people in attendance.
Mayor Tom Henry honored two long-time Foster Park residents by proclaiming July 1st John and Julia Oldenkamp Day. City Council President Tom Smith read the proclamation at Foster Park today on behalf of the Mayor, who was unable to attend. Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll, Friends of the Parks President Julie Donnell, City Council members and park advocates joined Councilman Smith to express their appreciation of the Oldenkamps and their $250,000 donation to Foster Park improvements.
“Fort Wayne is lucky to have a history of private sector support for its public parks, to have advocates like the Friends of the Parks, and to have dedicated citizens like John and Julia Oldenkamp,” said Smith. “In recognition of the Oldenkamp's generous gift and the plans to improve Foster Park, I encourage citizens to walk and enjoy Foster's flower gardens, green spaces, golf course and greenway.”
John and his late wife Julia lived in the Foster Park neighborhood for 52 years. Julia walked through Foster Park every day and John enjoyed running and taking long walks in the park. He called the park his “big office” where he could go to gain a clearer mind and work out problems he faced at his job at General Electric.
The news conference was held in Pavilion #1, a building that will greatly benefit from the improvement plan. The roof and internal structural damage will be repaired, cracked columns will be replaced, and some cosmetic improvements will be included.
New signage for the park is also in the plans, including a limestone monument sign similar to those at Lakeside and Swinney parks. Directional signs to help people find their way around the park will be erected along with a new golf course sign.
For safety reasons, and an improved park experience, a shared bike and pedestrian trail will be constructed along Main Park Drive, for a protected connection from Old Mill Rd. into Foster Park. Essentially, this will separate pedestrian and bike traffic from vehicular traffic.
“We're very grateful to the Oldenkamps for their generosity and to the Friends of the Parks for their help in the improvement planning process,” said Moll. “It's a great feeling to know that our parks are improving the quality of life for our citizens.”
The Friends of the Parks is an independent advocacy and education group which strives to partner with the Parks and Recreation Department. The Friends' activities include fundraising for park improvements and planting trees through the annual Great Tree Canopy Comeback.
For more information, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Landlines unaffected, will update when service is restored
People using cellular phones to reach the City of Fort Wayne or Allen County Communications' 911 service need to use an alternate number until further notice. Landlines are unaffected by this outage.
For cell phone users only, they should call 427-1222 to reach the City or 449-3000 to reach the County. The problem is expected to be resolved later this evening.
Indigital Telecom identified an equipment failure in the Indiana Fiber Network's 911 system for cellular calls and is working to resolve the problem.
Media will be updated when service is restored.
Along with every Hoosier, I am pleased that the Indiana General Assembly has concluded its work and approved a new two-year budget for the citizens of our state.
As Mayor of Indiana's second largest city, however, I had hoped that several issues of importance to Fort Wayne would have been addressed. I was disappointed that our legislators were unable to give voice to the people of Fort Wayne on the issue of gaming, or to protect their interests by affirming City of Fort Wayne ownership of our municipal electric utility. Both of our requests were about basic rights and did not add a single penny to the budget.
We all understood that the schedule for the special session was very tight and that the primary focus was on adopting a new state budget. I appreciated the discipline demonstrated by our legislators, but I believe that some legitimate local needs would have benefited from Statehouse action.
Some months ago now, I shared the news with you that various private business interests had come to us as they began exploring the potential for gaming here. To prepare ourselves as a community, we studied the issue in depth. We engaged professionals to objectively research the economic and fiscal impacts of gaming, as well as its social and community effects.
Throughout our investigation, I listened carefully to the people of our city. You told me the issue of gaming was important to you, and you wanted your voices to be heard. That is why I led the way in calling for a referendum, and why I continued to work with our state legislators to the close of the special session to secure one. I believe that the people of Fort Wayne have a right to be heard.
Yes, I pursued this issue and I would do so again, because I am committed to making sure Fort Wayne has every chance to thrive. We are living in difficult economic times, our unemployment rate is the sad proof of the magnitude of our challenge. I believe any opportunity that can bring new jobs, high-quality investment and significant new revenue into our community is one deserving of serious consideration. We must never lose sight of that as we fight for our economic recovery.
Whatever the future might hold on the issue of gaming, let me make one thing clear: I want the people of Fort Wayne to be able to make their own decision about it.
The control of our municipal electric utility and the ability to serve its customers emerged as a central issue during the unsuccessful lease negotiations between the City and Indiana Michigan Power.
Our electric utility is a valuable community asset and serving our customers is a privilege. The legislation that State Representative Win Moses submitted would have clarified City ownership, something singularly important as we seek a new service provider. My goals are to get the best value for taxpayers, and the most competitive rates and the highest-quality service for our electric utility customers.
I believe strongly that the interests of Fort Wayne citizens would have been best served by a straightforward decision from the State Legislature. A small line in the budget bill would have cost the state nothing, but it would have had the ability to save Fort Wayne taxpayers and ratepayers tens of millions of dollars fighting a case in court to preserve what already belongs to them. The issue is fairness. And I will continue to fight for it.
Two other issues were part of the recently passed legislation. I am glad that an annual appropriation of $1 million for the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana was included. The money is used to make lease payments on the building that is the academy's home.
Finally, language in the bill confirmed Allen County's responsibility for bridge maintenance. The County and the City recently entered into an interlocal agreement on bridge maintenance and repair, and one of the terms of that agreement was for the City and the County to support a change in state law allowing the County to use its major bridge fund to finance the maintenance and repair of all bridges in the County. That deal has now become part of state law.
A portion of Fort Wayne's Rivergreenway around the City's water filtration plant is being repaired, and a detour is now in place for greenway users at the Spy Run underpass.
During repair work greenway users will be re-routed to the traffic light to the south of the river on Lafayette to avoid the underpass on Spy Run. Sidewalks on west side of Spy Run will connect users back to the St. Mary's pathway. Sidewalks on the east side will connect users with the St. Joe and Maumee pathways. Detour signs will be posted.
The repair work is expected to take about three weeks.
Equipment repaired, landlines unaffected during outage
911 emergency service has been restored for cell phone users in the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County.
Earlier today an equipment failure in Indigital Telecom's Indiana Fiber Network prevented 911 calls from cell phones from going through. The equipment was repaired and service has been restored. Cell phone users needed to use an alternate 7-digit number to reach the City or County's emergency communications center.
Landlines were unaffected during this outage.
Special Session is Key to Money-Saving Solution on Light Lease Territory Issue
Standing before the former City Light and Power plant, now Science Central, Mayor Tom Henry and State Representative Win Moses (D'Fort Wayne) today called upon the members of the Indiana General Assembly and all citizens to support legislation that would confirm the City of Fort Wayne's ownership of its electric utility and the right to serve over 30,000 customers.
The control of the municipal electric utility and the ability to serve its customers emerged as a pivotal issue during the unsuccessful lease negotiations between the City and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), the current electric service provider. That lease is set to expire on March 1, 2010.
“The issue is simple,” said Mayor Henry. “The City leased its electric utility to I&M in 1974. The utility was never sold. Now after 35 years that lease is coming to an end. Just like a rented car, when the lease runs out, the owner gets the car back. I&M doesn't want to give the utility back. Rep. Moses' legislation will make sure City ownership is clear, and that in any new agreement, we can get the best value for taxpayers, and the most competitive rates and highest-quality service for our electric utility customers.”
The City's lease predates the creation of Indiana's electric utility service areas. Based upon provisions in the 1980 law establishing those territories, I&M is challenging the City's ownership. The City asserts those rights are intact and inviolate, and that the public interest is best served by legislative action, not a costly lawsuit.
“Fort Wayne's electric utility belongs to the people,” said State Rep. Moses. “It is a valuable asset. Serving its nearly 33,000 customers is a privilege. This legislation defends the rights of the citizens of Fort Wayne. It will cost the state nothing, but it will save Fort Wayne taxpayers and ratepayers tens of millions of dollars fighting the deep pockets of I&M in court. This is about fairness. We will not be bullied.”
Moses' proposal was originally inserted into House Bill 1001, the bill containing the state budget plan. It was removed from the Senate version of that bill, but is anticipated to be included in the House-Senate conference committee draft slated for negotiations over the weekend. The conference committee is made up of fiscal leaders from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses of the Indiana House and Senate. It is charged with reaching a final deal on the state budget.
“We are asking our state legislators to honor and affirm the basic right of ownership ' the rights of the people of Fort Wayne,” added Moses. “I am surprised a Goliath like I&M would stake its claim on squatter's right. An equitable state budget is our first responsibility, but beyond that, there is no more important decision that lawmakers will be asked to make during this special session than this one. Our message is loud and strong: Stand up for the people and don't waste a single tax dollar. We ask all citizens to join in the fight.”
“The City has been negotiating with I&M for over two years and basic requests for information about our utility's operation have yielded nothing,” noted Henry. “My goals are to determine the highest value of this important asset, to get the best deal for our citizens and to protect our ratepayers. I'm disappointed I&M is afraid of a little competition in an open and friendly bidding process.”
The City recently announced that it has elected to exercise its option to take the electric utility to the market through a competitive bidding process that will allow the selection of a new operator. A Request for Information is being prepared to determine the interest of other power companies and service providers.
The deadline for the conclusion of the special session is June 30, 2009.
Mayor and HUD Representatives Point to NSP Success
Mayor Tom Henry was joined by representatives from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as local developers involved in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) to recognize HUD's Homeownership Month and to encourage homeownership.
“While homeownership is still the American dream, many families are struggling,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our commitment to our citizens, homeowners and neighborhoods is to help existing homeowners stay in their homes and to responsibly provide opportunity for new homeowners.”
The City of Fort Wayne is in the midst of one of the NSP's most successful launches in the country. “While many communities are still setting up their NSPs, Fort Wayne has already conducted training sessions, identified development teams, found 26 interested buyers, linked 15 with development teams, and closed and begun construction on five previously vacant, foreclosed houses. Development teams are at work investing in those houses to bring them up to ' and beyond ' minimum code requirements, and preparing to turn them over to buyers. We are turning houses into homes,” said Mayor Henry.
The Mayor and others held today's event in front of a previously foreclosed house in the 4600 block of Austin Drive. “Not only are Ric Zehr and his development team working hard to fix any problems with this house, they are also adding some character to it. This is going to be a home anyone would be proud to call their own,” said Mayor Henry. “We want to commend Ric and other developers who are joining in the NSP challenge Together, we are strengthening Fort Wayne neighborhoods, putting people to work in tough economic times and building a firm foundation for community vitality.”
The Mayor also commended Community Development staff for its skillful NSP launch and for handling an overwhelming number of housing program applications. About 900 applications were requested, and the staff fielded hundreds of phone calls to help individuals understand how to apply for the funding available.
In addition to promoting homeownership, the Mayor reiterated his commitment to strengthening neighborhoods through other programs that allow residents to maintain and remain in their homes. HUD's allocation of federal housing dollars comes to the City each year, about $1.3 million, helping to fund many programs, such as downpayment assistance and homeowner rehabilitation, as well as targeted programs for seniors, persons with disabilities, and others.
In 2007, the Allen County Fort Wayne Comprehensive Plan identified several trends affecting housing and neighborhoods in Fort Wayne. The first trend noted was a decrease in homeownership rates within the urban core of Fort Wayne. The city has lower homeownership rates than the national average and those in Indiana. In some areas, such as the southeast, ownership rates are below 50 percent, and much of the rental stock is in poor condition. Neighborhoods with high rental rates are often the ones that exhibit some degree of deterioration.
State HUD officials wanted to reassure the community that homeownership is still a viable option for many families. The wrong lesson to draw from the foreclosure crisis, they said, is that low- and moderate-income families cannot be homeowners. What low- and moderate-income aspiring homeowners may need is homeownership counseling, protection through fair housing laws and a mortgage product that makes financial sense for them.
The City is offering homebuyer education classes which lead prospective buyers through a pre-qualification checklist to help them prepare for finding a home. The City requires that prospective buyers who wish to access the City's downpayment assistance and NSP programs complete this course before being accepted into the programs. The training sessions help to get individuals started on the path to homeownership.
The City of Fort Wayne's Animal Care & Control Department has issued a hot weather alert for pet owners. Animals exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation can become ill or irritable, and may pose a danger to themselves and to people. The department urges caretakers to pay extra attention to provisions for their animals during this time.
When possible, bring pets into an air-conditioned area of your home; fans are also helpful where air-conditioning is unavailable.
For animals outside, provide a shady, sheltered place to rest and quantities of fresh, clean water in containers that cannot be tipped and spilled.
Change drinking water often. Dirty water breeds bacteria and attracts flies and mosquitoes. The larvae from mosquitoes can cause heartworm in dogs and cats.
Take measures to prevent fly bites, fleas, and ticks.
Do not leave any animal in a parked car, even with the windows open.
Schedule walks with your dog during the early morning or late evening, taking special care with older dogs, young puppies, and dogs with short noses.
Parents are urged not to allow children to exercise a dog while the child is riding a bicycle or skating. The dog may get over heated and children don't always know when to stop.
Supervise pets. Do not leave them alone in situations where they may come in contact with wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and coyotes.
Whenever taking your pet on an outing, carry plenty of cool water for the pet to drink and have water that can be used to wet down your dog's body.
If an animal is panting excessively, or vomiting, or having difficulty walking in extreme heat, it may be suffering from heat stroke. If you suspect an animal is in trouble, move the animal to a cool place out of the direct sun and use cool water to lower its body temperature. Contact a veterinarian right away.
Report signs of animal neglect to Animal Care & Control immediately by calling 427-1244. Any animal that is found by the shelter to be left alone in conditions that pose an immediate health hazard to the animal will be taken directly to Animal Care & Control for its safety. An Animal Control Officer will leave a written notice for the owner to claim their pet from the shelter.
Do not take pets to public celebrations during the July 4th Holiday weekend.
New Sewer Pipes Increase Capacity
Ewing Street between Jefferson Boulevard and Washington Boulevard is now open. The street re-opened this morning.
The street had been closed to allow for the construction of new sanitary and storm sewer pipes. These new pipes replace an old 54" brick "combined sewer" pipe, built in the 1860's.
The new pipes increase capacity for the area making it ready for future development. These improvements create better service for existing homes and businesses.
Companies on state's list could receive preference for purchasing contracts, RFPs
Mayor Tom Henry announced his support today for the proposed City Council ordinance that could give Indiana companies preference for the City's requests for proposal and commodities and supplies contracts.
The ordinance, which was introduced to Council Tuesday, will use the Indiana Department of Administration certification of an Indiana business. The state certification requires a substantial economic investment and presence in Indiana. Councilwoman Karen Goldner and Councilman Tom Didier are co-sponsors.
“The City of Fort Wayne needs to balance our efforts to keep tax dollars here in our community and making sure we serve our taxpayers by getting a competitive price for services and products we purchase,” Mayor Henry said. “This ordinance as drafted minimizes the administrative burden yet gives companies that pay taxes and invest in Fort Wayne or Indiana an edge over many of their out-of-state competitors.”
The preference ordinance applies to specific City purchases of goods and services by allowing the City to select a company or service provider from Indiana who may not have the lowest bid over an out-of-state competitor if the other state has a preference law. It applies to contracts of $25,000 or more.
For example, if an out-of-state company has a bid for $100,000 and a Fort Wayne company comes in between $100,001 and $105,000, the Fort Wayne company would be selected if the other state has a preference ordinance. The ordinance spells out the margins for the preference.
“I am pleased that Mayor Henry and his administration recognize the importance of purchasing from local companies, and quite pleased that we have been able to come to a compromise Indiana-preference ordinance which they now support,” Councilwoman Goldner said.
Not only does the registration process simplify the process for the City, it also makes Fort Wayne companies eligible to bid on state contracts and does not affect the City's joint purchasing efforts with other entities.
“I am very happy to be co-sponsoring this bill,” said Councilman Didier. “I believe as a community we need to stay focused on Fort Wayne workers and the state as a whole whenever possible. And I am confident with this bill in place it will help to keep us pointed in the right direction.”
Mayor Henry and the Purchasing staff do not expect the ordinance to cost the City significantly more for its contracts and purchases. Most companies with whom the City does business have a Fort Wayne presence currently. This ordinance only gives Indiana companies an edge when competing with out-of-state entities. Thirty-six states have preference laws including Ohio, Michigan and Illinois.
Business owners or managers can register their companies as an Indiana business at:
http://www.in.gov/idoa/2464.htm . The same link is also available on the City's website under Purchasing.
With Council approval, the ordinance becomes effective with the Mayor's signature.
Plenty of openings available
The Learn-to-Swim program offered by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has openings available for the following sessions: July 7 ' 17 and July 21' 31.
Learn-to-Swim is offered in conjunction with the American Red Cross and adheres to national standards for Red Cross aquatic programs. Classes are held at Northside Pool for boys and girls ages 1-15. Each Learn-to-Swim session consists of eight 45-minute lessons held Tuesday through Friday over a two week period. Pre-school and Toddler lessons are 30 minutes. Participants must be of minimum age by June 1, 2009. Registrations will only be accepted at Northside Pool. If you are unsure which class level is right for your child, please call 427-6000 for a free Learn-to-Swim brochure or go to
www.fortwayneparks.org to download a copy. Fee: $30 for 8 lessons.
Plenty of openings available
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department still has openings available at Franke Park Day Camp, Farmin' Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm Park, and City Safari Day Camp at the Botanical Conservatory.
Franke Park Day Camp: Weekly sessions through July 31, 9 am ' 3:30 pm. Franke Park Day Camp has been providing fun and adventure for the children of this community for over 60 years. The camp emphasizes basic camping skills, nature education and Native American lore for children ages 4-18. Fee for Day Campers: $83. Camp Care: $25 for a.m. care / $25 for p.m. care.
Farmin' Fun Day Camp: Weekly sessions through July 31, 9 am ' 4 pm. Be a farm kid for a week! Enjoy arts and crafts, vegetable gardening and tending the animals.
Play games and learn about nature. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 4 and older. Hours are 9 am - 4 pm with morning and afternoon half-day sessions for 4-5 year olds. Before and after camp care is available. Children ages 11 and older can enroll in the “Farmer-in-Training” (FIT) program. Prices range according to age and program: $54 - $87. Camp Care: $15.
City Safari Summer Day Camp: Weekly sessions through August 14, 9 am ' 4 pm. The Botanical Conservatory has always been an oasis of nature in the heart of the city. This year our City Safari camp program, for children entering 1st - 6th grades, will expand on that urban link as we explore the similarities between natural and human systems. Each week is based around a different theme, such as Energy, Communications, or Transportation with activities, crafts, and challenges designed to provide a hands-on understanding of that theme. Each week will also feature a field trip to a natural location outside of city limits, as well as visits to various destinations within the city itself. Snacks will be provided, as well as lots of fresh air, exercise, and fun. Free before and after care are provided 7 ' 9 am and 4 ' 6 pm. City Safari Day Camp is certified with CANI for CCDF vouchers. Sign up for one week or as many as fit your schedule! Look for more details and a registration form in the Day Camp brochure available at
www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling the Botanical Conservatory at (260) 427-6440. Fee: $110. Camp Care: FREE.
Summer day camp brochures are available online at
www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000.
Decision Solves Space Needs, Sets up City and County Efficiency Opportunities
Reaffirming his pledge to build a more competitive community with a more responsive and effective government, Mayor Tom Henry today presented plans for a new city hall at 200 East Berry Street. The location will bring together City of Fort Wayne operations, including the Fort Wayne Police Department, Neighborhood Code, Fire Department administration and all departments currently housed in the City-County Building, except 911 Communications. It also paves the way for greater city and Allen County cost savings and cooperation benefiting all taxpayers and residents.
“With a new city hall, we are charting a new course for Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “In these difficult economic times, I am doubly committed to getting the most out of every taxpayer dollar and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services to every citizen. This is a decision that will help us do both, now and long into the future. Consolidating operations will save money and increase efficiencies. It will also foster new opportunities for cooperation with our county partner, something I am determined to pursue on behalf of all taxpayers.”
The new facility will resolve the city's growing space challenges and create a one-stop shop for municipal services. The impetus for the decision arose out of the needs of the Fort Wayne Police Department. Housed in a century-old building located at 1320 East Creighton Avenue, the department has outgrown its obsolete, energy-inefficient headquarters. The department is packed into 38,000 square feet of space, but requires approximately 80,000 square feet of space to function optimally. Studies have shown that renovating and expanding the current site would cost $17.3 million, while constructing a new facility would cost $22 million.
The lease on the police department's location ends on September 30, 2009, and the lease on the city's primary premises at One East Main Street is set to expire on December 31, 2010. The convergence of these two events prompted the city to carry out an objective analysis of its overall space and operational needs. Findings detailed a current space use of 138,000 square feet, but nearly 200,000 square feet of floor space is considered essential.
To accommodate those needs, the research examined a broad range of options including remaining in the existing locations, space renovations, new construction, other downtown sites, various big-box buildings throughout the city, and several merger possibilities with the county.
“We explored all the options,” observed Henry. “Our space needs demand action. 200 East Berry Street represents a unique and inclusive solution, a one-of-a-kind opportunity that will allow us to bring together all city departments and make the best use of our resources. The time is right. The price is right. And the long-term benefits for both the city and county are outstanding.”
Formerly called Renaissance Square, 200 East Berry Street has 220,000 square feet of usable space. It has the capacity to fit all city departments in one location while fulfilling the specialized needs of the police department. It represents a long-term solution in a high-quality location.
Situated in the heart of the city in close proximity to other governmental and community-serving offices and on major transportation routes, 200 East Berry Street will be easily accessible to the public. The open-space layout of the four-story, five-level building permits maximum flexibility, promoting efficiency and increased productivity. As an adaptive reuse of an existing facility, the new city hall will realize one of the objectives of the Downtown Blueprints for the Future. Ample, convenient parking for visitors and all employees has been identified as well.
“Some may say that a new city hall marks the end of local government cooperation efforts,” added Henry. “I say they are dead wrong. This is a community-based decision that will save money and ensure better service delivery for all citizens. There is a myth that all city and county offices are located in the City-County Building today. In fact, governmental building sprawl is the reality. If the county takes advantage of our decision, I think we'll see a real consolidation of both city and county services to the greater convenience of the public and cost savings for taxpayers. Let me remind everyone, all city residents are also county taxpayers. This is a decision that creates more opportunities for collaboration. It is a platform on which to build for the future.”
The economics of the opportunity make it a highly desirable deal with all financial projections supporting it. The building will be purchased for $7.3 million from Renaissance Square, LLC. Renovations and furnishings will add approximately $7.2 million to the budget for a total cost of $14.5 million. The purchase funds will come from County Economic Development Income Tax dollars. As part of the building transformation, the city anticipates incorporating as many green building options and new technologies as possible. Relocation expenses are budgeted at around $400,000.
This possibility also represents significant cost savings to Fort Wayne taxpayers. At present the city pays nearly $2 million in annual rent and maintenance for the police department, Neighborhood Code offices and its space in the City-County Building. The new city hall will have projected operating costs of slightly over $1 million per year. Coupled with $120,000 yearly to fund additional parking and a $300,000 per annum contribution to a capital improvement fund, the annual expenditure for 200 East Berry Street will be $1.5 million, or nearly $500,000 a year less than the city is currently paying.
Over a 20-year period, the city will see a nearly $8 million reduction in property tax appropriations, pay only debt service and become owners rather than renters. Moreover, the $14.5 million for the comprehensive city hall will be substantially less than the cost projections to solve just the space predicament of the police department alone.
Working with community leaders and the neighborhoods in the city's southeast quadrant, the McMillen Foundation, owner of 1320 East Creighton Avenue, is exploring alternative uses for the site that would enhance the area. The city has also guaranteed that a positive public safety presence will remain in the neighborhood.
If the purchase of 200 East Berry Street is approved by the Fort Wayne City Council, the renovation will be completed in about a year and a half, and the new city hall will be in full operation by the end of 2010.
More than $275,000 enhances Acoustics and “Curb Appeal”
Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll was joined by representatives from the Foellinger Foundation and Park staff as they celebrated Foellinger Theatre's 60th Anniversary, as well as the completion of $1 million dollars of improvements to Foellinger Outdoor Theatre at Franke Park. With Theatre supporters and musicians also in attendance, Moll officially began the festivities by cranking up the music on the new state-of-the-art sound system.
“The City of Fort Wayne is fortunate to have this outstanding theatre venue, where diverse entertainment and family fun are provided for free, or at a low-cost,” said Moll. “And now we're raising the level of entertainment to new heights. Not only are we bringing national acts like Three Dog Night to the Theatre, our new sound system will make their acoustics phenomenal.”
The current (2009) enhancements mark the completion of over $1million in improvements in the 2006-2009 timeframe. Of those improvements, over 50% were made possible from private grants provided by the Foellinger Foundation. All of the 2009 or $275,000 improvements were the direct result of Foellinger Foundation funding and include painting the front wall of the stage and the sound clouds, putting up new curtains, installing new lighting and adding an aluminum covering to the entrance Theatre arch and end caps.
The Foellinger Outdoor Theatre was built in 1949 with funds from Helene Foellinger to honor her father. It was open to the air and without a roof for many years, but was the site of fun theatrical and musical performances. In the early '70s, it was damaged by fire and was rebuilt and sheltered in 1976 ' again, thanks to Foellinger Foundation.
“This event helps highlight the Theatre's 60th anniversary and our special gratitude to Foellinger Foundation,” said Moll. “I encourage the public to come out and sample the great new sound and look of our family-friendly entertainment here in Franke Park. Just like decorating a house, it's amazing what a fresh coat of paint, new curtains and special lighting will do to accentuate the ambiance of a facility.”
Foellinger Theatre's summer season includes low-cost and free performances from an assorted selection of local and national groups, as well as movies for the whole family to enjoy. Some upcoming events include:
June 17'Movie: “Mamma Mia,” the story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular '70s group ABBA. FREE
June 18'The Old Crown Brass Band, an eclectic mix of classic, British brass band selection, marchees, show tunes and easy-listening. FREE
June 20'Revolution, A Beatles Tribute, this four man group of Beatles impersonators delivers a concert that takes the audience time traveling through the 60's. $6
June 24'Movie: “Oliver,” a musical adaptation about an orphan who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets. FREE
June 26'The Blue River Big Band, a unique mix of a healthy portion of time-tested swing favorites along with a sprinkling of newer music such as jazz, rock and Latin charts. FREE
June 27'Memories of the King: Brent Cooper, through his tribute to the “King,” Cooper brings back all the excitement, looks, sounds and electricity of a live Elvis concert. $4
For a complete list of performances and times, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org , call the Parks and Recreation main office at 427-6000 or the Theatre at 427-6715.
Former director takes Community Development position
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is starting the process of hiring a new director of public information with the previous director taking a new position in Community Development.
The former director, Rebecca Karcher, joined the City's Community Development staff today. She recently earned her master's degree from Indiana Tech and will be putting it to use as a grants administrator for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding and director of community engagement for Community Development.
In the interim, business and legislative liaison Ozzie Mitson will lead public information in the Mayor's office until a new director is appointed. Rachel Blakeman, the Mayor's public information officer, and the public information officers for other City departments will continue in their existing positions.
The City's Human Resource Department will post the position soon. All applicants should apply through Human Resources.
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is issuing a Hot Car Weather Alert to pet owners as temperatures climb above the 80 degree mark later this week. A car acts like a greenhouse, trapping the sun's heat. Even moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed car. Pet owners are cautioned not to leave any animal unattended inside a car even if the car is parked in the shade with windows cracked open. Studies show that on comparatively cool days, such as 72 degrees, a car's internal temperature will rocket to 116 degrees within 60 minutes. Partially opening the windows hardly slows the rise at all.
Fresh Produce for a Healthy Lifestyle
Stop by the Farmer's Market at Salomon Farm and pick up some fresh vegetables and fruit this summer! The market is open for the season June 17th, and will be open every Wednesday, 4-7pm until October 14th. For a great selection of fresh produce, flowers, plants, herbs, honey and maple syrup ' stop by the Farm!
The best aspect of this Farmer's Market is that all products are grown or raised locally by the farmers selling them and all vegetables and fruits are organic.
Salomon Farm Market is located at 817 W. Dupont Road. The market will be held in the “Old Barn” this year. Follow the gravel road back past the Learning Center and two other barns to the “Old Barn.” For more information about the market, please call Renee at (260) 427-6005.
This media release from the Fort Wayne Fire Department is an update on preliminary findings of cause and origin regarding the fire that took place on January 23rd, 2009 at the Willows of Coventry Apartments. Fort Wayne Fire Department Investigators continue to believe that the fire was electrical in nature due to findings of high resistance heating at or near an electrical outlet near the front exterior wall of the lower apartment. The cause of the fire continues not to be suspicious in nature as reported on January 28th, 2009. Investigators continue to wait on results of destructive testing to further substantiate that the electrical outlet/wiring was in fact the cause of the fire.
In a separate report by an independent laboratory, it was reported that accelerant residue was detected near an entry point of the apartment. It is strongly believed by the investigators that this residue was a result of firefighters using gas powered equipment such as positive pressure fans and chainsaws in the course of bringing the fire under control. There has been absolutely no detection of pour patterns relating to fuel accelerants at anytime during the investigation. Further inquiries can be directed to Chief Pete Kelly's office at 427-1169.
Street trees within the city limits will continue to be pruned and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. Crews are currently trimming trees on the south side of town. Work is expected to continue throughout the summer and approximately 5,500 trees will be pruned. Boundaries for the next several sections are:
North Border'McKinnie Avenue
South Border'City Limits
East Border'Wayne Trace
West Border'Calhoun Street
The department is responsible for removing dead and low-lying limbs from more than 56,163 street trees throughout Fort Wayne. For additional information on street trees and the pruning program, visit our website at
www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Park Maintenance and Fort Wayne Trees Pruning Maps or Current Pruning pages.
Broadway Family FunFest Celebrated
One of Fort Wayne's oldest parks had a $100,000 make-over recently, with the renovation of the McCulloch Park Bandstand and the installation of a musically-themed playground. These improvements were celebrated during the first Broadway Family FunFest at the park by Director Al Moll, Parks & Recreation and advocates of the Broadway Corridor.
“McCulloch's bandstand has made this park a gathering place for the community since the early 1900's, and the tradition can continue with the recent renovations,” said Moll. “Today we celebrate this iconic facility with the Fort Wayne Area Community Band's music and the Broadway Merchants who made this FunFest possible.”
Formerly known as G.E. Park, McCulloch is four acres of green space on Broadway Street. And to compliment the musical theme of the park, the old play ground equipment was replaced this year with whimsical-looking instruments that make different sounds and tones. Children can create their own music. The cost of improvement to the bandstand was $71,723, and playground improvements cost $28,000. The total cost of improvements to McCulloch in the past year is $99,723.
The Broadway Merchants who created the Family FunFest by offering children's activities, face painting, prizes and activities, hope to make this event a regular occurrence. Broadway has experienced a renewal as its local businesses have come together to make a stronger community. Their goal is to emphasize the welcoming environment of Broadway.
Businesses and organizations involved in Family FunFest are: IntraScape, Broadway Aquatics, Beadrageous, Midwest America Federal Credit Union, Imagine Schools, Zesto, W. Central Neighborhood Association, St. Joseph Hospital, Local 124 Fire Fighters Union, DesignFactore, Metro Realty, Gouloff-Jordan, SCAN, Allen Ct. SPCA, Mad Anthony Brewery, George's International Grocery and Shine & Hardin Law Firm.
McCulloch Park was named after Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury Hugh McCulloch, who gave this site to the City in 1886. As a park that is more than 100 years old, a Legacy Park status has been included on the new sign by the Parks & Recreation Department. McCulloch is the site of activities during Three Rivers Festival, and is an important anchor for residents of Broadway.
Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll were joined today by participants and supporters of the Lifetime Sports Academy for the opening day in the 12th year of LSA.
“Lifetime Sports Academy is an outstanding summer sports program. It's free and safe for youth participants and it is a priceless asset to the entire community,” said Mayor Henry. “Not only are children served by this seven-week program with talented coaches and instructors, but the whole community benefits from the healthy activities that come to McMillen Park each year. Our challenge is to create awareness for this wonderful opportunity.”
Kevin Donley, Head Football Coach for the University of Saint Francis and member of the LSA Organizing Committee, elevated the excitement of the event as he spoke about “The Importance of Sports.”
During the LSA session (June 8 ' July 24), boys and girls ages 8 ' 18 will receive free group lessons in golf, tennis and swimming instruction in a supervised environment. They may attend as often as they wish and stay as long as they'd like. A pavilion program provides arts, crafts and organized games. Special activities such as soccer, softball and volleyball will be organized at various times throughout the week for children not participating in group lessons. Lunch is provided daily through Fort Wayne Community School summer lunch program.
The Eagle Club is a new golfing addition to LSA this year. Eagle Club membership includes a free membership at Foster Park Golf Course. Birdie Club members who are at least 14 years of age are eligible once they pass a scoring test at McMillen Golf Course and a written test. Eagle Club members are required to volunteer one day per week at LSA to maintain their playing privilege.
“More than 15,000 kids have learned lifetime sports here in the past 11 years,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “This is a Parks & Recreation signature program that's nationally recognized. Kids have the opportunity to earn golf clubs, tennis rackets and swimming gear throughout the program.”
Kids are welcome to register for Lifetime Sports Academy at any time during the seven weeks of activities. Call 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org/programs for more information.
Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll announced today that the Rivergreenway has been officially designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Parks Service.
For achieving this honor, the Greenway will receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Ken Salazar, and NRT trail markers. The Rivergreenway trail joins a network of more than 1,050 previously designated trails that total more than 12,500 miles across the United States.
“The Rivergreenway is a gem within our communities that warrants this recognition on a national level. We should be very proud of our trail network!” said Mayor Henry. “Not only is it being recognized on a national level through this honorable designation as a National Recreation Trail, but our trails and trail groups are also a main focus in our pursuit of reclaiming the All American City title this year.
The Rivergreenway is designed for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors, offering the city numerous benefits. The trails provide a beautiful and historical experience, help with flood mitigation, link neighborhoods to points of destination, such as parks, schools and downtown, add to property values, and support economic development.
“In these tough economic times, we're trying to provide as many free and low cost forms of recreation possible. Everyone can enjoy the Rivergreenway, no matter what their budget is,” said Moll. “And since today is National Trails Day, I encourage everyone to go along with the theme of “Take in the Outdoors” and explore our great trail network!”
During the month of May, the Fort Wayne Convention & Visitor's Bureau received more requests for information about the Rivergreenway than any other area attraction.
The construction work at Shoaff Park will no longer interfere with the splash pad and the water has been turned back on. The barricade fence erected for the safety of park patrons has also been removed, allowing for easy access to the parking lot.
New splash pad benches and shade structures have been added for the public's enjoyment. Soon walkways connecting the parking lot to the playground areas will be complete as well.
Splash pads are touch activated. To turn the water on, look for a short pole (approx. 3 ft. tall) with a plastic dome top located within the play area. Place your hands on the dome for a few seconds. The water will appear shortly and run for several minutes. When the water stops, repeat the procedure.
Mayor's advocate to strengthen connections to all immigrant, refugee populations
Mayor Tom Henry is expanding his administration's commitment to Fort Wayne's growing Hispanic and immigrant communities with the hiring of a new Mayor's advocate/Hispanic-immigrant liaison, Palermo Galindo.
“Fort Wayne has welcomed thousands of New Americans to our city in the past two decades. It is my responsibility as Mayor of all Fort Wayne residents to make sure their interests are heard and lines of communication and City services are open to everyone,” Mayor Henry said. “Palermo brings a wealth of knowledge to the City of Fort Wayne and will strengthen our relationships to Hispanic and immigrant populations and the agencies and businesses that serve them.”
With work experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, Galindo has broad-ranging connections in Fort Wayne and statewide. He has worked for Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, the Indiana State Lottery, Northeastern Center and Easter Seals Arc in community and multicultural outreach and served on non-profit boards. He is fluent in Spanish.
The existing yet expanded position is a Mayor's advocate, with responsibilities similar to the four neighborhood advocates who serve neighborhoods and Area Partnerships. This position is not simply a Spanish interpreter, but designed to maintain contact with Hispanic and immigrant Fort Wayne residents and ensure inclusiveness of City services and programs.
The position is within the Mayor's office, funded through the Community Development Division. Galindo will be working with Community Development staff for neighborhood planning and the 2010 Census and the City's Complete Count committee.
“Fort Wayne has Hispanic and immigrant residents who have been here for many years or just a few months. It is my duty and commitment to build bridges between the City and these populations and those that work closely with them,” Galindo said. “I would like to give credit to Mayor Henry for his concern and dedication to action for Fort Wayne's multicultural and international community.”
Mayor Henry also extends his appreciation to the selection committee that narrowed the pool of candidates.
'¢ Max Montesimo, IPFW
'¢ Mike Trevino, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
'¢ Loaine Hagerty, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation
'¢ Michelle Yamanaka, City of Fort Wayne Community Development
'¢ Al Candioto, City of Fort Wayne Human Resources
'¢ Cherise Dixie, City of Fort Wayne Southeast Advocate
Galindo can be reached at (260) 427-6214 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Mayor Says Neighborhood Stabilization and Business Support Are Main Goals
With about one month to go before the July 1 implementation date of the City's new commercial code, Neighborhood Code Enforcement (NCE) Director Cindy Joyner is busily finalizing the process that will allow many languishing issues to be addressed. The staff has been diligently working on getting this process pulled together, according to Joyner.
“We have shared in the community frustration about commercial properties that had fallen to disrepair and blight,” said Joyner. “For a long time, we had no tools to use with landlords or property owners who did not take care of their properties unless they were so far gone as to be a health and safety hazard. With the creation of Chapter 150 of the Municipal Code, we now have a process with which to address neighbors' concerns about commercial property that is dragging down their property values and negatively impacting their quality of life.”
Mayor Tom Henry emphasized how important the Commercial Code will be in helping to stimulate investment throughout the community. “Although we are grateful to the Southeast Area Strategy group for finally raising this issue to a higher level of awareness and getting the Code revised, we recognize the problem exists in all sectors of our community,” said the Mayor. “As we begin to work with the owners of these blighted properties, the neighbors will see that we are serious about improving the appearance of their area; and as the attractiveness grows, the property values will also likely increase, generating more interest in more investment---a cycle we want to encourage.”
Earlier this year, City Council approved the new Commercial Code, as well as changes to the Residential Code. While NCE has had the authority to cite residential properties that violated standards, this is the first time the department will be able to address issues on commercial structures such as sagging gutters, broken windows or a deteriorating exterior.
Enforcement will be complaint-driven, Joyner said. “Our goal is to work with the property owner,” she said. “If an inspector finds violations, the owner will receive a 60-day notice to bring the property into compliance.” As long as the department agrees that the owner is making a good faith effort to resolve the issues, there will be no civil penalties assessed. Owners will be asked to work with NCE to establish a work plan and set timelines for specific tasks to be completed. “The key is to work together,” said Joyner. “As long as we see progress being made, we will continue to work with them.”
For those properties where there is no response or where there is little or no
work being done, NCE will issue an Order to Repair which means there will be a hearing in front of a hearing officer. The hearing officer can set a compliance date and/or assess a civil penalty (a fine), which can be attached as a lien to the property.
Commercial buildings, hotels, and apartments with four or more units fall under this Commercial Code. Previously, citations could only be given to interiors of individual apartments, which meant public spaces like hallways, laundry facilities and stairwells were not under NCE jurisdiction. The new approach will allow problems to be addressed in a more holistic way. With the revisions to the residential part of the Code, enforcement will now be more consistently and fairly applied to all property owners.
“This new Code allows us to strengthen and stabilize both the business community and the neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “We want to be very clear that we welcome new investment and will protect existing investment in our neighborhoods, both residential and commercial. These changes to the Code do just that.”
Unique program offered by Parkview through support from Kohl's Department Stores
Summer youth programs offered by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will include the Kohl's Healthy Kids program again this year at even more sites. This program focuses on the important balance of physical activity with healthy eating.
Throughout the summer months, the Kohl's Healthy Kids program offered through Parkview Hospital will compliment the regular activity-based programs at nine summer playground sites, Youth Centers, Salomon Farmin' Fun Day Camp, Franke Park Day Camp and the Lifetime Sports Academy.
“This is a free program to help kids learn about health through a balance of recreation and eating habits,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “We are fortunate to have an outstanding partner for this essential awareness programming ' Parkview Hospital and their dieticians.” The Kohl's Healthy Kids program presented through Parkview is funded locally through Parkview's partnership with the “Kohl's Cares for Kids” national campaign.
“With state and national concerns about childhood obesity, we believe our parks can be part of the solution,” said Moll.
The Kohl's Healthy Kids Program begins June 11th and are at the following locations:
Summer Playgrounds:
Lions Park (June 11, 11am) Carew & Hazelwood
Hamilton Park (June 17, 5:15pm) Spring & Cherokee
Waynedale Park (June 18, 11am) Koons & Elzy
Memorial Park (June 25, 11am) 2301 Maumee Ave.
McCormick Park (June 25, 5:15pm) Holly & 2300 Raymond
Kettler Park (July 9, 11am) Belmont & Buell
Lafayette Park (July 9, 5:15pm) Glencoe & Lafayette Espl.
Lakeside Park (July 16, 11am) 1401 Lake & Vermont
Psi Ote Park (July 23, 11am) Wennonah Lane
Lifetime Sports Academy: McMillen Park at Oxford Street (July 13, 1pm)
Franke Park Day Camp: 3411 Sherman Blvd. (June 15, June 29, July 13, 11am)
Salomon Farmin' Fun Day Camp: 817 W. Dupont Rd. (June 18, July 16, 1pm)
Conservatory City Safari Day Camp: 1100 S. Calhoun St. (July 30, 9:30am)
Cooper Recreation Center: Reservoir Park, 2300 Clinton & Creighton (July 23, 1pm)
Jennings Recreation Center: 1330 McCulloch Street (July 30, 1pm)
For more information regarding these programs, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org .
The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) has ruled the fire at 1430 Michigan Avenue, Monday, June 1 an incendiary fire. FWFD is asking that anyone with information contact the department by calling 427-1317.
City Seizes Opportunity to Leverage Key Asset, Ensure Competitive Rates & Return
Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the City of Fort Wayne has elected to exercise its option to take its municipal electric utility to the market through a competitive bidding process that will allow the selection of a new operator.
The City's current lease with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will end on March 1, 2010. According to lease provisions, notice of the City's intention to act had to be given by May 31, 2009, when it became apparent that a new agreement with I&M would not be reached.
“It's a matter of fairness,” said Mayor Henry. “The current electric-utility lease represents 33,000 valuable customers. They are a significant asset, and the City of Fort Wayne should be compensated fairly for right to serve them. As the steward of this asset and CEO of Fort Wayne, it is my duty to secure the best deal possible for our electric-utility operator. In these difficult economic times, our citizens need someone who will fight for them. Fair is fair. We had hoped to be able to continue to work with I&M, but if we must seek a new partner, we will.”
“This is the best path for the ratepayers of Fort Wayne,” said state Representative Win Moses, chair of the Indiana House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities Committee. “We will have the most competitive rates by doing this.”
The City leased, but did not sell the municipally owned electric utility, known historically as City Light and Power, to I&M on September 13, 1974. The lease that has been in effect for over three decades gave I&M access to the utility's assets and the exclusive right to provide those customers with electric power. The lease is now coming to its natural conclusion.
While the relationship with I&M has been a positive one, no agreement on a fair value for City customers and the privilege of serving them going forward was attained. The City now intends to test the fair-market value of future electric-utility payments through an open, competitive process.
“The American marketplace is built on competition,” noted Henry. “Much has changed in 35 years. By openly bidding the electric system's operation, we will ensure high-quality service and an equitable, long-term return on our investment. This is a financial decision that's in the best interest of ratepayers and taxpayers. It is also a very thorough and considered decision. I&M has been a good partner, but I cannot allow the citizens of Fort Wayne to have a major asset undervalued. The right to serve our citizens and collect fees has real value. It is my job to make sure that value is fair. The competitive process will help us achieve that end.”
The City's next step will be to obtain competitive bids for system operators. A Request for Information will be prepared and circulated to determine the interest of other power companies and service providers.
“Private-public sector partnerships are a proven model for encouraging sustainable community growth and leveraging our essential resources effectively,” added Henry. “Rest assured, paramount in our decision making will be the imperatives of competitive rates, reliability and high-quality service. We will not compromise on those criteria. Publicly owned and privately managed utilities are common in Indiana. We look forward to joining this established statewide group of independent providers in supplying excellent service to Fort Wayne residents.
Over the period of negotiations, City teams have been exploring the operation of other Indiana-based, municipally owned electric utilities. Plants in Auburn, Mishawaka, Crawfordsville and Anderson have been investigated with comparable, cost-effective levels of service found.
“We will work with I&M to guarantee a smooth and orderly transition,” added Henry. “My primary motivation, and I know it is I&M's as well, is to maintain delivery of the highest-quality electric service to Fort Wayne customers at all times. We are grateful for the good service and constructive relationship we have enjoyed with I&M over these many years.”
The service area for the Fort Wayne municipal electric company covers the core areas of the Fort Wayne. For a map of the City's light lease area, click here: city_light_lease.pdf
It's Time to Get in the Games
Mayor Tom Henry and Director of Parks and Recreation Al Moll kicked off the 32nd Northeast Indiana Senior Games today with the ceremonial lighting of the torch at the Community Center.
“Staying active throughout one's lifetime is critical to healthy living, and the Senior Games give folks 50 years and over a great opportunity to 'Get in the Games'!” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Fort Wayne's park department continues to be a leader in the state as it encourages and nurtures an active lifestyle for all ages ' especially older adults.”
The Senior Games were created in 1978 to promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit, and to encourage all adults over 50 to adopt a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Styled after the Olympics, the games offer competition in more than 20 physically and mentally challenging events. Pickleball and Corn Hole are offered this year for the first time. Seniors can test their talent and skill, while enjoying good company and making new friends. The various Senior Game events have been scheduled over a three week period, June 1 ' 18.
“Fort Wayne is an outstanding place to live for many reasons, but one important factor is our active and involved adult population ' exhibited by the wonderful participants of the senior games here today!” said Director Moll. “The participants will tell you that skill level and ability doesn't matter. This is a great time to try a new sport and make some friends.”
Participants and individual event winners will be recognized at an awards banquet on Thursday, June 18, 6pm at the Community Center on Main Street. Awards include door prizes and $10 gift cards for event winners.
It's not too late to join the fun! For more information regarding times and locations of events, please call the Community Center at 427-6460 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
June 30th is the last day residents can apply for a street tree, which the City would plant adjacent to their property, on the street right of way this fall.
The street tree program has been offered annually for more than 15 years. Trees are offered at $35 on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, the City hopes to plant up to 1000 trees through this program, depending upon the species that are planted, and the funding available.
Neighborhood organizations are encouraged to spread the word and can work with program staff to plant in multiple locations. Also, the $35 fee per tree may be waived for applicants whose incomes fall below certain limits.
“It's important to us to continue our tradition of being a green city, here in Fort Wayne,” said Chad Tinkel, Parks and Recreation Manager of Forestry Operations. “Planting trees is great for the environment and providing trees with sturdy branches that are resistant to storm damage ensures the community can enjoy them for a long time.”
One tree alone can absorb more than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, helping Fort Wayne achieve EPA air quality standards. Trees absorb rainfall, helping reduce the release of sewage into the rivers in heavy rains.
Studies show how shade trees reduce energy consumption in summer by reducing air conditioning loads.
Street trees cool the streets and neighborhoods with their shade and studies have shown that trees increase property value in well planted neighborhoods.
Residents can download an application from www.fortwayneparks.org home page, or call 427-6400 to have an application mailed to them.
Some trees are better than others for planting along streets. They're considered “good neighbor” trees with deep root systems that aren't considered invasive to sewer systems. These strong, disease-resistant trees include various Maple, Oak, Honey Locust, Gingko, Linden, and Plane varieties, among others, listed on the application.
For more information about street trees and the benefits of trees, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org , click on Parks Maintenance then choose the street trees link.
Designation a Natural Fit for Geothermal Company
Just seven weeks after attending a workshop and making a pledge to “Green” initiatives, a Fort Wayne company has achieved the City of Fort Wayne's Green City Business designation.
“It is fantastic to see Fort Wayne businesses taking steps to become 'Green'. It's not just rhetoric, our businesses understand their role in the big picture of our country and the world and they're taking steps to insure a better future for our children,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
It's only fitting that WaterFurnace International becomes the first to achieve Green City Business, after all, the company makes geothermal heating and air conditioning units that use the ground to heat and cool homes.
“We are a company committed to the environment, not only with our products we manufacture, but also in how we conduct business around the globe,” said Tony Cooper, president of WaterFurnace's Global Sales Division.
WaterFurnace achieved Green City Business status with a number of initiatives including: installing low flow aerators on sink faucets, installing energy efficient light bulbs, implementing a company wide paper recycling program, cleaning storm drains to allow for optimal runoff, landscaping with native plants to soak up more stormwater, and recruiting another business to go through the process.
WaterFurnace attended a training session sponsored by the City's Environmental and Energy Department early last month. The program helps businesses save money on energy costs and adopt more environmentally friendly business practices. It targets pollution prevention, solid waste reduction, and energy and water conservation.
“We were thrilled with the turnout at our first workshop. We had 33 companies represented and many of them brought several staff members. There's a lot of interest and so we'll be conducting another session early this summer,” said Wendy Barrott, Director, City of Fort Wayne Environmental and Energy Department.
“We really liked the mentoring aspect of the program. The City paired us up with another company that led us to the changes we made. We are committed to mentoring a company ourselves in the near future,” said Joe Bon, Quality Engineer for WaterFurnace.
WaterFurnace is located on Conservation Way, in south Fort Wayne and employs 226. The company designs and builds geothermal units for the heating and air conditioning of both residential and commercial buildings.
Any company interested in attending a Green City Business training session this summer should contact Wendy Barrott at 427-1381.
Community Gardening Project
Mayor Tom Henry this morning announced the kick-off of Food for the Fort, a sustainable community agriculture project that will provide fresh produce for three different groups this year and promises to be a catalyst for building a more sustainable community food project in subsequent growing seasons. Park Board Commissioner Cheri Becker, Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll, representatives from St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood Association, and Community Harvest Food Bank all joined the Mayor at the Resource Center for Refugees to announce the project.
Food for the Fort brings a broad and diverse group of youth, individuals and organizations together to build and sustain a community food system that provides fresh and healthy food to our community's hungry and underserved populations. This season's plans for the Food for the Fort gardens are focused on three projects.
The initial Food for the Fort project is likened to a three legged stool. One garden will be located at the Refugee Center to serve Fort Wayne's growing Burmese population, and will provide food and agricultural training to resettled individuals, many of whom were farmers in Burma. The garden will help these new residents learn about growing techniques in their new homeland and create the potential for self-sufficiency by growing produce for resale. The Williams Woodland Park neighborhood will start a garden on a vacant neighborhood lot and will supply fresh produce to Williams Woodland residents. With an already established garden at Salomon Farm Park on Dupont Road, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will expand the existing garden to grow tomatoes, beans, and peppers for Community Harvest Food Bank.
“The economic challenges too many of our families are facing are affecting their food choices. They may feel like fresh fruits and vegetables are just out of their reach,” said Mayor Henry. “But this program can become a catalyst for more sustainable, locally produced food. It will give neighbors an opportunity to come together and see the fruits of their labor, literally!”
The three sites announced today are considered the test sites for 2009, with hopes of expanding the program each year. There are many vacant lots in the City which can be used for future gardens. Mayor Henry called for volunteers, neighborhood associations, and other community serving organizations to tap into Fort Wayne's can-do spirit and show their support and commitment to this project.
“This idea was born out of the realization that too many people in our community are hungry and that there are too many vacant, and overgrown lots in our community that contribute to neighborhood decline,” said Becker, who first presented the idea to Parks Director Al Moll in January of this year. “I wanted to create an opportunity to bring a diverse group of people together to work toward a common goal. This project will give youth the experience of working with people from differing cultures, backgrounds, ages and genders to learn together, test themselves physically, emotionally and mentally, to make new friends, and possibly discover and develop new skills and interests.”
To date the project has gained the support of the City of Fort Wayne, the Purdue Extension Office, the Master Gardner's, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Community Harvest Food Bank, Do it Best Corporation, Midwest Gloves & Gear, and Home Depot. As Food for the Fort gains greater community support, the grassroots group hopes to align with the Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting green and sustainable living through four guiding principles: education, collaboration, advocacy and engagement.
On May 18, Canlan Ice Sports assumed management of The MAC Ice Arena at McMillen Park. Canlan is assuring patrons they will provide many of the same programs and activities that were provided under Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department management.
Ice Sports Fort Wayne, a new three-pad ice facility located on Fernhill Avenue and Lima Road, is currently under construction. It is expected that McMillen Ice Arena will continue to operate one ice surface on a seasonal basis even after Ice Sports opens.
“This new three-sheet ice arena will be a vast improvement for the ice community and it makes sense to have one company managing both rinks,” said Al Moll, Director of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. “The larger rink should draw major hockey tournaments and ice skating events to the City.”
In 2006, the City of Fort Wayne completed its study of McMillen Ice Arena and provided recommendations to meet future long-term skating needs. The Parks and Recreation Department, along with Mayor Tom Henry, the Park Board, and Three Sheets Development worked together in 2008 to arrive at the best solution for the ice community based on those recommendations.
Many of the employees who worked at the MAC are now employed by Canlan.
Public skating hours at McMillen Ice Arena are noon ' 3 pm Monday through Friday. Cosmic Skate will continue to be Friday nights 7 ' 9 pm. Admission for adults and children over 4 years of age is $5, children under 4 are FREE. Skate rental is $2.50.
For more information and a schedule of summer events, visit
www.icesports.com or call the McMillen Ice Arena at 427-6769.
Ewing north of Wayne reopening Friday morning
Wayne Street between Fairfield Avenue and Harrison Street and Ewing Street north of Wayne will reopen after 9 a.m. Friday, May 22, weather permitting.
Wayne Street will resume one-way traffic between Fairfield and Webster and the traffic signal at Wayne and Fairfield will go into full operation. The signal at Wayne and Ewing will also be operational for the benefit of pedestrians.
Other closures on Ewing will remain in effect.
Part of ongoing construction at Harrison Square development
The southern-most lane of Jefferson Boulevard is closed between Webster and Harrison streets for ongoing construction at the Harrison Square development.
The west curb lane of Harrison Street is closed between Jefferson and the new Harrison Square parking garage.
The lanes will be closed through May 2010, but Jefferson will reopen during the week of the Three Rivers Festival.
Route Honoring Lincoln Celebrates Heritage and Invites Tourism
Mayor Tom Henry today helped unveil one of the new signs marking the 1915 route of the Lincoln Highway through Fort Wayne. Nearly one hundred years ago, the privately funded highway was the first coast-to-coast route, connecting New York to California, winding through smaller cities and towns in fourteen states. Once called “Main Street Across America,” the route came through Indiana and through Fort Wayne.
“Heritage tourism is one of our greatest assets,” said Mayor Henry. “With renewed interest in off-interstate travel, people are eager to explore the cultural and historic treasures to be found in communities like Fort Wayne. The treasures to be found along the Lincoln Highway are well worth a family vacation and Fort Wayne is ready to welcome those with an interest in rediscovering the entertainment, culture and history to be found slightly off the beaten path. We welcome travelers' interest and their economic support. It is fitting to kick-off the Memorial Day weekend by once again marking the route of the Lincoln Highway through Fort Wayne; the coast to coast highway was designed as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln.”
May is National Historic Preservation month, and this year's local celebration highlights the yearlong nation-wide recognition of Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday (February 12, 2009). The Hoosier state has many reasons to celebrate President Lincoln; he spent 14 of his most formative years (from age 7 to 21) in southern Indiana. Fort Wayne has embraced Lincoln's legacy with numerous memorials within the City to visit. Among them is the sculpture “The Hoosier Youth” by renowned sculptor Paul Manship (featured on this year's local Historic Preservation Month brochure and poster), the Lincoln Tower, and the historic Lincoln Highway. Soon the former Lincoln archival collection of the Lincoln Financial Foundation will open at the Allen County Public Library.
“At one time, the Lincoln Highway came in past Memorial Park on the east side of town,” said Mayor Henry. “Visitors were greeted by the imposing statue of General Anthony Wayne at the entrance to Hayden Park. The statue was dedicated there on July 4, 1918. The bronze sculpture was moved to Freimann Square in 1973. The highway passed through downtown, crossed the St. Mary's River on the Lincoln Highway Bridge, and went past the St. Vincent Villa. It passed through Five Points as it left town to the northwest.”
Mayor Henry and others unveiled the distinctive sign on the historic Lincoln Highway Bridge on Harrison Street, just north of downtown. About 30 signs will mark the 1915 route through Fort Wayne. The Lincoln Highway route was altered in 1928, and additional signs will also mark the later route. The City plans to have the signs in place by mid-June. The Lincoln Highway Association national conference will be held June 16-20 in South Bend; the new signs will help attendees follow the route through Fort Wayne.
For more information call 427-1127, or visit
www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation .
Will flash during Calhoun Street location's hours of operation
For improved pedestrian safety, the City of Fort Wayne has installed solar-powered flashing crosswalk signals at the Neighborhood Health Clinics and WIC office location at 1717 S. Calhoun St.
The amber-colored lights will flash to caution drivers for increased pedestrian traffic from an hour before the clinic opens to an hour after it closes. The clinic's parking lot is across the street with heavy foot traffic of clients and patients crossing the street, often with infants and young children.
The solar-cell devices, the first of their kind for a permanent installation by the City's Traffic Engineering Department, do not need additional electrical wiring. For this location, it saved the City money by negating the need for running conduit and wire and cutting into pavement.
“Neighborhood Health Clinics' Calhoun Street office was the perfect location for this kind of traffic signal,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Visitors to the clinic appreciate the reminder to drivers to watch for pedestrians, and the use of a solar-powered signal was ideal since it saved the City money by avoiding the need to run electrical service to this crosswalk.”
State law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
The Calhoun Street signals will operate 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. City employees installed the $8,055 signals.
Mayor Tom Henry was joined today by Earth Source Vice President Dan Ernst, the Buckner Park Development Committee, Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll and Fort Wayne Area Home Schools children to celebrate the completion of Phase One at Buckner Park.
“This 200-acre park provides a natural area for city dwellers to escape the everyday hustle and bustle and commune with nature,” said Mayor Henry. “But it also provides a great new facility available for families, including a large playground, a splash pad and a pavilion with restrooms.”
The Department has land-banked this property since the 1960's, and held numerous public meetings since 2004 to gauge what the public would like to see in their new park. Buckner's master plan includes 4 phases of development.
"From the early days, the general public acknowledged the unique nature of the park and urged that it remain in as natural state as possible, yet still provide amenities to the growing community,” said Moll. “We have a lot of dedicated people working with us on this project and I think they've done an excellent job blending the pavilion and playground with the natural landscape.”
The features of Phase One include:
2530 square foot open-air pavilion'handicap accessible, family changing room, 8 picnic tables.
2 playground structures with rubber poured in place surfacing. One structure for 2-5 year olds. One structure for 5-12 year olds. These two structures together will accommodate about 90 children.
Splashpad with a nature theme'frogs and cattails.
New wetland area for wildlife, aquatic, and plant life preservation.
New prairie grass area to preserve natural environment.
Large open mowed grass area for picnicking, kite flying, and field sport activities.
Future phases of Buckner Park will include a wetland, more trails, a large pond for fishing and ice skating, a sledding hill, a learning center, and much more natural space like a state park would have. Moll suggested Buckner Park offers many naming opportunities for individuals who provide support for the park. For more information call 427-6024.
Designed for people thinking about starting their own business
The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Women's Enterprise ' A Program of the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, Small Business Administration, SCORE, Community Development Corp. and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will offer a free forum on how to start a business and self-employment Thursday.
The workshop, which will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building, will cover the following topics:
'¢ City of Fort Wayne's resources for small businesses
'¢ Legal business structure
'¢ Business planning
'¢ Financial tools and cash flow
'¢ Banking
'¢ Funding sources and strategies
The topics are designed for people who are thinking about starting a business or have recently launched a new venture and have questions.
The workshop's presenters are Denise Porter-Ross of the City of Fort Wayne; attorney Joshua Burkhardt of Beer Mallers Backs & Salin, LLP; Shirley Busack of Women's Enterprise ' A Program of the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau; Les Baggett with SCORE; Ken McCory of the Indiana Small Business Development Center; and representatives from National City Bank.
The other workshops planned for 2009 are:
'¢ Pricing, June 18
'¢ Taxes and record-keeping, Aug. 20
'¢ New business start-up in a recession, Sept. 17
'¢ Procurement, Oct. 15
'¢ Patents, trademarks and copyright, Nov. 19
All workshops will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.
All of the City's free splash pads will be turned on for use on Memorial Day 2009 weekend and will stay open until Labor Day. Splash pad hours are 9 am ' 9 pm. Splash pads are touch activated. To turn the water on, look for a short pole (approx. 3 ft. tall) with a plastic dome top located within the play area. Place your hands on the dome for a few seconds. The water will appear shortly and run for several minutes. When the water stops, repeat the procedure. The splash pad at Robert E. Meyers Park is foot activated. Look for the touch pad on the ground at the east side of the splash pad. Splash pads are located at the following parks:
McCormick Park 2300 Raymond & Holly Buckner Park 6114 Bass Road Memorial Park 2301 Maumee & Glasgoow Robert E. Meyers Park Inside North Gate of Parkview Field on Jefferson Boulevard Shoaff Park 6401 St. Joe Rd. Waynedale Park 2900 Koons & Elzey All City pools will remain closed Memorial Day weekend while crews wrap up the drain cover installation required for compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. Northside Pool will tentatively be open for public swimming May 30 and May 31, and will be open on a daily basis starting June 6. McMillen and Memorial Pools are expected to be open for the season on June 6. Swinney Pool will remain closed for the summer. For more information, log on to www.fortwayneparks.org .
Fort Wayne Fire Department Water Rescue & Recovery Team served as hosts for Water Rescue and Recovery Training provided by Dive Rescue International, May 15-17. Divers from Fort Wayne Fire Department and Angola, Huntington, Lafayette, Thorn Creek and Warsaw fire departments participated in the Dive Rescue I Training which included classroom training at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana, water competency skills and scenario-based training that challenged their skills as public safety divers.
Dive Rescue International prepares public safety professionals for aquatic incidents and has instructed over 1,500 trainers throughout North America and the world. Its training system is unique in that it draws on the expertise of an extensive network of public safety professionals. To learn more about Dive Rescue International, visit their website www.diverescueintl.com
The three-day training for Northeast Indiana divers provided sessions that reinforced basic diving skills and escalated into more situational awareness on solving complex diving issues.
Wrap-up of Ice Storm Tree Damage; City Arborist Honored; New Arborist Announced
Mayor Tom Henry honored retiring Arborist Bill Diedrichs at Lawton Park today, for his 20 years of outstanding service to our City. Diedrichs recently won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Arborist Association and helped the City through countless tree emergencies including wind storms, tornadoes and ice storms.
“We'll deeply appreciate Bill's dedication over the years. He worked hard to put a great structure in place to maintain our trees and paved the way for our new Tree Commission to take tree management to the next level,” said Mayor Henry. “I encourage all citizens to follow Bill's efforts by working to protect the City's parks and public trees.”
The Mayor also recognized the Tree Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. He referred to them as the silent heroes we don't often notice as they go about their daily duties, caring for over 80,000 street and park trees with a goal to enhance and preserve our Tree Canopy.
Now that the ice has thawed and the trees are filling out, Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll gave a final report on estimated tree damage during the December 2008 ice storm. The overall cost of tree limb cleanup was close to $1 million with nearly $900,000 for street trees and $100,000 for park trees. This does not include any tree replacement, which will be in the $50,000 - $100,000 range. Moll says that all the trees will not be replaced.
“We learned some lessons after the ice storm and the Mayor has requested a response plan,” said Moll. “We had a plan that we used for normal tree emergencies, but this natural disaster was beyond our imagination and will be addressed by the Mayor's Tree Commission.”
The primary partners on the 3 month cleanup effort were the Parks Department, Public Works and Allen County Solid Waste District, who not only assisted with mulch cleanup, but also contributed $250,000. Moll thanked the citizens and neighborhood leadership for their patience and help after the ice storm.
Nearly $500,000 was contracted out to local companies to accelerate the cleanup process and some companies are still working on a limited basis. The Parks and Recreation Department has been searching the City for remaining limbs still in need of cutting, and encourages citizens to call the Department if they see any hanging limbs in trees located in the right of way.
After the tree damage report, Director Moll introduced Chad Tinkel as the new City Arborist. Tinkel has a BS in Forestry from Purdue University, is a certified Indiana Arborist, and has been with the City since 2002. According to Tinkel, one of the upcoming issues the Tree Division plans to tackle is the Emerald Ash Borer Crisis. Fort Wayne is one of the few cities in the area to take a proactive approach by implementing a program to treat 12,000 Ash Trees.
“I certainly have some big shoes to fill,” said Tinkel. “I will provide the same dedication to our urban forest that the residents of Fort Wayne are accustomed to. The cities cyclic pruning program as well as the planting of new street trees will remain a priority of the Tree Division.”
For more information, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Many upcoming events offer citizens the chance to show their support.
Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging citizens to participate in “All-America” City events taking place May 14th to June 12th to help send a delegation of volunteers to Tampa, Florida to compete for the 2009 All-America City Award bestowed by the National Civic League.
“This is a great time to market our city to potential businesses and show the tremendous amount of civic pride we have in our community. There is no better time than the present to highlight all the assets our city has to offer,” said Mayor Henry. “We have made it this far and now its full-steam ahead to bring home the 2009 All America City Award!”
In order to earn this prestigious designation, support is needed from citizens to support the delegation with travel scholarships and other costs associated with the travel. Numerous events have been scheduled at local restaurants and retailers holding “All-America” City events where a certain portion of their proceeds will go towards the fund. The Mayor's office and the Fort Wayne TinCaps have partnered to hold an All America City ' TinCaps Game Day on May 31st which will include a silent auction and post game free concert. (details below)
The following is a list of events taking place soon:
May 14th From 5 to 8pm; Chick-fil-A Jefferson Pointe 1725 Apple Glen Blvd. will donate 15% of sales.
May 19th All day; Famous Fish of Stroh Georgetown Square 6736 E. State Street will donate 10% of all purchases (except alcohol).
May 26th All day Famous Fish of Stroh Pine Valley Shopping Center 10230 Coldwater Road will donate 10% of all purchases (except alcohol).
May 29th From 10am to 1am; Crazy Pinz 1414 Northland Blvd. will donate 20% of all purchases.
May 31st All America City ' TinCaps Game Day at Parkview Field. Gates open at 1:30pm and a $1 from each ticket will go towards All America City fund with the mention of All America City. Silent Auction consisting of travel packages, fine dining certificates and much more will take place in the Lincoln Event Center (connected to the parking garage). FREE! Post game concert provided by Midwest Sound and Production and local band Teays Vein.
June 8th From 6:30pm - 9pm; Roller Dome North 444 West Coliseum Blvd. will donate 100% of admission ($3.50 admission includes skates).
For more information on upcoming events and the “All-America” City Award please visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/allamericacity2009 .
Change starts Friday at Coldwater Crossing, Stoney Creek Drive
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will modify the traffic signal at the intersection of Washington Center Road and Coldwater Crossing shopping center and Stoney Creek Drive starting Friday for off-peak driving times.
The signal will go to a red-yellow flashing schedule 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. starting Friday, May 15.
It will flash yellow on the major roadway, Washington Center, and red on the secondary portions of the intersection.
Last year, Traffic Engineering started evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
In an effort to increase the quantity of water available during the summer months, the City's Water Filtration Plant will install flashboards at the St. Joe Dam on Monday, May 18th, 2009. The move will hold back more water in the reservoir behind the dam.
Beginning at midnight Saturday, May 16, 2009, the river level on the St. Joe will be lowered. The lowering is necessary to allow the spillway to dry up so crews can safely install the flashboards.
Once the flashboards are installed, the river level north of the dam will rise by about 30 inches.
City Will Help Local Organizations Bring Tournaments Here
Mayor Tom Henry today announced an innovative new grants program designed to help bring amateur sports events to Fort Wayne. The grant program will help attract amateur and recreational (not professional) sporting events, to the community to stimulate a significant amount of new money into the local economy from visitors attending as competitors or supporters of a regional or national event.
This grant program is designed to encourage local organizations to host their sports tournaments in Fort Wayne. Its purpose is to grow sports tourism, sustain jobs in our city's hospitality and service industries and increase the economic impact from visitors' spending. For example, IPFW's Consumer Research Center documented that a youth basketball tournament with 300 teams generated over $1.2 million into Fort Wayne in one week.
“We are in an enviable position in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We have several sports complexes with the ability to draw crowds, such as Spiece, Hefner Soccer Fields and the new ice facility, to name just a few. With this program, we have an opportunity to capitalize on the existence of these venues and to offer incentives to bring tournaments in to Fort Wayne. Amateur and club sports is a growing and popular area of event marketing. In this very competitive field, we want to make sure Fort Wayne is a top-of-mind location for all sorts of tournaments and showcases.”
Other benefits from this program include generating regional/national media exposure for the City of Fort Wayne; help city-owned sports venues (new ice arena, Parkview Field, Kreager Fields) and other privately-owned facilities (Spiece, the Dome, IPFW Athletics, USF, Indiana Tech) to bid for and attract sporting events; assist not-for-profits sports organizations (CVB, Sports Corporation) to attract regional or national events; and increase the quality of life for our citizens by bringing more sporting events to Fort Wayne for them to enjoy with the friends and families.
The Sports Business Development Grant Program (SBDG) will assist non-profit organizations to host, recruit or bring athletic events consisting of games, exhibitions, tournaments, and other sports-related events to Fort Wayne, Indiana. The grants are designed to help defray the start up costs, hosting fees, promotional expenses and operating expenses to attract an event. Events must be amateur or recreational and must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Generate out-of-city participants or spectators in significant numbers:
2,000 or more participants from players, teams and officials
1,000 or more hotel room nights used by attendees, either teams or spectators
5,000 or more spectators in attendance, with 50% from outside the county
Additionally, events must generate an increase in visitor spending in the city's hotels, restaurants and attractions while generating regional and/or national media exposure for Fort Wayne.
The first grants will help the FW CVB and FW Sports Corporation to bid against other cities 1) to host the 2010 United States Sports Specialty Association's National Youth Basketball Championship at Spiece Fieldhouse, (9,000 people); 2) to host the new Big Ten Invitational Pre-Season Soccer Tournament (5,000) ; and the 2010 Indiana State High School Girls Basketball Championship, which can't be held in Indy due to a conflict. (20,000).
Grant applications should be received at least 6 month prior to the event to the City of Fort Wayne Community Development Division. A maximum of $10,000 grant per organization can be awarded. A 2nd, follow-up grant may be awarded the following year worth 50% of the original grant for the same event.
The SBDG Review Committee will consist of the President of the Convention & Visitors Bureau; the City Community Development Division Director; and President or Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Sports Corporation, and the Director of Parks and Recreation. The Review Committee will make its recommendations to the Mayor of Fort Wayne. The Mayor will have final approval and has directed that $40,000 will be set aside each calendar year to fund the SBDG.
Some examples of allowable expenses funded by the grant would include bid fees or hosting fees, bid packet preparations, advertising and media buys, and on-site hospitality expenses with the exception of alcohol. In addition, grant money could be used to production and technical expenses to organize and coordinate the sporting event, site rental, and non-monetary awards for competitors. Examples of expenses not allowed to be covered by the grant money include purchase of permanent equipment, building renovation or remodeling, and expenses for teams traveling outside of Fort Wayne to compete.
Each year in both the spring and fall season, our ponds at our Water Pollution Control Plant experience what is called “roll over.” As temperatures warm and cool during the change of season, the water from the bottom of the pond “rolls” to the top of the pond and brings materials and gases to the top of the pond. These gases expel out putting more odor into the air than normal. Many residents in the area are noticing the increased odor.
The amount of wind and its direction can increase or decrease the odor.
City Utilities is working to place odor control solutions in place. Steady temperatures will also help the situation.
Projects planned for the federally mandated sewer improvement projects, will help with these odors in the future.
These improvements to the Plant include, increasing the treatment capabilities from 60 million gallons a day to 85 million gallons a day, adding addition basins for storage space, additional cleaning of the ponds, and additional piping that will water to be discharged into the ponds. While, odors will never be completely eliminated, all of these projects will help reduce the amount of odor. Some of these projects are scheduled for the first five years of the 17 year consent decree.
Depending on the wind, residents in a 5-6 mile radius of the plant could notice a smell this week. Some odor will be present through most of the month of May.
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control welcomes Registered Veterinary Technician, Beth Tropp as a Dog First Aid instructor for shelter sponsored classes. Learning First Aid is essential to being prepared when your dog needs you to be, states Peggy Bender Community Relations and Education Specialist at Animal Care & Control. We are pleased to have someone of Beth's caliber providing First Aid instruction here at the shelter to community dog owners.
The next class will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 9 A.M.-1 P.M. at Animal Care & Control located at 3020 Hillegas Road. Participants will learn how to handle urgent care situations, breathing and cardiac emergencies, recognizing symptoms and care for common ailments, and preventative dog care. $55 class fee includes dog first aid manual, DVD, First Aid completion card and continental breakfast. Register by June 5 by calling 260-427-5508.
Repair of the Maumee Pathway between Pemberton Drive and North River Road is complete and the trail is open.
A portion of the trail, on the City's east side, had to be reconstructed because of flood damage.
Crews also removed mud, downed trees and limbs from the four mile stretch of the pathway.
Due to anticipated budget cuts in 2010, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will take a proactive approach to reducing expenses by not opening Swinney Pool this summer or next summer. The estimated savings will be approximately $85,000 - $100,000 per year.
Swinney Pool was selected for closure as a result of limited usage. In order to be in compliance with the recent Virginia Graeme Baker Act, the Department would have been required to spend an additional $10,000 to install new drain covers.
“Ceasing operations at Swinney Pool is a tough decision, but if funds surface, we'll look at the possibility of reopening the pool in 2011,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We encourage our community to take advantage of our remaining three pools and six free splash pads.”
The savings from not opening Swinney Pool will help offset the additional cost of water to run the City's two new splash pads located in Robert E. Meyers Park and Buckner Park. It is the intention of the Parks and Recreation Department to focus on expanding the number of free splash pads in the future.
Endorses Five Year Phase-In Rate Increase Plans will Improve Quality of Life
Saying, it's time to step up and do the right thing Mayor Tom Henry forged ahead with plans to clean up our rivers.
“Yes it's an unfunded “federal mandate” but we cannot ignore it... and we should not ignore it. Dumping sewage into our rivers is a disgusting practice that we have to correct,” said Mayor Henry.
Mayor Henry was joined by a community-wide team of citizens concerned about river pollution and its impact on health, the environment, the economy, business, and industry.
Joining Mayor Henry were, City Council Member Liz Brown, Allen County Health Director Deborah McMahon, IPFW Professor of Environmental Studies Bob Gilisspi, Realtor Jeff Thomas, Sewer Advisory Group member Rod Vargo, Civil Engineer Mark Jesse, City Utilities Director Kumar Menon, and City Utilities Engineer Matthew Wirtz.
“This is a full community project and the largest Public Works project in the history of Fort Wayne. These projects are important and will make a difference,” said Kumar Menon, Director of City Utilities.
Over the next 17 years more than $240 million will be spent on major projects to improve our sewers.
Here are some of the larger projects:
'¢ $61 million for neighborhood sewer separation projects to reduce the likelihood of sewage backing up into homes
'¢ $53 million for improvements at the Sewage Treatment Plant to increase capacity and improve efficiency and reliability
'¢ $48 million to increase the Plant's ability to store some sewage when it is raining and treat it when the rain stops
'¢ $29 million for sewer line rehabilitation
'¢ $48 million for interceptor sewer capacity improvements primarily in northeast Fort Wayne to help stop sewage releases and allow the community to grow
Additional Benefits:
'¢ Better Health - keeping E-Coli out of our rivers
'¢ Cleaner Environment ' protecting wildlife and our rivers
'¢ Business Growth' stronger sewer infrastructure is needed
'¢ Economic Growth ' projects will create local jobs
To pay for these projects City Utilities is asking for a phase-in 5 year rate plan to be approved.
Current
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Residential
5,000 gal/mo
$18.99
$23.27
$26.75
$29.70
$32.37
$35.29
Change in Rates
$0
$4.28
$3.48
$2.95
$2.67
$2.92
Seven years ago, negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management began in earnest. After lengthy negotiations, a settlement was reached in April of 2008 and the city was under a federal mandate in the form of a Consent Decree to make major improvements to its sewer system and drastically reduce combined sewer overflows. The Consent Decree looked at balancing costs with the impact investments could have on the environment.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is offering several free-admission events this weekend.
Mother's Day Plant Sale - May 8-10. Buy mom's gift at Foellinger Outdoor Theatre in Franke Park. Approximately 400 different kinds of plants will be available for purchase. The selection includes: herbs, vegetable starts, annuals, perennials, tropicals, color bowls, mixed containers, hanging baskets and more. Thursday and Friday hours are 4-7pm, Saturday hours are 9am-5pm and Sunday's are noon-4pm. The proceeds from the flower sale will benefit the Botanical Conservatory.
Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration - May 8 & 9, 10am-5pm. Discover the rich and diverse medium of fiber art ' basket weaving, knitting, spinning, even sheep shearing. There will be purchasing opportunities to shop for supplies ' yarns, quilting needs, products and more! The Fiber Arts Celebration is co-sponsored by the Flax and Fleecers Spinning Guild of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. Call Renee Baines at 427-6005 for more information. Due to the nature of this event, pets are not allowed. Come celebrate at Salomon Farm, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Shoaff Park Spring Spectacular - May 9, 10am-3pm. The Conklin Pavilion at Shoaff Park is the place for family fun with inflatables, crafts, games and live animals for kids. Meet local team mascots. Freddie and the Hot Rods are performing noon-2 pm. Moms can register to win a free necklace from Pacula Designs. Also, enjoy crafts, collectables and other merchandise from local vendors. This event is sponsored by Star 88.3.
Mother's Day in the Garden - May 10, noon-4pm. Treat your mom, or someone who's like a mom to you, to a walk through the new spring showcase, “Butterflies: A Bug's Eye View.” Moms get free admission and a special Mother's Day plant, while supply lasts. Enjoy a special day with your mom at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
For more information about our programs, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Opportunity to hear directly from those investing in Fort Wayne
Mayor Tom Henry will have the first in a series of breakfasts with owners of local businesses Thursday morning as part of his ongoing commitment to the business community of Fort Wayne.
Henry invited owners of businesses in a variety of sectors to hear the Mayor's ideas for moving Fort Wayne forward while also giving him the opportunity to take questions and get feedback from the owners.
“These people are investing their time and money in Fort Wayne to make their livelihoods while also employing scores of people,” Mayor Henry said. “This series of breakfasts will give me an opportunity, in an informal setting, to hear directly from them about how the City can be more responsive to the needs of the local business community.”
The small-group meetings will be held throughout the year in the Mayor's office at the City-County Building.
Fort Wayne business owners interested in being considered for the Mayor's breakfasts should contact Elissa McGauley, the City's economic development specialist, at 427-1127.
10 Tools for Stabilizing Your Neighborhood:
In 2009 the City of Fort Wayne will offer a range of services, programs and projects designed to assist in the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life in Fort Wayne's neighborhoods.
Mayor Henry said, “I am pleased to focus our time, talent and treasures on Fort Wayne neighborhoods in a way that promotes making them even more desirable places to live, work and play. Fort Wayne's more established neighborhoods enjoy a sense of history and richness that is unique and original. These programs are 'tools' that are specifically designed and customized to enhance these qualities.”
The comprehensive nature of the programs will encourage and reward strategic investment of private and other public resources that will enhance “livability” through housing revitalization and neighborhood stabilization. Specifically, the programs will seek to achieve the following objectives:
Reversing the pattern of deterioration and recapturing the sense of place that once existed;
Increasing the livability and vitality of its neighborhoods; and
Rekindling a sense of pride among residents of the unique and to Fort Wayne.
The slate of programs, which is designed to assist individuals and families who live in or are seeking to live in older neighborhoods, offers something for nearly everyone:
· Homeowners who need assistance with repairing a roof or furnace or who want to improve curb appeal or energy efficiency.
· Seniors who want to age in place who need handrails, grab bars or bathroom retrofits.
· Home buyers who are seeking more affordable homeownership with downpayment assistance.
· Home buyers who are seeking to purchase and customize vacant foreclosed homes
· Homeowners facing foreclosure who need assistance with refinancing fees to obtain a more affordable mortgage interest rate.
· Landlords in good standing with the community who need assistance with rehabilitating existing rentals to make them more livable and affordable.
· Renters needing help with deposits to make renting more accessible and affordable.
· Neighborhoods seeking assistance with community-led clean ups and tire removal initiatives.
The 2009 Slate of Programs includes the following programs:
1. Homeowner Repair Program
2. Senior & Disabled Home Modification Program
3. Façade Improvement Program
4. Energy & Water Conservation Program
5. Home Ownership Education Courses
6. Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program
7. Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program
8. Purchase-Custom Rehab Program (Moderate - Middle Income Families)
9. Neighborhood Clean Up Program
10. Citywide Housing Notice of Funds Availability
Applications and further details can be found on the City's website,
www.cityoffortwayne.org . All programs are available beginning today, but will close June 15.
Details on some of the programs:
Homeowner Repair (includes Citywide, Senior/Disabled Retrofit, Façade, Energy & Water Conservation programs)
Budget: $700K
Production: Estimate of 100 owner occupants
NSP Purchase Custom Rehab
Budget: $4,660,000
Production: Estimate of 62 homebuyers
Down Payment Assistance
Budget: $350,000
Production: Estimate of 47 homebuyers
Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention (refinancing fees)
Budget: $100,000
Production: Estimate of 33 owner occupants
HOME & Affordable Housing Trust Fund RFP
Budget: $1.4M in 2009 & $1.1M in 2010
Neighbor Drive closing at noon Tuesday
Shell Drive at St. Joe Center Road will reopen at 7 a.m. Tuesday as part of the St. Joe Center Road reconstruction and widening project. As planned, Neighbor Drive will close at noon Tuesday.
Shell Drive will be open through the remainder of the project. The City expects the project to be complete this summer.
Ewing now closed from Jefferson and Berry
Washington Boulevard is down to a one lane between Webster and Ewing streets for at least a week, weather permitting, as part of the ongoing storm sewer installation downtown.
Although originally announced to start Monday, Ewing is now closed between Jefferson and Washington. Because of construction to the north on Ewing, it is now closed from Jefferson north to Berry Street.
Drivers should allow for extra time or use an alternate route during the construction.
Today Mayor Tom Henry recognized May as National Historic Preservation Month in Fort Wayne. He called attention to activities celebrating our history and heritage, as well as the enhancement of our community's historic neighborhoods, buildings, and sites.
“Our community has managed to preserve much of our heritage and history,” Mayor Henry said. “Fort Wayne has a long-standing tradition of honoring our past and trying to reuse and reclaim examples of significant structures and character from our history. We understand that moving forward into our future includes honoring our past, and we know how important it is to the vitality of our city to ensure strong revitalization efforts.”
Several local organizations are hosting events and activities throughout the month. A poster highlighting Historic Preservation month along with a brochure highlighting area activities has been prepared by the Historic Preservation office in the City's Division of Community Development. It is available at the downtown Allen County Public Library and at other locations in the community. The brochure along with an online Heritage Calendar may also be found on the City's website; visit
www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation .
This year Historic Preservation month highlights the yearlong nation-wide celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday (February 12, 2009). The Hoosier state has many reasons to celebrate President Lincoln; he spent 14 of his most formative years (from age 7 to 21) in southern Indiana. Fort Wayne has embraced Lincoln's legacy with numerous memorials within the City to visit. Among them is the sculpture “The Hoosier Youth” by renowned sculptor Paul Manship (featured on this year's brochure and poster), the Lincoln Tower, and the historic Lincoln Highway. Soon the former Lincoln archival collection of the Lincoln Financial Foundation will open at the Allen County Public Library.
A few highlights from the calendar include Miami Indian Heritage Day at Chief Richardville House on Saturday May 3, from 1-4 p.m. (5705 Bluffton Road); a presentation and book signing by Author Jan Shupert-Arick on her new book called “The Lincoln Highway Across Indiana” on Saturday May 9 at 2 p.m. at the History Center (302 East Berry); and a presentation by Angie Quinn of ARCH, Inc. on the history of the Maumee Valley and cultural heritage activities of the Maumee Heritage Corridor, Inc. called “Layers of History” on Wednesday May 27th, at 7 p.m. at the History Center (302 East Berry).
The City of Fort Wayne Historic Preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission work to strengthen the city's historic resources through historic preservation and heritage development. The Historic Preservation program offers a wide range of assistance to help property owners recognize historic properties by listing as Local Historic Districts or on the National Register of Historic Places. Technical assistance is also available to assist public and private property owners in maintaining or recapturing the historic character of their properties.
For more information call 427-1127, or visit
www.CityofFortWayne.org/preservation .
Happened shortly after 1 p.m. at intersection of State, Eade
Mayor Tom Henry was uninjured following a minor traffic accident early this afternoon on the city's northeast side.
The incident occurred at the intersection of State Boulevard and Eade Avenue at 1:05 p.m. Mayor Henry returned to work for the afternoon.
Thank you for joining me today. In a few minutes, I'll comment about the Indiana General Assembly session that just concluded. It brought some good news for Fort Wayne.
But first, let's talk about another issue, one that has been a matter of public record since late last year, but in recent days, has consumed a lot of attention.
Yes, the City of Fort Wayne engaged governmental affairs professionals to help us secure a referendum for the people of Fort Wayne on the issue of gaming, something only the Indiana General Assembly can enact. This is how things get done in the state legislature and in Washington, D. C. To imply a service so basic is secret, extravagant or underhanded is at best ill informed.
Yes, our team members were hired openly and properly, the same as any other advocate or vendor we might employ to work on our behalf. Their associations have been a matter of public record from day one. They were retained without fanfare, but with no intent to confuse, and with every expectation that they would operate in public, which they have, and be an essential part of our strategy.
Yes, in addition to my own efforts with our state legislators, our advocates worked diligently examine the issue of gaming and to ensure that the City's interests were well represented.
As Mayor, I made a commitment to serve the people of this community, and openness is one of the watchwords of my administration. I abide by that principle.
When private business groups came to us exploring the potential for gaming in our community, I said I would do two things: talk to those who have the ideas, and study the issue in depth.
Throughout our investigation, I listened carefully to the people of our city. You told me the issue of gaming was important to you, and you wanted your voices to be heard. That is why I led the way in calling for a referendum. It is why I immediately began working with our legislative delegation to make it happen. It is why I sought out the best talent to make our case in Indianapolis. I kept my word.
I believe strongly that the decision about gaming is not mine alone to make, but ours to make as a community. We must be able to choose for ourselves what is beneficial for us and what opportunities we want to explore.
I pursued this issue, because every day I become more and more concerned about the number of jobs lost in our community. The number of businesses that have closed. An unemployment rate that continues to rise. An ancient sewer system that must be restored to clean our rivers and meet federal mandates. Job creation, economic development and educational needs each requiring major investments to ensure we are a competitive and attractive community. And most of all, diminishing resources to meet all these challenges.
Yes, I pursued this issue, because I am committed to making sure Fort Wayne has every chance to thrive. In these difficult economic times, I believe an opportunity that can bring new jobs, high-quality investment and significant new revenue into our community, enriching it, our region and state in meaningful ways, is one deserving of serious consideration.
We don't know what the special session will bring, but you can be certain of one thing: I want the people of Fort Wayne to be able to make their own decision on gaming. And I will continue to work with our state legislators using every tool available to me, including expert counsel, to secure a referendum. You have my word.
Now, I'll make a few remarks about other legislative activity. Let's start with some good news.
Through the hard work and strong leadership of state Representatives GiaQuinta, Moses, Bell and Borror, and state Senators Long and Wyss, and with the assistance of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Wayne was successful in its effort to establish a Capital Improvement Board. House Bill 1514 will create the Allen County ' Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board which will allow a joint City and County board to prioritize capital projects within Allen County. This board will spur economic development, create jobs and will help us work together to strengthen our community.
The state budget contained an annual appropriation of $1 million for the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana, an important community asset. This $1 million would be used to make lease payments on the building that is the academy's home. I look forward to working with the legislative leaders during the special session to secure this $1 million in the state budget.
Recently Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne entered into an interlocal agreement on bridge maintenance and repair. One of the terms of the interlocal agreement was for the City and the County to support a change in state law allowing the County to use its major bridge fund to finance the maintenance and repair of all bridges in the County. This language was in the final version of HB 1447 which did not pass the House after the state budget failed. Again, I look forward to working with legislative leaders during the special session to pass the language needed for bridge maintenance and repair.
With the World Health Organization's pandemic threat level raised to 5, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is advising residents and businesses to take time now to review their preparedness plans.
In Allen County, there have been no confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1)-North American/Human flu (swine flu). Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and will implement infection control measures as appropriate to the level of risk.
“As with any possible emergency, having a contingency plan is essential,” says Allen County Health Commissioner, Dr. Deborah McMahan. “Now is really the time to make sure that as a family or as an employer, you are prepared.”
“While we may not be able to prevent an outbreak of influenza, we can certainly minimize the negative impact it could have on our community.”
Business plans should address continuity of operations, sick leave policies and other human resource issues that might arise from reductions in staff if people are unable to work due to businesses or schools being closed.
Companies that provide critical infrastructure services, such as power and telecommunications, need to be in continued operation in a crisis and should plan accordingly.
Families should also have a plan for how to deal with child care issues should schools close as well as the possible reduction or loss of income if a person is unable to work. Those plans should also include keeping adequate supplies of emergency food, water and medicines at home.
Retail pharmacies in the area are ready to educate consumers about preparedness and to assist them in putting together a family flu kit, says Mike Sievers with the Northeast Indiana Pharmacy Emergency Planning Group.
A copy of the department's pandemic flu preparedness guide for families is available in several languages at www.fightheflu.org and www.allencountyhealth.com. Additional resources for businesses in planning for a pandemic can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov.
Residents can also call the department's public health hotline at 260-449-7506 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For this weekend, the hotline will also be active from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Resources
State and Local
Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health
Public hotline: 260-449-7506
www.allencountyhealth.com or
www.fighttheflu.org
Allen County Government's Twitter site
Subscribe at
www.twitter.com . Choose to follow “allencountyinfo.”
Indiana State Department of Health
Public hotline: 1-877-826-0011
Clinical hotline: 1-866-233-1237
www.statehealth.in.gov
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
317-227-0300 or 877-747-3038
www.boah.in.gov
World/National
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
1-800-CDC-INFO(800-232-4636), or
www.cdc.gov/flu/swine
www.Pandemicflu.gov
World Health Organization:
www.who.int/en/
Breakfast for bicyclists on the north plaza of the City-County Building
Mayor Tom Henry invites people to become bike commuters for a day as part of national Bike to Work Day May 15.
“The City of Fort Wayne is working to make Fort Wayne more bicycle friendly so I would love to see people forgo their cars for a day and take two wheels to get to work May 15,” Mayor Henry said. “And maybe one day of bicycling to work will become a habit, a habit that advances physical fitness, reduces traffic congestion and improves local air quality.”
The American League of Bicyclists recognizes May as National Bike Month, with a special emphasis on the week of May 11 to 15 as Bike to Work Week and that Friday being Bike to Work Day.
The first 100 bike commuters can stop by the north plaza of the City-County Building from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for a free bagel, courtesy of The Bagel Station, and coffee courtesy of Starbucks.
Three local bike shops ' Summit City Bikes, Bikes and Boards, and Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot ' are offering discounts on bike service in preparation for Bike to Work Day. Customers must ask for the “Bike to Work Day” discount; contact the shop for details.
Drivers should also be aware of a potential increase in cyclists on the road during the morning and afternoon commute.
“If the weather is good, I would expect we could have hundreds of additional bicyclists on the streets going to and from work. I ask drivers to be responsive to an increased presence of bicycles that day and every time they drive,” Mayor Henry said. “We cannot forget that motorists and bicyclists share the road every day.”
Mayor Henry has some recommendations on how to make bike commuting more convenient.
'¢ Look at a street map to see if there is an alternate route to work that uses less busy streets.
'¢ Consider using the Rivergreenway or other trails for transportation. Visit
fortwayneparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=34 or go online to www.fortwayneparks.org and go to the Parks menu on the left side and click on Rivergreenway to find a map of the Rivergreenway. For a complete map of current and planned trails, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org/images/stories/Rivergreenway/project%20status%20map%204%2029%2009.pdf .
'¢ Drive to a trailhead and bike into work using a multiuse path.
'¢ Evaluate bike parking options at the workplace, including bike racks, other outdoor structures where a bike can be secured or an indoor storage location.
'¢ Employers looking to install a bike rack for employees or visitors can download the City's informational brochure at
www.fortwayneparks.org/images/stories/docs/bikeparkingbrochure.pdf .
'¢ “Rack & Roll” with Citilink that day. All Citilink buses have bike racks on the front, making it possible to use public transit and a bike for the same trip. For more information about bus bike racks, visit
www.fwcitilink.com/bike_load.htm .
'¢ Consider bringing a change of clothes to work. Some employers may want to consider relaxing the dress code for bike commuters that day.
'¢ Bike with co-workers or neighbors by organizing a predetermined starting point and time.
Location within floodplain will become green space
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission plans to demolish the east building at the former Dimension Ford site on West Jefferson Boulevard next month as part of the commission's plans to return the land to green space.
The commission will open bids for the removal the building at its meeting May 11. The City expects demolition to begin in late May and finish in June. The building has structural steel that can be recycled or reused.
Last year, the Redevelopment Commission purchased the property adjacent to the St. Marys River. The east portion of the land is prone to flooding and will be turned over the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department to be maintained as green space. The west building will remain, and the commission has that portion of the property for sale.
Companies interested in bidding for the demolition should contact the Redevelopment Department at 427-1127.
Mayor Tom Henry was joined by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll and 88 children from Cedar Canyon Elementary as they celebrated Arbor Day at Salomon Farm Park today.
Before the planting of the ceremonial tree, Mayor Henry announced his appointment of the City's first community-wide Tree Commission.
“The Parks and Recreation Department has done an excellent job establishing the groundwork to maintain our urban forest,” said Mayor Henry. “There's a structure in place, but it's time to really focus on issues such as the Emerald Ash Borer Crisis and to come up with a 10-year plan for increasing and managing Fort Wayne's Tree Canopy.”
The Commission's objective is to perform a comprehensive review of the City's urban forest and provide recommendations to Mayor Henry before the Great Tree Canopy Comeback in November, which will also take place at Salomon Farm Park.
The members are:
Co-chairs:
Carol Cavell, Trees Indiana
Jason Kissel, ACRES Land Trust
Commissioners:
Karen Goldner, Fort Wayne City Council
Bill Brown, Allen County Council
Bill Diedrichs, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation
Al Moll, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation
Jeff Baxter, Allen County Parks
Karl Bandermer, Sturges Development Group
Tom Cain, City Planning Department
Dan Ernst, Earth Source
Julie Donnell, Friends of the Parks
Jeff Ling, Treemasters, Inc.
Ricky Kemmery, IPFW
Kevin Scott, Indiana Michigan Power
Kim Sabrosky, Indiana Michigan Power
Pone Vongphachanh, Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors
Director Moll added to the celebration by announcing that Fort Wayne has been named a 'Tree City USA' for the 19th year in a row. This designation was earned for tree canopy stewardship and a continued commitment to a green city. In addition, Fort Wayne earned a Growth Award from the National Arbor Foundation, one of only 14 cities in the state to earn that distinction for a higher standard of forestry management of the Park's 80,000 trees.
“The Growth Award is in recognition that Fort Wayne is working to make our tree canopy the very best it can be,” said Moll. “Our commitment to improve and maintain our green spaces helps us to attract people and businesses to our city for its quality of life.”
More information about Tree City USA can be found at
www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA . The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental, and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.
Efforts to improve stormwater flow for Fort Wayne's future continue in the downtown area this week and that will mean some lane restrictions.
Beginning tomorrow, April 24, 2009, lane restrictions will be in effect for the two far north lanes of Washington Boulevard between Webster Street and Ewing Street. The lane restrictions will begin tomorrow around 9:00AM. If the weather cooperates the work should be complete in about a week.
During the construction the traffic signal at Washington and Ewing will be removed and a stop sign will be placed on Ewing. It will be a one-way stop for traffic on Ewing. The open lanes on Washington will not stop at the Ewing intersection during this time.
Next month, the far south lanes on Washington will be closed for continuation of the work. The City will announce that restriction when a date is known.
The restrictions will allow the extension of a 48-inch stormwater pipe to be placed across Washington Boulevard. It will eventually connect the Ewing Street sewer with Wayne Street.
The sewer improvements compensate for increased usage and allow stormwater to be redirected away from the existing combined sewers that have a limited capacity during wet weather. These improvements will direct the runoff into the new sewers designed to handle the anticipated volume.
This will provide better services for homes and businesses in the area around Ewing Street and for future development.
Continuing process of changing signals based on traffic needs
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will modify two traffic signals on West Rudisill Boulevard starting Friday for off-peak driving times.
The intersections of Rudisill and Indiana and South Wayne avenues will go to a red-yellow flashing schedule 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Friday, April 24.
It will flash yellow on the major roadway, Rudisill, and red on the secondary street, Indiana or South Wayne, of the intersection.
Last year, Traffic Engineering started evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
Demonstrations from public safety agencies available at Public Safety Academy
The City of Fort Wayne is continuing to accept registrations for free hands-only CPR training as part of “Don't Miss a Beat” at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, May 2.
Registration forms are included with City Utilities' April bill. Online registration is available at
www.3rcpr.org or call 427-1164 to sign up for the hour-long non-certified training class. On-site registrations will also be accepted May 2.
Offered five times that day, the class will train community members ages 12 and older how to give effective chest compressions ' using manikins or special kits ' to adults who have suffered a heart attack. Classes start at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
This is the second time the City and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. In October, more than 200 people learned how to use hands-only CPR.
In addition to the classes, public safety agencies from the area are scheduled to offer free demonstrations to the public throughout the day.
The Fort Wayne Police Department will have demonstrations of the T3 scooters and voice stress analysis equipment plus tours of the firing range and firearms and driving simulators. The Fort Wayne Fire Department is scheduled to have a fire engine at the Public Safety Academy with the opportunity to ask a firefighter questions and see what equipment is carried on the truck.
Fort Wayne's 911 Communications will have the tactical communications truck on site. The mobile unit will be available for tours. Three Rivers Ambulance Authority will have an ambulance available for a tour and the St. Joseph Township Volunteer Fire Department Search and Rescue dogs will be on site.
“The Three Rivers CPR Task Force's Don't Miss a Beat program is vitally important to our community. Knowing hands-only CPR could save the life of a loved one or a complete stranger, yet it will only take an hour of your time on a Saturday,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “The demonstrations from our local public safety agencies are also a chance to meet your firefighters, police officers, paramedics and 911 dispatchers. This is a really informative day.”
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
Anyone completing the training May 2 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for those paying for a CPR certification class through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross's adult, child, infant CPR training class through December 31, 2009. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the May training.
For more information about Don't Miss a Beat CPR training, call (260) 427-1164 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Second Pipe is Part of the Damage
Earlier today, as City Utilities Sewer Maintenance crews reached the pipe that was believed to have caused the concrete collapse on North Clinton Street they discovered another pipe that T's into the uncovered pipe was also damaged. The second pipe approaches from the east and runs under Duck Street.
Many of the old storm sewers in Fort Wayne's downtown were built in the 1800's and early 1900's and it's not uncommon for some of them to not appear on a map. Neither of the two pipes crews are working on this week on North Clinton is shown on a map.
Because of the newly discovered damage crews will continue to dig, this time in to Duck Street. The second pipe is still being uncovered and we don't know what size it is at this point.
Crews will work through the night. Lane restrictions will remain in effect on Clinton Street until the repair is complete.
Should City Win a Third Time, We Will Be Part of the Hall of Fame
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry proudly announced Fort Wayne's inclusion among the thirty finalists for the 2009 All-America City Award bestowed by the National Civic League.
“We know our community has been honored twice in the past with this prestigious designation,” said Mayor Henry. “We are very pleased with being in this elite group of finalists and I have confidence our projects and presentation will carry us through to the winners' circle.”
A group of city staff and community representatives has been meeting for several months to identify three grassroots projects that address local challenges. Winning communities will have proven success in community-based problem-solving, grassroots engagement and public/private/nonprofit collaboration. At least one of the projects highlighted by each community must focus on the needs of young people. Fort Wayne's selected projects were presented in its application under the theme “All Together Now,” a nod to the inclusive and collaborative nature of each of the projects.
Ten of the thirty finalists will be named an All-America City. When a City has been named an All-America City three times, it is included in the Hall of Fame to showcase its outstanding civic accomplishment.
A delegation of 30 community representatives will travel to Tampa, Florida for the competition June 17-19. The committee is accepting financial underwriting to help defray the costs of the delegation. Companies or individuals wishing to make a tax-free donation to the effort may do so by sending a check to the City of Fort Wayne and noting “All-America City” in the check memo. More information is available at the City's website,
www.cityoffortwayne.org.
Ticket holders have choice of free or paid spaces with Police Department ready to direct traffic, pedestrians at key locations before, after game
People going to games at Parkview Field will have a wide choice of parking options, including free or paid parking garages, on-street spaces and lots throughout downtown.
Mayor Tom Henry encourages ticket holders to evaluate the variety of parking choices before leaving home for a game at Parkview Field.
“One of the great things about downtown is the choices it provides. Visitors will be able to park in the new garage at Harrison Square, a surface lot or even on-street parking within blocks of what looks to be one of the finest venues for minor league baseball in the country,” Mayor Henry said. “There are maps available in print and online to identify public parking downtown, plus signage to help drivers find a place to park.”
Downtown Fort Wayne's street grid also allows for multiple points of entry and exit that could help move traffic more quickly.
After months of planning, the Fort Wayne Police Department is ready to help direct traffic and pedestrians before and after the games. Approximately 12 officers will be working Thursday night. Police will direct traffic and help safely guide pedestrians at the following locations:
'¢ Ewing and Brackenridge
'¢ Harrison and Douglas
'¢ Webster and Jefferson
'¢ Harrison and Jefferson
'¢ Calhoun and Jefferson
'¢ Ewing and Jefferson
'¢ Lafayette and Douglas
'¢ Calhoun and Douglas
'¢ Civic Center and Harrison Square parking garages
Three officers will be on T3 scooters with other officers in patrol cars, on foot or on bicycle. A police officer will be watching from a rooftop Thursday night to help monitor traffic congestion. Officers will be directing traffic and pedestrians.
Drivers will need to follow the instructions of police officers directing traffic when leaving the game, including no left turn onto Harrison Street from the Harrison Square garage. The traffic plan has been designed to move vehicles out as quickly as possible, while accounting for pedestrian safety.
Officers will also be happy to answer pedestrians and drivers' questions.
In addition to police officers, ushers from the Embassy and Grand Wayne Center and Downtown Improvement District volunteers will be out during the first 8 home games with information in hand. Wearing Parkview Field hats and “Need help? Ask me!” buttons, they will be near the ball field, the Embassy Theatre and the Grand Wayne Center.
For those comfortable using the internet, the Downtown Improvement District recently launched a new website,
www.parkitfortwayne.com , to help people find downtown parking. Using an interactive map, it shows estimated parking availability for the day. For example, when the Embassy Theatre is hosting a Fort Wayne Philharmonic concert on a Saturday night, the icons for nearby parking garages will indicate the likely availability of spaces around the Embassy. DID advises people to check the website on the day that they will be making the trip downtown.
The Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau is working with private parking lot owners to use sidewalk sandwich-board signs to indicate special event parking. City-owned lots and garages have permanent public parking signs.
“Downtown Fort Wayne has plenty of parking for Parkview Field and other special events,” said Greg Leatherman, redevelopment director. “Many people are unclear what's available to the public. The City working in partnership with the DID, CVB, Grand Wayne Center, Embassy Theatre and others has put together a parking plan for Parkview Field and offered resources to help people find convenient parking downtown.”
The City of Fort Wayne offers the following information for game day parking and events at Parkview Field:
'¢ The new Harrison Square parking garage is now open to the public. Special event parking, including TinCaps games, will be $4 and collected when vehicles enter the garage.
'¢ The Civic Center garage across from the Hilton will be open for TinCaps games. Special event parking at that garage is $2 and collected upon entrance.
'¢ Downtown parking meters are free after 5 p.m. weekdays, on weekends and City holidays.
'¢ The Allen County Public Library's lots are available for hourly parking.
'¢ Some private parking lots south of Parkview Field will be available for paid public parking. Drivers can look for the yellow sidewalk signs.
'¢ The Grand Wayne Center's concourse on what was Harrison Street between Washington and Jefferson will be open to people who want to walk between those streets.
'¢ Those driving north after the game may want to consider parking north of Washington Boulevard. Those going south of downtown after the game may want to park south of Jefferson Boulevard.
'¢ Some streets will become one way temporarily after games to help move traffic more quickly.
'¢ Come early or stay late and visit a downtown restaurant, bar or attraction to avoid the peak traffic times.
Two lanes on the east side of Clinton Street, just north of Superior Street, will remain closed Monday.
The lanes are closed from the bridge just north of Headwaters Park and open back up just before Superior. Motorists may experience traffic delays and should plan accordingly.
City Utilities crews are making repairs in an area where a 3-1/2' hole was discovered at the intersection of Clinton and Duck Street, Saturday evening. Crews dug through the night in efforts to find the cause of a leak. It's believed to be a broken pipe. Early Monday morning additional equipment will be brought in to assist in the work.
At this time it is not known how long the repair will take or how long the lane restrictions will remain in effect.
Mayor Thanks Artists for Gifts Depicting Local Landmarks
Saying that the new Parkview Field is truly the community's ballpark, Deputy Mayor Greg Purcell on behalf of Mayor Tom Henry helped cut the ribbon on a permanent collection of local artists' work which will hang in the suite level lounge area at Parkview Field. Pieces depicting scenes from the Fort Wayne area will be on display.
“We know that Parkview Field is going to be the site of many exciting events, both sports-related and otherwise, “ said Mayor Tom Henry. “The inclusion of local artists' work, especially work showing familiar scenes of our community, is just one more special touch in this beautiful facility.”
Charley Shirmeyer, owner of Northside Galleries, along with local artist Terry Ratliff (Ratart) and the TinCaps are collaborating to turn the suite level lounge public spaces into a gallery-like setting. Pieces slated for the initial display include depictions of downtown Fort Wayne's Embassy Theater, the Allen County Courthouse and other local landmarks.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the excitement at Parkview Field,” Shirmeyer said. “We hope this artwork draws attention not only to the beauty of Fort Wayne, but also to the talented artists who call this area home.”
The ballpark's suite level will host baseball fans for TinCaps games, as well as guests of special events such as receptions, parties and meetings.
“It is such a treat to have this art in our ballpark,” TinCaps team president Mike Nutter said. “We tried to give Parkview Field a unique, “Fort Wayne” feel and this artwork takes that to the next level.”
Several corporate and individual sponsors are working with Northside Galleries to defray the costs associated with the artwork. Those sponsors will receive acknowledgement in the form of a plaque which will be displayed next to each piece. A few pieces remain available for sponsorship.
For more information on the artwork or sponsorship opportunities, contact Charley Shirmeyer of Northside Galleries at (260) 483-6624 or via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Fort Wayne Fire Department announces it will conduct increased and ongoing compliance checks in regards to the Smoking Ordinance for the City of Fort Wayne.
Owners, operators, managers or employees having control over a place of employment, restaurant, public place, enclosed area or other area where smoking is prohibited, and any citizen who desires to register a complaint, may initiate enforcement by calling 311 (One Call to City Hall) Monday ' Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or on weekends and after hours at 427-1222. The Fort Wayne Fire Department hotline number (427-7665) also remains an option. If the Fire Department and/or Police Department are not involved in other higher priority activities, someone will be dispatched to issue a citation to the offending party. The complaint must be reported within a timely manner after observing the violation.
The City of Fort Wayne Smoking Ordinance prohibits smoking of tobacco products in nearly all Public Places
Enforcement is implemented by the Fort Wayne Fire Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department, Allen County Building Department and Fort Wayne Neighborhood Code Enforcement.
A business that allows a violation is subject to a civil fine of up to $2,500 per day per violation. A person violating the law is subject to a civil fine of $25 for first, $100 for second and $250 for all subsequent violations.
The exemptions to this law are: Retail Tobacco Stores that are not licensed for food or alcoholic beverage consumption; 20 percent of hotel/motel rooms for rent; and, some nursing home rooms.
The entire Ordinance is available on the City of Fort Wayne's website at
www.cityoffortwayne.org by visiting the information about the City Clerk's Office and clicking on the link to City Code. After choosing the Frames Option, type the word Smoking in the Quick Search Box.
Residents can call to schedule an appointment for April 29
Mayor Tom Henry will hold a Mayor's Night Out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 29 at the Dupont branch of the Allen County Public Library, 536 E. Dupont Road.
Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in the meeting rooms of the Dupont branch library to discuss their concerns and comments about City government or services.
“This month we are taking our show on the road, so to speak, to the Dupont branch of the library. It is important to me to meet with residents on a regular basis, and perhaps this session will be a little more convenient for residents in north Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “Meeting with residents is one of the most important things I can do. Taxpayers deserve access to the leaders they elected and I am glad to participate in this event multiple times a year.”
Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor's Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff.
Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor. Anyone who has had a Mayor's Night In or Mayor's Night Out appointment in the last year will be placed on a waiting list to give other residents the opportunity to meet with Mayor Henry.
Mayor Henry plans to host a Mayor's Night In or Mayor's Night Out during each quarter of 2009.
Cyclists can ride with Keoghan in Fort Wayne, New Haven April 27
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot will welcome “Amazing Race” host Phil Keoghan to Fort Wayne April 27 as part of Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race Rides Across America presented by GNC.
“As the City of Fort Wayne and its residents look to make Fort Wayne more bicycle friendly, we couldn't be more energized to be one of just about 30 stops Phil is making in his ride across America,” Mayor Henry said. “The ride organizers were excited to see our local efforts to improve bicycling opportunities so I look forward to giving Phil and his crew a warm welcome, and I hope you can join me.”
Mayor Henry will welcome Keoghan to Fort Wayne at about 8:30 a.m. April 27 on the old Wells Street iron bridge when local cyclists line up to ride with the television host. The public, including non-riders, is welcome to attend the kick-off ceremony.
“Phil has two missions on his ride across the country: encourage people to get active and fit and promote awareness about multiple sclerosis,” said Fort Wayne Outfitters owner and cyclist Tim Hall. “With Fort Wayne's beautiful Rivergreenway and the recent announcement from Mayor Henry for bike lanes, I want to show Phil some of the best our city has to offer on a route that goes through downtown, historic neighborhoods and adjacent to the river.”
Those interested in riding with Keoghan need to complete a registration form. Registration forms are available at the Fort Wayne Outfitters' shop, 1004 Cass St., or online at
http://www.philridesacrossamerica.com/register_fort_wayne.html . Ride organizers encourage pre-registration but will accept onsite registrations at 8 a.m. the day of the ride. Helmets are required.
The free ride will start by 9:30 a.m. from the old Wells Street iron bridge and then have a police escort on Superior Street to Harrison Street. From there, the group will take Main Street over the Columbia Avenue bridge and continue east on Lake Avenue toward New Haven. The Fort Wayne police escort will go to approximately Landin Road.
The TV star is making a cross-country bicycle ride. He started from Los Angeles March 28 and looks to end his ride May 9 in New York City. Keoghan will arrive in Fort Wayne from Plymouth and will travel to Lima from Fort Wayne. He is averaging about 100 miles daily on his ride.
To see more about Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race Rides Across America presented by GNC, visit
http://www.philridesacrossamerica.com .
Drivers may notice different patterns for turn arrows at Coliseum intersections
The City of Fort Wayne has been working with the Indiana Department of Transportation to retime the traffic signals along corridors in north and east Fort Wayne, including US 27/Lima Road and State Road 930/Coliseum Boulevard.
These changes will start Monday, April 6 around 9 a.m.
Using updated vehicle counts, INDOT and the City will adjust the traffic signal timing patterns for the following corridors:
· SR 930/Coliseum Boulevard from Sherman Boulevard to the K-Mart East shopping center entrance
· US 27/Lima Road from Fernhill Avenue to the Interstate 69 ramp
· Coldwater Road from Clinton Street to I-69 ramp
· Clinton from Coldwater to Washington Center Road
· Parnell Avenue from Spy Run Avenue Extended to Clinton
· Anthony Boulevard from Crescent Avenue to Coliseum
· Crescent from Anthony to Hobson Road
· Hobson/St. Joe Road from Trier Road to St. Joe Center Road
· Washington Center Road/St. Joe Center from Coldwater Crossing shopping center to St. Joe Road
These changes are part of a 4-year schedule where INDOT adjusts traffic signals' timing. Since the City's corridors and INDOT's corridors cross, traffic lights must be synchronized together.
“Traffic lights are one of the most efficient ways to move large volumes of traffic on our streets, but only when they are timed appropriately for the number of vehicles,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “These changes will reduce congestion at intersections, improve air quality from fewer tailpipe emissions and even save drivers money as they spend less time idling at intersections. I know we've gotten some complaints about the timing of some of these lights and this could take care of some of these concerns.”
As part of these timing changes, the state will change the phasing sequence at several signals on SR 930/Coliseum Blvd. Called “lead-lag arrows,” a left-turn arrow in one direction will come on with the through-traffic signal, then the through traffic will go in both directions and conclude with the through and left-turn traffic in the other direction. Currently these intersections have the left-turning traffic going at the same time.
These intersections where the phasing sequence will change are Coliseum and:
· Sherman Boulevard
· Lima Road
· Glenbrook Square Mall
· Clinton Street
· Parnell Avenue
· Paul Shaffer Drive
· Anthony Boulevard
· Crescent Avenue
· Hobson Road
· Vance Avenue
· State Boulevard
· Delaware Street
· Lake Avenue
· Former Value City shopping center entrance
· K-Mart East shopping center entrance
This change will provide better movement of vehicles on SR 930/Coliseum but will require drivers to pay attention to the new signal cycles, especially for people who are accustomed to traffic signal patterns on their daily commutes.
Drivers with questions or concerns about traffic signals can call 427-1172.
Douglas, Webster now one-way, Brackenridge will be two-way Friday
Following through on the plans for Harrison Square, the City of Fort Wayne has reconfigured some traffic patterns near Parkview Field.
The changes are:
'¢ Douglas Street between Harrison Street and Webster Street one-way heading west,
'¢ Webster Street between Douglas and Brackenridge Street one-way heading south, and
'¢ Brackenridge between Ewing Street and Harrison will be two-way after a traffic signal is installed Friday at the intersection of Brackenridge and Harrison.
Brackenridge is closed at Harrison until the traffic light is installed Friday.
Traffic coming out of the Harrison Square parking garage and federal courthouse should go west on Douglas and south on Webster to Brackenridge to exit the area. People need to use extra caution as motorists readjust to the new traffic patterns.
The City has placed one-way signs at the parking garage and on the street in addition to pavement markings on Douglas and Brackenridge for the respective traffic direction.
The traffic signal for westbound traffic on Douglas at Harrison was removed and the one-way signs for Douglas and Webster were installed today.
Previously Douglas and Webster were two-way, and Brackenridge was one-way.
City Utilities crews have completed repair of the brick pipe and street cave-in on North Anthony Boulevard. The street will reopen to all traffic around 4pm today.
Click
here for forms related to program management of Long Term Control Plan.
Join in the excitement as a volunteer for the 3rd Annual Fort Wayne Parks Amazing Race 2009 ' Intergenerational teams of four will tackle challenges and solve clues all over the city. The Race is Saturday, April 18, 9am ' 4pm, starting from the Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
The Fort Wayne Parks Amazing Race Chair, Patti Davis, needs 64 volunteers to help with the race the day of the event during the hours of 8:30am ' Noon, Noon ' 3:30pm, or for an all-day shift. Tasks will include setting up the materials for challenges and validating challenge times as they are completed by the forty teams registered for the event.
Volunteers will meet the evening before to receive t-shirts, goodie bags and materials for the challenges. They are also invited to the victory party for food and door prizes following the race.
Gather your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family to join in the fun as volunteers. It's not too late! Call Patti Davis at 427-6467.
For more information about these programs, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Closer Look Shows Need for More Work on Brick Pipe:
To ensure safety for the 17,000 vehicles that travel North Anthony Boulevard each day, City Utilities will be spending more time on the repair of the 19th century brick pipe. North Anthony will remain closed through the middle of next week.
Workers at the site, of the brick sewer cave-in, determined that the brick is not structurally able to withstand the original planned restoration of the pipe. Engineers calculated that the added weight of flow fill (cement) would be too heavy for the existing brick pipe.
Further digging will take place this week and a corrugated steel pipe will be positioned, inside the brick, as a replacement. This will allow it to bypass the damaged brick and tie in to a more stable area of pipe that is not damaged.
Again, North Anthony will be closed at least through the middle of next week.
Alliance hosts breakfast to honor 89 companies for $190 million of planned investment, 1,500 positions created and 4,000 jobs retained
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald and Allen County Commissioners Linda Bloom, Bill Brown and Nelson Peters recognized 89 companies for their planned expansions Tuesday morning at the 15th annual Business Expansion Awards Breakfast, hosted by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.
“Business news these days so often focuses on the negative: jobs eliminated, plants closing and investment drying up, but there are good things happening too,” Mayor Henry said. “We cannot forget that we have companies expanding and creating new jobs and opportunities right here, right now. These employers are both large and small, but any expansion of any business, regardless of size, is more critical than ever. I offer my thanks to these businesses and their owners for their investment in our community.”
The award-winning companies announced over $190 million in investment, the creation of more than 1,500 jobs and the retention of over 4,000 employees.
“We are very pleased to honor and celebrate the businesses of Fort Wayne and Allen County who have expanded this year. These companies play a pivotal role in the growth of our business community and are integral to providing employment opportunities for area residents,” said Alliance Interim President Scott Naltner.
“Continuing economic growth requires both recruitment of new companies and expansion of existing businesses,” said Bill Brown, president of the Allen County Board of Commissioners. “Therefore, it's essential to acknowledge those businesses already in Allen County which choose to continue investing in our community.”
The breakfast also allows Fort Wayne, New Haven and Allen County to recognize the regional aspect of economic development.
“We applaud our local companies for their continued investment in our community, and appreciate the impact their investment has on our region,” said New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald.
Fort Wayne, New Haven, Allen County and the Alliance recognized the following companies:
Allen County Projects:
'¢ BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing
'¢ Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology
'¢ Indiana Tech
'¢ One Resource Group
New Haven Projects:
'¢ Hupp Aerospace/Defense, Inc.
'¢ Quickcut
'¢ Summit Foundry Systems
'¢ Vera Bradley Designs
Fort Wayne Projects:
'¢ Accugear
'¢ Aminah Rosa Salon
'¢ Aptera Software, Inc.
'¢ Barry Real Estate
'¢ Bhaura, Inc.
'¢ Blue Diamond Transport, LLC
'¢ Calico Precision Molding, LLC
'¢ The Chiropractic Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, Inc.
'¢ Classic Cafe, Inc.
'¢ CNC Industries, Inc.
'¢ Collins Painting and Design, LLC
'¢ Cosmos Restaurant
'¢ CPI Card Group - Indiana, Inc.
'¢ Custom Poly Packaging
'¢ DeBrand, Inc.
'¢ DKJ Holdings, LLC
'¢ Engine House Development Group, LLC
'¢ Fort Wayne Associates / Centennial Wireless
'¢ Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corporation
'¢ FW Convention, LLC
'¢ G.I. Joe's Army Supplies
'¢ George's International Grocery
'¢ Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana ' Michiana
'¢ Darryl Gorman
'¢ Gouloff-Jordan Surveying
'¢ Grace Island Specialty Foods, Inc.
'¢ Great Panes Glass Company, Inc.
'¢ Heat Power Engineering
'¢ Anthony M. Henry
'¢ Hoosier Pride Plastics
'¢ Hyde Brother-Booksellers, Inc.
'¢ IntraScape, Inc.
'¢ Laboratory Accreditation Bureau
'¢ LM&A Enterprises, LLC
'¢ Logikos
'¢ LSI Outsourcing
'¢ Lutheran Homes, Inc.
'¢ Mark of Distinction, Inc.
'¢ MD Imaging (2 projects)
'¢ Metro Real Estate, Inc. (2 projects)
'¢ Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc.
'¢ Northeast Indiana Complete Construction
'¢ Nu-Tec Coatings
'¢ NYX Fort Wayne
'¢ Old Crown, Inc.
'¢ Old Mill Properties, LLC
'¢ Paramount Properties, LLC
'¢ Pine Valley Veterinary Clinic, Inc.
'¢ Pinnacle Airlines
'¢ Plastic Composites Company
'¢ PolyMod Technologies, Inc.
'¢ Prairie Quest Consulting
'¢ Precision Laser Services, Inc.
'¢ Preventive Maintenance Services
'¢ Quadrant EPP, Meditech Division
'¢ Quimby Village Southwest Improvements Association
'¢ Radiology Oncology Associates, LLP
'¢ Razor Products, Inc.
'¢ RCI Development, LLC
'¢ The Reclamation Project, Inc.
'¢ Royal Stamping, Inc.
'¢ Sanco Industries, Inc.
'¢ Shambaugh Family Limited Partnership
'¢ Sipe, Inc.
'¢ SIRVA - North American Van Lines
'¢ Solstice Medical
'¢ Spyro's, LLC
'¢ Sri Sai, PC
'¢ Stream Tek, LLC
'¢ Summit Engineering & Design
'¢ Super 8 Motel Goshen
'¢ Three Rivers Dermatology
'¢ Truck Engineering Ltd., LLC
'¢ Trucks Unlimited, Inc.
'¢ Trustbearer Labs
'¢ U.S. Silicones, LLC
'¢ University of Saint Francis
'¢ Wayne Pipe & Supply, Inc.
'¢ White's Flooring
'¢ Zesto Ice Cream
Today Parks and Recreation Department Director Al Moll announced the creation of a distinctive exhibit to be featured at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Beginning November 21, 2009 the gardens will host “Downtown Landmarks,” a collection of scale models of historically and architecturally significant downtown buildings along with a working model of Fort Wayne's inter-urban railway.
Moll explained “our partnership with local design firms will allow the Conservatory to really “ramp up” the excitement surrounding our showcase garden. This exhibit will feature art, history, horticulture, and entertainment. Each design firm will adopt a structure which they consider to be significant to the current or past downtown landscape.” Companies providing design, curatorial, and fabrication services include:
Design Collaborative, Inc. ' Ron Dick, Principal
Martin-Riley Architects, Engineers ' John Riley, Partner
Moake Park Group, Inc. ' Dick Moake, Owner
MSKTD & Associates, Inc. ' Jim Kratzat, President
Schenkel Shultz Architecture, Inc. ' Corey Miller, Architect
According to Moll, the Conservatory's key goals in creating the exhibit are to:
educate the public on the history of downtown Fort Wayne,
provide an aesthetically enjoyable horticultural exhibit
feature the great social significance of the inter-urban rail way
encourage discussion on urban planning and the urban lifestyle of the past and future
share the unique artistic expression present in each building model
evoke fond memories of downtown
capture the imagination of younger visitors
create an attractive and intriguing atmosphere
showcase our design sponsors and highlight the unique cooperative partnership necessary to move this exhibit from concept to reality.
Organizations or individuals interested becoming involved in Downtown Landmarks should contact the Botanical Conservatory, 260/427-6441.
Anyone dropping off material other than limbs could be fined for illegal dumping
The City of Fort Wayne has closed the branch drop-off site at the parking lot of Foellinger Theatre/Franke Park but will accept branches from the public at the former Dimension Ford west location, 2300 W. Jefferson Blvd., just west of Swinney Park.
City employees have also noticed some trash and other non-brush items left at the drop-off sites. Anyone leaving something other than branches and limbs can be cited for illegal dumping with a fine of up to $500.
“These drop-off sites are for branches and limbs only. We know that our residents may have other trash and debris they want to discard, but these are not the sites for it,” Mayor Henry said. “We need to keep our city as clean as possible.”
Residents can also drop off branches at no charge through March 31 to the City's Biosolids/Residuals Composting Facility, 6210 Lake Ave. The facility will start charging again for tree limbs April 1, when the facility switches to its summer hours. Fees apply for other yard waste such as leaves.
The facility is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 31. The summer hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday from April 1 to Nov. 30.
The National Serv-All compost site at 6231 MacBeth Road is available for brush drop off and charges a nominal fee.
The City is also wrapping up curbside branch collection, finishing the final tree sector's pick-up. The City or its contractors are only doing one curbside collection per address.
A cave-in of a combined sewer pipe, made from brick and built in 1884, will keep North Anthony Boulevard closed possibly until the end of the week. North Anthony Boulevard is currently closed between Lake Avenue and East Washington Boulevard to all thru traffic, including motor vehicles, bikes and pedestrian traffic.
Motorists are asked to use Clinton Street, Lafayette Street and Coliseum Boulevard to travel north and/or south.
A hole in the street about 12' X 15' was discovered late yesterday afternoon after a motorist called it in as a pot hole.
This afternoon, City Utilities crews discovered the brick pipe has a hole about 4'X 5' in diameter. The damage was discovered by sending one of the City Utilities sewer cameras into a manhole and through the brick pipe. Crews will not know for sure how long the repair will take until they actually uncover the brick pipe. North Anthony will be closed somewhere between two to four days while the pipe and street are being restored.
The repair work will involve patching the hole with steel and a flow-able fill (concrete), which fills in holes and cracks, and then lining the brick pipe using the modern rehab technology of Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP). CIPP is pulled through the pipe and then expanded to fill the pipe as a liner.
Tomorrow, when crews are able to expose the pipe, we will have a better handle on how long the work will take.
CITY OF FORT WAYNE WITHDRAWS SUPPORT OF TAX CREDIT RENT-TO-OWN HOUSING PROJECT
Initially, the city of Fort Wayne supported the proposed development because it:
1. Promised to invest nearly $9 million and add 50 additional new housing units to an area where the City has already invested more than $4M in infrastructure improvements;
2. Would serve families earning moderate incomes who desire to live in Renaissance Pointe, but are not currently or are no longer bankable during this credit crunch;
3. Would add momentum to the community's effort to increase retail and commercial development with an addition of 50 roof tops, which are needed in order to attract this type of development;
4. Would broaden the range of incomes for an area with a median income of $17K, by targeting moderate income families earning approximately $30-$40K per year
Mayor Tom Henry said, “We have heard the community's outcry and feel its concerns are valid, that this developer has yet to engage the neighborhood in meaningful and productive dialogue that could lead to support for the project, and so we will be notifying the state that we no longer support this project at this location.”
Community Development deputy director Heather Presley added, “Neighborhoods play in integral part in defining the success of developments such as these and in this case the community has communicated that it feels its concerns have neither been heard, nor addressed. “
Presley said the City is sending an amendment to its prior support to the State indicating the withdrawal of support for this project.
Bike lanes, route to be designed in-house using existing right-of-way
At this morning's community bicycle summit, Mayor Tom Henry announced three pilot projects that could be constructed in 2009.
Mayor Henry has instructed City staff to look into adding bike lanes to Wayne and Berry streets and Rudisill Boulevard and a northeast bike route that would use existing streets.
“All of these projects will be engineered in-house by City staff and will require an absolute minimum of right-of-way acquisition and additional pavement construction,” Mayor Henry said. “It's really about using what we already have and adapting it for all transportation modes.”
The pilot projects will allow cyclists to use dedicated bicycle infrastructure while the City writes a bicycle transportation plan to help connect people to places using bicycles.
Wayne and Berry streets proposal:
'¢ A 5-foot bike lane on Wayne and Berry running from South Anthony just south of the Maumee Pathway through downtown to Thieme Drive and the St. Marys Pathway of the Rivergreenway.
'¢ Would not eliminate any lanes of traffic or parking.
'¢ The City has secured federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding for 80 percent of the project, up to $200,000.
'¢ The City is aiming to build this in conjunction with the Calhoun Street project in August, but the bike lanes are not contingent upon making Calhoun two-way.
Rudisill proposal:
'¢ Bike lanes in both directions of Rudisill from Foster Park to McMillen Park.
'¢ With the exception of the pavement between Clinton and Lafayette streets, Rudisill would go on a “road diet.” It would be reduced from two through-lanes in each direction to one through-lane each way, bike lanes on either side and a center turn lane. This change in traffic creates a win-win by improving safety for drivers and bicyclists.
'¢ This project has been submitted for stimulus funding for repavement of Rudisill, allowing for an easy addition of bike lanes.
Reed Road proposal:
'¢ This route would start on Reed Road, using Reed, Vance Avenue, Tennessee Avenue and residential streets to connect to the Rivergreenway at the Tennessee bridge
'¢ This project would use existing roadway with a combination of pavement markings and signage to alert drivers and guide bicyclists. Additional signage and safety features for bicyclists will be included at high-traffic intersections.
'¢ Roads for this route were selected because they have low to moderate traffic counts.
'¢ The cost for this project will be less than $20,000 if done by City employees.
Other cities have found the more options for bicyclists ' lanes, routes, trails ' the more people use bicycles as transportation.
“From speaking with other cities, bicycle infrastructure is a case of 'If you build they will come,'” Mayor Henry said. “More options for cyclists result in more bicycles on our roadways. Bicycles reduce congestion on our streets, improve air quality by being not low-emissions, but no-emissions and give bike riders a built-in workout. Better bicycle infrastructure is really a solution to many of our urban challenges.”
Mayor Henry's announcement came at the City's community bike summit. The public gathering allowed for current and future cyclists to give input to the City about how they would like to see Fort Wayne become more bicycle friendly. Nancy Tibbett, executive director of the Indiana Bicycle Coalition, also addressed participants about the League of American Bicyclists' National Bike Summit.
In addition to the summit, bicycle and health-related vendors participated in an expo in the library's great hall and Three Rivers Velo Sport Club offered post-summit bike rides.
“Fort Wayne seems more than ready to have more options for bicycling,” said Pam Holocher, deputy director of community development. “This summit and the survey that preceded it shows just how much interest we have in this kind of infrastructure. Mayor Henry is ready to help make Fort Wayne more bicycle friendly.”
Customers in northeast Fort Wayne, north of Stellhorn Road and east of Reed Road may be experiencing low water pressure until mid afternoon today.
Construction crews working near the intersection of St. Joe Center Road near Reed Road in northeast Fort Wayne hit a 16” water main causing the low pressure.
City Utilities crews are en route to repair the problem.
One-hour non-certified class available to anyone 12 and older
Mayor Tom Henry in cooperation with the Three Rivers CPR Task Force will offer free hands-only CPR training as part of “Don't Miss a Beat” at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, May 2.
The one-hour class, offered five times that Saturday, will train community members ages 12 and older how to give effective chest compressions ' using manikins or special kits ' to adults who have suffered a heart attack.
This is the second time the City and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Focus on Health, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network have offered this non-certified training. In October, more than 200 people were trained how to use hands-only CPR.
“CPR is something you hope you'll never use, but that doesn't negate the need to know how to do it. We are offering these classes again because I want Fort Wayne residents to be ready and prepared to save a life,” said Mayor Henry. “Our classes are fun, interactive and informative. Our participants from last fall told us overwhelmingly that they enjoyed the class, and it made them feel comfortable on how to perform hands-only CPR.”
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in an adult victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
Anyone completing the training May 2 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for those paying for a CPR certification class through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross's adult, child, infant CPR training class through December 31, 2009. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attends the May training.
“The Don't Miss a Beat class is great for those who have never taken a CPR class before or want to brush up on their skills,” said Erin McDonald, American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana's Director of Preparedness & Safety Solutions. “We've got a whole team of volunteers ready to train hundreds of people May 2, and they will give you personal attention during the class to make sure you know how to perform hands-only CPR when you leave the Academy that day.”
During 2005 and 2006, TRAA responded to 452 cardiac arrest cases that happened outside a medical setting, according to numbers from the Emergency Medical Services Foundation here in Fort Wayne. Of those, only 17 percent of victims received bystander CPR.
“In 2008, Fort Wayne had about a 37 percent save rate for cardiac arrests, which is impressive as compared to national statistics, but we can increase the number of survivors if more people knew CPR,” said Gary Booher, TRAA Executive Director. “Early bystander CPR, in addition to early access to 911 emergency dispatch, first responders with AED capabilities in 4 minutes and advanced life support-capable ambulance in 8 minutes are the major components necessary for greatest survivability, according to research.”
To register online for the training, visit
3RCPR.org or call 427-1164. Registration forms will be sent to City Utilities customers with their April bills.
For more information, call (260) 427-1164 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
A vital part of Fort Wayne's beautiful and extensive greenway system is the volunteer Greenway Rangers.
These volunteers are the eyes of the system and are a key to maintaining the City's trails.
“By being out on the trails at least once per week, our Rangers keep tabs on the condition of our trails by making sure they are secure and free of debris after storms, letting us know if asphalt repair is needed and providing information to those using the trails. In essence our Greenway Rangers save the City money by helping us maintain the system. We absolutely could not do it without our wonderful volunteer Rangers,” said Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager.
The City currently has 44 volunteer Greenway Rangers, but that's not enough to cover the 42 miles of trail. 16 additional Rangers are needed in the following areas: six on the Rivergreenway, five on the Wabash & Erie Towpath Trail in southwest Fort Wayne, and five on the Aboite Trails in southwest Fort Wayne.
“Our Rangers are residents who use and value the trails and want them maintained. They are responsible for a half mile to a mile stretch of the system. It's not a big time commitment. We only ask that they are on the trails at least once a week during the months of April through October. It's okay to miss a week or two because of vacation,” said Ritchie.
Greenway Rangers provide close oversight of safety and security issues. They also help keep the trails clean by picking up litter and provide trail users with information.
Citizens wanting to become a Greenway Ranger, should contact Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager, at 427-6002 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Groups to participate in City's annual spring cleaning of parks, trails, playgrounds, streets, riverbanks
Neighborhood associations, businesses, faith-based organizations and other volunteer groups can now register online for the City of Fort Wayne's annual spring clean-up. The online registration form is available
www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup .
The City is taking part in the national Great American Cleanup program, part of Keep America Beautiful.
Volunteers of all ages will focus on cleaning up litter and debris from the City's parks, roadways, trails and riverbanks. The City will provide groups with garbage bags, gloves and t-shirts.
“After the ice storm and now flooding and high water, we will have plenty of debris that needs to be picked up,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “These volunteers will provide an incredibly valuable service to our community. There's no way the City could ever afford to do the work that they will get done in with just a few hours that day. The clean-up is really fun, and we'll be sure to celebrate their efforts with a party at Headwaters.”
A post-cleanup party with food, music and raffle prizes for volunteers will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16 at Headwaters Park.
For more information, people can call the Mayor's Public Information office at 427-1120. Registrations are due by April 10.
The Great American Cleanup is the country's largest beautification and community improvement project. It provides a high-profile platform for activities that meet specific local needs, including litter cleanups, litter prevention education, graffiti removal, beautification and community improvement projects, river cleanups, etc. Almost 3 million volunteers nationwide are expected to participate in the 2009 event.
In 2008, more than 3,600 people participated in Fort Wayne's Great American Cleanup. Volunteers picked up more than 87,000 pounds of litter and debris. They cleaned 42 miles of roadways, 1,300 acres of parks, 15 miles of trails and 19 miles of riverbanks.
The City has hosted the local Great American Cleanup for almost 20 years.
National sponsors for the Great American Cleanup are American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; ARM & HAMMER; Colgate-Palmolive Company; The Dow Chemical Company; GLAD Trash Bags; Pepsi-Cola Company; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; Solo Cup Company; Troy-Bilt Lawn and Garden Equipment; University of Phoenix; Waste Management, Inc.; Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.; and Educational Partner: Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Fourth Street between Clinton Street and Spy Run Avenue has reopened now that the water has receded and the stoplog structures at Spy Run and Fourth have been removed.
To ensure safety the City of Fort Wayne is temporarily closing a nearly four mile stretch of the rivergreenway on the City's east side.
The Maumee Pathway between Pemberton Drive and North River Road is still flooded in some locations.
Last week's flooding damaged the trail, and a portion of it will have to be reconstructed.
Officials also determined the area is in need of repair and clean-up before it can reopen and be safe for walkers, joggers and bicyclists.
Crews will also remove mud and clean up downed trees and limbs on the nearly four mile stretch of the pathway.
It's estimated the work could take three weeks. Residents can check for updates on the repair work at the Fort Wayne Parks' website
fortwayneparks.org/rivergreenway
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that Shoaff Park and McMillen Park golf courses are now open. Please note the following:
The driving range at Shoaff Park will not open until the flood water recedes, hopefully by mid-week.
The McMillen Park driving range is open.
The water has receded somewhat at Foster Park and the expected opening date is Saturday, March 21.
Tee times can be reserved on line at
www.fortwayneparks.org .
This year's season promises to be one of the best yet with many exciting opportunities such as:
Kids Play Free
Student discounts
Ladies Day
Membership packages
Special promotions and discounts
Ladies Beginning Golf Lesson Program
You can also arrange for a league or plan a golf outing for your business or organization at one of our City courses. Contact golf pro Rick Hemsoth at 427-6710 for information on McMillen, Shoaff and Foster courses. You can also call 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Clay removed from Spy Run Creek bridge area
North Clinton Street between State Street and Superior Avenue is now fully reopened to all traffic. The City of Fort Wayne removed the clay dikes that were put up Friday as part of flood control efforts.
The Indiana Department of Transportation is removing the detour signs for truck traffic today.
Information will help compile damage assessment
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Office of Homeland Security is encouraging City and County residents who have experienced moderate to severe flood damage this week to contact the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Reports of the damage can be made online at
www.in.gov/dhs . Click on the “Report Severe Weather Damage” link in the center of the page and then the Wind/Flooding March 8 and Continuing link or
click here for a direct link . IDHS will be available to take reports over the phone at 866-210-1925 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Friday, March 20.
Residents and business owners should report any locations that have had 2 or more feet of water in the basement or first floor of a structure, including houses, garages, apartments, mobile homes and commercial properties.
The form asks a series of questions about the damage to property as it relates to flooding.
The IDHS report is NOT a request for assistance. If the area qualifies for assistance, a separate FEMA application will be required.
These initial reports to DHS will help state homeland security officials assess damage from the floods to see if the City and County will qualify for federal assistance. Local officials can tally the costs to infrastructure and public property, but need residents' help for the damage to private assets.
“Like so much of what local government does, we cannot do a complete damage assessment without the public's help to understand the full scope of losses from this week's flooding,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “Although this is not a request for assistance, anyone who has experienced moderate to severe flooding at their home or business should report it to IDHS as soon as possible.”
Waters Recede: Most Streets Now Passable
City crews have now re-opened many of the roads and streets previously closed due to floodwaters. Motorists may now safely drive:
Calhoun South of Baker
Ardmore from Covington to Taylor
Columbia at Anthony
Delta at Anthony
Auburn north of Wallen
Winchester Road at Airport Expressway
Paulding from Hill to Taylor
Eastbrook from State to Clinton
Griswold at Spy Run
Crews are monitoring river levels and flood protection measures throughout the weekend.
Media campaign reminds motorists not to drive through high water
In cooperation with the Maumee River Basin Commission, Mayor Tom Henry has proclaimed next week, March 16 through March 20, Flood Safety Awareness Week.
The timing of the awareness week is coincidental to the recent flooding.
“This week's flooding is a reminder of the power of our rivers and waterways and the importance of people remembering to be safe around high water, including not driving through high water, not walking through standing water and keeping children and pets away from it,” Mayor Henry said.
In addition to formal proclamations from the City and the counties of Allen, Adams, Wells, DeKalb, Noble and Steuben, the commission is sponsoring a media campaign running this month on the networks of Indiana's NewsCenter called “Turn Around, Don't Drown.” The message to drivers and residents is not to enter standing water during flood events.
“As Fort Wayne and communities across northeast Indiana continue to improve their flood control and flood mitigation strategies, we cannot forget the importance of good judgment and safe behavior when there is high water,” Henry said. “Turn around, don't drown is an easy phrase to remember. For your safety and that of your family, don't drive through high water or go into flooded areas.”
Traffic restrictions continue as City fights flooding
City crews continue to monitor several areas throughout the city as flood waters begin their slow recession. The Maumee crested about midnight and flood protection measures remain in place.
Crews have been out overnight salting the roads which were wet and which have now become ice covered in places. Motorists are urged to drive with caution this morning and be aware of the possibility of ice.
Road closure updates as of 5:25 AM Friday:
The City of Fort Wayne has closed the following roadways for high water:
Thieme at Berry
Taylor from Portage to Brooklyn
Freeman from Portage to Covington
State Boulevard from Wells to Spy Run (open to eastbound traffic from Clinton to Spy Run)
Western most northbound lane of Spy Run at Elizabeth
North River between Maysville and Landin
Smith Road between Engle and Covington
Sherman Boulevard between Burgess and High
Catalpa from Jefferson to Taylor
State from Clinton to Wells
4th Street from Clinton to Spy Run
Harry Baals Drive from Coliseum to Parnell
Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid these areas until further notice. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
Replacements happening on E. Sherwood Terrace and Reed Street
City Utilities Water Maintenance Service will replace broken water valves in the 200 block of E. Sherwood Terrace and the 4000 block of Reed Street this morning. The repair will turn off water service from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the following City Utilities customers:
200 block of E. Sherwood Terrace
4500 and 4600 blocks of Lafayette Esplanade
4500 and 4600 blocks of Kenilworth Street
4600 block of Calumet Avenue
3900 through 4000 blocks of Reed Street
Residents with questions about the valve replacement call the 311 Call Center, One Call to City Hall, at 311 or 427-8311.
Griswold closed between Tennessee and Spy Run
The City of Fort Wayne has reopened all lanes on Spy Run Avenue now that the water has receded.
Griswold Drive is now closed between Tennessee Avenue and Spy Run.
The City of Fort Wayne will issue road updates throughout the day as streets reopen.
Although water is receding in many locations, drivers should not drive through standing water.
Waters Receding: Other Streets and Roads Remain Closed
Late this evening, City crews determined that flood waters had receded enough to allow State Street to re-open. Crews continue to monitor conditions and will re-open additional streets and roads as they become safely passable throughout the weekend. Motorists are still advised to use caution and avoid driving through standing water.
Available for residents concerned about flooding on their property
The City of Fort Wayne is offering sand and sandbags at the north side of the IPFW campus for residents starting at 3 p.m. today.
Those going to make sandbags need to turn west onto Broyles Boulevard from St. Joe Road and then turn right onto the first service road.
Sand is also available at the old Dimension Ford parking lot on West Jefferson Boulevard. The Street Department has placed piles of sand and bags at these locations. Those using either site need to bring their own shovel.
Road closure updates:
The City of Fort Wayne has closed three more streets because of high water:
· Taylor from Portage to Brooklyn
· Freeman from Portage to Covington
· State Boulevard from Wells to Spy Run
Other City roadways closed from high water are:
· Thieme at Berry
· Tillman at Calhoun
· North River between Maysville and Landin
· Smith Road between Engle and Covington
· Sherman Boulevard between Burgess and High
· Catalpa from Jefferson to Taylor
· Pauline from Hale to Taylor
· State from Clinton to Wells
· 4th Street from Clinton to Spy Run
· Harry Baals Drive from Coliseum to Parnell
· Winchester from Bluffton to Airport Expressway (local traffic only)
Clinton Street has one lane open between State and Elizabeth.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid these areas until further notice. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
Drivers should not attempt drive around barricades or drive through high water
The City of Fort Wayne has closed two more streets because of high water:
'¢ Smith Road between Engle and Covington
'¢ Sherman Boulevard between Burgess and High
Other City roadways closed from high water are:
'¢ Thieme at Berry
'¢ Tillman at Calhoun
'¢ North River between Maysville and Landin
'¢ Taylor from Bright to Brooklyn
'¢ Catalpa from Jefferson to Taylor
'¢ Pauline from Hale to Taylor
'¢ Geneva at Freeman
'¢ State from Clinton to Wells
'¢ 4th Street from Clinton to Spy Run
'¢ Harry Baals Drive from Coliseum to Parnell
'¢ Winchester from Bluffton to Airport Expressway (local traffic only)
Clinton Street has one lane open between State and Elizabeth.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid these areas until further notice. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
Sand available for sandbags:
The City has sand and sandbags at the old Dimension Ford parking lot on West Jefferson Boulevard for residents concerned about flooding at their properties to make their own sandbags. The Street Department has placed piles of sand and bags at these locations. Those making sandbags need to bring their own shovel.
Trucks to continue to use Coliseum, Washington detour
North Clinton Street (US 27 South) is now open but is restricted to two lanes from State Boulevard to Superior Street. City crews successfully constructed temporary clay dikes along Clinton Street to keep the street open.
Southbound truck traffic will continue to be rerouted from Lima and Coldwater to Coliseum Boulevard and then East Washington Boulevard to enter downtown. The Indiana Department of Transportation has posted detour signs at these intersections.
Motorists should expect delays and allow extra time for their Friday morning commute.
Research to Aid Mayor, Community in Assessing Potential in High-Profile Opportunity
Advancing the community's investigation of the gaming issue, Mayor Tom Henry today announced the release of two studies commissioned by the City of Fort Wayne on the topic. The research consisted of an independent analysis of the fiscal and economic impacts of gaming in Fort Wayne, and a review of the academic literature on the subject's social and community effects.
Mayor Henry was joined at the event by the research teams: Valerie Richardson and John Stafford of the Community Research Institute (CRI) at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW); and Charlie Hiltunen, Jeff Lilly and Sam Turpin of The Third House Advocacy Group, LLC, in Indianapolis. To aid in comprehension, principals from both groups presented overviews of their respective data.
“From the moment we learned that private business groups were exploring the potential for gaming in Fort Wayne, I knew that we had to become informed and prepared,” said Henry. “As we continue to pursue a full consideration of this issue, these two studies will help equip our community to effectively evaluate the possibilities and to make decisions that both benefit us and are right for us.”
This research is part of Mayor Henry's pledge to thoroughly and objectively examine the implications of the gaming issue. The work began in mid-January.
Findings from the economic and fiscal analysis prepared by The Third House include the following:
Fort Wayne is a substantial and relatively untapped gaming market;
A mature Fort Wayne gaming market, at capacity, may generate between $184 million and $244 million in annual adjusted gross revenue;
This market could support between 1,727 and 2,283 gaming positions, at full capacity;
Based upon economic considerations, Fort Wayne may have to enter the gaming market more conservatively, with a smaller facility housing between 500 and 1,500 positions;
The estimated direct local net tax impact would likely range from $7.9 million for a 500 gaming position facility to $44 million for a 2,200-plus gaming position facility in mature-year operations;
Depending on the authorizing legislation, Allen County, Fort Wayne and other county municipalities may forfeit future, annual non-host gaming community revenue sharing;
Direct facility construction impacts may range from $50 million to over $500 million, based upon the type and scale of the facility. Indirect construction impacts may range from $41 million to over $410 million, depending on the level of direct capital investment;
Direct employment impacts may range from 387 full-time equivalent employees for a 500 position facility to nearly 1,800 employees for a casino and entertainment destination complex. Indirect employment impacts may range from 535 employees to over 2,400 employees depending on the type of facility constructed; and
Due to current and potential regional competition, the timing of opening a gaming facility in Fort Wayne may be critical to its eventual viability. If established first, a Fort Wayne casino would be able to tap the primary gaming market and affect business feasibility of potential competitors in neighboring states. Thus, the State of Indiana may have a substantial financial stake in this decision.
The CRI report provides an in-depth review of the extensive, previously published research and literature on the social costs and community impacts related to the presence of a casino facility within a community. It details a broad range of divergent data and opinion on the subject, underscoring the potential for social costs and the necessity for mitigation planning as part of any development strategy. The CRI did not attempt to assess the impact of specific alternatives or facility options.
“As Mayor, I am committed to creating opportunity for all our citizens and making sure that Fort Wayne has every chance to thrive,” added Henry. “In these difficult times, I believe that we must find new ways to grow jobs, enhance our neighborhoods, secure investment and build a stronger Fort Wayne. I am also reminded that every venture comes with costs that must be balanced. As a result, we must be as discerning in our decision making as we are courageous in our quest, always keeping the door open for opportunity to enter.”
The Third House Advocacy Group is a governmental affairs firm offering a full array of services including legislative and regulatory monitoring, issue management, research, state and local government procurement, and legislative and administrative lobbying.
The CRI is a Center of Excellence at IPFW providing research and analytical support to the private, public and nonprofit sectors in Northeast Indiana in the areas of socioeconomic data, economic development, municipal finance, public policy and urban planning.
County Economic Development Income Tax dollars were used to fund the studies. The Third House contract was for $32,000. The CRI work was part of an existing contract with the City.
Both documents are available on the City's Web site at www.cityoffortwayne.org.
Traffic restricted as City builds dikes to contain, pump out flood water
North Clinton Street (US 27 South) from State Boulevard to Superior Street is closed until at least 6 p.m. because of high water at Spy Run Creek. City crews are constructing temporary clay dikes along Clinton Street near the Spy Run Creek.
After the dikes are constructed, crews will pump down the water. When it reopens, Clinton will be down to a single lane. Drivers should find alternate routes.
Southbound truck traffic is being rerouted from Lima and Coldwater to Coliseum Boulevard and then East Washington Boulevard to enter downtown. The Indiana Department of Transportation is posting detour signs at these intersections.
Alternate routes for local traffic to downtown from the north side of town include North Anthony Boulevard, Well Street including Goshen to State to Wells, Crescent Avenue to Lake Avenue and Hillegas to Jefferson.
Drivers should remember that State from Wells to Spy Run and Sherman Boulevard just north of the St. Marys River are closed.
Road closure updates:
The City of Fort Wayne has closed the following roadways for high water:
'¢ Thieme at Berry
'¢ Taylor from Portage to Brooklyn
'¢ Freeman from Portage to Covington
'¢ State Boulevard from Wells to Spy Run (open to eastbound traffic from Clinton to Spy Run)
'¢ Tillman at Calhoun
'¢ North River between Maysville and Landin
'¢ Smith Road between Engle and Covington
'¢ Sherman Boulevard between Burgess and High
'¢ Catalpa from Jefferson to Taylor
'¢ Pauline from Hale to Taylor
'¢ State from Clinton to Wells
'¢ 4th Street from Clinton to Spy Run
'¢ Harry Baals Drive from Coliseum to Parnell
'¢ Winchester from Bluffton to Airport Expressway (local traffic only)
Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid these areas until further notice. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
Water has gone down at the intersection of Calhoun Street at Tillman Road and the streets are now open.
Due to the changing weather conditions and the fluctuation of Fort Wayne's rivers, conditions in the parks change hourly. At this time, the following City parks are partially closed due to flooding from nearby rivers and creeks:
· Foster Park
· Indian Village Park
· Lawton Park
· Historic Fort
· Headwaters
· Swinney
· Franke Park entrance off South Sherman
· Kreager Park
· Low-lying sections of the Rivergreenway
As in previous flooding circumstances, residents are asked to respect barricades and to avoid contact with river, creek and standing water. Skin contact with river water to people and pets can pose potential health and safety risks. Also, do not drive vehicles into water due to unknown depth and current of the rivers and creeks.
Surface water in Fairfield Ditch rising
Clarification on voluntary evacuation:
The evacuation of residents at the intersection of Daleview and Fernwood is completely voluntary. The Flood Control Emergency Operations Center directed the Fire Department to go door to door for these residents as water rose in the Fairfield Ditch, where it has overflowed from its banks.
The City of Fort Wayne Fire Department with the assistance of 911 Communications and the Flood Control staff is evacuating up to 12 houses at the intersection of Daleview and Fernwood in Waynedale.
Firefighters are going door-to-door to the affected homes. The City is pumping the water in this area, but water is rising faster than the pumps can remove it. The Fairfield Ditch has overflowed from its banks.
Dogs and owners are invited to the second annual Easter Bone Hunt, sponsored by Happy Dogs Daycare to benefit the pet adoption and volunteer programs of Animal Care & Control. Dogs should arrive on leash Saturday, April 11th at Franke Park pavilion one for the event. All dogs will be admitted for a $10 donation to hunt for treat-filled eggs. Prize baskets will be awarded to lucky pups who find the prize eggs. Registration begins at 12 noon and the egg hunt runs from 1-3 PM. In addition to the hunt, participants can have pet photos taken with the Easter bunny, meet pet friendly businesses, and join the raffle to win additional prizes. For more information call 260-755-2537.
No residents of the Daleview and Fernwood area opted to participate in the voluntary evacuation. The Flood Control Emergency Operations Center directed the Fire Department to go door to door for these residents as water rose in the Fairfield Ditch, where it has overflowed from its banks.
Shoaff, McMillen sites closing Thursday
The City of Fort Wayne's Biosolids Composting Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., will start charging for tree limbs and branches April 1, when the facility switches to its summer hours.
The National Serv-All compost site at 6231 MacBeth Road will start charging for branches Monday, March 16.The composting facility's summer hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday from April 1 to Nov. 30. The facility is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 31. As part of the citywide clean-up of tree branches and limbs that fell from the Dec. 19 ice storm, the City of Fort Wayne waived the fees for branch drop off at the Lake Avenue site. Fees for leaves and yard waste still apply.
Shoaff, McMillen park sites closing Thursday
The Shoaff Park and McMillen drop-off sites will close Thursday since the branches left there have been ground into mulch. The nearest drop-off sites to Shoaff are Foellinger Theatre and the Biosolids facility; the nearest to McMillen are Biosolids and National Serv-All.
The City still has drop-off sites for branches available at these three locations only:
'¢ Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, branch drop-off fees waived through March 31
'¢ National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived through March 14
For a map of the drop-off sites, go to
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchdropoff .
The City is finishing curbside collection of branches and limbs. Each street will have a single collection. For a map of the collection progress, visit:
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchpickupmap .
Bagged leaf pick-up requests through Friday
The City's Street Department is taking requests for bagged leaf pick-up through Friday, March 13.
To request bagged leaf pick-up, residents must contact the 311 call center, the One Call to City Hall, to request collection. The call center is available by dialing 311 or 427-8311 and staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. An online request form is available by clicking on the 311 logo at
www.cityoffortwayne.org .
Flood Operations working at least through noon Thursday
The City of Fort Wayne still has the following roadways closed due to high water:
'¢ Thieme at Berry
'¢ Tillman at Calhoun
'¢ North River between Maysville and Landin
'¢ Taylor from Bright to Brooklyn
'¢ Catalpa from Jefferson to Taylor
'¢ Pauline from Hale to Taylor
'¢ Geneva at Freeman
'¢ State from Clinton to Wells
'¢ 4th Street from Clinton to Spy Run
'¢ Harry Baals Drive from Coliseum to Parnell
'¢ Winchester from Bluffton to Airport Expressway
Clinton Street has one lane open between State and Elizabeth.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid these areas until further notice. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
Flood Operations will remain staffed at least through noon Thursday. The St. Marys River is going down; the St. Joseph River is rising and the Maumee is holding steady.
Sand available for sandbags:
The City has sand and sandbags at the old Dimension Ford parking lot on West Jefferson Boulevard for residents concerned about flooding at their properties to make their own sandbags. The Street Department has placed piles of sand and bags at these locations. Those making sandbags need to bring their own shovel.
The City is experiencing high water and surface level flooding (street flooding) in neighborhoods throughout town.
All of the City's pumps were placed in neighborhoods around town last night and additional pumps were shipped in form two different states. They are pumping to alleviate basement back-ups.
City crews are monitoring river levels and, at this time, no homes along our rivers are in danger of flooding.
Crews from Public Works and City Utilities spent the night monitoring the situation and will work around the clock until the threat is over.
If residents see high water on streets they should call 3-1-1 to report the situation. Main thoroughfares are the top priority and then secondary and residential streets.
The City reminds motorists not to drive into high water. If motorists come upon high water they should turn around and find an alternate route. Motorists should not attempt to go through high water.
Sand, for public use, is being placed in the parking lot of the old Dimension Ford on West Jefferson Boulevard. There will be bags available. Citizens will need to bring their own shovel to fill the bags. This will be available by noon.
Clay will be placed on Thieme Drive at Berry Street to protect the neighborhood from rising water. This should begin within the hour.
High river levels in the Maumee have prompted the closure of North River Road between Landin and Maysville roads.
The road is also closed at Calhoun and Tillman as crews place clay to help protect property from high water.
Crews are also placing clay as a protective barrier at Berry and Thieme Streets.
Leaving branches at Tillman, Foster West considered illegal dumping
The City of Fort Wayne reminds residents to take tree limbs and branches to the remaining five branch drop-off locations and not to leave them at Foster Park West or Tillman Park.
City officials have noticed branches left at Tillman Park and Foster Park West, despite signs noting the location is closed for new drop-offs. The City has finished grinding branches at those sites. Although mulch may remain, the drop-off site is closed.
Anyone dropping off branches to the closed sites or other locations is in violation of the City's illegal dumping ordinance.
The City has finished curbside branch collection the south side of Fort Wayne, and contractors are working in the final five sectors on the north side of the city. The City is only doing one collection per address. Crews are not going back for a second pick-up if additional branches are left. No branches are being collected from alleys.
Mulch is available at the parking lot behind the Foellinger Outdoor Theater adjacent to Franke Park. It is free to the public during park hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Residents are responsible for loading and hauling the mulch.
The remaining drop-off locations are:
'¢ Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, branch drop-off fees waived
'¢ National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived
For a map of the drop-off sites, go to
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchdropoff .
For a map of the curbside collection, visit:
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchpickupmap .
A view from the sky of your home, your neighborhood, or any part of Fort Wayne is a click away at the City's map website. And it's free!
Fort Wayne City Utilities Geographic Information System (GIS) Department has 2008 aerial photos available at its site
http://maps.cityoffortwayne.org
Aerial photos have long been a valuable tool for City engineers who use them to examine roadways, creeks, streams, housing additions, and impervious surfaces. It saves time and money, because many tasks can be done from the office rather than having to go out to each neighborhood to assess an area. However, many citizens have also discovered aerial photos to be a practical resource.
“Residents are always asking for aerial maps, and after receiving a federal grant to update our maps in 2008, we decided to make the maps available to the public for free,” said Kevin Holle, Department Head, GIS.
The Fort Wayne aerial photos are not only from 2008, but also 2003 and 2005, so users may compare different years. The site also allows citizens to save individual photo tiles to their home computer in JPEG format. That's different than other sites which usually do not make aerial photos available as a free download.
“The site offers added features that allow a person to view neighborhood associations, historic districts, garbage and recycle pickup schedules, and council districts. It also allows them to overlay things like trails and greenways, parks, snow routes, and census tracts,” said Holle.
A tutorial is available on the website to instruct citizens on navigating the system.
The City received a grant from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the photos were taken last April. The aerials cover not only Fort Wayne, but Allen County too.
Strong Response Yields More Funding for Projects
Mayor Tom Henry today announced the recipients of the City's first Commercial Façade Grant program with members of the business community along the North Anthony corridor.
“These grants are the realization of one of my goals I had while running for mayor,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I wanted the City to do all we can to “strengthen the heart” of our community, by making opportunities available to property owners in designated corridors to help them make their businesses more attractive for investment and commerce.”
The program made funds available to offset the costs of facades, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing, and other enhancements owners may wish to make to their property.
The average matching amount of the grant was expected to be about $20,000. The program was so successful that the original $200,000 set aside to fund it was doubled to $400,000 at the mayor's request. Projects had to be located in City Council-designated economic development target areas (EDTAs), several of which exist throughout the community.
“As I said in my State of the City address, where we had hoped to make this a dollar-for-dollar matching grant program, our local businesses really stepped up and the end result is a 3 to 1 private-public funding----21 projects and $1.2 million investment,” said Mayor Henry. “Soon, work will begin on several corridors and gateways that is so much more than cosmetic: it's the economics of the “first impression.” The Mayor went on to say that when visitors come to Fort Wayne, they will see attractive business districts, and the message that sends is powerful. “Things are happening in Fort Wayne.” Mayor Henry said. “Business is good in Fort Wayne. That's what we want our visitors---and our residents---to know.”
The original $200,000 would have funded eight of the requested projects; by doubling that fund, 21 projects have been approved. The internal committee evaluating the projects felt that the additional funds would help make an even greater corridor impact, offer greater leveraging with existing City projects, and provide a local economic stimulus for business.
Businesses with questions or wanting more information may call Julie Sanchez at 427-2147.
The challenge of our time is to do more with less. As your Mayor, I am always mindful that my first responsibility is to the people of this community and to Fort Wayne's economic health.
Through innovation and sound management, the City of Fort Wayne delivers cost-effective, high-quality services to all our citizens, day in and day out. But in these difficult times, I am equally mindful that to meet expectations and to keep our community attractive and competitive, we must constantly seek new ideas and new ways of doing things.
Several months ago, I shared the news with you that we had begun studying the issue of gaming. We did so, because private business interests came to us as they investigated the possibilities here.
Since then, we have talked with various groups, and continue to do so. Additionally, we initiated a thorough examination of the gaming issue. We know it has broad implications that we need to understand fully.
We engaged professionals to research the economic and fiscal impacts of gaming and its market potential here. We also sought insights into its social and community effects. Those efforts remain underway and the full reports will be released shortly, but some of the preliminary information is already in hand.
As I had hoped, all of this activity has spurred a community dialogue about gaming. Not only should we be talking about gaming, but we should be talking about some of the other real challenges confronting us. As well, we need to determine what our priorities are, and how we might achieve our goals in these uncertain times.
What these many conversations and the early data have made clear to me is that the issue of gaming is a complicated matter. It is important to you. And it is something that we as a community have only started to explore.
I believe that we should have the courage to pursue a full consideration of gaming and when we have, we should be able to make a choice that benefits us and is right for us. With each day, I am more convinced that the decision about gaming is not mine alone to make, but ours to make as a community.
To that end, I am calling for a citywide referendum on the issue of gaming, and I will ask the Indiana General Assembly to support us in our quest with legislation enabling it.
Two of the principles on which I have shaped my administration are openness and community participation. It is why I walk neighborhoods, hold Mayor's Nights, issue surveys and attend community events. We are partners in building this city together. Your ideas are valuable to me. They guide me and help me to lead.
To address the critical needs of our community, to help the public gain a better understanding of the gaming issue and to prepare us for our collective decision, I will hold a series of community forums. This subject certainly merits our thoughtful, objective deliberation.
I will champion the right for our voices to be heard. But you can be confident; I will be persistent in keeping the door open for opportunity to enter.
Mulch available to public at Franke Park site during park hours
The tree limb drop-off site at Foster Park West will close Monday as the surrounding neighborhoods have had their branches collected from the curb. The remaining five drop-off locations continue to be available to residents.
The Foster West site will remain open through park hours Monday. Starting Tuesday, residents can take limbs to the two nearest drop-off sites: McMillen Park or National Serv-All's compost site, which is waiving its drop-off fees.
Limbs at the parking lot behind the Foellinger Outdoor Theater adjacent to Franke Park have been ground into a coarse mulch and available for free to the public during park hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Residents are responsible for loading and hauling the mulch.
City crews and contractors are using the City's sites to drop off the limbs and brush collected from neighborhoods. As the neighborhoods surrounding the drop-off sites are cleared, the City is closing the site and finishing grinding the branches into mulch.
The City is continuing to work through the remaining tree sectors. The final sections are now being collected and depending on weather, the entire city should be complete in mid-March. The City is only doing one collect
The remaining locations are:
'¢ Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, branch drop-off fees waived
'¢ National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived
The City is continuing to collect tree limbs and branches left curbside. Each street will have a single collection. For a map of the collection progress, visit:
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchpickupmap .
Fort Wayne Firefighters voted over the last three days to elect two representatives, one each from different political parties, to be appointed to serve on the newly formed Merit Commission. Democratic candidates were Arthur Heredia and James Corbat; Republican candidates were Abner Crosby and J. Michael Loomis. 91 ballots were cast over the three days and votes were tallied at the closing of the voting last night at the Fort Wayne Professional Firefighters Local 124 Union Hall. Abner Crosby received the most votes (70 votes) followed by Arthur M. Heredia receiving 57 votes. Crosby will be appointed to a 4-year term and Heredia to a 2-year term by virtue of number of votes received.
Abner Crosby is a retired Fort Wayne firefighter and Arthur Heredia is a retired Director of Facilities Engineer. They will join the Mayor's 3 appointments, Sharon Peters, Quinton Dixie and Frank Cassagrande to make up the five-member Commission. The Merit Commission will oversee the hiring, promotion, evaluation and discipline of the Fort Wayne Firefighters. Members will be sworn-in March 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 P.M. prior to the Commission's initial meeting that will take place on the 5th floor of the Fort Wayne Police headquarters located on Creighton Street.
Mayor Henry Delighted to See Young Talent in Fort Wayne
A love of math and science, a desire to conquer challenges, and a passion for being creative is what attracted engineer Ben Groeneweg to Civil Engineering and Fort Wayne City Utilities. Groeneweg's drive and commitment to his career and his community has led to a top national honor.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) named Ben as a New Face of Civil Engineering, an award presented by ASCE to only 10 Civil Engineers each year. The program is designed to recognize young talent under the age of 30 by highlighting their contributions and impact on society.
“I first wanted to be a transportation engineer, but after doing a summer internship with City Utilities my interests changed. In sewer and water nothing is cut and dry, every situation is different and provides a whole new set of challenges. There's no cookie-cutter solution like you might get with some engineering jobs," said Ben Groeneweg, Engineer, Fort Wayne City Utilities.
Growing up, Groeneweg says he always loved math and science and now he gets to use it every day.
“Civil Engineering is definitely a rewarding field'¦ you're always doing stuff to improve society,” said Groeneweg.
Ben was chosen for the honor because of his impact on society in his role as an engineer for planning and design of water resources, his involvement in the Long Term Control Plan to reduce combined sewer overflows, and his efforts in trench-less pipe rehabilitation.
ASCE also recognized Ben for his efforts outside of his job, with his involvement with his church as a Sunday School teacher, his involvement as a tutor with the Fort Wayne Community Schools Study Connection program, and his role in volunteering to serve meals at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission every Monday.
“I enjoy Fort Wayne. It has conveniences of any major city, but my neighborhood still feels like a community. The City has IPFW and I'm working on my master's degree. I've met several other young professionals and I really enjoy my job. At work I'm given every opportunity to succeed. I work with excellent engineers who have a strong work ethic and a lot of creativity,” said Ben.
“This is a tremendous honor for Ben. He's an outstanding young man and an outstanding engineer. In this time when it's critical for communities to retain and attract young professionals we are honored and fortunate to have employees like Ben here in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The New Faces of Engineering strives to promote and showcase young engineering talent. ASCE created the program to encourage college engineering students to explore a variety of career options and to encourage high school students to study engineering in college.
25-year-old Ben Groeneweg is a graduate of Trine University and a native of Archbold, Ohio.
As of Friday, Clerk's office collects $21,130 from 1,574 old tickets
The City's parking ticket amnesty program that waives late fees will end this week. The program runs Jan. 20 through Saturday, although the office is open through Friday. Tickets can be mailed in to avoid the late fee with a postmark from Saturday or before.
As of Friday, City Clerk Sandy Kennedy's office has collected $21,130 from 1,574 tickets. The Clerk's office is prepared to collect fines from tickets dating back to 1999.
“We only have a few days left of this one-time program. If you have parking tickets you need to pay, don't put it off any longer,” Clerk Kennedy said. “My thanks to violators who have paid more than 1,500 tickets at face value while creating an unexpected revenue source for the City. This has been a win-win for drivers and City government.”
To waive the late fee, tickets must be paid in person in the Clerk's office on the first floor of the City-County Building or by credit card over the phone at 427-1208 by Friday or mail in tickets using a money order or credit card with a postmark between Jan. 20 and Feb. 28. Tickets can be paid with cash, credit card or money orders in person. Personal checks will not be accepted for the amnesty program.
The late fees cannot be waived if people use the Web site to pay a late ticket, but people can call the Clerk's office at 427-1208 and pay over the phone using a credit card.
Fines that have been filed in court are not eligible for this program, however tickets that have resulted in vehicle registration suspension are.
The City's Clerk office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Covington Road between Eggeman and Homestead roads has reopened following the road's pavement repair.
More than 4,000 survey responses indicate desire for additional bicycle infrastructure
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced today a community bike summit March 21 at the downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library to follow up on the more than 4,000 responses the City received from last fall's bicycle use survey.
The summit will focus on public input for infrastructure planning, education strategies for drivers and cyclists, and legislative components related to bicycle transportation. City staff will use the information as it writes an in-house bicycle transportation plan. The need for a bicycle plan is outlined in Plan-It Allen, the joint City-County comprehensive plan approved in 2007.
The summit will be from 9 a.m. to approximately noon in the meeting rooms of the Allen County Public Library's downtown branch. An expo of bicycle vendors, trail organizations and other entities will be in the library's Great Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both events are free to the public.
“As companies and employers, and especially those in high-tech industries, look to move to or grow in Fort Wayne, they look at communities' quality of life,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “This kind of time and investment shows a commitment to health and fitness, air quality and the environment from our City's leadership. I encourage people to be engaged in the planning process and attend next month's summit to give us information about what they want to see.”
Last fall, the City had a printed and online survey asking residents about their bicycle use. The written survey, sent with City Utilities bills, had 2,426 responses. An extended online version had 1,664 submissions. The results showed cyclists' strong interest in riding to destinations to which they currently drive and a desire for safety from vehicular traffic.
“Our bike use survey was a wonderful tool to start the planning process and engaged the public. Now we are going to follow up with a bicycle summit that goes more in depth while continuing our dialogue with Fort Wayne's current and future cyclists,” said Pam Holocher, deputy director of planning. “Bike riders in Fort Wayne are very interested in expanding the infrastructure designed to safely and effectively get people to their destinations. With the ongoing interest in improving health and fitness combined with a desire to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, more people on bikes in Fort Wayne can only be a positive, but that is only likely to happen if we increase bike-friendly paths.”
The plan will work to improve connectivity of people and neighborhoods to points of destination, while using the existing Rivergreenway network and other local trails as a backbone for the system.
The specific kinds of bicycle infrastructure are being studied. City officials want to continue to expand the popular trail network, while also looking at bike lanes, bike routes and other ways that bicycles can use existing roadways. A presentation about bicycle infrastructure options will be given at the summit.
“Greenways shouldn't be our only option for cyclists,” Mayor Henry said. “Sometimes we don't have the right-of-way for trails or they can become cost prohibitive. Evidence from other cities shows the more options cyclists have, the more they will use bicycles.”
Also speaking at the summit will be Nancy Tibbett, executive director of the Indiana Bicycle Coalition. She will have just returned from the League of American Bicyclists' National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. Tibbett will also speak about other Hoosier cities' efforts to improve bicycle infrastructure and bicyclist safety.
Mayor Henry aims to have the bicycle transportation plan written by the end of the year. A team of City employees wrote the survey, is organizing the summit and will ultimately write the plan.
The survey showed the following:
'¢ 71 percent of respondents online road their bikes at least once a week during their riding season.
'¢ One in four online respondents use a bicycle to commute to work.
'¢ Concerns about safety from vehicles and drivers, lack of trails or bike lanes and natural conditions like weather and darkness are the top three reasons people said they do not ride more often.
'¢ Written survey respondents most frequently ride on residential streets, followed by greenway trails.
The complete results from the written and online surveys is posted to
www.cityoffortwayne.org/bikeusesurvey .
South Side High School Thursday February 26, 2009 @ 7pm
Between now and 2025, Fort Wayne City Utilities will invest more than $240 million dollars to upgrade its outdated sewer system. The investments in sewers are vital for better health, a stronger economy and a cleaner future for the City of Fort Wayne.
Mayor Tom Henry is inviting the public to a community forum on sewer infrastructure. The forum will be Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. in the auditorium at South Side High School, 3601 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The free event is hosted by City Utilities and PBS-39. It offers an opportunity for residents and ratepayers to learn more about plans for sewer upgrades, to ask questions about those plans, the federal mandates facing the City, and funding.
The evening will begin with excerpts from a documentary called “Liquid Assets.” The video tells the similar stories of cities across the country which are dealing with issues with their utility systems ' their “liquid assets.” The program is about the utility systems that cities depend on every day for treatment and distribution of clean drinking water, removal and treatment of sewage, and stormwater systems that provide drainage for our streets and neighborhoods. The issues that are causing utility rates to go up in cities such as Atlanta and Pittsburgh are the same issues that the City of Fort Wayne is facing.
After the video, a panel from Fort Wayne City Utilities, City Council, and Clean Rivers Task Force will answer questions and discuss Fort Wayne's plans for utility infrastructure investments. The public is encouraged to attend to ask questions and learn more.
The entire 90-minute Liquid Assets documentary will be shown on public television station WFWA PBS-39 on February 22 at 1:00 PM. Following the documentary PBS-39 will air a pre-recorded panel discussion involving members of the Clean Rivers Task Force and City Utilities.
Green Business Principles Increase the Green in your Pocket: Free Training to Protect the Earth
Fort Wayne businesses are ready to take the lead, in positively protecting our environment and the City's Energy and Environmental Services Department has a free program to guide them.
The department is launching the first ever training program for Environmental Certification for Businesses. The event will be Tuesday, March 3, 2009 in the Gallery Room at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce from 8:30am to 11:30am.
The program will train businesses on how to be more energy efficient so they can save money and help the environment.
“This is an opportunity for business to get some guidance, not only from us at the training session, but from other businesses that have already made the green transformation. We will partner each business that signs up with a mentor that has already implemented money-saving green initiatives,” said Mayor Tom Henry, City of Fort Wayne.
By attending the free three-hour training session and completing the easy to accomplish requirements, business will become Green certified.
“These are voluntary, non-regulatory targets that are certainly achievable and that will make a positive impact on the environment. Business efforts to conserve energy, reduce waste and to recycle will have an extraordinary effect on the environment for years to come,” said Wendy Barrott, Manager, Environmental Services Department.
Each business completing the requirements will be recognized by the City of Fort Wayne as a Certified Green Business. After achieving the certification, the business will receive the City's “Green City” logo, which can be used for marketing purposes.
For those in the media, this might be a good opportunity to take the lead on green initiatives in the community. It could be an opportunity for many follow-up stories monitoring your magazine, newspaper or station's progress in the transformation.
To register, please email or call Mary Lopez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 427-6050.
Registration is limited to the first 50 businesses to sign-up. The registration deadline is Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
Bob Chase Frostbite Championship Open to Public
A unique event hosted by the McMillen Ice Arena (MAC) and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation launches a new competition to Indiana. The state's first sled hockey tournament is bringing teams from St. Louis, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids and Cleveland this weekend, February 14 ' 15.
In addition to competitions for adult and youth sled hockey teams, Fort Wayne's Police and Fire hockey teams will compete against each other ' in sleds! This charity benefit game will be held Saturday night at 6:30pm. Proceeds will go to support Sled Hockey Program.
Two local celebrities are associated with this tournament and will take an active role as the sled hockey movement takes hold in Fort Wayne. The Championship's namesake, Bob Chase will be in attendance at the police/fire charity game and will be presented with an official team jacket from the Turnstone Flyers (home team). And “Mr Hockey” Eddie Long will be seen on the sidelines as he coaches all Fort Wayne teams.
The sled hockey movement has taken off quickly in Fort Wayne. It began about one year ago, when new resident Randy Kwapis approached officials at the Ice Arena to see if they would consider bringing sled hockey to the City. Randy's son Matt is a disabled athlete and played this adaptive sport in Detroit. Kwapis provided a number of sleds that he manufactured, and play time was set aside for interested athletes.
The sport of sled hockey has been eagerly embraced by officials at the MAC, Fort Wayne Youth Hockey, Turnstone and the League for the Blind and Disabled. These organizations have been involved in building community support to make this program a success. Over the past six months, 15 sleds have been donated to the program and funders are coming forward to help continue the tournament.
For those familiar with wheelchair basketball and tennis, sled hockey is similar in that it is a great sport for youth and adults, and men and women. Sled hockey got its start in Sweden during the 1960's when two men with disabilities wanted to continue playing hockey. The equipment hasn't changed much since then ' players sit in sleds with two blades on the bottom. They propel and maneuver themselves with two short hockey sticks, curved on one end with short ice picks on the other end. For more information visit
www.mcmillenicearena.org or call the Ice Arena at 427-6769.
The weekend's schedule is as follows:
Rink
Date
Time
Division
Home
Visitor
BLUE
02/14/09
Sat
3:15:00
PM
YOUTH
Mid-Am
Fort
Wayne
BLUE
02/14/09
Sat
4:30:00
PM
ADULT
Cincinnati
Fort
Wayne
BLUE
02/14/09
Sat
5:45:00
PM
YOUTH
Fort
Wayne
Grand
Rapids
RED
02/14/09
Sat
6:30:00
PM
Police
Freeze
Fire
Department
BLUE
02/14/09
Sat
7:00:00
PM
ADULT
Fort
Wayne
St.
Louis
BLUE
02/14/09
Sat
8:15:00
PM
YOUTH
Grand
Rapids
Mid-Am
BLUE
02/14/09
Sat
9:30:00
PM
ADULT
St.
Louis
Cincinnati
BLUE
02/15/09
Sun
8:00:00
AM
YOUTH
Fort
Wayne
Mid-Am
BLUE
02/15/09
Sun
9:15:00
AM
ADULT
Fort
Wayne
Cincinnati
BLUE
02/15/09
Sun
10:30
AM
YOUTH
Grand
Rapids
Fort
Wayne
RED
02/15/09
Sun
11:15:00
AM
ADULT
St.
Louis
Fort
Wayne
BLUE
02/15/09
Sun
1:15:00
PM
YOUTH
1st
place
2nd
Place
RED
02/15/09
Sun
2:00:00
PM
ADULT
1st
place
2nd
Place
March 9: requested brochures will be mailed March 13: Mail, Fax, Drop Box, On-Line registrations begin March 23: Walk-in, Phone-in customers can begin registration
Program brochures containing registration forms and detailed information about our summer youth programs and day camps have been distributed through the Parks and Recreation Department facilities, Allen County Public Libraries and the local elementary schools. If you haven't received one yet, you may download a copy of all brochures at
http://www.fortwayneparks.org/ .
Beginning Monday, March 9th you may call 427'6000 and a brochure will be mailed to you. Registrations will not be accepted prior to March 13th.
Our on-line system allows for more convenient registration and payment, but families are asked to first complete a “Household Set-Up” on-line. This is to register your family, so that they may use this system more easily. This registration also allows for a real-time processing. Registration on-line begins at 12:01am March 13.
Forgot your user name or password? Go to
https://register.fortwayneparks.org and send us an email with the following:
1. Name of the head of your household
2. Address including zip code
3. Home phone number
4. Names, birthdates and genders of all family members you may want to register
An email with your username and password will then be emailed to you within one business day!
March 13 'On-line:
www.fortwayneparks.org
Fax: completed form to 260-427-6020.
Drop box: 705 E. State Blvd.
Mail: completed form to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne IN 46805.
March 23'Register in person: beginning Monday, March 23rd at the Department's main office, 705 E. State Blvd. Hours are 7:30am ' 5:30pm, Monday ' Friday.
For more information, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6000.
Single curbside collection for each address; Parks' sites remain open
The City of Fort Wayne and Mayor Tom Henry remind residents to take branches and tree limbs to drop-off sites if their neighborhood has already had its curbside collection following the Dec. 19 ice storm.
City officials have noticed piles of tree limbs placed at the curb after crews have already come through.
“Our crews of City employees and private contractors are going systematically through Fort Wayne to make sure each street is picked up,” Mayor Henry said. “However unlike leaf pick-up, which has two collection cycles, we are only coming through each neighborhood once for tree limbs because of the cost and volume. If you still have branches you want to remove from your property after your street has been picked up, you can use the drop-off sites we have open.”
More than half of Fort Wayne's neighborhoods have had their tree limbs collected.
The Parks and Recreation Department brought out emergency tree crews earlier this week to remove the small number of tree limbs that fell during the high winds, but those crews have resumed their ice storm pick-up schedule.
The City will be posting an updated map, dated Feb. 13, of the 52 pruning sectors on the City's Web site. It shows the areas where crews have already cleaned up the branches left curbside, where crews are working, and the next locations to be picked up.
To see a map of the branch collection sectors, visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchpickupmap .
The City has kept the drop-off collection sites for branches and limbs, where they will later be mulched, open. They are:
'¢ Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park Ball Field parking lot off Hanna Street during park hours
'¢ McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foster Park West in the soccer field parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, branch drop-off fees waived
'¢ National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived
To see a map of the branch drop-off sites, visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchdropoff .
Maumee River expected to cover roadway through weekend
High river levels in the Maumee have prompted the closure of North River Road between Landin and Maysville roads.
Drivers should use a detour route of Maysville and Landin roads. The City expects the water to remain high throughout the weekend, so motorists should use the detour or an alternate route.
Customers on parts of Irene, Clayton, Sherman without water service
Sherman Boulevard, between State Street and Goshen Road, is closed because of water main break. City Utilities' Water Maintenance Department is currently repairing the break.
City Utilities customers in the following locations can expect to be without water until the break is repaired:
'¢ 900 and 1000 blocks of Irene Avenue
'¢ 900 and 1000 blocks of Clayton Avenue
'¢ 2300 through 2500 blocks of Sherman.
City Requests Information on Development Teams to work on Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The City of Fort Wayne is seeking information on those who wish to seek and work with multiple buyers of foreclosed homes. Fort Wayne is receiving $7 million to implement its plan for responding to the surplus of vacant and foreclosed homes in our community. The money will assist development teams in the purchase and rehabilitation of vacant foreclosed homes to be sold to homebuyers, helping neighborhoods as well as the owner occupants of rehabilitated homes.
The requests for information (RFI) documentation is available on the City's website at www.cityoffortwayne.org . Development teams should be comprised of individuals to fill the following roles:
'¢ Seek buyers interested in purchasing foreclosed homes
'¢ Seek and acquire foreclosed homes for homebuyers
'¢ Assist buyers with redesigning the foreclosed home
'¢ Oversee home renovation process
'¢ Assist buyer with final home purchase
Mayor Tom Henry encourages local developers and contractors to work together to form teams that will respond to the community interest in these properties. “I want to help stabilize and strengthen neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “We have an abundance of solid housing stock that we ought to be able to match with local workers who will make the houses once more into homes, and find families to live in them. I look forward to seeing the changes in neighborhoods throughout the city through this program.”
A request for information for HUD-certified homebuyer education providers is also available as a part of the City's partner pre-qualification process. The deadline for returning the forms to the City is noon March 2, 2009. A mandatory information session will be held 8 a.m. Feb. 23, 2009, in the City County Building Omni Room (2nd Floor). You can learn more about the NSP program at HUD's website through the following address: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/ .
Mayor Tom Henry's State of the City speech remarks as prepared for delivery Feb. 12, 2009, at the Public Safety Academy.
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A STATE OF THE CITY SPEECH HAS BEEN DELIVERED HERE IN THE REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY OF NORTHEAST INDIANA.
I CERTAINLY HOPE YOU WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR THE BUILDING.
THE MAIN MISSION OF THE ACADEMY IS TO DELIVER INTEGRATED PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING TO REGIONAL 1ST RESPONDERS AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH A NUMBER OF EDUCATION PARTNERS.
I'D ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE FOUR MEMBERS OF THE CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION: IPFW CHANCELLOR MIKE WARTELL; I-AND-M PRESIDENT HELEN MURRAY, BLUFFTON MAYOR TED ELLIS AND KENDALLVILLE MAYOR SUZANNE HANDSHOE. THE FOUR OF THEM ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SELECTING ADDITIONAL MEMBERS FOR THEIR BOARD AND WILL BE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE MISSION OF THIS FACILITY AND THE REGIONAL VISION IT REPRESENTS. THE BOARD MEMBERS JOIN US TODAY (INDIATE THEM)
TODAY IS THE 200TH BIRTHDAY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN'¦MANY SAY, OUR GREATEST PRESIDENT (PAUSE) SO FAR. LINCOLN HAD TIES TO INDIANA, AND HE RECALLED MOVING FROM KENTUCKY TO INDIANA IN HIS EIGHTH YEAR: “IT WAS A WILD REGION,” HE SAID, “WITH MANY BEARS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS STILL IN THE WOODS.”
I THINK WE'VE TAKEN CARE OF THE BEARS, BUT PLENTY OF CHALLENGES STILL LURK IN THE SHADOWS.
I TRY TO KEEP LINCOLN'S SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS IN MIND AS WE FACE THOSE CHALLENGES: “WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE BUT CHARITY FOR ALL,” HE SAID, “'¦LET US STRIVE ON TO FINISH THE WORK WE ARE IN, TO BIND UP THE NATION'S WOUNDS'¦”
THAT SEEMS TO BE THE TONE OF THE TIMES, BINDING UP THE WOUNDS OF AN ECONOMY IN FREEFALL AND A MARKET GONE HAYWIRE'¦ WE'VE JUST COME OUT OF AN HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION, AND, AS I SAT ON THE STEPS OF THE CAPITOL ON THAT COLD JANUARY DAY '¦..PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID: “WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US NOW IS A NEW ERA OF RESPONSIBILITY ' A RECOGNITION, ON THE PART OF EVERY AMERICAN, THAT WE HAVE DUTIES TO OURSELVES, OUR NATION, AND THE WORLD, DUTIES THAT WE DO NOT GRUDGINGLY ACCEPT BUT RATHER SEIZE GLADLY, FIRM IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS NOTHING SO SATISFYING TO THE SPIRIT, SO DEFINING OF OUR CHARACTER, THAN GIVING OUR ALL TO A DIFFICULT TASK.”
TIMES ARE DIFFICULT. BUT WE, IN FORT WAYNE, WILL PERSEVERE AND SUCCEED.
POLITICS DID PUT US ON THE MAP IN 2008'¦.AND WE ENJOYED OUR MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT. FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HILLARY CLINTON, TED DANSON IN SUPPORT OF HILLARY'¦ PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA CAME TWICE, AS DID HIS WIFE, MICHELLE---AND WHILE, NOT POLITICAL, COACH TONY DUNGY AND SOME OF THE COLTS PLAYERS WERE HERE FOR OPRAH'S BIG GIVE IN APRIL, TEEN STAR HILLARY DUFF VISITED AREA SCHOOLS, AND WE WELCOMED GOLD MEDAL OLYMPIAN LLOY BALL '¦.
BUT WHAT WAS VERY SPECIAL TO ME, IN 2008, WAS TO SEE HOW MANY OF OUR CITIZENS RESPONDED WITH HOSPITALITY AND HELP ON DECEMBER 19TH, WHEN WE FACED ONE OF THE WORST ICE STORMS IN FORT WAYNE HISTORY. AT ONE POINT, MORE THAN 100-THOUSAND CUSTOMERS OF INDIANA-MICHIGAN WERE WITHOUT POWER. AND IT WAS COLD. VERY COLD.
WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT MOTHER NATURE HAD IN STORE FOR US, BUT FOR MANY, IT ENDED UP BEING DAYS WITHOUT HEAT OR LIGHTS. SHELTERS WERE QUICKLY SET UP, ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES AND INTO PLACES THAT WERE WARM AND SAFE AND WE CONTINUED TO ASK OUR CITIZENS TO CHECK AND MAKE SURE FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND EVEN STRANGERS WERE SAFE AND HAD A PLACE TO GO.
OUR 3-1-1 CALL TAKERS WORKED EXTRA SHIFTS AND ANSWERED NEARLY 12 THOUSAND CALLS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT.
AND I AM STILL HEARING STORIES ABOUT THE ACTS OF KINDNESS THAT CAME DURING THAT TIME.
ONE STORY I HEARD, INVOLVED DON HALL'S GUESTHOUSE AND RESTAURANT. TIM HALL WAS MANAGING THAT WEEKEND. PROBABLY A WEEKEND HE THOUGHT WOULD BE TYPICAL.
BUT AFTER THE ICE STORM HIT, HE BEGAN SEEING MANY PANICKED RESIDENTS, SOME OF THEM, PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN. AS NEIGHBORHOODS REMAINED DARK AND WITHOUT HEAT, TEMPERATURES CONTINUED TO DROP AND IT WASN'T LONG BEFORE THE HOTEL WAS FILLED UP.
TIM HALL SENSED IMMEDIATELY THAT THEY NEEDED TO DO MORE TO HELP THEIR COMMUNITY'¦ SO, THEY PULLED OUT EVERY SPARE BED AND COT'¦ AND OPENED UP EVERY CONFERENCE ROOM AND HOSPITALITY ROOM TO PUT UP THEIR VISITORS IN NEED. STAFF MEMBERS STAYED TO HELP'¦ MANNING THE RESTAURANT SO THAT THOSE WHO WERE DISPLACED COULD GET A WARM MEAL. EVEN THE LOBBY WAS USED'¦
THE GUESTHOUSE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THAT'¦ BUT THEY DID'¦ AND I THINK THE EFFORTS OF THAT STAFF PULLING TOGETHER TO HELP THE COMMUNITY IN A TIME OF NEED IS EXACTLY WHY WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD OF FORT WAYNE.
THERE WERE MANY STORIES LIKE THIS DURING THE ICE STORM'¦ TIM IS WITH US TODAY'¦ AND I'D LIKE TO ASK HIM TO STAND (INDICATE TIM)
I HAVE OFTEN SAID MY COMMITMENT TO THIS COMMUNITY IS TO EACH AND EVERY CITIZEN OF FORT WAYNE: IT DOES NOT MATTER TO ME WHAT A PERSON DOES FOR A LIVING, EACH VOICE DESERVES TO BE HEARD... THAT'S HOW I WAS RAISED.
I VALUE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAVE WITH CITIZENS AND I TAKE SERIOUSLY THEIR EFFORTS TO TALK WITH ME ABOUT THEIR CONCERNS, DURING NEIGHBORHOOD WALKS, DURING MAYOR'S NIGHTS' IN AND MAYOR'S NIGHT OUT, AND AT ALL OF THE MANY EVENTS I ATTEND EACH WEEK.
I HAVE LIVED HERE ALMOST ALL MY LIFE, AND YET, I LEARN MORE ABOUT US, AS A COMMUNITY, WITH EACH OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS.
WHAT I LEARN, AND WHAT I KNOW, IS THAT WE HAVE MANY INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND PUBLIC SERVANTS WORKING VERY HARD EVERY DAY TO MAKE THIS A BETTER PLACE, FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR ALL OF US.
JUST LAST WEEK, HERE IN THIS BUILDING, WE HAD THE SECOND GATHERING OF DOZENS OF LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, IT WAS PART OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES SUMMIT I HAD WANTED TO DO DURING MY FIRST YEAR AS MAYOR.
THE GROUPS GOT TOGETHER AND BEGAN LOOKING AT WHAT GAPS MAY EXIST IN SERVING OUR CITIZENS' BASIC NEEDS, LIKE HOUSING, HEALTHCARE AND FOOD.
ACTION PLANS ARE NOW BEING DEVELOPED AND IN ABOUT 90 DAYS, WE WILL HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT NEW WAYS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL OF OUR CITIZENS.
SOON AFTER OUR CITY BEGAN TO EXIST AS A COMMUNITY, THERE WERE NEIGHBORHOODS, AND WE ARE STILL A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS. I RAN FOR OFFICE ON A PROMISE TO STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORHOODS AND WE MADE A GOOD START ON THAT COMMITMENT IN 2008.
THE SOUTHEAST STRATEGY GROUP, MADE UP OF STAFF AND COMMUNITY BUSINESS LEADERS, DEVELOPED THE CITY'S FIRST EVER NON-RESIDENTIAL CODE ENFORCEMENT ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO PROTECT COMMERCIAL AND OTHER PROPERTY VALUES THROUGHOUT THE CITY. ALONG WITH THE NEW ORDINANCE, WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO REFINE AND UPDATE THE CITY'S RESIDENTIAL CODE TO BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC AND MEET STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS.
WE CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT PIECES OF OUR DOWNTWON BLUEPRINT, TOO, FOSTERING A MORE VIBRANT CENTRAL CITY WHICH WILL BRING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY.
WE ARE ALSO VERY EXCITED TO HAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM, GETTING UNDERWAY'THIS IS A SEVEN MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT CAME DIRECTLY TO FORT WAYNE TO HELP ADDRESS OUR CONCERNS OVER VACANT AND FORECLOSED HOMES. WE ARE NOW READY TO INFUSE CAPITAL INTO SIGNIFICANT PORTIONS OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
DEVELOPERS WILL BUY THESE FORECLOSED HOMES, “REHAB” THEM USING LOCAL CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS, AND SELL THEM TO QUALIFIED BUYERS, --- HELPING TO ENSURE JOBS IN A TIGHT LABOR MARKET, AND A MORE STABLE FUTURE FOR FAMILIES AND OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.
ANOTHER WAY WE ARE WORKING TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS IS THROUGH AN EFFORT I CALL 'STRENGTHENING THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY.' I ASKED MY STAFF TO CONSIDER HOW THE CITY COULD HELP IMPROVE THE IMAGE OF OUR MAIN CORRIDORS, PARTICULARLY THE GATEWAYS INTO OUR DOWNTOWN DISTRICT. THE RESULTING PROGRAM, THE COMMERCIAL FAÃADE GRANT PROGRAM, WAS SUCCESSFUL BEYOND OUR---WILDEST DREAMS.
WE ACCEPTED MATCHING DOLLAR APPLICATIONS THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER, AND SET ASIDE 200-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CEDIT MONEY TO FUND THE PROJECTS, BUT THE RESPONSE WAS SO STRONG AND THE PROJECTS ARE OF SUCH HIGH QUALITY, THAT I AGREED WITH THE STAFF TO DOUBLE THE INFUSION TO 400-THOUSAND DOLLARS AND FUND 21 PROJECTS ---AND WHERE WE HAD HOPED TO MAKE THIS A DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH, OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES REALLY STEPPED UP AND THE END RESULT IS ONE-POINT-TWO MILLION DOLLARS, OR A 3 TO 1 MATCH OF PRIVATE-PUBLIC FUNDING. SOON, WORK WILL BEGIN ON SEVERAL CORRIDORS AND GATEWAYS, WORK THAT IS SO MUCH MORE THAN COSMETIC'¦..IT'S THE ECONOMICS OF THE “FIRST IMPRESSION.”'¦WHEN VISITORS COME TO FORT WAYNE, THEY WILL SEE ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS DISTRICTS, AND THE MESSAGE THAT SENDS IS POWERFUL: THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN FORT WAYNE. BUSINESS IS THRIVING IN FORT WAYNE.
IN FACT, MANY OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE WEATHERING THIS ECONOMIC STORM VERY WELL.
THE FORT WAYNE ALLEN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE INFORMS ME THEY WORKED ON 29 DIFFERENT PROJECTS IN 2008.
THEIR RESULTS ARE HARD TO IGNORE: OVER 2000 JOBS RETAINED HERE.
950 JOBS PROJECTED TO BE CREATED.
THE AVERAGE PAY OF THOSE JOBS IS OVER $39,500'¦AND THE PROJECTED INVESTMENT IS $105 MILLION.
IT'S ALWAYS A HEADLINE WHEN JOBS LEAVE TOWN, BUT THE 5 TO 25 POSITIONS THAT COMPANIES ADD DON'T ALWAYS FIND THE SPOTLIGHT'¦..YET THESE ADD UP. AND THEIR IMPACT IS POWERFUL.
JOBS AND INVESTMENT WILL BE PART OF OUR ONGOING COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ABOUT GAMING. THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE BEGAN STUDYING THE ISSUE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE THAT WE SOUGHT, NOR WAS IT SOMETHING THAT WE, AS A COMMUNITY, COULD IGNORE. IT WAS AN ISSUE---AN OPPORTUNITY---BROUGHT TO US BY PRIVATE BUSINESS GROUPS.
WE KNOW THE ISSUE OF GAMING HAS BROAD IMPLICATIONS. THAT IS WHY, AS A COMMUNITY, WE ARE STUDYING IT IN DEPTH. WE NEED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT THOSE IMPLICATIONS ARE---BOTH THE POSITIVES AND THE NEGATIVES.
AS YOUR MAYOR, I AM COMMITTED TO CREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OUR CITIZENS AND MAKING SURE THAT FORT WAYNE AND NORTHEAST INDIANA HAVE EVERY CHANCE TO THRIVE AND COMPETE.
SO LET'S SEIZE THIS MOMENT TO DO SEVERAL THINGS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL:
FIRST, LET'S CONTINUE THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND COSTS OF THIS OPPORTUNITY;
SECOND, LET'S ALLOW THE EMERGING PROSPECT OF GAMING TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE LEGISLATURE;
AND THIRD, LET'S HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE A FULL CONSIDERATION OF THE GAMING ISSUE'¦.REMEMBERING THAT IT MUST BRING US NEW JOBS, HIGH-QUALITY INVESTMENT, AND SIGNIFICANT NEW REVENUE ENABLING US TO ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY IN MEANINGFUL WAYS.
NOTHING LESS IS ACCEPTABLE.
AS YOUR MAYOR, I AM ALWAYS AWARE THAT MY FIRST RESPONSIBILITY IS TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY AND TO FORT WAYNE'S ECONOMIC HEALTH. FOR GAMING TO HAPPEN IN FORT WAYNE IT HAS TO BE RIGHT'¦AND IT HAS TO BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY, OUR REGION, AND OUR STATE.
BUSINESS IS ALSO ALIVE AT FORT WAYNE CITY UTILITIES, .THE LAST OF OUR SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT, IN SOUTHEAST FORT WAYNE WAS FINISHED IN 2008... CREATING ADDTIONAL HOLDING SPACE FOR SEWER OVERFLOWS AND SOLVING BASEMENT BACK-UP PROBLEMS.
OUR CITY-OWNED UTILITIES CONTINUES TO INVEST IN ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AS WELL. MOST RECENTLY COMPLETING A 32 MILLION DOLLAR CLARIFIER PROJECT AT OUR SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITY. THESE IMPROVEMENTS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE PLANT'S CAPACITY TO TREAT RAW SEWAGE,
THESE BENEFITS ARE MORE THAN JUST ENVIRONMENTAL,-THEY ARE ALSO ECONOMIC.
TWENTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS OF THE 32- MILLION SPENT ON THE PROJECT CAME BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY IN THE FORM OF SALARIES PAID TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS. THAT'S A TREMENDOUS BOOST DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES.
MOST OF YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS MANDATE ON OUR CITY TO MAKE $240 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 17 YEARS. CURRENTLY WE DUMP RAW SEWAGE INTO OUR RIVERS 70 TIMES PER YEAR. THAT'S ABOUT A BILLION GALLONS A YEAR! EVENTUALLY, THE LONG TERM CONTROL PLAN WILL REDUCE SEWAGE OVERFLOW INTO OUR RIVERS BY 91%.
SOLVING SEWER ISSUES MEANS “BETTER HEALTH”, “A STRONGER ECONOMY” AND “A CLEANER FUTURE”.
WE ALSO HAVE A NEW “CLEAN RIVERS TASK FORCE” LOOKING AT FUNDING OPTIONS TO FIX OUR SEWERS. I WILL BE REVIEWING THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE COMING WEEKS AS WE CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR ANSWERS IN EFFORTS TO CLEAN OUR RIVERS.
OUR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD AN EXTREMELY BUSY YEAR IN 2008, WITH ELEVEN MILLION DOLLARS IN PROJECTS.
FOR INSTANCE, SAFETY AND CONGESTION ISSUES WERE FINALLY ADDRESSED AT THE TIME CORNERS INTERCHANGE '¦
TRAFFIC REACHES NEARLY 60,000 CARS PER DAY AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF COVINGTON ROAD, JEFFERSON BOULEVARD AND GETZ ROAD. AS THE POPULATION HAS GROWN THIS AREA HAS BECOME EXTREMELY CONGESTED AND WE'VE HAD NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS.
THIS PROJECT NOW MORE THAN DOUBLES THE NUMBER OF CARS THAT CAN TURN EAST ONTO JEFFERSON. AND IT HAS PROVED TO BE A TREMENDOUS BOOST TO THE ECONOMY AS LOCAL CONTRACTORS WERE HIRED AND 700 THOUSAND DOLLARS FLOWED BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY.
FORT WAYNE ALSO MOVED FORWARD WITH MAJOR FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECTS IN 2008.
FOR INSTANCE, HOMEOWNERS IN THE EASTBROOK/WESTBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH HAD EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FLOODS FOR YEARS ALONG THE SPY RUN CREEK, VOLUNTARILY APPROACHED THE CITY ASKING TO BE BOUGHT OUT AND LAST YEAR THE CITY WAS ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT. USING STORMWATER BOND MONEY, THE CITY PURCHASED 11 HOMES IN 2008.
OUR FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT FOR THIS AREA NOW ESTABLISHES A SMALL FLOOD PLAIN, SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE DURING HIGH WATER TIMES.
WE ALSO WANTED TO MAKE THE AREA ENVIRONMENTALLY PLEASING, SO WE CREATED A RAIN GARDEN. NOW, AS FLOOD WATERS RECEDE, PLANTS WILL SERVE AS A FILTERING SYSTEM TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ALSO WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE NEIGHBORS IN THE WOODHURST AREA NEAR FOSTER PARK. THEY, TOO, HAD EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FLOODS AND WERE CONCERNED ABOUT PRESERVING THE BEAUTY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD. A SERPEN-TEEN WALL HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED NEAR HARTMAN ROAD.
WE, AS CITY GOVERNMENT, WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO EVERYTHING WE WANT TO DO---OR YOU WANT US TO DO. WE HAVE TO MAKE HARD CHOICES--- TO DO THE MOST GOOD WITH THE BEST USE OF LIMITED PUBLIC FUNDS.
OFTEN, THIS MEANS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS SORT OF SUCCESS IS THE JOINT LAND USE DEPARTMENT WHICH WAS CREATED BY MERGING THE COUNTY'S PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY'S LAND USE DEPARTMENT.
THIS MERGED DEPARTMENT MAKES IT EASIER FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC WHO NEED ASSISTANCE TO DO BUSINESS. THEY CAN MAKE ONE OFFICE VISIT INSTEAD OF WANDERING AROUND THE CITY COUNTY BUILDING TRYING TO FIND ANSWERS.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF COLLABORATION IS THE CITY AND COUNTY WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER FOR THE JOINT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEEDS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
THIS HAS NOT ONLY HELPED CREATE SMALL EFFICIENCIES, BUT IT WILL CREATE EVEN GREATER OPPORTUNITIES AS WE DEVELOP A COMMON STRATEGIC VISION FOR FUTURE TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS.
AND OF COURSE, WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR WAYS TO COLLABORATE ON THE 9-1-1 SERVICE, AND TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY ON MANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES.
BACK IN 1974, MAYOR IVAN LEBAMOFF HAD THE VISION TO IMPLEMENT A VERY CREATIVE PLAN. HE AGREED THAT THE CITY WOULD GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS OF BRINGING ELECTRICITY TO CUSTOMERS AND INSTEAD WOULD LEASE THE ELECTRIC UTILITY TO I-AND-M. THE AGREEMENT STATED THAT I-AND-M WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM AND THE CITY COULD, IF DESIRED, TAKE BACK THE UTILITY AT THE END OF THE LEASE.
THE COMPLETION OF THE LEASE IS APPROACHING, AND DISCUSSIONS ARE UNDERWAY ON AN AGREEMENT THAT WILL BEST SERVE LOCAL CITIZENS AND CUSTOMERS. THE CITY IS CURRENTLY HOLDING THIRTY FIVE YEARS' WORTH OF LEASE PAYMENTS, HELD IN A COMMUNITY TRUST. I HAD HOPED TODAY TO TELL YOU HOW I THOUGHT WE, AS A COMMUNITY, COULD BE DISCUSSING THE USE OF THE TRUST FUND. BUT TWO THINGS PREVENT ME FROM OPENING THAT CONVERSATION: ONE--- THE MARKET HAS TAKEN INVESTORS ON A WILD RIDE, AND OUR TRUST FUND, WHICH WAS AT ABOUT 35 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR AGO , THANKS TO OUR ECONOMY, IS WORTH SIGNIFICANTLY LESS. THAT'S TROUBLING.
EVEN MORE PERTINENT, HOWEVER, IS THE FACT THE MONEY WAS ORIGINALLY SET ASIDE TO ASSURE CITIZENS THEY WOULD HAVE A RESPONSIVE, RELIABLE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY. BECAUSE FIRST AND FOREMOST, THAT MONEY IS DEDICATED TO ASSURING CONTINUED ELECTRICAL SERVICE FOR OUR CITIZENS'THAT'S OUR TOP PRIORITY'¦AND WE DO REMAIN HOPEFUL THAT AN AGREEMENT WILL BE REACHED SOON.
OUR GOVERNOR, IN HIS STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS, CALLED FOR COMMUNITIES TO CONSIDER WAYS TO CREATE PURCHASING COLLABORATIVES AMONG GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES. I DON'T THINK HE GAVE US CREDIT FOR ALREADY DOING JUST THAT! BACK IN JUNE, I HAD OUR PURCHASING DIRECTOR PUT TOGETHER A CONSORTIUM OF GOVERNMENTAL BUYING ENTITIES. REPRESENTATIVES OF MORE THAN A DOZEN AGENCIES AND MUNICIPALITIES ATTENDED.
DURING THAT DAY LONG SESSION, THE GROUP DISCUSSED USING REVERSE INTERNET AUCTIONS, COLLABORATIONS ON THE SHARING OF RESOURCES, AND THE CREATION OF A JOINT FUEL BUYING PROGRAM. THE BETTER WE CAN UTILIZE PUBLIC RESOURCES, THE MORE WE CAN STRETCH THE LIMITED BUDGETS FUNDED BY TAXPAYER DOLLARS.
OF COURSE, ONE OF THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES FOR CITY GOVERNMENT IS KEEPING CITIZENS SAFE. ABOUT 70 PECENT OF OUR BUDGET IS DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
THIS PAST YEAR, OUR POLICE OFFICERS NOT ONLY DEVELOPED AN AT RISK JUVENILE MENTORING PROGRAM,
BUT ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FBI TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SAFE STREETS TASK FORCE. THIS UNIT WILL FOCUS ON LONG RANGE DRUG AND ORGANIZED CRIME INVESTIGATIONS.
ADDITIONALLY, OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THE FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL SYSTEM TO EDUCATE PARENTS AND PREVENT GANG VIOLENCE.
DURING 2008, OUR POLICE TOOK 651 GUNS OFF OUR STREETS'AND, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HANDGUN PERMITS DENIED. A STRICT PERMIT PROCESS HELPS ENSURE THAT HANDGUNS WILL NOT FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO WOULD DO HARM TO OTHERS.
WE HAD A FIRST IN THE MOST RECENT PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CLASS. WE CONDUCTED POLICE ACADEMY TRAINING FOR SIX ARSON INVESTIGATORS WITH THE FORT WAYNE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THEY NOW ALL HOLD INDIANA POLICE COMMISSIONS ALLOWING THEM TO MAKE ARSON RELATED PROBABLE CAUSE ARRESTS.
WE HAD STILL ANOTHER FIRST IN 2008---OUR FIRST COMMUNITY-WIDE CPR TRAINING PROGRAM, WHICH INCIDENTLY TOOK PLACE RIGHT HERE IN THIS BUILDING. SEVERAL HUNDRED CITIZENS SPENT THE MORNING LEARNING AND PRACTICING HOW TO PERFORM COMPRESSION-ONLY CPR IN THE “DON'T MISS A BEAT” PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE CITY AND AREA SPONSORS.
PLANS ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY TO OFFER THIS CLASS AGAIN IN 2009 AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE SIGN-UP.
I WANT TO HELP MAKE FORT WAYNE A CITY WHERE WE ARE TRULY ABLE TO HELP EACH OTHER, WHERE AN ORDINARY CITIZEN MAY SAVE A LIFE.
ONE OF THE THINGS EMPLOYERS AND DEVELOPERS LOOK AT WHEN THEY ARE DECIDING WHETHER TO LOCATE IN A COMMUNITY IS THAT ELUSIVE “QUALITY OF LIFE.” FOR SOME PEOPLE, THAT MEANS THE NEW ICE DEVELOPMENT NEAR WELLS AND FERNHILL, WHICH WILL BRING FAMILIES IN FROM SURROUNDING STATES FOR HOCKEY AND FIGURE SKATING.
OTHER FAMILIES MAY BE VERY INTERESTED IN THE “BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUND” PROJECT OUR PARKS DEPARTMENT IS WORKING ON, WHICH WILL REALIZE A YOUNG GIRL'S DREAM OF A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES CAN PLAY TOGETHER'¦'¦
ALSO THIS YEAR, WE LOOK TO COMPLETE ADDITIONAL SECTIONS OF THE TOWPATH TRAIL, THAT WILL CONNECT PATHS IN ABOITE TOWNSHIP WITH OUR RIVERGREENWAY SYSTEM. I BELIEVE CONNECTING OUR TRAILS, AS WELL AS OTHER BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES CAN SIGNIFICANTLY LINK NEIGHBORHOODS TO POINTS OF DESTINATION THROUGHOUT OUR CITY'¦.. SPEAKING OF TRAILS, MORE AND MORE, PEOPLE ARE NOW RELYING ON WALKING OR BICYCLES FOR TRANSPORTATION, WHETHER TO SAVE ENERGY OR AS A FITNESS TOOL OR JUST FOR FUN AND RELAXATION.
WE NOW HAVE A TEAM OF CITY EMPLOYEES WORKING TO PLAN AND CREATE AN ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE, TO INCLUDE BICYCLE LANES AND WAYS TO IMPROVE BIKE STORAGE.
THE PUBLIC HAS HAD A LOT OF INPUT ON THIS, TOO: WE HEARD FROM MORE THAN 36-HUNDRED PEOPLE THROUGH A BIKE USE SURVEY.
WE ARE KEEPING IN MIND THE OLD ADAGE THAT YOU DON'T PLAN “FOR” PEOPLE'¦YOU PLAN “WITH” PEOPLE---'¦.AND I'D LIKE TO INVITE INTERESTED CYCLISTS TO A BIKE SUMMIT MARCH 21ST. YOU'LL HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT IN THE COMING WEEKS.
IN 2008, FORT WAYNE RECEIVED SEVERAL HUNDRED NEW RESIDENTS, PRIMARILY FROM BURMA. WHILE OUR COMMUNITY WELCOMES IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES, WE WERE CAUGHT SLIGHTLY OFF GUARD BY THE SHEER NUMBER OF THESE NEW ARRIVALS, AND NEEDED TO RESPOND TO THEIR MANY NEEDS, QUICKLY---EVERYTHING FROM HELPING TO GET HOUSING AND HEALTHCARE TO CONNECTING FAMILIES TO SCHOOLS AND HELPING THEM LEARN ENGLISH.
I PUT TOGETHER A TEAM OF AGENCY EXECUTIVES, LED BY MY CITY STAFF TO CREATE A PLAN TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AND NEEDS OF THIS POPULATION. THE TEAM MEETS REGULARLY AND DISCUSSES ISSUES REGARDING HOUSING, EDUCATION, HEALTH, EMPLOYMENT, AND OTHER VITAL NEEDS.
OUR NEW COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER FOR REFUGEES, ON CALHOUN STREET, IS NOW OPEN. IN ITS FIRST FULL MONTH OF OPERATION, THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS HELPED MORE THAN 400 INDIVIDUAL REFUGEES WITH MORE THAN 800 SERVICES.
AS WE LOOK AHEAD INTO 2009, WE STILL HAVE MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. WE CERTAINLY DON'T KNOW HOW THE ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT THE ENTIRE HARRISON SQUARE DEVELOPMENT--- ESPECIALLY THE RETAIL AND RESIDENTIAL PORTIONS//
BUT I DO INVITE EACH OF YOU TO JOIN ME APRIL 16TH FOR THE FIRST PITCH AT PARKVIEW FIELD!
AND, AS LONG AS HOUSE BILL TEN-OH-ONE LOOMS OVER OUR REVENUE STREAM, WE WILL CONTINUE TO ANALYZE HOW IT WILL AFFECT OUR BUDGET AND WHAT CITY SERVICES MAY HAVE TO BE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED IN THE COMING YEARS.
FINALLY, THE FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE IS LARGELY AN UNKNOWN. I RECENTLY WENT TO WASHINGTON, D.C. WITH A GROUP OF MAYORS TO TALK TO OUR SENATORS AND CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET FUNDING FLOWING----SOON---- SO WE CAN PUT LOCAL PEOPLE BACK TO WORK AND INFUSE SOME CAPITAL INTO OUR STRUGGLING ECONOMY.
WE DO HAVE CHALLENGES. WE DO FACE UNCERTAINTY. BUT THIS IS NO TIME FOR DESPAIR. IN THE WORDS OF ONE OF MY FATHER'S FAVORITE PRESIDENTS, HARRY S. TRUMAN'¦. “I HAVE STUDIED THE LIVES OF GREAT MEN AND WOMEN, AND I FOUND THAT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO GOT TO THE TOP WERE THOSE WHO DID THE JOBS THEY HAD'¦WITH EVERYTHING THEY HAD'¦WITH ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM AND HARD WORK.”
I BELIEVE THE SAME CAN BE SAID OF FORT WAYNE. IF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US DOES THE JOB WE HAVE AT HAND-----IF WE GO ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF PUTTING THIS COMMUNITY ON THE RIGHT TRACK, AND BEING PART OF ITS FUTURE, AND IF WE CAN CONTRIBUTE OUR ENERGY, OUR ENTHUSIASM---AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, OUR HARD WORK'¦.I TRULY BELIEVE THERE IS NOTHING WE WILL NOT ACCOMPLISH.
WHEN YOU THINK OF OUR POTENTIAL---250-THOUSAND CITIZENS---SOME COUNTRIES DON'T HAVE ARMIES THAT BIG! IF WE PUT OUR ENERGIES TOGETHER THERE IS NO CHALLENGE TOO GREAT.
THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE MANY---WHETHER YOU VOLUNTEER IN YOUR CHURCH OR SERVE ON YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD, WHETHER YOU SIGN UP TO BE ONE OF THE “REAL MEN WHO READ” WITH THE UNITED WAY OR YOU JOIN ME IN THE “POLAR PLUNGE” THIS SATURDAY TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS---WHETHER YOU HELP OUT IN A CLASSROOM OR DELIVER MEALS TO THE ELDERLY'¦.YOU HAVE THE DRIVE AND ENTHUSIASM THAT THIS CITY NEEDS, AND WELCOMES. ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP AND, I ASSURE YOU, WE WILL FIND A PLACE FOR YOUR ENERGY AND COMMITMENT.
`THANK YOU.
The City's Public Works Department and City Utility crews will monitor water levels in its rivers and streams, streets and neighborhoods throughout the night, tonight. A heavy rain has dropped nearly two inches of rain on the City today.
“The Spy Run Creek rose above flood level just after noon today. It's currently more than a foot and a half above flood level and we will have crews monitoring that creek closely all night long,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works. “Our stormwater maintenance crews are monitoring the water levels in neighborhoods and are monitoring high water around homes and streets,” added Kennedy.
Rain gauge levels throughout Fort Wayne are rising but City officials believe things will subside through the night.
“The warmer weather that we had last weekend was a big help. The rivers crested and then went back down before this latest rain and snow thaw. That definitely diminishes the impact of today's rainfall,” said Kennedy.
Residents are noticing a lot of street surface and yard water standing, because the ground has not thawed enough from recent cold temperatures. When the rain stops this evening officials believe the water will subside.
To assist citizens, Fort Wayne will keep the 311 Call Center open through at least 10 pm. At that time a decision will be made as to weather or not to extend the call center hours. If citizens have property damage or are in danger of having property damage they should call 3-1-1.
Drivers to use Eggeman, Aboite Center and Homestead as detour
Covington Road between Eggeman and Homestead roads is closed until further notice. Both directions are blocked because of pavement conditions on the bridge between Eggeman and Homestead.
Drivers can use Eggeman, Aboite Center and Homestead as the detour route.
Dogs and cats are more than pets'they're family. And just like any other member of the family, pets deserve to be cared for and protected. That's why Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is teaming with the American Red Cross to offer Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid class on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Animal Care & Control.
“We want pet owners to be prepared when their pets need them to be," said spokesperson Peggy Bender. "This class will provide owners with critical first aid tools to help keep pets healthy and safe.”
The $55 class fee includes a choice of a dog or cat first aid manual with DVD to build first aid skills and provide guidance in emergency situations until veterinary care is available.
Additional class information can be found at
www.fwacc.org . Registration is required by calling 260-427-5508 by March 19.
Will meet with lawmakers to advocate for infrastructure projects
Mayor Tom Henry and the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) announced that they are traveling to Washington, D.C., this week to convince members of Congress to approve an economic stimulus package that quickly addresses valuable infrastructure needs and puts Hoosiers to work.
“Headlines across the country are focusing on President Obama's stimulus package. I want Fort Wayne residents to know that I'm working with Indiana senators and congressmen to make sure they know the value of these plans for putting Fort Wayne residents to work now and for years to come,” Mayor Henry said. “By giving the money directly to cities and towns, we will be able to get it into the community quickly with our projects that are ready to go.”
Mayor Henry and IACT will be joined by a bi-partisan group of seven mayors from around the state to support a stimulus package that allocates significant federal funding for local infrastructure. The group will meet with several members of the Indiana congressional delegation on Wednesday during a day of meetings on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
While providing lists of potential projects is a priority, the group will also speak to the members regarding the need for dollars to be sent directly to municipalities to get these funds into action as soon as possible. A third-party administrator will delay funding and reduce the funds available for vital projects that create jobs.
“As dollars for local infrastructure become tighter and needs grow larger, a federal stimulus package that provides immediate, one-time funds is vital. We appreciate the time being granted by the Indiana delegation and look forward to sharing our needs and potential projects with them,” said IACT Executive Director Matt Greller.
Sunday's temperature weakens ice
Sunday's warm temperatures have caused the ice to weaken on all three skating ponds. The hockey goals have been removed and red lights/red flags are now posted at Lakeside, E. Swinney and Reservoir Ponds.
If the temperature drops low enough tonight, E. Swinney will be reopened tomorrow. But the ice at Reservoir and Lakeside will need several days of cold weather before the ice will harden again.
Staff from the Parks & Recreation Department checks ice conditions daily at E. Swinney, Reservoir and Lakeside ponds, and the red lights and flags will be removed if and when the ice is safe.
More reliable ice is available at McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note whether the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Boundless Playground earns foundations grants
Fort Wayne's proposed Boundless Playground at Kreager Park received $185,000 over the past few months in foundation grants. The project will allow children of all ability levels including those with physical and developmental disabilities to have playground space. The recent grants were:
'¢ $150,000 from English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation
'¢ $25,000 from M.E. Raker Foundation
'¢ $10,000 from Wilson Foundation
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has earned $485,000 for the $1.3 million project and needs funds to endow its upkeep. To find out more about the project, visit www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Facilities & Boundless Playground link.
FEMA awards flood mitigation grant to purchase commercial property
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has given the City of Fort Wayne a hazard mitigation grant to voluntarily purchase the Mungovan Chiropractic property at 131 E. Tillman Rd. This location along the St. Mary's River has repeatedly experienced damage from flooding. The purchase and future removal of the structures will eliminate the need and cost for flood protection at this property. The grant of $180,000 covers 75 percent of the cost of purchasing the property. The remaining portion will come from local funds.
Police, fire teams to play after Mad Ants game Feb. 20
The City of Fort Wayne will host a Local Heroes night at the Mad Ants game Feb. 20. A portion of the City employees' ticket cost that night will be donated to the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Memorial. Following the Mad Ants and the Dakota Wizards, teams from the Police and Fire departments will face off for a basketball game at the War Memorial Coliseum.
City, County employees participating in joint United Way, Arts United campaign
City of Fort Wayne and Allen County employees will be participating in a joint United Way and Arts United fundraising campaign Feb. 6 through Feb. 20. It will kick off Feb. 6 with a bake sale in the lobby on Feb. 10 to raise money for the two organizations. In 2008, City employees donated $23,466 for the United Way of Allen County.
City GIS technician earns professional certification
Peggy Corey, geographic information systems technician and Intergraph GeoMedia webmap programmer, earned the Geographic Information Systems Professional certification from the GIS Certification Institute. Corey is the second person in Allen County with this designation, which is achieved through education and training, GIS experience and contributions to the profession such as training others, making presentations at conferences and receiving awards for GIS projects.
Utilities employee named to statewide clean water coalition
Justin Brugger, City Utilities long term control plan administration program manager, has been selected to serve as a member of the Indiana Water Coalition steering committee. The statewide coalition is a collaboration of the Indiana Water Environment Association, American Water Works Association, American Council of Engineering Consultants, National Utility Contractor Association and Construction Financial Management Association. The joint effort is working to find additional funding sources for drinking water, stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure.
Arborist Association honors City arborist with lifetime achievement award
The Indiana Arborist Association honored City Arborist Bill Diedrichs with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its convention this month in Indianapolis. Diedrichs implemented a tree-pruning schedule for the City street trees to help minimize damage from routine storms. He is a 20-year employee at Parks and Recreation and will retire in August.
Four employees elected as officers to state chapter of APWA
Four City employees of the City of Fort Wayne were elected as officers of the Indiana chapter of the American Public Works Association. Rick Orr, director of transportation administration, is treasurer. Dawn Ritchie, greenways manager, is chapter secretary. Justin Brugger, program manager for long term control plan administration, as delegate. Larry Campbell, fleet director, is the director for the northeast region.
Fleet director president of alternative fuel alliance
City Fleet Director Larry Campbell has been elected president of the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance for 2009. Clean Cities is a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored program promoting alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuels at the grassroots level to improve the nation's air quality and lessen the dependence on foreign oil.
City Utilities makes magazine cover story
City Utilities Engineering Program Manager Mike Hicks and Water Pollution Control Maintenance Program Manager Karen Morris presented information about Fort Wayne's efforts to maintain and manage the sewer and water infrastructure at the annual Underground Infrastructure Management Conference in Indianapolis. The organization's magazine picked up the story and made it the cover for December. The story is available at
http://www.uimonline.com/index/cove r.
Water Pollution Control Plant wins state awards
Fort Wayne's Water Pollution Control plant received two awards at the 72nd annual Indiana Water Environment Association awards banquet in Indianapolis in November.
The WPC lab won an award for excellence. The award is given to IWEA member laboratories that score higher than 90 percent in all categories evaluated. Committee members evaluated the lab in areas of quality control, technique, precision, and documentation. Pat Kohn and Andy Riley accepted the award for WPC's Lab.
WPC staffers also brought home a safety award for safety from the IWEA. Committee members choose to honor the plant after an inspection earlier last year. WPC's Ericka Wallace accepted the award.
City promotes employee to assistant traffic engineer
The City of Fort Wayne's Division of Public Works promoted 33-year employee Dennis Bruce to assistant traffic engineer. Bruce will assist in directing, managing, conducting and supervising the Traffic and Street Light Engineering functions.
City Utilities honored for clarifier construction
The recently completed $32 million primary clarifiers project at City Utilities' Water Pollution Control Plant received recognition from the Indiana Ready Mix Concrete Association. City Utilities staff member Bill Maxwell accepted the award recognizing excellence in concrete use at the Jan. 13 awards luncheon in Indianapolis.
Child able to give calltaker street address after mother falls unconscious
Four-year-old Alex had only lived at his address for three weeks, but when his mother fell down the stairs and became unconscious Jan. 5, this little Fort Wayne resident knew to call 911 and was able to tell the City's calltaker his new address.
Mayor Tom Henry, 911 Communications, the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority recognized Alex Friday with the first Kid Hero award, including a Kid Hero backpack. The award is designed to recognize children who call 911 and are able to effectively communicate the needed information to dispatchers and follow the dispatchers' instructions.
Friday was the first time City dispatcher Manda Overly met her preschool-age caller.
Alex's mother, Jamie Coder, who turned out to be fine after the fall, was also in attendance. Because Coder did not have a land line, she promptly taught Alex his new address in case of an emergency.
“Alex is a great example of how 911 is the public's link to our public safety agencies, regardless of how old or how young the caller is,” Mayor Henry said. “This call demonstrates the importance of children knowing their address. I encourage parents to follow Jamie Coder's lead and teach their children ' even if they aren't in school yet ' their home address and phone number. Coder should be commended for her efforts to prepare her child for an emergency.”
On the tape, Overly asks Alex for his address. At first she can't make out what the child says, but Overly continues to ask for the street address until she is able to understand and confirm the location. Turns out Coder had taught Alex his address as a song to help him remember the address. Between trying to sing the song and the emotions of the situation, he was initially difficult to understand over the phone.
911 Communications Director Tina Taviano said parents should teach their children as young as possible to know when to call 911, know their street address and know their phone number. People should not rely on a phone's GPS capabilities or caller ID to be able to tell 911 their location. The more information provided by the person at the scene, the more effectively public safety agencies can respond.
“There is no technology in the world that's better than a caller who can accurately give us information about their location and report on the situation,” Taviano said. “I'm proud of this kid and his mother and proud of Manda for handling the call in a professional manner.”
For information about when to use 911, visit http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/content/view/1626/1647/ .
For tips parents can use to help teach their children about 911, visit http://www.911forkids.com/ .
People's Trust Clock Adds to the Amenities Downtown
Visitors to Fort Wayne's downtown and especially those attending games at the new Parkview Field at Harrison Square will be able to keep track of time with a glance upward. Today, Vic Martin, owner of the Baker Street Train Station, officially unveiled the 1930 clock from the former Peoples Trust Building The 1930-era clock has been set on top of the Baker Street Train Station. The clock has been in storage since 1973 when it was removed from the bank building.
“We are just pleased that we can bring back part of Fort Wayne's history and make it a part of the future,” said Vic Martin. “We changed our initial plans, and have chosen to re-orient the clock so that it now faces the new ballpark. We envision thousands of people being able to sit in those stands enjoying a game and looking up at the old bank clock'¦it's just a nice image, and a good feeling to think of how we're all doing what we can to energize our downtown.”
Mayor Tom Henry praised Martin's efforts and thanked the volunteers who had worked on bringing the clock back to its former glory. “This is the kind of image that stays in people's memories,” said Mayor Henry. “Many of us recall being downtown, maybe with our parents, and seeing the big clock or hearing its chimes. I want to thank Vic and the National Association of Watch Clock Collectors for allowing us to have this opportunity, which so easily could have been lost. I am really looking forward to having my own grandchildren be able to have that experience, too. It's wonderful when we have the opportunity to bring part of the community's history with us as we look toward an exciting new component to downtown, with the ballpark and other exciting plans underway.”
The clock is a 4'x4'x8' copper clad McClintock, one of only a few remaining in the United States. It was salvaged from the Peoples Trust Building that previously sat where One Summit Square now stands on Calhoun Street. The clock has been painstakingly restored by Chapter 26 of the National Association of Watch Clock Collectors.
The magnificent three dial clock was formerly attached to the exterior of the bank and overhung the sidewalk. The lower portion of the clock features a reader board that identified the Peoples Trust and Savings Company. The clock was illuminated from behind so that people could view it from all sides. The chimes rang every fifteen minutes.
Park employees are cleaning off Lakeside Pond now
Last night's snow covered the recently cleaned ice at Lakeside, E. Swinney and Reservoir Ponds, delaying outdoor skating today.
Parks & Recreation employees are currently cleaning off the recent snow cover from Lakeside Park pond, and will work on E. Swinney later today. Reservoir Pond will be cleaned too, but might not be finished until Thursday afternoon.
Lakeside's warming shelter will be open at the following days and times, beginning today:
Weekdays 4 - 9pm and
Weekends noon ' 4pm.
Hockey goals will remain at all three skating ponds.
Staff from the Parks & Recreation Department checks ice conditions daily at E. Swinney, Reservoir and Lakeside ponds. Snow and freezing rain prevented the ponds from being cleaned earlier for skaters. Snow acts as an insulating blanket and prevents ice from freezing to a thick enough standard.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park and McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note whether the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Lakeside skating pond remains closed
Outdoor athletes will be glad to know that two of the City's skating ponds will be open today:
The E. Swinney Park pond is being cleaned Monday, and hockey goals will be set out by noon. Reservoir Park pond will be cleaned Monday afternoon, and hockey goals will be set out by 3pm.
Lakeside Pond remains closed and unsafe for skaters. The Red light and flag remain flying at Lakeside.
Staff from the Parks & Recreation Department checks ice conditions daily at E. Swinney, Reservoir and Lakeside ponds. Snow and freezing rain prevented the ponds from being cleaned and opened to skaters soon. Snow acts as an insulating blanket and prevents ice from freezing to a thick enough standard.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park and McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note whether the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department
E. Swinney and Reservoir remain open
For the first time this winter, all three of the City's skating ponds are open and safe for skaters.
Lakeside Park pond was cleared today and is open for skating. Hockey nets are up and the shelter will be open beginning Wednesday for the following hours:
Weekdays 4 - 9pm and weekends noon ' 4pm.
The E. Swinney Park and Reservoir Park ponds were cleared yesterday, and hockey goals are set up.
Staff from the Parks & Recreation Department checks ice conditions daily at E. Swinney, Reservoir and Lakeside ponds. Snow and freezing rain prevented the ponds from being cleaned earlier for skaters. Snow acts as an insulating blanket and prevents ice from freezing to a thick enough standard.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park and McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note whether the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
As of about 1 a.m. today, City Utilities Water Maintenance Department is repairing a water main break and street flooding on Arlington Avenue between West Petit Avenue and Pasadena Drive.
Arlington Avenue will be closed for six to eight hours during the repair.
During the repairs, water will be shut-off along Arlington Avenue.
City Utilities Water Maintenance Department is repairing a water main break, and road damage caused by the break, in the 3300 block of Engle Road.
During the repair Engle Road will be closed to traffic between Ardmore Avenue and Tielker Road. Work is expected to continue through tonight.
Water service along the 3200 to 3500 block of Engle will be interrupted this afternoon while crews repair the water main break.
The Indiana Park and Recreation Association honored the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at its annual state convention in Bloomington Friday. Director Al Moll accepted the prestigious Outstanding Park Facility award for the new Swinney Japanese Pavilion in Swinney Park.
“The IPRA award is very meaningful to the Department, as it is verification from our peers that the Japanese Pavilion stands out as a unique example of architecture,” said Moll. “Our city cares about the legacy of our parks and this pavilion recreates a beloved structure from the park's early days.”
The original Japanese Pavilion was built in 1910 and removed from the park in 1966. Many residents who frequented Swinney Park in prior years have fond remembrances of that early structure, and overall community interest in its revitalization was spurred on by a 2002 Cultural Landscape Report (CLR). The new pavilion serves the needs of families near a baseball diamond and playground in West Swinney.
The pavilion, inspired by Japanese pagodas, is an open-air structure that seats 80 people. Materials used for its construction were carefully chosen to both represent the original Japanese architecture and withstand the harsh environmental challenges of the region. The building will be virtually maintenance free and should stand for a very long time. It is supported with concrete columns. The interior roof support is constructed of rough-cut western red cedar with very durable porcelain clay tiles on the exterior. All of this, combined with unique energy-efficient lighting provide for an extraordinary visual experience.
The Indiana Park and Recreation Association is a non-profit organization comprised of park and recreation professionals, individuals and groups dedicated to the promotion of quality leisure time, adding value to the quality of life and the preservation of the environment through research, education and service to an ever expanding variety of users. IPRA is an affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association.
City Utilities customers between Somerset and Northlawn may experience service interruption
A water main break has closed Parnell Avenue to through traffic between Vance Avenue and St. Joe River Drive. Crews expect the street to reopen in about six hours.
City Utilities customers on Parnell between Somerset Lane and Northlawn Avenue may experience a service interruption of water.
This section of Parnell is open to local traffic.
Computer Connects program provides loaner computers
Nearly 35 families at Southwick Elementary school will receive free loaner computers to take home Wednesday as part of local Net Literacy efforts.
Students from Anthis Career Center refurbish the computers and install freeware programs including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. The refurbished computers come from Indiana Surplus, using computers no longer needed by Indiana schools.
Students apply to receive a free computer to take home. This is the second computer giveaway in East Allen County Schools this school year. Earlier about 40 students at Paul Harding High School received computers. Prince Chapman Academy students will receive them later this year.
“Access to and knowledge about computers is critical to local students as we work to build a knowledge-based economy here in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I'd like to thank the Anthis students who made these computers ready for students and the parents at Southwick for wanting to be part of this important program that gives the entire family access to a computer at home. Net Literacy is helping to create a culture of computer access and understanding for all Fort Wayne residents.”
Net Literacy, funded through a Verizon Foundation grant, is a coalition of students and adults working to improve computer access and internet literacy for Fort Wayne residents.
During extreme cold temperatures, like Fort Wayne has had recently, pipes can freeze. If residents turn on their faucet and don't get water, chances are their pipes have frozen.
City Utilities offers these tips to thaw pipes.
If you know where the freeze-up is located and the pipe is exposed, you may be able to thaw the pipe with a hair dryer set on a low setting. Wave the stream of warm air back and forth along the pipe until water begins flowing through the pipe. Never use a torch or open flame to thaw a pipe.
If the frozen pipe is not exposed, shut off the main water valve and set up a portable heater where the pipes enter the house. It may take some time, but eventually all the pipes in the house will warm up. If you are using this method, do not leave the space heater unattended. You'll know it's OK when you switch on the main valve, turn on the faucet and water runs out.
If a pipe leaks or breaks, residents should shut off the water at the master shut-off valve as quickly as possible to prevent flooding and water damage. Unless you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you may need to call a plumber to repair the break or leak.
Most homes have a master valve. The valve is usually located in a spot near where the main water line enters the house.
City Council approves plan to run from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28
Starting Tuesday, most anyone with a parking ticket that has late fees can have them waived under the City's parking ticket amnesty program that will run through the end of February.
The City Clerk's office will offer a parking ticket amnesty program Jan. 20 to Feb. 28. Most parking tickets, including those 10 years old, can be paid for the original fine with any late fees waived.
“I hope people are waiting for our office to open Tuesday morning, ready to get rid of late parking tickets at face value or ready to call in and get this taken care of,” said City Clerk Sandy Kennedy. “This is an opportunity to make a fresh start for 2009, so if you've found an old ticket in your pants pocket or have a fistful in your glove compartment, make your way to my office before it's too late. We're ready to help you out.”
To waive the late fee, tickets must be paid in person in the Clerk's office on the first floor of the City-County Building, by credit card over the phone at 427-1208 or by mail using a money order or credit card with a postmark between Jan. 20 and Feb. 28. Tickets can be paid with cash, credit card or money orders in person. Personal checks will not be accepted for the amnesty program.
The late fees cannot be waived if people use the Web site to pay a late ticket, but people can call the Clerk's office and pay over the phone using a credit card.
City Council approved an extended ticket amnesty program at its meeting Tuesday.
“Thank you to City Council for their support of what I expect could be a popular program,” Kennedy said. “City Council and Mayor Henry have shown that they want to work for the benefit of both violators and City finances by creating a program that will create an unexpected revenue stream.”
The Clerk's office is prepared to take old tickets dating back as far as 1999.
Fines that have been filed in court are not eligible for this program, however tickets that have resulted in vehicle registration suspension are.
The City's Clerk office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will be closed Monday for the City's Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The City of Fort Wayne's Biosolids Department will return to normal winter hours of operation on January 19, 2009. Beginning Monday, Biosolids will be open from 8am to 2pm, Monday thru Friday.
Since the December 19th ice storm, the department has been open seven days a week from 8a-5pm to accommodate the large volume of limbs and brush being dropped off by residents.
Normal winter hours for Biosolids are from 8a-2pm, Monday thru Friday, and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Winter hours usually run from December 1 to March 30.
Since the ice storm the fees for dropping off limbs and brush have been waived. Those fees will continue to be waived until the end of this month. After this month the fee structure based on weight of the drop-off will resume.
Biosolids is located at 6202 Lake Avenue and accepts grass clippings, leaves, branches and shrubs where they are turned into mulch and compost for reuse.
Snow Keeps Crews Busy into the Night
Fort Wayne Street Department crews will work through the night to combat the latest snow fall.
Early Wednesday morning more than 40 trucks were plowing throughout the city, and tonight that has increased to 50 trucks.
“It's been difficult to keep up because it's been a constant snow fall since seven o'clock this morning. Area schools let out early and there was a lot of traffic out-and-about this afternoon. That slowed us slightly, but still we made good progress on the main thoroughfares,” said Brad Baumgartner, Fort Wayne Street Commissioner.
As long as the snow is still falling crews will continue to work on the main thoroughfares. By 4:30 this afternoon many of these priority streets had been plowed two or three times, as snow continued to fall.
The City's main thoroughfares are Priority 1 streets and are designated as the top priority because they are important to emergency vehicle travel. Priority 2 streets are the connector streets that run between two Priority 1 streets. Priority 3 streets are those in residential areas.
“This was a pretty significant snow fall with a lot of accumulation. We are anxious to get into residential neighborhoods, and we're hopeful that our third shift will be able to get into some of the neighborhoods overnight,” said Baumgartner.
Fort Wayne has more than 1200 miles of street to maintain. The City has an ample supply of salt for this latest storm. Still, the Street Department has been hit hard this winter and has ordered more salt twice so far this winter. Today the City placed an order for 1900 tons of salt.
The City of Fort Wayne received continued support for its Green initiatives, in the form of a $15,000 grant from Wells Fargo. “Partnerships with the private sector are critical to the continued success of our Green initiatives. Not only do they support valuable programs but they reinforce the fact that it takes the entire community to make a difference in the environment. This grant demonstrates Wells Fargo's continued commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Tom Henry, Mayor City of Fort Wayne. The grant will be used to support the Green Business Outreach Program and as seed money for a pilot program aimed at training citizens on how to reduce the carbon footprint in their home. The Green Business Outreach Program works successfully with small to medium sized Fort Wayne businesses in an effort to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and water consumption. “Businesses are beginning to understand their role in the sustainability of Fort Wayne for future generations. With this money wells continue working with business and wells begin new programs that will educate residents on what they can do in their home for sustainability. Wells educate residents so they can evaluate and improve their carbon footprint,” said Wendy Barrott, the head of the City of Fort Wayne's Energy and Environmental Services Department. Carbon footprint denotes the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a personal's daily activities and use of material goods. “Programs that educate businesses and the community about the environment are vital to the City of Fort Wayne's well being and its future. Efforts to sustain the environment impact us in so many ways. Reducing carbon emissions in our community will increase property values, attract new business, and ultimately grow our economy,” said Mayor Henry. The City's Energy and Environmental Services Department provides solid waste pickup for trash and recyclables; supports the fall leaf collection; manages the City's biosolids, lime and yard waste program; and serves as the central point for implementation of energy conservation, energy efficiency programs and renewable energy systems.
Worked throughout the weekend to keep roads clear, preparing for upcoming weather
The City of Fort Wayne's Street Department is working around the clock to clear the city's residential streets, following the weekend's snow. Presuming the weather remains clear, the residential streets will be cleared by Tuesday morning.
Over Saturday and Sunday, street crews worked more than 900 hours and used 1,000 tons of road salt to keep streets clear for vehicles. Sleet followed by 12 straight hours of snow fall, had crews working through the night both Friday and Saturday and then all day on Sunday.
“You can never predict the weather, but this time around things have been heavier than normal. This past weekend we ran pretty much full staff, around the clock,” said Brad Baumgartner, City Street Commissioner. “We want to keep our roads clear for both drivers and emergency vehicles regardless if it's the weekend or work day.”
Clearing residential streets was a necessary move to stay ahead of yet another storm, expected to move in either tonight or tomorrow. Crews will be reassigned from residential streets to priority routes if snow returns.
“We're committed to keeping the streets safe and that comes with a price. The fact that Mayor Henry had the foresight to supplement our nearly empty Motor Vehicle Highway fund with CEDIT funds allowed us to keep staff at capacity during these recent winter storms. It's the first time we've ever had to supplement that fund but it's clear we definitely needed the $800,000 the Mayor moved into our budget,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works.
The City prioritizes clearing emergency routes, arterial streets and collector streets. After those are cleared, the Street Department will move to residential and side streets if there is at least 3 inches of snow. For the City's snow route map, visit
here .
Residents can call to schedule an appointment for Jan. 26
Mayor Tom Henry will hold his first Mayor's Night In of 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the City-County Building.
Fort Wayne residents are invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in his office on the 9th floor to discuss their concerns and comments about City government or services.
“Mayor's Night In and Mayor's Night Out were very well received by the public last year with each session fully booked. We've even had people calling my office to ask when the next one is. If you have something you'd like the mayor to know about, this is your opportunity to talk to me and my staff,” Mayor Henry said. “I'm glad to continue to offer this opportunity to meet with residents in my second year in office.”
Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor's Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff. Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor.
Mayor Henry hosted a Mayor's Night In or a Mayor's Night Out during each quarter of 2008. He is continuing this tradition in 2009.
Some crews could start as early as Saturday if weather cooperates
Following Mayor Tom Henry's announcement Thursday that the City will hire private contractors, the City received numerous calls from companies and individuals interested in helping to speed clean up of limbs and branches left curbside following the Dec. 19 ice storm.
“My office and 311 have been inundated with calls from contractors wanting to assist the City in collecting debris from the storm. I've been impressed with the response we received from qualified companies,” Mayor Henry said. “I am eager to help put local companies to work in Fort Wayne neighborhoods and get our City cleaned up.”
Depending on weather, some crews could begin Saturday with others starting Monday. The contractors will either haul away the branches to the City's drop-off locations or use a chipper on site to turn them into mulch.
The City received more than 100 inquiries today from tree services, landscapers and contractors and is contacting qualified companies in Fort Wayne or Allen County for cost estimates. The City has a sufficient number of potential contractors and does not need additional calls.
Fort Wayne residents need to have all tree limbs and branches at the curb by today, to ensure all branches are ready for pick-up when the crews come through. There will only be one curbside branch collection per street.
The City has posted a map of the 52 pruning sectors on the City's Web site. It shows the areas where City crews have already cleaned up the branches left curbside, where City crews are working, and the next locations to be picked up as well as sections covered by private contractors.
To see a map of the branch collection sectors, visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchpickupmap .
People no longer need to call 311 to report branches in their parkstrip. To help expedite the curbside pick-up, the City offers the following recommendations when possible:
· Place branches perpendicular, not parallel, to the street
· Put the branches in multiple small piles instead of a single, large pile
· Trim long branches into smaller pieces
· Keep the branches from extending into the street
The City will keep the drop-off collection sites for branches and limbs, where they will later be mulched, open through the end of January. They are:
· Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Tillman Park Ball Field parking lot off Hanna Street during park hours
· McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Foster Park West in the soccer field parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, branch drop-off fees waived
· National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to Noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived through Jan. 17.
To see a map of the branch drop-off sites, visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchdropoff .
Mayor Henry is also asking for residents' stories of people, businesses and organizations who stepped up to help their fellow citizens during the aftermath of the storm and power outage. They can send him a note on the City's website to tell him about warm-hearted individuals who made a difficult situation a little more bearable for others. Submissions can be made until Feb. 2 at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/warmhearts .
Mayor Looks for Heart Warming Stories of Those Who Went the Extra Mile to Help During the Ice Storm
During the December ice storm that left thousands of Fort Wayne residents without power, some for many days, Mayor Tom Henry continued to ask citizens to check on their neighbors to help ensure no one was in danger.
During and the since the storm, Mayor Henry says he hears story after story of people who made big efforts to reach out to friends, family and even strangers. “People offered help and hope to individuals and families who were cold, tired, and hungry,” said Mayor Henry. “It's these stories that make me proud to be part of this community.”
Saying he would like to acknowledge and possibly publicly recognize many of those who went to great lengths to help others, Mayor Henry asked citizens to send him a note on the City's website to tell the stories they know, where warm hearted individuals made a difficult situation a little more bearable for others.
Submissions can be made until February 2 at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/warmhearts . Mayor Henry would like to thank all of those who made such an effort and helped avoid a terrible storm becoming a tragedy.
Will work for six weeks throughout Fort Wayne to pick up curbside branches
To see a map of the branch collection sectors, visit www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchpickupmap.
To see a map of the branch drop-off sites, visit www.cityoffortwayne.org/branchdropoff .
Mayor Tom Henry has instructed Parks and Recreation, Public Works and City Utilities to contract with private services for about six weeks to accelerate the tree limb clean-up process following December's ice storm. Mayor Henry plans to have as many as 20 crews working throughout Fort Wayne to remove branches and debris left curbside.
The additional help should have most neighborhoods picked up by the end of March, if the weather cooperates.
“Our City crews have been working diligently since the storm hit Dec. 19, but because of the volume of branches and in order to get Fort Wayne cleaned up in a timely manner, we need additional help,” Mayor Henry said. “I decided the best option for our residents was to hire private contractors but manage the effort through City departments so every street will be visited through a coordinated plan.”
The City will post a map of the 52 pruning sectors to the City's Web site. It shows the areas where City crews have already cleaned up the branches left curbside, where City crews are working currently, and the next locations to be picked up.
Under the Mayor's plan, private contractors and City crews will each pick up about half the sectors. The length of time per sector is unknown because of the varying quantities of branches and limbs. Once the contracted crews start to work, the City will have a better sense of the amount of time it takes to clear an area.
Mayor Henry plans to use local tree services and general contractors. The City also is working with supervised crews from Community Corrections to go ahead of some City crews to pull out brush in front of the chipper crews. The City has already been contact with Fort Wayne-area contractors.
“This is an opportunity to use local companies and keeps the spending here with people who live and work in Fort Wayne,” he said. “The extra crews also ensure that our City departments continue to offer the services our taxpayers expect such as pothole repair and getting our parks ready for spring recreation.”
The private contractors may cost between $300,000 and $500,000. The City will pay for it using cash reserves and $35,000 of CEDIT funds previously allocated from City Council members, but also plans to ask the Allen County Solid Waste District for funding help.
“We always have to balance the need for City services and expenditures with our resources. Our cash reserves are designed for emergencies, and this is definitely an unexpected and unanticipated incident that demands the City's response,” Mayor Henry said. “We will certainly look at any funding source, but it's nice to know we have the money on hand to cover such events.”
Fort Wayne residents need to have all tree limbs and branches at the curb by Friday, Jan. 9, to ensure all branches are ready for pick-up when the crews come through.
People no longer need to call 311 to report branches in their parkstrip. To help expedite the curbside pick-up, the City offers the following recommendations when possible:
'¢ Place branches perpendicular, not parallel, to the street
'¢ Put the branches in multiple small piles instead of a single, large pile
'¢ Trim long branches into smaller pieces
'¢ Keep the branches from extending into the street
There will only be one curbside branch collection per street.
The City will keep the drop-off collection sites for branches and limbs, where they will later be mulched, open through the end of January. They are:
'¢ Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park Ball Field parking lot off Hanna Street during park hours
'¢ McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foster Park West in the soccer field parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, branch drop-off fees waived
'¢ National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to Noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived through Jan. 17.
Mayor Henry Committed to Careful Examination, Seeks Objective Analysis
Underscoring his community pledge to thoroughly study the issue of gaming in light of recent private-sector interest in the matter, Mayor Tom Henry today released the names of two groups selected to assist in that effort.
The Third House Advocacy Group, LLC, an Indianapolis-based firm, has been engaged to perform an independent analysis of the market potential for gaming in the Fort Wayne area and an evaluation of its economic and fiscal impacts here. Additionally, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne's (IPFW) Community Research Institute (CRI) has been asked to coordinate an assessment of the issue's social and community effects.
“As the gaming discussion unfolds, I am always mindful that my first responsibility is to the people of this community and to Fort Wayne's long-term vitality,” said Mayor Henry. “Gaming has broad implications, and to best represent the interests of our community, we need to understand it fully ' both the positives and the negatives. We must be informed and prepared. That is why gathering this objective information is absolutely essential.”
The City of Fort Wayne's investigation has been prompted by the actions of various private-sector entities as they explore the business potential for gaming in northeast Indiana. To that end, Mayor Henry directed a two-step response, specifically: 1) listening and talking to those with the ideas; and 2) orchestrating an in-depth study of the gaming issue. The formal engagement of these two research groups signifies the next step in the City's due diligence process.
“Given our current difficult economic times and the hardships so many people face, I want Fort Wayne and our entire region to have every opportunity,” noted Henry. “Prudent fiscal management and innovation ' more for less ' must be our watchwords. You can be sure I will continue to look for new ideas and new ways of doing things to help us provide the high-quality services that are expected by our residents and are necessary to keep Fort Wayne competitive and attractive. Our choices must both benefit our community and be right for it.”
The Third House Advocacy Group is a governmental affairs firm offering a full array of services including legislative and regulatory monitoring, issue management, research, state and local government procurement, and legislative and administrative lobbying. With a depth of experience in Indiana, the company extends its capabilities across the United States via its partnership in The Third House National Network.
The Community Research Institute is a primary portal linking the expertise of IPFW with the needs of the private, public and nonprofit sectors in northeast Indiana. It embodies the university's commitment to foster growth and development throughout the region. Under the directorship of John Stafford, the CRI provides research and analytical support in the areas of socio-economic data, urban planning, municipal finances, public policy and economic development.
County Economic Development Income Tax dollars will be used to fund the studies. The Third House contract is for $32,000. The CRI work is part of an existing contract with the City capped at $25,000. The outcomes of both analyses are anticipated by mid-February.
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department's Wild Walkers have released their 2009 schedule. This adult hiking group explores the great outdoors in some of Indiana's finest areas while getting a heart-pumping workout. Each hike features a different natural area in the region, such as parks, wetlands and nature preserves. Join the group on their first walk of the New Year on Friday, January 9, 8:30 am at Salomon Farm Park Learning Center (817 W. Dupont Rd., between Coldwater and Lima Rds.)
For more information, please call Renee Baines at 427-6005 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
Multiple small piles faster, easier for chipper crews than single large pile
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is asking Fort Wayne residents to have all tree limbs and branches at the curb by Friday, Jan. 9, as crews continue to go through each city street collecting branches left in the parkstrip or right of way.
“The amounts of branches and limbs across the city are dramatic. Our crews are working diligently to clean up our city, but we need a deadline to have branches curbside,” Mayor Henry said. “This will help ensure that once the crew has gone down your street, we know they have collected all the limbs and debris, and we don't have to worry about people bringing branches to the curb after the trucks have gone by.”
There will only be one curbside branch collection per street, but the branch drop-off sites remain open.
Parks and Recreation Department staff has traveled all 1,200 miles of City streets to assess the situation, neighborhood by neighborhood. “The damage of the ice storm has affected every Fort Wayne neighborhood,” said Parks Director Al Moll. “We have branch piles to collect on most every street during this very labor intensive process, but we continue to work diligently with the assistance of Parks employees and crews from Public Works and City Utilities.”
People no longer need to call 311 to report branches in their parkstrip. To help expedite the curbside pick-up, the City offers the following recommendations when possible:
· Place branches perpendicular, not parallel, to the street
· Put the branches in multiple small piles instead of a single, large pile
· Trim long branches into smaller pieces
· Keep the branches from extending into the street
The City continues to offer drop-off collection sites for branches and limbs, where they will later be mulched. They are:
· Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Tillman Park Ball Field parking lot off Hanna Street during park hours
· McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Foster Park West in the soccer field parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
· Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, branch drop-off fees waived
· National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to Noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived through Jan. 17.
Mayor asks City Controller to Reconsider Mayor Tom Henry announced today that City Controller Pat Roller will remain in the position she's held since January, 2004. “I'm very pleased that Pat has agreed to stay on with the Administration,” said Mayor Henry. “Her expertise and understanding, particularly in this challenging time of a slow economy and new impacts to property taxes from legislative action is a valuable asset. We were not going to find anyone with her skills and experience and thought we would be facing a learning curve with a new controller just at the most challenging time I can recall in local government finance. I am grateful that Pat agreed to remain as the Chief Financial Officer for the City.” "Given the circumstances and the timing, I think it's the right decision for me and the City," said Roller. "There is a lot of work to be done as the City plans for the 2010 budget cycle as many difficult decisions will need to be made. I understand the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to continue working with the Administration, City Council and the citizens of Fort Wayne."
With Council approval, late fees waived for parking tickets starting Jan. 20
With approval from Fort Wayne City Council, the City Clerk's office will offer a parking ticket amnesty program Jan. 20 to Jan. 30. Most parking tickets, including those 10 years old or more, can be paid for the original fine with late fees waived.
“If you have unpaid parking tickets that you have been putting off paying, this amnesty program is for you,” said City Clerk Sandy Kennedy. “No one ever likes getting a ticket, but this will make it a little less painful if you haven't paid. It's a great way to start off the new year with a clean slate. My staff is ready to work with the public for the benefit of both violators and the City.”
To waive the late fee, tickets must be paid in person in the Clerk's office on the first floor of the City-County Building, by credit card over the phone at 427-1208 or by mail using a money order or credit card with a postmark between Jan. 20 and Jan. 30. Tickets can be paid with cash, credit card or money orders in person. Personal checks will not be accepted for the amnesty program.
The late fees cannot be waived if people use the Web site to pay a late ticket.
The parking amnesty resolution goes to City Council for its first reading at tonight's Council meeting following its introduction last month.
“Fort Wayne's parking amnesty program shows cooperation between City Council, the Clerk's office and Mayor Henry for the benefit of residents while creating an unexpected revenue stream,” Councilman and outgoing Council President Tom Didier said. “I am pleased we are able to offer this program as way to remove some old tickets from the Clerk's system and allow people to clear away any parking fines without late fees.”
This is the first time in 25 years that such a program would be offered in Fort Wayne. The City doesn't know how much additional revenue this program will bring in since the City hasn't offered a parking amnesty, however Kennedy and her staff researched parking amnesty programs in other cities.
“This program is a win-win for Fort Wayne residents and visitors as well as City government,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Let me give my thanks to Sandy and her staff for their research and commitment to this one-time program and Council members' support of the plan. I look forward to this resolution coming to my office for signature. I'll gladly sign it when it comes to my desk.”
Fines that have been filed in court are not eligible for this program, however tickets that have resulted in vehicle registration suspension are.
The City's Clerk office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Crews continue to collect branches, debris left at curb; drop-off sites remain open
Fort Wayne residents who would like the City to pick up tree limbs and branches that fell after last month's ice storm need to place them in the park strip or right of way, next to the curb.
The 311 Call Center, Fort Wayne's one call to City hall, has gotten calls recently asking if branches should go to the alley.
“Our crews are set up to collect branches curbside,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I know a lot of residents are accustomed to taking their trash to the alley, but this situation is like leaf collection or curbside recycling where trucks will pick them up from the street. If you'd like the City of Fort Wayne to collect your branches, they must be in the park strip or right of way.”
The City continues to have crews clearing branches that extend into the street and also collect branches and limbs left at the curb. Mayor Henry reminds residents to keep branch piles out of the street.
For immediate removal, residents can take their branches to one of the drop-off locations, where they will be chipped into mulch. They are:
'¢ Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park Ball Field parking lot off Hanna Street during park hours
'¢ McMillen Park in pool parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Foster Park West in the soccer field parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site) during park hours
'¢ Biosolids Compost Facility, 6210 Lake Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, branch drop-off fees waived
'¢ National Serv-all Compost Site, 6231 MacBeth Road, 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to Noon on Saturday, branch drop-off fees waived through Jan. 17.
Street part of staging area for environmental remediation at old City gas site
Barr Street north of the parking lot outside of Club Soda, 235 E. Superior St., will close Monday as NIPSCO remediates the old City Gas site, which is now the parking lot for Hall's Gashouse. It is expected to reopen in time for Germanfest in June.
Access to the parking lot from Barr Street and the access street just south of Headwaters Park will remain. The Headwaters East parking lot will also remain open.
NIPSCO is going to use the City-owned parking lot and Barr Street as a staging area for the environmental remediation.
Special features create distinctive streetscape experience in downtown's Cultural District
The Barr Street streetscape improvement project, running from Main to Wayne streets, is nearly complete with the final components currently being added.
Two special features, the Reflection Totem and Ribbon of Community, are being installed. A third feature, engraved brick pavers known as Talking Sidewalks, was put in places this summer when the sidewalks were replaced.
“Revitalizing downtown isn't just about constructing new buildings or filling storefronts. It's about creating a sense of place where individuals and families want to spend time, whether it is a world-class downtown ballpark or special artistic elements that show civic pride to our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “At this location, the entire design ties together the Arts United Center and expanding Fort Wayne Museum of Art with the History Center and Barr Street Market.”
Barr Street's special features were an outgrowth of public comment and recommendations for downtown aesthetics in the Context and Connections Report. The report serves as a guide for downtown development features. The Barr Street streetscape is also outlined in the Downtown Blueprint plan for redeveloping downtown Fort Wayne.
“Aesthetics consistently rank as one of our residents' top areas of interest for community planning in Fort Wayne,” said John Urbahns, director of community development. “The Barr Street streetscape demonstrates the public suggestions we received put into practice.”
At the southeast corner of Barr and Main, crews are currently setting the Reflection Totem, a series of stacked mirrors with a circular stone base for seating and a windvane on top.
The mirrors serve as a literal and figurative reflection on the community while the windvane shifts direction with the weather as a metaphor for the winds of change. At night, LED lights will illuminate the structure with special color themes for seasons and holidays.
The Ribbon of Community, scheduled to go in just after the first of the year, is a laser-cut 3/4-inch steel plate of people's silhouettes depicting community life in Fort Wayne with athletic, artistic and economic references. It will go along the sidewalk setback at the Renaissance Square building where there is a drop-off to Barr Street, minimizing safety hazards.
Throughout the display, a stainless steel handrail ' a ribbon ' runs through the painted silhouettes that showcase Fort Wayne's innovative and creative qualities. Permanent labels will identify the activities.
Like other recent downtown streetscape projects, Barr Street includes brick pavers along the edge of the sidewalk but with an additional feature, Talking Sidewalks. They do not physically speak but rather are engraved with quotations from people in Fort Wayne or about Fort Wayne. They were installed when the sidewalks were reconstructed.
The City is working with the staff at the History Center to create informational brochures for the Ribbon of Community silhouettes and the Talking Sidewalk quotes to provide specific backgrounds to some of downtown's newest additions.
The pedestrian-friendly project began this spring with the replacement of sidewalks and curbs as well as historically streetlamp-styled streetlights and 15 new flowering shade trees plus additional on-street parking. It was funded through a 2004 Indiana Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancement grant for $496,000 designated for pedestrian-oriented projects and local matching funds from economic development (CEDIT) funds budgeted in 2004.
The features' design and construction was performed locally. The three pieces were a joint design between City of Fort Wayne staff and Fort Wayne-based Design Collaborative. Gensic Creative Metals of Fort Wayne fabricated the Ribbon of Community for $55,190. Harlan's B.A. Romines constructed the Reflection Totem for $73,982. East State Monument Co. of Fort Wayne engraved and installed the Talking Sidewalks for $2,820.
INDOT contracted with Primco Inc. as the construction contractor for all the sidewalk, lighting, tree and brickwork for $586,000 as part of the grant agreement with the City.
Talking Sidewalks Quotations
“Television is a gift of God, and God will hold those who utilize His divine instrument accountable to Him”
Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor
“..we're not going to watch it (television) in this household, and I don't want it in your intellectual diet”
Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor
“If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners”
Johnny Carson, comedian
“Fort Wayne is a good place to be from”
Bill Blass, fashion designer
“Fort Wayne was an attractive little city in those days'¦for asphalt had not yet spread its ugly way across our cities.”
Alice Hamilton, physician
“Am I urging the study of the Greeks and Romans'¦for the Atomic Age? Yes'¦we have a great civilization to save-or to lose.”
Edith Hamilton, scholar
“They never let me wait on customers. A woman in a drugstore? '¦For ten years I put up the formulas and men passed them across the counter”.
Julia Emanuel, prescriptionist
“If new people like our city, they'll stay and help us make it better”.
Marie MacDonald Kane, occupation?
“It's a shame we have to go to Miami'¦We should just go to Fort Wayne and play this (Superbowl XLI) off.
Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts coach
“I never intended to solo or be a pilot. I found it was wonderful.”
Margaret Ringenberg, pilot
“Since I've been alive, Fort Wayne has had three 100 year floods, floods that are supposed to happen only once a century.”
Michael Martone, writer
“Change happens when you make the invisible, visible.”
Patty Crisp, YWCA director
“I think I never saw a more beautiful spot and such a glorious sunrise.”
Private Bryant, U. S. soldier
“Fort Wayne, there is a vast amount of good to be done.”
Saint Theodore Guerin
“(We stand on) that glorious gate'¦through which all the good words of our chiefs had to pass from north to south and from east to west.”
Little Turtle, Chief of the Miamis
“I am the last to sign this treaty (of Greenville) and shall be the last to break it.”
Little Turtle, Chief of the Miamis
“(I have arrived) to bring some news right fresh from Heaven.”
John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed
“I am now quite the Hoosier for I am not afraid to ride any horse”
Susan Mann, visitor
“I'm not perfect, but I'd like to be perfect. I'm working on it.”
Shelly Long, actress
“In Fort Wayne, the wrong crowd meant hanging out with the liberal Democrats.”
Mary Kay Blakely, author
“The position I hold as Secretary of the Treasury was unsolicited and undesired by me.”
Hugh McCullough, banker
“The 'Golden Age' has not been in the past. It is with us and before us.”
Hugh McCullough, Sec. of the U.S. Treasury
“Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back”
Babe Ruth, athlete
“You should not say it is not good. You should say you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.”
James McNeill Whistler
“I never knew Fort Wayne was named for General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne. I want you to be 'mad' about Hillary, too.”
Bill Clinton, president of the U. S.
“My people are leaving me for Detroit. Nobody wants to stay here and have his throat cut.”
Captain De Raimond
“Somebody ought to do something about it, then why not I?”
Gertrude Hamilton
Major Frank Burns: “I wish I was home.”
B. J. Hunnicut: “I wish you was home too, Frank.”
Bagged leaf pick-up still available through 311
The City of Fort Wayne is continuing to add roll-off containers to neighborhoods for collection of brush and tree limbs.
For residents who have leaves remaining after their second pick-up collection earlier this fall, they may place the remaining leaves in biodegradable leaf bags and call 311 for pick-up.
Employees from Parks, Public Works and City Utilities are continuing to clear branches from streets and pick up limbs from some of the hardest hit neighborhoods in each quadrant of Fort Wayne.
Residents can place branches and limbs in the parkstrip or right of way 'where they would place leaves for pick up ' for City crews to pick up in the future. For more immediate removal, they can take them to the tree-branch drop-off sites or National Serv-All roll-off containers placed in some neighborhoods.
Some locations in the central section on the leaf map did not have their second collection cycle this month as winter weather caused the Street Department to redirect resources to clearing streets of ice and snow. The Street Department is using vacuum trucks to collect the remaining leaves, which cannot pick up leaves that have branches on top. Once the branches are removed, the Street Department will pick up the leaves.
City residents can drop off tree limbs to:
* Shoaff Park by Conklin Pavilion (Christmas tree drop-off site)
* Tillman Park Ball Field Parking Lot off of Hanna St.
* McMillen Park in Pool Parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site)
* Foellinger Theater / Lincolndale lot in Franke Park ' back parking lot southwest corner (Christmas tree drop-off site)
* Foster Park West ' Soccer field parking lot (Christmas tree drop-off site)
* Biosolids Compost Facility (6210 Lake Ave) Hours Monday ' Sunday 8 ' 5. Closed New Year's Day
Starting Friday, January 2nd, National Serv-all Compost Site (6231 McBeth Rd.) will be open to the public and will not be charging any fees. Hours M ' F: 8 ' 5, Saturday 8 ' noon. Closed New Year's Day.
The City has also placed National Serv-All roll-off containers at the following locations for branches:
Springbrook Road at the dead end by the park
Cranbrook Drive at the dead end
2814 Fleetwood
2400 block of Edsall
3400 block of Harvester
Heritage at Yorkshire
Jimru Street between Graham and Wayside
6100 block of Salge Drive
Concordia Gardens at the park off of Woodbrook
Congress Avenue, west of Willmette Avenue
4400 block of Marquette Ave.
Norma Court cul-de-sac
8700 block of Rummel Avenue
2400 block of Miner Street
1700 block of Poinsette Drive
1600 block of Cherokee Road
The roll-off containers are for brush and branches only, no other trash or debris, so the material can be chipped into mulch instead of going to the landfill. The City asks residents to make sure the containers are as full as possible by pushing limbs toward the back.
If a container is full, residents can notify the City using 311.
City ordinance prohibits burning the branches and debris.
The clean-up is continuing following a harsh ice storm that hit Fort Wayne Dec. 19.
Curbside recycling collection on next regularly scheduled date
National Serv-All is working to finish missed garbage collection from last week by Wednesday, however missed curbside recycling pick-up will be collected as part of the next regular collection schedule, which is the week of Jan. 5 for last week's customers.
Those with missed garbage pick-ups should leave their bins out until they are collected. The missed collections were because of icy and cold weather conditions.
“Last week with its mix of below zero temperatures and ice created conditions that made it too challenging for the safety of drivers and equipment to complete the regular collection schedule, plus there was also the Christmas holiday that affected pick-up schedules,” said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy. “The City appreciates residents' cooperation and patience as we work through the modified schedule.”
Customers do not need to call 311 about a missed pick-up from last week.
Those residents who did not get their recycling collected last week are asked to hold onto it until their next regular day of collection which is the week of Jan. 5. Mayor Tom Henry urges residents to use the recycling drop-off sites at the following locations if they cannot wait until their next collection day:
· Scott's, 4522 Maplecrest Rd.
· Scott's, 4120 N. Clinton St.
· Scott's, 5300 Decatur Rd.
· United Refuse, 5000 Smith Rd.
· Sam's Club, 6736 Lima Rd.
The New Year's holiday will also alter pick-up schedules this week. There will be no collection Thursday with Thursday and Friday's pick-ups moved to the next day.
Drop-off sites and roll-off containers available for residents
The City of Fort Wayne has made clearing the remaining tree limbs from streets the first priority in the ongoing tree limb clean-up. The Parks and Recreation Department has three crews out currently cutting limbs and chipping branches that remain in the street.
Crews from Public Works and City Utilities are in each quadrant of the city, working to clear limbs from some of the hardest hit neighborhoods.
“The number of downed limbs and fallen tree branches is unprecedented in recent history,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This clean-up isn't going to happen in a week. We are working hard to pick up the branches, but it's a labor-intensive process that takes time, probably a matter of months. Cooperation and patience from Fort Wayne residents is necessary as we work through the aftermath of this storm.”
Residents can place branches and limbs in the parkstrip or right of way 'where they would place leaves for pick up ' for City crews to pick up in the future or for more immediate removal, they can take them to the tree-branch drop-off sites or National Serv-All roll-off containers placed in some neighborhoods.
City residents can drop off tree limbs to:
· City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., with hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. It will be closed Thursday. The fees for tree branch drop-off are being waived.
· Shoaff Park Christmas tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours
· Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours
· Foster Park West at Winchester and Bluffton entrance during park hours
· Foellinger Theatre parking lot during park hours
· McMillen Park's pool parking lot during park hours
The City has also placed National Serv-All roll-off containers at the following locations for branches:
· Springbrook Road at the dead end by the park
· Cranbrook Drive at the dead end
· 2814 Fleetwood
· 2400 block of Edsall
· 3400 block of Harvester
· Heritage at Yorkshire
· Jimru Street between Graham and Wayside
· 6100 block of Salge Drive
· Concordia Gardens at the park off of Woodbrook
· Congress Avenue, west of Willmette Avenue
· 4400 block of Marquette Ave.
· Norma Court cul-de-sac
· 8700 block of Rummel Avenue
· 2400 block of Miner Street
The City is working on additional locations for branch containers and will release an updated list later this week. The roll-off containers are for brush and branches only, no other trash or debris, so the material can be chipped into mulch instead of going to the landfill.
“The City is offering a number of options for tree brush removal,” Henry said. “Some people may prefer to remove the branches themselves, or they can wait for us to get there. If able, you may also want to consider helping out an elderly or disabled neighbor who might have difficulty bringing the branches to the street.”
City ordinance prohibits burning the branches and debris.
The clean-up is ongoing following a harsh ice storm that hit Fort Wayne Dec. 19.
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is offering the following opportunities and events for families to do together during the holiday break:
$1 Saturday at the Botanical Conservatory ' Visit the holiday gardens on December 27, 10am ' 5pm, for just $1 per person. Enjoy gorgeous poinsettias, colorful holiday decorations, and historical photos of Christmas time in Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Public Skating at the MAC ' The perfect place for the whole family to burn off excess holiday energy is the McMillen Ice Arena, 3901 Abbott Street. Public skating sessions are available Christmas Eve day and New Year's Eve day noon ' 3pm. Admission is only $5 for adults, $3.50 for kids 5 ' 17, and children under 4 are free. For more information, call (260) 427-6769.
Chilly Challenge Bike Ride ' On January 1, 2009 at 1pm, start the New Year with a chilly and challenging cycling adventure! Take the rugged off-road route or opt for a smoother ride on city streets and the Rivergreenway Trail. Bikers will depart from the Psi Ote Pavilion in Bob Arnold Park shortly after 1pm and return to a steaming bowl of chili. This FREE program is co-sponsored by the Fort Wayne Velosport Club and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call Susan Hunt at (260) 435-1409 or visit the Velosport Club website at
www.3rvs.com .
For more information about these programs, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org .
The Parks & Recreation Department will have the red lights and flags out on all skating ponds through the end of this month, despite the cold weather. The public is asked not to use the ponds, as they haven't been checked for safe conditions.
All available crews are helping to clean up from the ice storm last week and no one will be able to check for safe ice conditions. The downed branches and continuing snow will make it even more difficult to clean the ponds in the future.
Under normal conditions, staff from the Parks & Recreation Department checks ice conditions daily at the three designated skating ponds: E. Swinney, Lakeside and Reservoir Parks.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park and McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Each District Contributed; Contractors Will Start Monday
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and members of City Council announced today they will be allocating $35,000 of the Council's CEDIT allocation toward helping with the response and clean up to the ice storm.
“With so many thousands of our residents braving the cold and battling the ice storm these past five days, we've seen many instances of people and businesses reaching out, opening their doors, offering assistance in any way they can,” said Mayor Henry. “I want to publicly thank all of the private citizens who have been working to help those impacted by the storm. I also want to thank our City Council representatives, who've stepped up and offered some of their CEDIT allocations to be used for getting the clean up underway even quicker. Each district Council person and the at-large representatives have offered $5,000 to go for clean up. That's $35,000 we will be able to use right away. Their leadership is much appreciated in this time of emergency response.”
Mayor Henry said the Council's allocation would go for contractors to begin cleaning up the branches and tree limbs that are down throughout the community. The City has arranged for National Serv-All to place large, 40-yard containers to throughout all four quadrants for residents who want to dispose of storm debris. Those containers will be available next week.
Residents should move their limbs and branches to the parkstrip in front of their house for the City to pick up. The process is likely to take a few weeks, cautions Mayor Henry, so he asks residents to be patient.
“This storm has put tremendous strain on our system, our resources and on all our nerves,” said the mayor. “We still want to suggest to everyone that you take a moment to check on your neighbors, friends and family members to make sure they are safe. I appreciate the stress of being without power or displaced from one's home, and I have the utmost confidence that everyone is working as fast as they can to bring the community back to normal.”
311 open until 8 tonight, shelters remain open for those without heat
The City of Fort Wayne has already started picking up downed tree limbs and needs the public's help to prioritize the areas of greatest need and to ensure a thorough clean-up effort.
Mayor Tom Henry asks Fort Wayne residents to call 311 if they have tree branches in the parkstrip or if branches are still in the street.
“To facilitate an orderly and faster tree limb pick-up, we need your help to know where the problem areas are. Please call 311 if you have tree branches in the park strip,” Mayor Henry said. “I've instructed our employees that we are going to need to work some overtime to help get our city back in order. The City of Fort Wayne is working hard to clean-up the large quantity of branches that fell over the past four days but it's going to take some time.”
If possible, Mayor Henry asks residents to clear the branches from sidewalks too. “Some of these limbs are far too large to move, but if you can clear off the sidewalks, it will be appreciated,” he said.
The crews are prioritizing safety, clearing major roadways first and then neighborhood clean-up.
The Parks Department and the Street Department are working together to clear branches from roadways and pick-up the debris. Parks has four crews out today and will work throughout Tuesday and Friday and on an emergency basis Wednesday and Thursday.
Starting tomorrow, the Street Department and Water Pollution Control will have crews, consisting of a back-hoe, two to three large dump trucks and a couple of laborers, in southeast Fort Wayne, Waynedale and near Lakeside Park, to assist with clean-up efforts. Cooperative weather will help speed clean-up efforts.
311 call center extends hours tonight
The City's 311 Call Center will be open until 8 p.m. today. 311 is taking non-emergency calls for things such as tree limbs obstructing streets. It will have regular hours tomorrow, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
911 should be used for emergencies only including downed power lines. Do not touch any downed utility wire.
Shelter information
The Red Cross has set up shelters at The War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., and South Side High School, 3601 S. Calhoun St., with cots and sleeping space, and free meals.
Those heading to a shelter should bring bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, games or toys for their children, and if needed, medications and baby formula.
The Coliseum site is also serving as an animal shelter for dogs and cats. Any dog or cat owners sheltering pets at the Coliseum will need to stay at the Red Cross's Coliseum shelter too to provide intermittent care. Animal Care & Control employees and volunteers are staffing the temporary shelter that will be open through 10 p.m. Tuesday.
People with pets registering at the Coliseum should leave the animal in the car and register first at the expo center. They should let the Red Cross staff know they have a pet, and they will be directed to the appropriate entrance to drop off the dog or cat.
Pet owners should bring the following items for their animal:
'¢ Crate or kennel
'¢ Food and medications
'¢ Secure collar and leash
'¢ Blanket for sleeping or to cover the crate
'¢ Favorite toy
Mayor Henry encourages residents who have been without power and heat for days to go to the local shelters, which are offering their services for free.
“These locations are set up for the safety and well-being of people who are heading into their fourth day without electricity and likely heat. Don't take risks with overusing space heaters or fireplaces. Come to the Coliseum or South Side High School,” Henry said.
If residents needs help in arranging for transportation to the Red Cross shelters, they can call 311.
The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has opened the Central Branch, the Parkview Family YMCA, the Jorgensen Family YMCA and the Old Fort YMCA to the public for showering purposes until power is restored.
Water pipes
If a resident finds a frozen pipe in their house has burst, they need to call 311. If it's after hours, follow the prompts for Water Maintenance and Service. The Water Maintenance dispatcher will send a crew to the house to turn off the water at the location.
It is the homeowner's responsibility to call a plumber to fix the pipe. Once the plumbing is fixed, the resident or homeowner needs to call 311 again to have Water Maintenance turn the water on again.
For frozen pipes, the homeowner needs to call a plumber or use hot water or UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer to thaw the pipe. City Utilities does not need to be involved. Do not use an open flame like a blow torch to thaw a pipe.
If a house or building has no heat, occupants should turn on the faucets with a stream the diameter of a pencil to help minimize chances of the pipes freezing. If the hot water heater is working, the water should be lukewarm running through the faucets.
Leave any cabinet doors open to help circulate air around the pipes too. The air in the house is likely to be warmer than the air outside.
Some garbage and recycling pick-up from Monday delayed
Some residents who have garbage and curbside recycling pick-up on Monday may be delayed until Tuesday or Wednesday of this week due to the adverse weather conditions.
National Serv-All crews will be working extra shifts the next two days. If a Monday customer did not have pick-up today, they should leave their cart or bins out until collected.
Monday's customers do not need to call 311 about the missed pick-up. National Serv-All is keeping track of the streets not picked up.
Safety tips from Fort Wayne Fire Department
The Fire Department has seen problems with people operating decorative fireplaces too long, with too much wood or too hot, which can create fire safety hazards and resulted in some house fires over the weekend.
The Fire Department is also concerned about carbon monoxide levels in homes where kerosene space heaters are not being used with proper ventilation. Use all space heaters according to manufacturer's instructions.
The Fire Department offers the following tips to residents who are without heat to stay safe:
'¢ Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building.
'¢ Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces. They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire.
'¢ If trying to thaw a frozen pipe, do not use a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
'¢ Only use a space heater when it is monitored at all times. Do not leave a space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over. Follow all manufacturers' guidelines especially in using the recommended fuel for that space heater. Be sure to refuel the space heater outside, away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot.
Power outages and traffic signals
Twenty-two traffic signals are out from the widespread power outages, down from a high of 65. The City has placed temporary stop signs at the affected intersections, but Mayor Henry reminds drivers that when a signal is not working, it becomes a four-way stop unless otherwise marked with stop signs.
Mayor Henry recommends anyone still without power to contact their electric company to report the outage.
Indiana Michigan Power customers need to call (800) 311-4634 and follow the automated prompts. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
With the help of additional crews, Indiana Michigan Power is working to restore power to customers with crews coming from out of state to help the efforts. For I&M service updates, visit
http://www.indianamichiganpower.com/news/outages/viewstorm.asp?stormName=December%202008%20Ice%20Storm .
Because of the power outage, Weisser Park Youth Center will be closed Dec. 22.
Tree branches drop-off sites
The City expanded the number of sites for tree branch drop-off and lengthening the hours for the Biosolids facility.
City residents can drop off tree limbs to:
'¢ City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., with hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. It will be closed Thursday. The fees for tree branch drop-off are being waived.
'¢ Shoaff Park Christmas tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours
'¢ Foster Park West at Winchester and Bluffton entrance
'¢ Foellinger Theatre parking lot during park hours
'¢ McMillen Park's pool parking lot during park hours
For trees in the parkstrip, City crews will pick up limbs. For tree branches from the yard, it's the property owner's responsibility to remove them.
For a nominal fee, residents can also take limbs and debris to the National Serv-All compost site, 6231 MacBeth Rd. It is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Animal Care & Control's request for donations
In this animal emergency, Belinda Lewis, Animal Care & Control director, is asking for the public's help with some items of need. The shelter, 3020 Hillegas Road, will be open until midnight to accept the following donations:
'¢ Temporary donations of crates and airline kennels; the items will be clearly marked with the owner's name and returned after the emergency
'¢ Paper towels
'¢ Buckets
'¢ Plastic grocery bags to be used as pooper-scooper bags
The remaining space at the Animal Care & Control shelter is reserved for public safety or animal emergencies.
If you are interested in being a lifeguard for the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department's summer aquatics season please call and leave a message at 427-6029 or e-mail Daryn Schwartz at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up an appointment for a water test.
Interested participants will need to pass the following criteria before being considered for a lifeguard position:
200 yard swim using a front crawl and breast stroke kick
2 minutes of treading water using legs only
Dive and retrieve a 10 lb brick from 14 feet of water
Regardless of prior experience, all lifeguards will be certified with Ellis and Associates Lifeguard program. The course is 20 hours in length. To successfully pass the course, participants must have good swimming skills, pass a written test, and show proficiency in rescue scenarios
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department prides itself on providing a safe swimming environment. Staff and facilities are regularly evaluated for their safety, and have received recognition from Jeff Ellis and Associates for having a top performing staff.
In order to reduce costs to the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, Lindenwood Nature Preserve closed Saturday, December 20th at 4 pm and will not reopen until April 14th. Closing Lindenwood for an extended period this winter will save on maintenance as well as man-hours.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve is a 110-acre wooded park featuring four hiking trails of varying lengths (one is wheelchair and stroller accessible), a pond, and an open-air pavilion. Hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, picnicking, and just relaxing are a few of the activities the public enjoys at the preserve. Lindenwood is a state-designated Nature Preserve and protects Fort Wayne's natural woodland habitat in an undisturbed manner.
Please join us next spring for outstanding outdoor recreation and family activities.
Weisser Park Youth Center is closed today, due to a power outage. They will resume regular hours'Monday through Friday, noon ' 8pm and Saturdays, 7am ' 2pm--when the power returns. The Center will also be closed on December 24th and 25th.
If power is restored in time, the party will go on! Weisser Park will host a free Community Kwanzaa Celebration on December 26, 2008 through January 1, 2009 at the 802 Eckart Street location. Each evening from 6pm ' 7:30 pm, children will enjoy fun activities, gifts and more while learning the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Anyone interested in joining the celebration may attend.
Once power returns, call Weisser Park Youth Center for further information at 260-427-6780.
Because of the ongoing large volume of calls coming to the 311 Call Center, Mayor Tom Henry is extending the 311 hours to 8pm tonight.
“The concept of “One Call to City Hall” and a centralized location for information or to report storm problems is working well and has been heavily utilized by our citizens,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The increase in calls to 311 saw the office extend hours four the fourth straight day.
"My hat is off to our call takers, they've put in a lot of hours over the past four days helping Fort Wayne citizens through this critical period of time following the ice storm. I know they're tired, but when asked they willingly agreed to give extra time to the cause," said Mayor Henry.
Because of the large volume of calls the 311 Call Center will remain open until 8pm on Monday December 22, 2008.
311 is for non-emergency calls like downed tree limbs blocking roadways.
911 is for emergency situations including downed power lines.
During the past three days 311 call takers assisted 11,648 residents on issues related to the ice storm.
311 open until 5 today, City offers safety tips for pipes
As many city residents head into their third day without power and often heat, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry asks residents to use fireplaces and other secondary heat sources responsibly. Many wood-burning fireplaces, especially in newer homes, were designed to be decorative, not as a heat source.
“Indiana Michigan Power is working diligently to restore power, but until the electricity comes back on, we need Fort Wayne residents to stay safe and make good choices when their homes are without heat,” Mayor Henry said. “Don't be unwilling to go to one of the Red Cross shelters. They are there to provide you and your family with a safe, warm place until this over.”
The Fire Department has seen problems with people operating decorative fireplaces too long, with too much wood or too hot, which can create fire safety hazards. “If your fireplace was not designed as a primary heat source, don't use it as such,” Chief Kelly said. “We want people to be warm, but they need to use alternate heat sources safely.”
The Fire Department is also concerned about carbon monoxide levels in homes where kerosene space heaters are not being used with proper ventilation. Use all space heaters according to manufacturer's instructions.
A list of safety tips is included in this news release.
311 and 911 call centers
The City's 311 Call Center will be open until 5 p.m. today. 311 is taking non-emergency calls for things such as tree limbs obstructing streets. It will have regular hours tomorrow, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
911 should be used for emergencies only including downed power lines. Do not touch any downed utility wire.
Shelter information
The Red Cross has set up shelters at The War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., and South Side High School, 3601 S. Calhoun St., with cots and sleeping space, and free meals.
Those heading to a shelter should bring bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, games or toys for their children, and if needed, medications and baby formula.
The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has opened the Central Branch, the Parkview Family YMCA, the Jorgensen Family YMCA and the Old Fort YMCA to the public for showering purposes until power is restored.
Water pipes
If a house or building has no heat, occupants should turn on the faucets with a stream the diameter of a pencil to help minimize chances of the pipes freezing. If the hot water heater is working, the water should be lukewarm running through the faucets.
Leave any cabinet doors open to help circulate air around the pipes too. The air in the house is likely to be warmer than the air outside.
Do not turn off the water to a structure as a way to prevent pipes from freezing.
Mayor asks for residents' patience
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry asks for patience and cooperation from Fort Wayne residents as the city heads into the third day of the effects from Friday's ice storm.
“Fort Wayne is a community with a wonderful helpful spirit. We have people across the city who have been working or volunteering around the clock since this storm to make sure people are safe and working to return the community to normal,” Mayor Henry said. “Rebuilding after a storm of this severity is never as fast as we might want it, but I want to thank the community organizations and individuals who are working to make this interruption as calm as possible.”
With widespread power outages continuing, Mayor Henry also encourages people without heat and power to go to the two local Red Cross shelters, the Memorial Coliseum and South Side High School, and to check on friends, neighbors and church members to make sure they are OK.
Safety tips from Fort Wayne Fire Department
The Fire Department offers the following tips to residents who are without heat to stay safe:
'¢ Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building.
'¢ Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces. They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire.
'¢ If trying to thaw a frozen pipe, do not use a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
'¢ Only use a space heater when it is monitored at all times. Do not leave a space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over. Follow all manufacturers' guidelines especially in using the recommended fuel for that space heater. Be sure to refuel the space heater outside, away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot.
Power outages and traffic signals
Thirty-five traffic signals are out from the widespread power outages, down from a high of 65. The City has placed temporary stop signs at the affected intersections, but Mayor Henry reminds drivers that when a signal is not working, it becomes a four-way stop.
Mayor Henry recommends anyone without power to contact their electric company to report the outage if they haven't already done so. The recent winds are causing new and repeat outages across Fort Wayne.
Indiana Michigan Power customers need to call (800) 311-4634 and follow the automated prompts.
With the help of additional crews, Indiana Michigan Power is working to restore power to customers with crews coming from out of state to help the efforts. For I&M service updates, visit
http://www.indianamichiganpower.com/news/outages/viewstorm.asp?stormName=December%202008%20Ice%20Storm.
Tree branches
Today's winds could cause additional branches to fall. People should stay inside in high winds and avoid parking under trees if possible.
The City is offering three free tree-branch drop-off sites for Fort Wayne residents at:
'¢ City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
'¢ Shoaff Park Christmas Tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours
For trees in the parkstrip, City crews will pick up limbs. For tree branches from the yard, it's the property owner's responsibility to remove them.
For a nominal fee, residents can also take limbs and debris to the National Serv-All compost site, 6231 MacBeth Rd. It is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Many residents hesitant to leave cold homes
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry expressed concern about those residents the shelters aren't seeing in this third day of the ice storm. “Many of our neighbors may be trying to stay in their own homes, out of a sense of duty, fear or bravado,” said Mayor Henry. “It's important that each of us makes a phone call or stops by to check on them, particularly older people who live alone. We don't want anyone to remain in a cold home when there is plenty of room at warm and safe Red Cross shelters in our community.”
The Red Cross shelters at the Memorial Coliseum and South Side High School are both still operating and have bedding and food for anyone who needs to stay someplace while their own home is without power. Individuals may bring their own personal items and bedding, if they wish. They may want to remember to bring baby formula and medications, if those are appropriate, as well. If transportation is an issue, they can call the city's One Call to City Hall, 3-1-1- and the call takers will attempt to find transportation for them.
“Temperatures are bitter and the wind chill is predicted to be a concern through tomorrow, at least,” said Mayor Henry. “No one should put their health and safety at risk by remaining in a home without heat. This ice storm is a challenge, but we do not want it to become a tragedy.”
Because of the large volume of calls the 311 Call Center will remain open until 5pm Saturday. 311 will re-open on Sunday from 8am-5pm.
311 is for non-emergency calls like downed tree limbs and high water. Call 911 for emergency situations including downed power lines.
Two shelters are open for residents without power.
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum at 4000 Parnell Avenue
South Side High School at 3601 South Calhoun Street
Residents coming to the shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, toiletry items, baby formula and medications, games and toys for children, and any other supplies that will make their stay more enjoyable.
Residents without power should let their water run the diameter of a pencil in all faucets and leave cabinet doors open to allow air from the house to reach the pipes. The air in the house is still warmer than the air hitting the outside wall.
Mayor encourages those without heat, power to use Red Cross shelters
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry reminds residents who are heading into their second day without electricity and often without heat to use the Red Cross shelters at the Memorial Coliseum and South Side High School.
“Temperatures are expected to drop this evening and while you might have been able to tough it out at home last night, we do not want you risk you and your family's health and safety by staying in a potentially dangerously cold house,” said Mayor Henry. “This is especially important for our elderly residents who may suffer the most effects from cold temperatures.”
Mayor Henry also asks residents to check on neighbors to make sure they are OK.
311 and 911 call centers
After more than 8,000 calls Friday, the City's 311 Call Center will be open until 5 p.m. today and again from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 311 is taking non-emergency calls for things such as tree limbs obstructing streets.
911 should be used for emergencies only including downed power lines. Do not touch any downed utility wire.
Shelter information
The War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., and South Side High School, 3601 S. Calhoun St., have free shelter space and will offer free meals. They will be open at least through Sunday. The Red Cross is providing cots.
Those heading to a shelter should bring bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, games or toys for their children, and if needed, medications and baby formula.
The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has opened the Central Branch, the Parkview Family YMCA, the Jorgensen Family YMCA and the Old Fort YMCA to the public for showering purposes until power is restored.
Water pipes
If a house or building has no heat, occupants should turn on the faucets with a stream the diameter of a pencil to help minimize chances of the pipes freezing. If hot water heater is working, the water should be lukewarm running through the faucets.
Leave any cabinet doors open to help circulate air around the pipes too. The air in the house is likely to be warmer than the air outside.
Power outages and traffic signals
Forty-five traffic signals are out from the widespread power outages. The City has placed temporary stop signs at 35 of the affected intersections, but Mayor Henry reminds drivers that when a signal is not working, it becomes a four-way stop.
Mayor Henry recommends anyone without power to contact their electric company to report the outage if they haven't already done so. “The only way the power company knows you are without power is if you call. Don't assume they know about your house even if your neighbors have called,” he said. Indiana Michigan Power customers need to call (800) 311-4634 and follow the automated prompts.
Indiana Michigan Power is working to restore power to customers with crews coming from out of state to help the efforts. For I&M service updates, visit
http://www.indianamichiganpower.com/news/outages/viewstorm.asp?stormName=December%202008%20Ice%20Storm .
Tree branches
Temperatures are expected to fall tonight and winds could pick up, causing more tree branches to fall. People should stay inside in high winds and avoid parking under trees if possible.
The City is offering three free tree-branch drop-off sites for Fort Wayne residents at:
'¢ City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
'¢ Shoaff Park Christmas Tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours
For trees in the parkstrip, City crews will pick up limbs. For tree branches from the yard, it's the property owner's responsibility to remove them.
For a nominal fee, residents can also take limbs and debris to the National Serv-All compost site, 6231 MacBeth Rd. It is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Streets closed
The following sections of streets are closed due to fallen tree branches or downed power lines:
'¢ 800 block of West. DeWald St. (tree down)
'¢ Runnion Avenue, south of Howell (tree down)
'¢ Hazelett Road, south of Rothman Road (wires and tree down)
'¢ Dunkelberg Road, between Bluffton Road and Kinnerk Road (wires down)
Safety tips from Fort Wayne Fire Department
The Fort Wayne Fire Department offers the following tips to residents who are without heat to stay safe:
'¢ Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building.
'¢ Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces. They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire.
'¢ If trying to thaw a frozen pipe, do not use a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL-listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
'¢ Only use a space heater when it is monitored at all times. Do not leave a space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over. Follow all manufacturers' guidelines especially in using the recommended fuel for that space heater. Be sure to refuel the space heater outside, away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot.
Level 2 weather emergency declared for City of Fort Wayne Fort Wayne residents who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage. The 911/communications dispatch center is for emergency calls only. The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice. For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Level 2 weather emergency declared for City of Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne residents who see a downed power line should call 911. For non-emergency calls including downed tree limbs and high water, people should call the City's 311 call center.
The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call (800) 311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Drivers to use caution at intersections
The overnight ice storm has caused a power outage for a number of traffic signals in Fort Wayne. The following is a list of signals and intersections without power:
'¢ Hanna & Oxford
'¢ Covington & Ardmore
'¢ Covington & Getz
'¢ Covington & Hadley
'¢ Lafayette & Paulding
'¢ Glasgow & Washington
'¢ Anthony & Washington
'¢ Progress & Lima
'¢ Lindenwood & Spring
'¢ Bass & Hillegas
'¢ Tillman & Hessen Cassel
'¢ Jefferson & Clay
A vehicle accident has knocked down a pole at Fairfield and Pontiac. That will be repaired later this morning.
The City is placing stop signs at the intersections. An intersection without a working traffic signal should be considered a four-way stop.
The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice. People who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Conservatory, Community Center open
Because of a power outage, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation office, 705 E. State, will be closed today.
The Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., and the Community Center, 233 W. Main St., are open with regular hours, however all classes at the center are cancelled.
The Lawton Park facility will be open for any pavilion rental key pick-ups.
Residents who see tree limbs in the street or for other non-emergencies can call 311. Those who see a downed power line should call 911.
The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Drivers to use caution at intersections
The City of Fort Wayne has added some traffic signals to the list of those currently without power and functioning as a four-way stop until power is restored:
'¢ Jefferson & Aboite Center
'¢ Bluffton & Engle
'¢ Lahmeyer & Stellhorn
'¢ Arlington Park & Stellhorn
'¢ Fairfield & Pettit
The overnight ice storm caused power outages at a number of traffic signals. The following is a list of signals and intersections without power:
'¢ Jefferson & Aboite Center
'¢ Bluffton & Engle
'¢ Lahmeyer & Stellhorn
'¢ Arlington Park & Stellhorn
'¢ Fairfield & Pettit
'¢ Hanna & Oxford
'¢ Covington & Ardmore
'¢ Covington & Getz
'¢ Covington & Hadley
'¢ Lafayette & Paulding
'¢ Glasgow & Washington
'¢ Anthony & Washington
'¢ Progress & Lima
'¢ Lindenwood & Spring
'¢ Bass & Hillegas
'¢ Tillman & Hessen Cassel
'¢ Jefferson & Clay
A vehicle accident has knocked down a pole at Fairfield and Pontiac. That will be repaired later this morning.
The City is placing stop signs at the intersections. An intersection without a working traffic signal should be considered a four-way stop.
The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice. People who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Main Parks and Recreation office closed due to power outage
The City of Fort Wayne's offices remain open today during the Level II weather emergency.
Only the main office for the Parks and Recreation office is closed, because of a power outage. All other City offices are open for regular hours.
The City of Fort Wayne declared a Level II weather emergency earlier this morning. Only essential travel, including to and from work, is recommended until further notice.
Fort Wayne residents who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage.
The 911/communications dispatch center is for emergency calls only.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Drivers to treat signals without power as four-way stops
The following is an updated list of traffic signals currently out due to the ice storm's power outage:
'¢ Jefferson & Aboite Center
'¢ Hanna & Oxford
'¢ Covington & Ardmore
'¢ Covington & Getz
'¢ Covington & Hadley
'¢ Lafayette & Paulding
'¢ Glasgow & Washington
'¢ Anthony & Washington
'¢ Lindenwood & Spring
'¢ Bass & Hillegas
'¢ Tillman & Hessen Cassel
'¢ Bluffton & Engle
'¢ Lahmeyer & Stellhorn
'¢ Arlington Pk & Stellhorn
'¢ Fairfield & Pettit
'¢ Clay & Jefferson
'¢ Lake & Randallia
'¢ Clay & Washington
'¢ Coldwater & Clinton
'¢ Indiana & Rudisill
'¢ Oxford & Wayne Trace
'¢ McKinney & Hessen Cassel
'¢ Magnavox Way & Illinois
'¢ Van Buren & Washington
'¢ Van Buren & Jefferson
'¢ Lahmeyer & State
'¢ Anthony & Crescent
'¢ St Mary's & W State
'¢ Bluffton & Winchester
'¢ Bluffton & Sandpoint
'¢ Coliseum & New Haven
'¢ Coliseum & Washington
A vehicle accident has knocked down a pole at Fairfield and Pontiac. That will be repaired later this morning.
The City is placing stop signs at the intersections. An intersection without a working traffic signal should be considered a four-way stop.
The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice. People who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Drivers to treat signals without power as four-way stops
The following signals have been added to the City of Fort Wayne's list of traffic signals out due to the ice storm:
'¢ Wells & State
'¢ Lima & N Clinton
'¢ Sherman & State
'¢ Goshen & State
'¢ Fairfield & Kinsmoor
'¢ Calhoun & Washington
'¢ Airport Expressway & Lower Huntington
The complete list of signals out:
'¢ Wells & State
'¢ Lima & N Clinton
'¢ Sherman & State
'¢ Goshen & State
'¢ Fairfield & Kinsmoor
'¢ Calhoun & Washington
'¢ Airport Expressway & Lower Huntington
'¢ Jefferson & Aboite Center
'¢ Hanna & Oxford
'¢ Covington & Ardmore
'¢ Covington & Getz
'¢ Covington & Hadley
'¢ Lafayette & Paulding
'¢ Glasgow & Washington
'¢ Anthony & Washington
'¢ Lindenwood & Spring
'¢ Bass & Hillegas
'¢ Tillman & Hessen Cassel
'¢ Bluffton & Engle
'¢ Lahmeyer & Stellhorn
'¢ Arlington Pk & Stellhorn
'¢ Fairfield & Pettit
'¢ Clay & Jefferson
'¢ Lake & Randallia
'¢ Clay & Washington
'¢ Coldwater & Clinton
'¢ Indiana & Rudisill
'¢ Oxford & Wayne Trace
'¢ McKinney & Hessen Cassel
'¢ Magnavox Way & Illinois
'¢ Van Buren & Washington
'¢ Van Buren & Jefferson
'¢ Lahmeyer & State
'¢ Anthony & Crescent
'¢ St Mary's & W State
'¢ Bluffton & Winchester
'¢ Bluffton & Sandpoint
'¢ Coliseum & New Haven
'¢ Coliseum & Washington
The pole at Fairfield and Pontiac that was damaged in a traffic accident has been repaired.
The City is placing stop signs at the intersections. An intersection without a working traffic signal should be considered a four-way stop.
The City of Fort Wayne has declared a Level 2 weather emergency. Only essential travel is recommended until further notice. People who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage.
For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Drivers should continue to use caution The City of Fort Wayne, Allen County and the City of New Haven have all lifted their Level II weather emergency declarations. Streets and roads are passable, but drivers should use caution and watch out for any downed tree limbs, especially on residential streets. City of Fort Wayne crews are still out removing tree limbs from streets. Fort Wayne residents who see downed tree limbs or high water in city streets should call 311 to report such damage. The 311 call center will remain open at least until midnight for Fort Wayne residents' non-emergency calls. The 911/communications dispatch center is for emergency calls including downed power lines. For residents without power, they should call their respective electric company. To report a power outage for Indiana and Michigan Power, call 800-311-4634. Northeastern REMC customers can call (260) 625-3700.
Mayor Tom Henry Directs City Crews to Stay on the Job
City of Fort Wayne crews from throughout the organization have been working diligently to cope with the aftermath of the ice storm. Ice began falling about midnight Thursday and Public Works sent forty trucks out salting and plowing soon thereafter.
“Although the City and County were under a Level II Snow Emergency most of the day,” said Mayor Tom Henry, "our crews were successful in clearing most of the main and secondary roads by mid-afternoon, so we lifted that emergency. People should still use caution on residential streets and particularly pay attention to where there may be downed power lines or tree limbs.”
Parks, City Utilities and Street Department crews were all devoted to clearing roads, picking up limbs, and responding to the most volatile safety situations. All crews prioritize public safety and handle the downed power lines before anything like fallen trees or branches. Crews will be out again tomorrow working to provide appropriate response to the storm's damages.
The City is offering three free tree-branch drop-off sites for Fort Wayne residents at:
'¢ City Biosolids Facility Compost Site, 6210 Lake Ave., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
'¢ Shoaff Park Christmas Tree drop-off location by Conklin Pavilion during park hours
'¢ Tillman Park by the ball fields during park hours
For a nominal fee, residents can also take limbs and debris to the National Serv-All compost site, 6231 MacBeth Rd. It is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
By 3:30 today, 311 call takers had a single-day record number of phone calls with 4,789 inquiries. 911 dispatched 1,250 police and fire runs between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. 911 and non-emergency police lines took 2,299 calls in that same amount of time. The 911 communications center kept the third shift dispatchers over for a few hours this morning to handle the volume of calls from residents. The average number of daily calls to 911 in November was 1,295.
“Our 311 call takers handled nearly 5,000 phone calls today and 911 dispatchers had an amazing volume of callers,” said Mayor Henry. “With so many residents losing their electricity, all sorts of problems and challenges appeared, and people had nowhere to turn. We are very pleased that our call center staff could handle that tremendous volume of inquiries and requests for assistance.”
The 311 Call Center will be open until midnight today to take non-emergency calls.
Mayor Henry encouraged those residents who need to seek shelter to do so at one of the Red Cross shelter locations: the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and South Side High School. “Beyond the official shelters, I encourage businesses and churches to see if it's possible to allow patrons to stay a little longer, to have a warm drink or sit a while and get warm,” he said. “This is an unusual situation and the extra time to warm up can really make a difference.”
Mayor Henry also thanked all of the City employees who had been working around the clock to keep residents safe. “Some of these folks came in Thursday and have not yet left,” he said. “The dedication of City employees makes me very proud, and I want Fort Wayne residents to know they can be proud of the way their public servants are working.”
Two American Red Cross shelters are open for residents who are without power.
The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum at 4000 Parnell Avenue
South Side High School at 3601 South Calhoun Street
Residents coming to the shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, toiletry items, games and toys for children, and any other supplies that will make their stay more enjoyable.
If you see a downed power line call 911. Do not touch downed utility wire.
311 will be open until at least midnight tonight for non-emergency calls. If the call volume continues to run high it will remain open.
Check on the well-being of elderly neighbors and family members; if they are without power, encourage them to go to a shelter or a family member's house that has electricity.
If a house has no power, turn any faucets on an outside wall on to a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing
Motorists should use caution when driving
The following sections of streets are closed due to fallen tree branches or downed power lines:
'¢ 6400 block Huguenard Road (wires down)
'¢ 800 block of West. DeWald St. (tree down)
'¢ Runnion Avenue, south of Howell (tree down)
'¢ Hazelett Road, south of Rothman Road (wires and tree down)
'¢ Dunkelberg Road, between Bluffton Road and Kinnerk Road (wires down)
The City of Fort Wayne reminds drivers to use caution following the recent ice storm. Some tree limbs may be obstructing streets, especially in residential areas.
Call Center Open Saturday Morning
The 311 Call Center will close at midnight tonight and re-open Saturday morning at 8:00am. The Call Center will remain open through at least noon on Saturday.
Because of a large volume of calls the center hours were extended to midnight earlier today.
Call takers have been working since 7:30 this morning and have handled more than 7000 calls as of 7pm tonight because of the ice storm.
The 311 Call Center normally operates from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday - Friday.
311 is for non-emergency calls like downed tree limbs and high water. Call 911 for emergency situations.
Residents needing shelter should go to Memorial Coliseum at 4000 Parnell Avenue or South Side High School at 3601 South Calhoun Street.
Pat Roller will serve through January; Deputy Controller will serve as Interim Mayor Tom Henry announced today that City Controller Pat Roller has agreed to stay on with the Administration for an additional month. She had originally said she would leave at the end of December. Roller has served as Controller, the Chief Financial Officer position of the City, since January 2004. She announced her plans to leave in September. Beginning February 1, Valerie Ahr will serve as Interim Controller. Ahr has worked for the City of Fort Wayne since October 1995. She first held the position of Community Development Fiscal Manager from October 1995 to November 1996, then served as the Civil City Accounting Manager from November 1996 to April 2000. She took over as Deputy Controller in April 2000. Prior to working for the City, Ahr worked for Anthony Wayne Services. She received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from St. Francis College in 1985. The Mayor said he is still looking for the right candidate to assume the Controller's duties. Applications are still being accepted through the City's Human Resource Department. Applicants with a strong background in finance are encouraged to apply.
Says he has concerns about it, but will sign
Mayor Tom Henry today signed the revised noise ordinance passed by City Council Tuesday making “light pollution” a violation of city ordinance.
“Although I have concerns about this ordinance”, said Mayor Henry, “it is up to Council to decide what legislative action is appropriate for our community and, in this case, I will support their action..”
“I believe, though, City Council should consider amending this legislation in light of some concerns raised by both citizens and staff members alike. It is my opinion that this ordinance will be difficult to enforce as written and that certain exceptions to its provisions should be considered. Amongst the concerns raised were athletic events held in the evening, holiday light displays and emergency repair work to name a few.”
“Let me say one more thing,” said Mayor Henry. “At the Council meeting last Tuesday, one Council member who is opposed to this action made a very irresponsible statement directing citizens to call 911 if they have a problem with a bright light. That is not the appropriate use of 911. Our dispatchers cannot afford to spend time on calls of this nature when there are urgent, potentially life-and-death calls waiting. I encourage citizens to utilize 311 or call the police department at 427-1222 to report a problem.”
Fort Wayne's 311 call center is now handling Animal Care and Control inquiries. 311, “one call to city hall”, handles non-emergency service requests. If the call requires an Animal Care and Control Officer, it will be transferred to Animal Care and Control.
The 311 call center handles calls for 11 City departments as well as general inquiries about City government. It operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Calls coming in after 5:30p.m.and on weekends will go directly to Animal Care and Control as they did in the past.
Every report to 311 is assigned a tracking number to provide accountability and follow through. The call center can be reached by calling 311 within the City limits or (260) 427-8311 for residents outside the City. The center's e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The 311 call center handles the following departments' resident inquiries: Solid Waste, Neighborhood Code Enforcement, Street Lighting, Street Department, Signal Shop, Water Maintenance, Sign Shop, Sewer Maintenance, Right-of-Way, Parking Control and Animal Care and Control.
Residents can also make online reports of potholes, missed garbage or recycling collection, abandoned vehicles on public or private property, or a streetlight out by clicking on the 311 logo on the homepage of www.cityoffortwayne.org.
Brrrr'¦it's cold outside! Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is reminding pet owners that any animal kept outside for any period of time, must have access to food, water, and a warm, dry shelter. The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.
1. The shelter must be specifically designed to shelter an animal and be free of leaks to wind, snow, and rain. Face the opening of the shelter to the east or south away from prevailing winds or fasten a heavy door flap to the top of the doorframe.
2. Locate the animal's home to a warmer location in the sun.
3. A snug inner room can be created using a removable partition inside the doghouse in back of the door opening.
4. Use straw or cedar chips for bedding. Towels and blankets are insufficient because cloth draws moisture. Hay is not suitable bedding because of mold.
5. Insulate the animal's house. Raise it several inches above the ground - - preferably on concrete blocks to prevent snow from drifting inside. Frame the elevated area with boards to prevent winds from gusting under the animal's house.
6. Animals living inside an unheated garage must have a shelter inside the garage.
7. Animals need extra food to help generate enough body heat to stay warm and must have unfrozen water to drink at all times. A heated water bucket is a great investment.
8. All dogs and cats living within the city must wear the required city pet registration on a properly fitted leather or nylon collar.
9. Keep all cats inside to prevent injury.
10. Bring dogs inside during extreme cold spells. Animals are susceptible to frostbite and can quickly die of hypothermia if left outside unsupervised. Puppies and senior dogs do not tolerate the cold, so make walks and playtime short.
11. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach following cold weather walks. Dogs can easily ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. Check paws for cuts caused by snow or encrusted ice.
Animal Care & Control is offering free straw to any city resident in need of animal bedding during the upcoming winter season. Before temperatures drop significantly, pet owners should be preparing for the needs of pets living outdoors. The straw, which is being offered through private donation, can be used for bedding and to keep the ground surrounding a doghouse mud free.
Additionally, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control has free dog care items available for limited-income city residents in need of assistance to provide for a currently owned dog. Free items include: a dog house, flea treatment, straw bedding, a new dog collar, and a certificate for a free spay or neuter surgery. Fort Wayne residents should call 427-1244 to make a request. Visit Animal Care & Control during normal business hours to receive a voucher redeemable for straw. The shelter is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
The City of Fort Wayne received two grants that move trail/greenway projects forward in the southwest and southeast portions of the City.
Grants from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Funds, awarded by the Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC), include $509,000 for the construction of Phase II of the Covington Road Trail project which goes from Eggeman Road to West Hamilton Road, and $371,000 for preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition for Phase I of the Six Mile Creek Trail project which will go from Southtown Centre at Anthony Boulevard to Tillman Road and then east to Lemar Drive.
Both Projects are critical pieces of Fort Wayne's developing regional trail system, with the Covington Road Project providing an eventual link to Whitley County and the Six Mile Creek Trail connecting to New Haven.
The Six Mile Creek Trail is the historic name of the Trier Ditch on Fort Wayne's southeast side. It flows into the Maumee River north of Moser Park in New Haven. The grant for the Six Mile Creek Trail will lead to the first uninterrupted 26-mile loop trail in the Fort Wayne Area.
“It's not just a dream anymore. Our goal of a 26-mile continuous loop trail is definitely in sight. The $371,000 to begin right of way acquisition and engineering is a big step forward creating the loop and an important part of our trail system,” said Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager.
Six Mile Creek Trail will be constructed in phases and represents the last 7.3 miles of the loop.
Currently walkers, joggers or cyclists can enjoy 18 miles of the eventual loop along the St. Mary's and Maumee Pathways of the Rivergreenway. The path goes from New Haven's Moser Park, through downtown Fort Wayne and Swinney Park, then southward along the St. Mary's near Brooklyn Avenue continuing to Foster Park and ending at Tillman Park. Construction will begin in the spring to connect to Southtown Centre.
Other planned phases of the Six Mile Creek Trail, not yet funded, will continue the trail along Tillman to east of Hessen Cassel and turning north to follow the path of the Trier Ditch.
“The City of New Haven has been a strong partner in this project and I know they are just as eager to complete the project as we are. This will offer tremendous opportunities for area residents. The trail will combine rural and urban life with nature and our rivers,” said Ritchie.
The $509,000 grant for the Covington Road Trail will help cover construction costs for Phase II of the trail along Covington from Eggeman Road to West Hamilton Road. Phase I of the project from Eggeman to Scott Road is already under design with construction planned along the ½ mile section from Homestead to Scott Roads in 2009. Phase III will connect Scott to Ladue Lane and will be constructed in 2009.
“Because of partnerships like this, our regional bicycle and pedestrian system is already improving lives by providing health, economic and environmental benefits to thousands of community members,” said Lori Keys, Executive Director of Aboite New Trails. “Completing these projects and filling just three more miles of gaps in the existing trails will open up over 45 continuous trail miles across Allen County, giving safe affordable transportation options to all area citizens for the first time in Ft. Wayne's history,” added Keys.
Currently there are 42 miles of trails in Allen County. The goal is to have a 100 mile network of trails and greenways within the next 15 years.
Fort Wayne City Utilities will be “smoke testing” sewer lines in the northeast neighborhood of Royal Oaks beginning on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. The Royal Oaks addition is bounded by Lynhurst Drive on the north, Stellhorn Road on the south, Eicher Drive on the northeast, Sandalwood Drive on the northwest, Schmucker Drive on the southeast, and on the southwest by Dwight and Teakwood Drives. The testing should be completed before the holidays. (See attached map)
Smoke testing is a process that allows crews to find leaks and other problems that are contributing to sewer overflows. The Royal Oaks addition occasionally has sanitary sewage overflow into Bullerman Creek, which flows into the Maumee River.
During the procedure crews will blow smoke into manholes to test sections of sewer and storm lines. If the smoke comes out of the sewer system it's an indication that sewers may be cracked, have a bad joint, or another deficiency that causes it to leak.
The smoke being used is chemically generated but is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. It will be white or grey in color.
Residents may see smoke coming out of manholes and inlets or out of the ground. Additionally, smoke may be seen coming from building gutters, downspouts, plumbing vents on roofs. Smoke should not enter any homes. If it does enter a home it could mean a drain tap is dry or that there is a plumbing defect. City Utilities suggests that property owners make sure that drain traps have water in them. For seldom used floor drains it is suggested that homeowners pour a gallon of water into each drain.
If residents find smoke in their home they should exit the building and look for City Utilities crews who will be nearby conducting the tests. If residents are away and return home to find smoke in their home, they should call the 311 service center so that City Utilities can investigate the problem.
Prior to the testing, City Utilities will be delivering door hangers and letters to residents and businesses in the area where the testing will be done. Questions may be directed to City Utilities at 427-1255 or to the 311 service center.
Video from the news conference will be available on the City's YouTube channel .
Statement of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry on the issue of gaming:
We are living in difficult, and for far too many, desperate economic times. With each new day, my concern for the health of our community and our people grows. I see businesses stretched to the limits. I see people losing jobs, homes, tuition for college, retirement savings ' and with each of those challenges, some of our hopes and dreams for the future vanish as well.
We're worried about the basics: staying employed, keeping warm, feeding our families, paying the mortgage, finding health care ' all the things that add up to basic security for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.
On top of this, the City anticipates a sizable budget shortfall next year, worsened by the economic meltdown, but due in large part to changes made by state government.
We are living in uncertain, unsettled economic times. As your Mayor, I look around and ask: What can I do to strengthen our community? How can I help the citizens of Fort Wayne? How can I ensure a hometown that's an attractive, vibrant place to live? How can I bolster revenue without adding to taxpayer burdens?
The residents of Fort Wayne have always been able to rely upon the City to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services -- no matter what the economic climate. It is a promise we have always kept. We've succeeded because of sound fiscal management coupled with innovation. I am committed to both.
Our green initiatives. Our applications of new technologies, like 311. Our use of proven management techniques to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Each of these is building a more robust and more responsive, but leaner City government.
Nevertheless, running the City better on less requires us to be proactive, to constantly seek new ideas and new ways of doing things.
Recently, several groups have come to us. They are exploring the potential for gaming in our community. Once again the City is doing what it should be doing.
Step one: We're listening and talking to those with the ideas. We've made it clear that we're open to meeting with anyone who wants to bring a viable proposal to the table.
Step two. We're taking action. I've directed my staff to study the issue. As a community, we need to be informed and prepared. As your Mayor, I want to be in the best position possible to represent the community's interests. It is a responsibility I take very seriously ' and knowledge is the key. We all know you can't negotiate well, shape plans or make informed decisions, without solid, objective information.
As our work unfolds, we may need specialized counsel and expert assistance. If we do, we will determine how best to secure that help. The Fort Wayne City Council will be our partner is this endeavor.
You may be wondering why all of this is happening now. The answer: The upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly. The legislative calendar is driving the actions of various private business interests, and in turn our need to delve into this matter.
As Mayor, I am keenly aware that others look to me for guidance. That is why research and analysis are imperative. I could not take a position on an issue of this magnitude ' for or against, or ask the people of Fort Wayne to consider it, without having completely examined it or knowing what its impact on our community might be.
I certainly could not ask members of City Council, our state legislators or other civic leaders to take a stand on an idea without a careful investigation of it ' and confidence in it myself. It wouldn't be good business. And it wouldn't be good public stewardship. For me, leadership demands responsibility, carried through with thoughtfulness and thoroughness.
To date, we have not been presented with any specific proposals. We look forward to seeing them, as we welcome plans for any new business venture that creates jobs, grows our economy and enhances our community. You can be sure that any specific proposal received will be given its own comprehensive evaluation.
We are living in painful economic times. It would be irresponsible for the City not to talk to individuals interested in gaming because of the potential revenue it could create to help us provide the level of services expected by our residents and necessary to keep us competitive.
It would be equally irresponsible for us not to be doing our homework. We are doing our homework. And we are doing it thoughtfully and thoroughly.
Working together, we will sustain one another through these tough times. Working together, we are all partners in building a brighter, stronger future for our community.
Thank you.
Continuing process of changing signals based on traffic needs
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will modify a traffic signal northwest starting next week for off-peak driving times.
The intersection of Coldwater and Perry Lake roads will go to a red-yellow flashing schedule 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Friday, Dec. 19.
It will flash yellow on the major roadway, Coldwater, and red on the secondary section, Perry Lake, of the intersection.
This summer, Traffic Engineering started evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
Traffic Engineering regularly evaluates traffic counts and patterns throughout Fort Wayne's streets for locations where changing traffic lights during off-peak hours would make sense. The City announces when traffic light operations will change.
Offers free rides home within 10 miles of downtown Dec. 17 through Jan. 3
Mayor Tom Henry on behalf of the local sponsors and organizers announced the 2008 Holiday Cab program will run Dec. 17 to Jan. 3, offering free rides home if drivers have had too much to drink to be able to drive safely.
“The holiday season is often about celebrating with friends and co-workers but it also must be about safety on our city's streets,” Mayor Henry said. “The Holiday Cab program is an important service for the wellbeing of drivers and passengers alike. I'd like to thank the sponsors and organizers for offering free cab rides for 21 years and encourage people to use this service.”
The free cab rides are available from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. throughout the program. People must call the Holiday Cab hotline, 460-4654, to request a ride. Local cab services will take people home within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fort Wayne. Reservations are not accepted, and the cabs will only take people home, not to another bar or restaurant.
“The Holiday Cab program benefits everyone. It allows people to get home safely especially if they don't have a designated driver, avoiding risk of arrest for drunk driving or the worst result possible: a fatal accident because of too much alcohol,” said Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York.
The program has been offered since 1988. Last year the service provided 142 rides, but has recently averaged 268 rides annually.
The organizing committee consists of Nick Radu, Greg Dahm and Rita Junk. This year taxi companies AAA Taxi, A-1 Taxi, Yellow Taxi Cab, Deluxe Taxi and Classy Chauffeur will provide the rides. The Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #166, UAW CAP Council and Laborer's International Union Local 213, members of the Tavern Owners Association and Anheuser-Busch and AALCO Distributing Co. are this year's major financial contributors. Schaefer's Anserphone provides the dispatch service to coordinate the calls with the rides.
The committee is posting information about the service at local bars and restaurants. The Holiday Cab hotline is 460-4654.
During this time of snow and cold weather, the Fort Wayne Fire Department reminds everyone to follow these important safety tips to avoid fires or burn injuries.
- Install a smoke alarm on at least every level of the home or building, preferably in every room.
- Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Never use a range or oven to heat a home or building.
- Only use a space heater when it is monitored at all times. Do not leave a space heater unattended. Be sure to allow at least three feet of clear space all the way around the heater. Make sure the space heater has an emergency shut-off in case it tips over. Follow all manufacturers' guidelines especially in using the recommended fuel for that space heater. Be sure to refuel the space heater outside, away from the house and never refill it while it is operating or still hot.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and away from combustible surfaces. They need to have proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate the fire.
- Do not overload any electrical outlet or power strip. Be sure to make sure all cords or not frayed or stripped.
- Make sure the chimney is professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
- Use a glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace to prevent sparks igniting carpets or furniture nearby.
- Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house or building.
- If trying to thaw a frozen pipe, do not use a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL-
listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
- Be sure to keep the fire hydrant near a home or business clear of snow for easy access by firefighters.
These are just a few safety reminders for everyone to follow to help stay safe and warm during cold weather.
LAKESIDE, E. SWINNEY & RESERVOIR PONDS UNSAFE FOR SKATING
Cold weather athletes will be disappointed to hear that outdoor pond ice skating is not an option in the near future. The recent cold snap created thin ice covering much of these ponds and conditions are not safe.
The Parks and Recreation Department monitors ice conditions on its three skating ponds at Lakeside, E. Swinney and Reservoir Parks. Employees monitor ice on a daily basis, and maintain the red light/ red flag warning when ponds are unsafe to skate on.
The best ice is created when we experience a series of low-temperature days (below 20 degrees or colder) without snow or rain to insulate the ice.
More reliable ice is available at Headwaters Park and McMillen Ice Arena during public skating hours. These public skating times are subject to change due to special events, rentals and holidays.
For up-to-date information regarding ice skating and pond ice conditions, please note the red lights/ flags that are posted at each outdoor ice skating pond. For additional information, call the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department at 260-427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Stay safe this winter by following the rules and guidelines of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Flashing schedules based on traffic volumes
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will modify two traffic signals ' one southwest and one northwest ' starting tonight for off-peak driving times.
The intersection of West Jefferson Boulevard and Mallard Cove Lane will go to a red-yellow flashing schedule 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Friday, Dec. 5.
At the intersection of Coldwater and Mill Lake Road, the signal will flash from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays, until 8 a.m. weekends and starting at midnight Saturdays and 11:30 Sunday nights.
The signals will flash yellow on the major roadway and red on the secondary section of the intersection.
This summer, Traffic Engineering started evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
Traffic Engineering regularly evaluates traffic counts and patterns throughout Fort Wayne's streets for locations where changing traffic lights during off-peak hours would make sense. The City announces when traffic light operations will change.
The City of Fort Wayne's Historic Preservation staff has launched an online Community Heritage Calendar for citizens' convenience.
“It is the treasure of our community that we have not ignored the traditions and cultural heritage of our past,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “By helping to spread the word about the opportunities presented by each of the partnering organizations, we can help ensure that more of our citizens learn about and celebrate the unique character of our community.”
By going online to
www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation , citizens will be able to see the Historic Preservation section of the website, complete with a button for “Heritage Calendar.” Once the calendar has been selected, each month will feature a list of events, lectures, exhibits, or programs submitted by partnering organizations, along with links to websites with more information.
“Events on the Heritage Calendar for this weekend include the Williams Woodland Park Holiday Home Tour and the Wells Area Merchants Christmas on the Corridor,” said Creager Smith, historic preservation planner. “This calendar will be available for the many organizations involved in preservation of architectural and cultural resources to share their special events and educational programs with the community.”
The calendar will be available for organizations such as ARCH, the History Center, Friends of the Parks, and the Allen County Courthouse Preservation Trust, as well as historic neighborhoods and merchants' groups, to share their events with the public.
Parks & Recreation sponsors monthly free event at Georgetown
The Parks & Recreation and the Community Center are helping to sponsor a monthly free movie feature for seniors, 55+ years, at Georgetown Movie Theatre, 6414 E. State Blvd.
Join other seniors for a movie, door prizes, and refreshments at no cost on December 10th at 9:30 am, where Wall-E will be the featured presentation. Other movie dates are: January 11th, February 11th, and March 11th. For more information, call the Community Center at 427-6460.
Co-sponsors include Secure Horizons, Evercare and United Health.
Retires after 31 ½ years of Service
Animal Control Officer John McBride will retire after serving the City of Fort Wayne Department of Animal Care & Control for 31 ½ years. Mayor Tom Henry has proclaimed today as John McBride Day. Chief Rusty York will read the proclamation at a retirement ceremony Dec. 4, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at Animal Care & Control.
John McBride has also been inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame, which recognizes service, valor, or a special deed that merits respect of the community and the law enforcement profession. His badge will be retired as well.
Six houses honored for repairs
Mayor Tom Henry with the owners of four of the properties and Neighborhood Code staff members at the inaugural Gold Star awards
Mayor Tom Henry and the staff of Neighborhood Code Enforcement recognized the property owners of six houses with the inaugural Gold Star awards for repairs and improvements.
The awards celebrate owners who have worked with Neighborhood Code to repair these properties, remove all code violations and ultimately stabilize neighborhoods.
“I'm honored to recognize six outstanding examples of how cooperative property owners can make a difference in Fort Wayne neighborhoods. Neighborhood Code Enforcement exists to ensure a communitywide standard of residential property maintenance and looks to work with homeowners to bring properties into compliance,” Mayor Henry said. “These improvements take significant investments of time and money, perhaps over a year or more. The City of Fort Wayne is pleased to showcase their efforts.”
Five property owners performed the needed repairs using the work plan process, where enforcement officers work with owners to create a realistic timeline for the necessary work. Owners who make repairs in accordance with the work plan and cooperate with Neighborhood Code can often avoid tickets and fines.
“Neighborhood Code is really about developing and improving our community,” said NCE Director Cindy Joyner. “We are committed to helping owners bring their houses into compliance and increasing opportunities for appreciation in real estate values.”
Each property had a slightly different reason for the start of the improvements, but all ended with a similar result: a positive example of what owners can do to improve properties.
'¢ 2115 W Packard Ave.: The current owners purchased this property adjacent to their home in late 2007 after it had been vacant for more than a year. The property had citations for a damaged foundation, deteriorating siding, damaged eaves and broken windows. Enforcement Officer Richard Schlup worked with the owners on a work plan, where the owners did a complete renovation of the interior and exterior of the house and garage. In June the property was cleared of all violations.
'¢ 909 W. Wayne St.: Located in the historic West Central neighborhood, Neighborhood Code Enforcement found numerous exterior violations including deteriorating siding and trim, damaged eaves and deteriorated windows when Enforcement Officer Richard Schlup went in January 2006 to secure a front door that had been kicked in. Using a work plan, the owner did the painstaking removal of lead-based paint by hand, returning the home to its original glory. Although it took longer than originally scheduled, the owner consistently proceeded on the necessary repairs and was cleared of all violations in July 2008.
'¢ 2020 Thompson Ave.: In January, this property was cited for exterior violations to the house and garage. The property needed repairs on the soffits, eaves, foundation, siding and windows. Using a work plan, the owner was able to make the necessary repairs in only about four months. Enforcement Officer Richard Schlup cleared this property of all violations in May.
'¢ 604 W. Rudisill Blvd.: This property had violations dating back to 1995, but it wasn't until the owners purchased the property in March 2007 that the much-needed improvements began. Starting with four pages of code violations, the owners removed trash and debris then made significant improvements to the interior and exterior over a year and a half. The house has been completely renovated, making it an obvious choice for a Gold Star award.
'¢ 1727 W. Fourth St.: In September 2007, this foreclosed home suffered significant damage from an arson, becoming a neighborhood eyesore. Enforcement Officer Mark Salomon responded to a complaint in March to find the house open and in poor repair. Neighborhood Code contacted the owners about violations, and they got to work on the repairs using the work plan process. They repaired the bathrooms, electrical wiring, ceilings and floor. Because of the consistent progress and the end result, this house earned a Gold Star.
'¢ 429 Greenwood Ave.: A change in ownership in October 2007 prompted the start of the rehabilitation of this property that already had experienced two fires, a page and a half of violations and was being reviewed for demolition. A problem since September 2004, it needed repairs to the roof, floors, walls, ceiling, porch and windows. The new owner also took advantage of the work plan process with consistent repairs, and in November, Enforcement Officer Mark Salomon cleared this property of all violations.
Bob Chase Frostbite Sled Hockey Tournament announced at McMillen Ice Arena
In an event hosted by the McMillen Ice Arena (MAC) and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, Indiana's first sled hockey team gathered to announce the name of their first tournament. The Turnstone Flyers named Indiana's first sled hockey tournament for area celebrity Bob Chase, who has been a fixture for the past 50+ years with the hockey community.
“When we discussed naming this tournament, the first and only person we discussed was Bob Chase,” said Chuck Reddinger, Supervisor of Programming at the MAC. “We wanted to honor Bob for his many years of service to the Komets Hockey team and the hockey community, and what better way than to name a tournament for him?”
Bob Chase enthusiastically gave his support for the new sled hockey team and their upcoming tournament. “This is a great honor to be associated with this inclusive sport,” he said. “This is a great hockey town, and sled hockey broadens opportunities and opens the door for people who weren't able to play in the past.”
The sled hockey movement has taken off quickly in Fort Wayne. It began about one year ago, when new resident Randy Kwapis approached officials at the Ice Arena to see if they would consider bringing sled hockey to the City. Randy's son Matt is a disabled athlete and played this adaptive sport in Detroit. Kwapis provided a number of sleds that he manufactured, and play time was set aside for interested athletes.
The sport of sled hockey has been eagerly embraced by officials at the MAC, Fort Wayne Youth Hockey, Turnstone and the League for the Blind and Disabled. These organizations have been involved in building community support to make this program a success. Over the past six months, 15 sleds have been donated to the program and funders are coming forward to help continue the tournament.
For those familiar with wheelchair basketball and tennis, sled hockey is similar in that it is a great sport for youth and adults, and men and women. Sled hockey got its start in Sweden during the 1960's when two men with disabilities wanted to continue playing hockey. The equipment hasn't changed much since then ' players sit in sleds with two blades on the bottom. They propel and maneuver themselves with two short hockey sticks, curved on one end with short ice picks on the other end. For more information visit
www.mcmillenicearena.org or call the Ice Arena at 427-6769.
Leaf crews concluding on north side
The City of Fort Wayne's leaf crews are finishing leaf pick-up on the city's north side and moving to the south section as outlined on the leaf map but will continue to pick-up bagged leaves throughout Fort Wayne.
For city residents in areas where the last pick-up has already happened but still has leaves, they can place them in paper or biodegradable bags and request pick-up until the final collection day, Dec. 12, weather permitting. Bags receive priority pick-up within two business days, regardless of the pick-up schedule for their neighborhood.
If the second pick-up has already happened, residents need to use 311 to let the Fort Wayne Street Department know bagged leaves need to be picked up. Crews will collect bagged leaves in the northern section on a request-only basis.
“If you still have leaves and the City has already done the second and final collection for your neighborhood, don't worry. You can bag your leaves and we'll come pick them up if you use 311 by phone or online,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Please use this service instead of placing them in the trash or burning them, or you can also consider mulching or composting them in your yard.”
To save money and gain efficiencies, the City of Fort Wayne switched from three to two leaf collection cycles this year. Leaf pick-up will finish a couple of weeks earlier, allowing the Street Department trucks to be fully outfitted for snow removal a little sooner.
For the remaining loose-leaf collections, leaves must be raked to the park strip. The Street Department recommends having them there by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves is illegal, and they cannot be placed in the trash.
The remaining loose-leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
'¢ South: Dec. 1-5
'¢ Central: Dec. 8-12
Residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or click
here for the day's pick-up locations. A map of the areas is also available on the Web site. The schedule and map were also included in October's City Utilities bills.
To request bagged leaf pick-up, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311 or click
here to request pick-up using 311's online form.
Click here for YouTube video of grease accumulation in a Fort Wayne sewer pipe.
Many people are planning a big Thanksgiving Day meal this week and that will likely mean an extra amount of cooking oil will be on hand. Disposal of left over grease and oil is a big problem for the City.
“Grease may disappear from your sink, but it builds up down the line. We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year separating grease at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Even worse we have to send out crews to unclog sewer pipes, where grease builds up and blocks the pipe,” said Cheryl Cronin, Superintendent, Water Pollution Control.
The popular trend of using a turkey fryer on Thanksgiving can produce about 20 gallons of oil.
“Never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain or flush it down the toilet. That's the worst thing you can do. Instead, pour cooled oil back into the container it was purchased in. You can either reuse it or seal it properly and place it in the trash,” said Cronin.
Fort Wayne City Utilities uses a remote controlled camera to examine sewer pipes that are backed up or under performing. Everyday the cameras reveal pipes that are not operating at capacity because of grease buildup in neighborhoods all over the City.
Video of the City's camera maneuvering through the pipes and showing grease build up is available at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuCgFov8YEI . The footage shows the typical globs of grease that can build up in our sewers. It was recorded in March of 2008.
Firefighters Vote to Create New Board for Oversight
Fort Wayne Fire Department Chief Peter X. Kelly reports that the Fort Wayne firefighters have voted to implement a Fire Merit Board. The move required a 51% vote of the firefighters, and the final tally was 270 to 32, enough to proceed. Of the 357 eligible firefighter voters, 270 voted yes, 32 voted no and the remaining 55 did not vote.
“We will move forward on implementing this,” said Chief Kelly. “As before, the safety of our firefighters and the citizens will be our key focus as we work with this new board.”
Mayor Tom Henry announced he accepts the decision of the firefighters who voted to create and implement the Fire Merit Board as proposed by the recent City Council ordinance passed in August. The ordinance created a board that will oversee firefighter hiring, promotions, evaluations and discipline. It will be made up of five members, with three chosen by the mayor and two chosen by the firefighters. The mayor said he will be formally asking the three veteran members of the Board of Public Safety to serve as his three appointments to this board. Frank Casagrande, Sharon Peters and Quinton Dixie had indicated they would be willing to serve in this capacity, as well as to continue their roles with the Public Safety board. This will ensure a high degree of consistency and continuity between decisions made by the Board of Safety and the newly created Fire Merit Board.
In August, Mayor Henry expanded the Board of Public Safety to also include a retired police officer, Steve Boerger, and a retired firefighter, Bob Elder. They will also continue to serve on the public safety board.
Thursday, Friday garbage pick-up delayed one day
The City of Fort Wayne's offices, including the 311 Call Center, will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving weekend. There will be no leaf pick-up either of those days.
There will be no garbage and recycling collection Thursday, with Thursday and Friday's pick-ups pushed back one day.
The Botanical Conservatory will be open 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. The McMillen Ice Arena will be closed Thursday, but both the conservatory and the ice arena will have regular operating hours Friday. The Community Center will be closed both days.
The City will have regular hours Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Dec. 1.
Allen County offices are also closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.
In an effort to encourage utility customers to receive their bills online, STAR Financial Bank in cooperation with Fort Wayne City Utilities is giving customers a chance to win free utilities for a year.
From now until December 31, 2008 every customer that signs up to receive electronic billing for 2009 will be entered in a drawing to win free utilities for a year. The award includes any of the services a customer gets on their City Utilities bill. Those services could include all or a combination of water, sewer, stormwater and garbage. The award paid by STAR Financial is limited to not more than $600.00 for the year.
That's right 12 months of a free utility bill!
STAR Financial is funding the endeavor for customers that sign-up for online billing. Those customers already receiving online billing were put into a drawing and a winner was chosen in October for all current e-billing customers who were signed up before September 30, 2008.
“Nationwide statistics show that last year, for the first time ever, the number of households paying bills online topped those paying by check. Our world is changing and the expediency of online billing and paying online is something customers want,” said Phil GiaQuinta, Utility Services Manager.
Fort Wayne City Utilities has seen an increase in the number of households going to online billing. Last year City Utilities saw nearly a 70% increase in households using online billing. Currently more than 12,000 households are receiving online billing and 15,000 are paying their bill online.
“Customers really like this option. It's not only fast, easy and convenient, but it gives them a way to track their payment history. When they go online, they can see the previous 12 month payment history. Of course we still gladly accept checks and those customers wanting to pay in person will continue to receive quality service in our office,” said GiaQuinta.
Online billing saves the City money because it uses less paper and reduces mailing costs. For customers it keeps the clutter of bills out of their household and allows them a convenience of paying with the click of a button and saving money on the costs of stamps and checks.
Again, all customers who register for online billing between, October 1 and December 31, 2008, will be entered in the contest for “Free Utilities for a Year." The drawing will be January 5, 2009, at which time the winning customer will be notified via email.
Winners must continue e-billing for a period of 12 months to receive the maximum award.
Winners are limited to an award of not more than $600 per year.
Employees of the City of Fort Wayne and those living in their household are not eligible.
For more information go to
www.fortwaynecityutilities.com
St. Joseph Center Road intersection scheduled to flash starting 11 p.m. Wednesday
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will modify the traffic signal at St. Joseph Center Road and Arlington Parkway beginning Wednesday evening for off-peak driving times.
It will go to a red-yellow flashing schedule 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Wednesday, Nov. 26. The signal will flash yellow on the St. Joe Center and red on Arlington.
A resident recommended this change and Traffic Engineering determined that the volume of vehicles merited the change.
This summer, Traffic Engineering started evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
Traffic Engineering regularly evaluates traffic counts and patterns throughout Fort Wayne's streets for locations where changing traffic lights during off-peak hours would make sense. The City announces when traffic light operations will change.
Bagged leaves receive priority pick-up within two business days
Fort Wayne city residents who place their leaves in biodegradable bags can now request priority pick-up via the City's Web site.
Online bagged leaf pick-up requests are available by clicking
here . Residents can also call the 311 call center during business hours for pick-up.
Bagged leaves receive priority pick-up within two business days regardless of the loose-leaf pick-up schedule.
“As more and more people look for City information and services online, this additional feature from 311 allows residents to make this request any time,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Other 311 requests available online include: missed garbage or recycling collections, abandoned vehicles, street lights that are out and pothole locations. The 311 Web site assigns a tracking number to online requests. These requests can also be tracked from the site.
The 311 call center, “one call to city hall,” handles non-emergency service requests from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every report is assigned a tracking number to provide accountability and follow through.
The call center, the first of its kind in Indiana, can be reached by calling 311 or (260) 427-8311. The center's e-mail address is
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Fort Wayne Fire Department shares this important safety information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for those planning on using a Turkey Fryer to prepare holiday meals.
First and foremost, be aware that the use of turkey fryers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. NFPA discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. These turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and units currently available for home use pose a significant danger that hot oil will be released at some point during the cooking process. NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants for the preparation of the dish, or consider a new type of “oiless” turkey fryer. UL says the increasing number of fires related to turkey fryers is a risk that outweighs the benefits of the appliance and due to multiple concerns has not certified any turkey fryer with UL Mark.
The CPSC says the majority of reported turkey fryer incidents occur while the oil is being heated. For those planning to use this device anyway, the CPSC and UL offer the following advice:
Only use turkey fryers outdoors; away from any building or material that can catch fire; in full view
Make sure there is at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner
Keep children and pets well away from the fryer when in use and for several hours after cooking
Never place the fryer in a garage, on wooden decks or under a carport or breezeway
Never leave the fryer unattended; monitor the temperature closely
If any smoke at all comes from the heating pot of oil, turn the burner off immediately ' this means the oil is overheated
Cover bare skin and use pot holders
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the amount of oil to add; do not overfill the fryer
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried before adding to the oil; water and ice crystals can cause the oil to splatter or spill over
In case of fire, do not attempt to use water to extinguish a grease fire. Call 911 immediately. While waiting for the fire department to arrive, an all-purpose fire extinguisher can be used if you have one ready and know how to use it.
Two southwest intersections scheduled to flash red or yellow starting 11 p.m. Friday
To improve the flow of traffic, the City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will modify two traffic signals in southwest Fort Wayne starting Friday evening for off-peak driving times.
The following intersections will go to a red-yellow flashing schedule 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Friday, Nov. 14:
'¢ Aboite Center Road and Westlakes Drive
'¢ Covington Road and Copper Hill Run/Bluewater Trail
The signals will flash yellow on the major roadway and red on the secondary section of the intersection.
This summer, Traffic Engineering started evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
Traffic Engineering regularly evaluates traffic counts and patterns throughout Fort Wayne's streets for locations where changing traffic lights during off-peak hours would make sense. The City will announce when traffic light operations will change.
City hosts combined northeast neighborhood meeting Monday
The City of Fort Wayne will hold a special meeting for residents in the area approximately bounded by Hobson Road, Lake Avenue and Coliseum Boulevard from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in the Brentwood Elementary gymnasium, 3710 Stafford Drive.
The meeting will cover how residents can petition for infrastructure improvements, receive crime statistics updates, learn of zoning changes and how to make home improvements. This area covers the Brentwood, Bellair, Maysville Heights neighborhoods and streets not a part of an organized neighborhood association. The City mailed information to residents in this area to invite them to the meeting.
Contact Denise Porter-Ross, Northeast Area Advocate, at 427-2603 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Community Development Corporation continues to have small business loans available
The Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana, a City-sponsored non-profit organization, continues to have loans available for qualified small businesses, despite the credit crisis that has gripped many financial institutions and slowed lending for commercial expansion.
“The credit crisis has not frozen the CDC loan programs, and loans are still available for businesses seeking to expand through real estate acquisition, expansion or renovations, working capital and equipment purchases,” said CDC Executive Director Cheryl Schuster.
For the Small Business Administration's 504 loan, a private-sector lender partners with the CDC to provide financing for the purchase, construction or renovation of owner-occupied commercial real estate or the purchase of long-life fixed assets.
SBA 504 loans provide a steady source of new long-term capital at a fixed rate and frequently with only 10 percent down on a new project for a small business, helping to conserve cash for operating expenses. The intent of SBA loans is to provide access to capital for small businesses that might not otherwise be available through regular capital market channels. Use of the SBA 504 loan tends to become increasingly important as a source of long term financing when traditional sources of money decline as they have in recent months.
To find out more about CDC programs, visit the Community Development section of
www.cityoffortwayne.org and click on the Community Development Corp. link or call (260) 427-1127.
City GIS manager earns professional certification
Kevin Holle, City geographic information systems manager, earned the Geographic Information Systems Professional certification from the GIS Certification Institute. Holle is the only person in Allen County with this designation, which is achieved through education and training, GIS experience and contributions to the profession such as training others, making presentations at conferences and receiving awards for GIS projects.
City Utilities employees to make conference presentations
Three City Utilities staff members will share their expertise at the 72nd annual Indiana Water Environment Association Conference in Indianapolis Nov. 19.
Making presentations from Fort Wayne's Water Pollution Control Plant will be Superintendent Cheryl Cronin, CET, on the subject of mercury, and System Process Specialist Patsy Alvarez on the effect grease has on the sewer system.
From the Planning and Design department, Program Manager Wendy Reust, PE, will make a presentation on Fort Wayne's efforts to improve water quality and better capture floatable debris from the sewer system.
The annual conference is an opportunity for water environment experts to share best practices and new approaches to effectively treat drinking water and sewage.
Changes at Time Corners Drive Economy, Safety and Air Quality
Mayor Tom Henry, Public Works Director Bob Kennedy and Councilman Mitch Harper cut the ribbon on the Time Corners traffic improvement project
One of Fort Wayne's ten most dangerous traffic areas is safer today and the economy got a boost during the process. The Time Corners traffic improvement project is completed
Because the reconstruction addressed safety and emission concerns the city was able to seek special funding for the project.
Approximately $1.1 million from federal HES (Hazard Elimination and Safety) Funds
Approximately $1.4 million from federal CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program)
Approximately $600,000 from federal Urban fund
Approximately $500,000 from the City of Fort Wayne
“That's a tremendous boost to our economy. When you consider that the City's portion of the project was only 500 thousand and yet more than 700 thousand dollars came back to the community through contractor's local wages. That's a win-win for all of us,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Local contractors and subcontractors were used for the project and nearly 150 people were employed during the reconstruction of the Time Corners intersections.
Construction began in February of this year and today Mayor Tom Henry dedicated the project at Time Corners.
“As the population has grown this area has become extremely congested and we've had numerous accidents. The directional improvements we've made to Jefferson Boulevard, Covington and Getz Road are making the intersections at Time Corners safer,” said Mayor Henry.
It's a project long in the works with studies dating back to the late 1980's. Rapid growth in Aboite has seen traffic increase to nearly 60,000 cars per day at the intersections of Covington Road, Jefferson Boulevard and Getz Road.
“These improvements are a great example of government solving problems. As drivers, we all know the nightmares of the congestion at Time Corners. In recent years there have been more than 170 accidents a year in area of Getz, Covington and West Jefferson,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works. “It was our obligation and our commitment to make things safer and this project will definitely make a difference,” added Kennedy.
Besides making the intersections safer, the work will help air quality too. Motorists often spent minutes idling and sitting through a traffic signal rotation more than once.
“The changes made to Covington Road where it now flows into Jefferson Boulevard increase storage capacity for those cars waiting at the light. Before only about 12 cars could wait in the small section of road on Getz to turn east on the Jefferson. Now those motorists will use Covington and approximately 28 cars can wait at the light to turn east on Jefferson,” said Dave Ross, City Engineer.
The Time Corners project included traffic flow improvements in the following areas:
Realignment of the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Covington Road, making the section of Covington Road between Jefferson and Getz Road two-way.
Elimination of the left turn from southbound Getz to Jefferson. Drivers now use the new two-way Covington Road to Jefferson.
Getz now has two through lanes and a left-turn lane in each direction at the intersection of Getz and Covington.
Westbound Covington onto Getz now has a dedicated right turn lane.
Both directions of Jefferson now have dedicated turn lanes onto Getz.
The Time Corners shopping center as a new east entrance off of Jefferson with a traffic signal allowing for both right- and left-turn entrances.
A new curbed median with grass in the middle on Jefferson.
A new sidewalk on the east side of Getz.
New lighting, curbs and gutters at all intersections.
Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility Drive City Fleet
The City of Fort Wayne's Fleet Department made the 100 Best Fleets and Best Green Fleets lists to be published in Government Fleet magazine. More noteworthy, Fort Wayne's Fleet is in the only one in the country to make the top 10 on both lists. Fort Wayne finished 6th and 4th respectively.
“It's the equivalent of winning the Super Bowl and the World Series in the same year. It's difficult to do and a remarkable feat that Fort Wayne is able to manage both priorities and make the 100 Best Fleets and the Best Green Fleets list at the same time. Not only that, but Fort Wayne was in the top 10 at the same time. That just doesn't happen,” said 100 Best Fleets author, Tom Johnson
Fort Wayne's Fleet also received a third national honor by making Green Fleet Magazine's Top 100 Alt-Fuel Fleets. The award goes to both commercial and public sector fleets that are increasing the use of alternative fuel vehicles. Fort Wayne is 80th on the Alt-Fuel list competing against private sector companies like UPS, Fed Ex, Pepsi, and State Farm.
“These awards recognize the City of Fort Wayne's Fleet Department is a leader in management practices and green initiatives for government vehicles,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The department has implemented innovative ideas that save money year after year for Fort Wayne taxpayers while earning a national reputation as a model for fleet management.”
“The awards let us know where we stack up with the rest of the country but they also let us know where we can still improve. We think we can do even better and we'll continue to strive for efficiency and to become the community leader in environmental issues concerning fleet operations,” said Larry Campbell, Fleet Operations Manager.
Criteria for the 100 Best Fleets Award, includes the use of technology, performance, collaboration, service turnaround time and accountability. The Best Green Fleets award honors government fleet operators dealing with the daily challenges facing government fleet managers. It recognizes government fleets in green fleet planning and methodology, things like fleet make-ups that include hybrids, electric, propane and bio fuel vehicles, as well as the disposal and treatment of oil and chemicals.
“More than 700 fleets vie for the honor of being in the top 100. Fort Wayne's placing near the top in both categories is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of our staff, Mayor Henry and our city council, which allows us to explore new and better alternatives,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works.
The efforts of the fleet operations are credited for saving the City money too. Alternative fuels and new technologies have cut fuel expenses and allowed the City to keep those expenses flat as it grew geographically by more than 35%. Initiatives such as the anti idling program where trucks shut off after ten minutes, hybrid and electric vehicles, and other day to day operation changes are making a difference in emissions.
“When you look at the medical and environmental challenges of today it seems clear that many of them were created by humans, allowing things like emissions to creep into our air or oil to seep into our streams. The biggest thing I think of is future generations and that should drive all of us to explore better options,” said Campbell.
First Vehicle Services operates the fleet maintenance services and will continue exploring new options for using alternative fuels in the coming years.
The 100 Best Fleets and Best Green Fleets will be itemized in the November/December issue of Government Fleet magazine.
Funds Will help Address Foreclosed Properties
Mayor Tom Henry today began to illustrate what $7 million HUD funds will do to strengthen and support neighborhoods in Fort Wayne. As he stood in front of a vacant house in the 3100 block of Hanna Street, Mayor Henry pointed to the well-maintained and attractive homes all around it.
“I've long had a commitment to strengthening and stabilizing our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “As you look up and down this street, you can see the effort most property owners put into keeping their homes and yards well maintained and attractive. But then one house sits empty for too long, and it deteriorates into an eyesore that impacts the property value of everyone else on the block. That's simply not right. This new source of funding will help us address houses like this one, either to tear them down or to rehabilitate them, and either way, the neighbors benefit.”
With foreclosures on the rise across the nation, Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act in July, 2008. Fort Wayne has been designated as one of the eligible communities to receive funds intended to help communities mitigate the negative impact of vacant and abandoned homes. Nationwide, nearly $4 billion is slated to be used for acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition of vacant and foreclosed properties.
The City of Fort Wayne is ahead of many other communities in the planning stage of how to use the HUD dollars. Soon after Mayor Henry took office, he directed community development staff to begin finding solutions to the problems of vacant and abandoned houses in the city, a problem made worse by the down turn in the housing market and the increase in foreclosures. The City's intentions for the funding are to continue to stabilize neighborhoods, increase home values and encourage investment in the City.
The State of Indiana is expected to receive about $83 million: Fort Wayne may be able to leverage some of that in addition to the $7 million the City has been told it can expect. The funds are released according to a plan the community has to submit. The proposed plan is now available on the City's website: (http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/community_development/hns/files/NSP_draft.pdf ) and also available for residents to look it over at any of the Allen County Library branches. The public has until November 24 to make any comments on the plan, which HUD will take into account as it doles out the funding.
“We'll be working out the details of how we'll identify private sector partners to work with us on this neighborhood stabilization program,” said Mayor Henry. “We'll be injecting revenue into the community for jobs and that's going to help some of our local businesses in this time of a difficult housing market.”
Video from today's news conference is available on the City's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/fwpublicinformation
Drivers should use alternate route
Lake Avenue between Laverne Avenue and Beacon Street is closed to through traffic while City Utilities repairs a water main break that happened earlier today. The closure is expected to last until after 6 p.m.
The water main break caused lower water pressure to customers from downtown to approximately Washington Center Road.
The City of Fort Wayne recommends drivers use State Boulevard between Coliseum and Anthony.
Central area will get full pick-up rotation next week
City leaf collection crews will get a head start in Fort Wayne's central section today, while finishing the first collection in the south area tomorrow. The entire central area will also get a full pick-up cycle next week in accordance with the published schedule.
Residents who have their leaves in biodegradable bags can call the 311 Call Center for priority pick-up within two business days, regardless of the pick-up schedule in their area.
The street department recommends having leaves raked to the park strip by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves is illegal, and they cannot be placed in the trash.
The City is providing two collections cycles instead of three to save taxpayer money while improving service. Weather permitting, leaf collection will end Dec. 12.
The remaining loose-leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
'¢ North: Nov. 17-21
'¢ South: today and Nov. 7 and Dec. 1-5
'¢ Central: Nov. 10-14 and Dec. 8-12
'¢ The week of Nov. 24 will be used be to catch up on weather-related delays.
During leaf season, residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org for the day's pick-up locations. A map of the areas is also available on the Web site. The schedule and map were also included in October's City Utilities bills.
To schedule bagged leaf pick-up, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.
Verizon doing underground repairs
The two east lanes of Lafayette Street between Berry Street and Superior Avenue are scheduled to reopen Tuesday following pavement repairs Monday, weather permitting
The lanes are closed while Verizon does some underground repairs.
The City of Fort Wayne recommends drivers find an alternative route when possible.
City Utilities crews are working to repair a large water main that broke at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Hobson Road this morning. The break is causing low water pressure in many neighborhoods in the north part of the City.
City Utilities customers in the areas from the City's downtown to Washington Center Road may be experiencing low water pressure.
Crews are working on the situation and pressure should be back to normal late this afternoon.
Water Maintenance repairing main break
Lake Avenue between Laverne Avenue and Beacon Street will remain closed to through traffic at least through 8 a.m. Friday as City Utilities works to repair a water main break.
The water main break caused lower water pressure to customers from downtown to approximately Washington Center Road.
The City of Fort Wayne recommends drivers use State Boulevard between Coliseum and Anthony.
Verizon doing underground repairs
The two east lanes of Lafayette Street between Berry Street and Superior Avenue will be closed until further notice as Verizon does some underground repairs.
The City of Fort Wayne recommends drivers find an alternative route when possible.
Mayor Tom Henry with Public Works Director Bob Kennedy with assistance of Mike Kiester in Engineering Services and two of the contractors for the Westbrook rain garden project cut the ribbon
Mayor Tom Henry cut the ribbon Oct. 31 to officially dedicate the Westbrook Rain Garden. Fort Wayne's largest rain garden will compliment a major flood protection project.
“I believe it helps us greatly in solving the longtime problem of flooding in the Eastbrook/Westbrook neighborhood, while at the same time bringing a unique beauty to the area. In essence, hope is planted,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
“I was on the City Council some 25 years ago when I came out to help sandbag in the area. I know residents dealt with the flash floods along the Spy Run Creek many times. Once there were three floods in one year,” added Henry.
A view from the former Westbrook Avenue now a flood control project with the City's largest rain garden.
The Flood Control Plan for Westbrook materialized after numerous floods. Over the years several homeowners voluntarily approached the City asking to be bought out and last year the City was able to accomplish that. Using Stormwater Bond money the City purchased 11 homes last year.
“Through the years we've investigated many ways to protect the neighborhood from flooding. After looking at many options we determined that there was no structural alternative. So we started the process of removing the damaged homes and helping citizens relocate,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works. “I'm pleased the City and neighbors have found a way to work together on this project and that residents voluntarily sold their houses,” added Kennedy.
The flood control project expands the capacity for flood water storage at Spy Run Creek. It basically recreates a flood plain, significantly reducing the opportunity for property damage during high water in this area.
“We wanted to make the area aesthetically pleasing as well as using it for flood storage. So, our solution was to create a rain garden. As the project proceeded the City was able to incorporate suggestions from the neighborhood that have preserved some of the historical characteristics of the area,” said Kennedy.
The Rain Garden will collect surface water while the deep roots of the natural flowers and vegetation help more water soak into the ground. As flood waters recede the plants will serve as a sort of filtering system to improve water quality.
“Finally, a long awaited solution has arrived for flood protection to residents along Eastbrook and Westbrook Drive on the Spy Run Creek. What a beautiful solution it is'A Rain Garden that doubles as a lovely greenspace that everyone can enjoy in dry weather,” said Tom Didier, 3rd District Council Member.
More than 2500 plants and flowers were planted in the area. They will bloom at various times giving color through most seasons.
“We hope that citizens will take an opportunity to stroll through the Westbrook Rain Garden and enjoy something very unique in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry.
Rain Gardens are a growing trend in urban areas as cities work to gain more greenspace, manage stormwater runoff and aid flood control. The City of Fort Wayne is planning nearly 20 additional rain gardens at various public locations throughout the City.
Mayor Henry is committed to completing several other flood control projects around the City in the next year.
To see video from today's ribbon cutting, check out the City's YouTube channel .
Resident's request prompts change that reflects traffic volumes
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department will change the traffic signal pattern at the intersection of Fairfield Avenue and Rudisill Boulevard Nov. 12 to improve traffic flow.
The light will change to a two-phase cycle, with Rudisill's left-turn traffic in both directions yielding to through traffic. The left-turn arrow will be removed. Currently this intersection has a three-phase cycle, with east- and westbound traffic having a dedicated signal phase.
This intersection will have the same traffic signal pattern as the lights at the intersections of Rudisill and South Wayne and Indiana avenues.
A request from a resident prompted this modification, which better reflects the amount of vehicles using this intersection daily. Signs notifying motorists of a signal change will be placed near the intersection.
“Drivers will need to pay extra attention at this intersection in the coming weeks as they get accustomed to the change. I appreciate residents recommending ways Traffic Engineering and City government can work better for them. We are open to their comments and want to make adjustments when possible,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The Local Government Efficiency Study Group, formed by Resolution between the Fort Wayne City Council and Allen County Commissioners in November 2007, recently announced their final recommendations to the citizens and governmental bodies of Fort Wayne and Allen County. The 15-member group was charged to make recommendations on solutions to streamline government, from making no changes to a possible city and county government consolidation.
For any citizen interested in reading and studying these recommendations that have been given to city and county elected officials, they are available on the
City of Fort Wayne's website .
LEAF PICK-UP STARTS MOVING RIGHT ALONG; CREWS MOVE SOUTH
City leaf collection crews are already moving on to start their work on the south side of town. Fort Wayne's annual leaf pick-up started Monday on the city's north side. Crews had good working conditions this week and have nearly completed their first sweep of the north side. Some crews will now be directed to the south side of town to get a head start on waiting leaves. The City is providing two collections cycles instead of three to save taxpayer money while improving service. Weather permitting, leaf collection will end Dec. 12.
Residents who have their leaves in biodegradable bags can call the 311 Call Center for priority pick-up within two business days, regardless of the pick-up schedule in their area.
Leaves must be raked to the park strip. The street department recommends having them there by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves is illegal, and they cannot be placed in the trash.
The loose-leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
· North: Oct. 27-31 and Nov. 17-21
· South: Nov. 3-7 and Dec. 1-5
· Central: Nov. 10-14 and Dec. 8-12
· The week of Nov. 24 will be used be to catch up on weather-related delays.
Any southern locations picked up this week will be revisited during the regular collection the entire week of November 3-7. This way, residents in the south side who have leaves waiting to be picked up will be served, but those who did not set out their leaves early will not be penalized. Some crews will remain north to pick up any leaves that are set out through this week.
During leaf season, residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org for the day's pick-up locations. A map of the areas is also available on the Web site. The schedule and map were also included in October's City Utilities bills.
To schedule bagged leaf pick-up, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.
Residents can call 311 for priority pick-up of bagged leaves
Fort Wayne's annual leaf pick-up starts Oct. 27 on the city's north side. The City is providing two collections cycles instead of three to save taxpayer money while improving service. Weather permitting, leaf collection will end Dec. 12.
Residents who have their leaves in biodegradable bags can call the 311 Call Center starting Monday for priority pick-up within two business days, regardless of the pick-up schedule in their area.
Leaves must be raked to the park strip. The street department recommends having them there by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves is illegal, and they cannot be placed in the trash.
The loose-leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
'¢ North: Oct. 27-31 and Nov. 17-21
'¢ South: Nov. 3-7 and Dec. 1-5
'¢ Central: Nov. 10-14 and Dec. 8-12
'¢ The week of Nov. 24 will be used be to catch up on weather-related delays.
During leaf season, residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or visit
www.cityoffortwayne.org for the day's pick-up locations. A map of the areas is also available on the Web site. The schedule and map were also included in October's City Utilities bills.
To schedule bagged leaf pick-up starting Monday, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.
Harrison Square Progress Replaces 19th Century Brick Pipe
Larger water mains, new sewer separation lines and improved service are part of the Phase 1B utility improvements at Harrison Square that get underway next week.
City Utilities will start the much needed projects Monday October 27, 2008 and that will result in street closures with marked detours.
Beginning Monday, Ewing Street will be closed from Baker Street to Washington Boulevard. Traffic will be rerouted along Baker Street to Calhoun Street to Washington Boulevard and then back to Ewing Street heading north. The street is expected to be closed for three months.
Additionally, Jefferson Boulevard will have lane restrictions for about the next three weeks at the intersection of Ewing Street. By Wednesday of next week the two lanes on the north side of Jefferson will be closed while workers place stormwater pipes. Those lanes will be closed for about a week and a half. Once that work is completed the two lanes on the south side of Jefferson will close for the placing of stormwater pipes.
During the construction the traffic signals at Jefferson and Ewing and Jefferson and Webster will become flashing signals to help facilitate the movement of traffic through the area, however, considerable congestion and delays can be anticipated as Jefferson Boulevard is reduced to two lanes. Motorists should avoid the area if possible, especially during rush hour.
The sewer and water improvements are part of the Harrison Square project and are designed to meet the needs of the project as well as provide capacity and service for future growth in the surrounding area. It also allows the city to upgrade century old infrastructure. The existing combined sewer was constructed in 1882 and is made of brick. A separate sanitary sewer and storm sewer will replace the old 54-inch brick combined sewer pipe. These new sewers will redirect wastewater and stormwater to a sewer system that has the capacity to more adequately covey the water from the area.
Additionally, 4-inch cast iron water mains constructed in 1900 will be replaced with larger mains along Ewing Street and Webster Street. Two additional hydrants will also be added to enhance fire protection in the area. Sanitary sewers and storm sewers will be added on Ewing and a storm sewer will be added on Webster between Brackenridge and Douglass Street and along Brackenridge between Webster and Ewing. Webster Street will remain open during construction.
The cost of the project is $840,000. The Redevelopment Commission will pay two thirds of the cost and City Utilities one third.
Requests from residents spurred this addition
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department has added left-turn arrows to the traffic signals on Freeman Street and Lindenwood Avenue at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard.
These left-turn arrows for northbound Freeman and southbound Lindenwood went into use Oct. 13, following the resurfacing of Lindenwood Avenue and the installation of detection loops.
Shan Gunawardena, the City's traffic engineer, said the arrows were added following requests from drivers and because it had sufficient left-turn traffic volume.
As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, people look for ways to remove them. For those considering burning leaves, twigs or trash that have accumulated on their lawns, the Fort Wayne Fire Department reminds everyone to avoid open burning as a general rule.
FWFD Fire Marshal Jim Murua says, “No one is to kindle or maintain open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, refuse fire, or other open burning according to Fort Wayne City Code.”
He explains that there are two exemptions allowed under certain conditions.
1. Bonfires celebrating school pep rallies are one exemption which requires obtaining a Burn Permit from FWFD at least 24 hours in advance of the permitted open burning. Call 427-1102 for more information or with questions.
2. Recreational camp fires for scouting or family cookout activities are allowed without a Burn Permit and are subject to the conditions listed below.
These exemptions must be subject to the following:
· A garden hose connected to a water supply, buckets, shovel, fire extinguisher or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available at the burn site.
· Only wood products shall be burned ' no leaves, paper or trash.
· A fire shall be attended by a responsible party at all times until completely extinguished.
· If the open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished.
· A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
· A fire shall not exceed an area three feet wide by two feet high.
Anyone who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally kindles, or maintains any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning that damages property of another person or spreads to property of another person may be liable for criminal mischief.
Any person who maintains burning of combustible materials out of doors or open burning not permitted shall be in violation and may be fined $50. If the violator does not appear in response to a notice issued to them within a period of 30 calendar days from the date and time shown on the notice, the penalty shall be $75. Repeat violators will be fined.
Please take the extra time necessary to exercise safety at all times.
Funds Will Help City Support Development in Downtown and Commercial Corridors
Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City had been notified it will receive $15 million in new markets tax credits. These funds from the U.S. Treasury will encourage private sector investment in distressed communities. Mayor Henry said the City's application, under the name of Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, LLC, targeted projects in the downtown and commercial corridor areas of our community.
“We are very pleased that our application was one of the 70 selected from nearly 240 submitted to the Treasury for this program,” said Mayor Henry. “We want to do all we can as a City to encourage the development and redevelopment projects that will boost our downtown neighborhoods and the commercial corridor areas of our community. This money will help bring new business and projects to areas in the heart of our community.”
The New Markets Tax Credit program is used as a piece of the financing package when real estate deals are being put together. Having the program available will mean more projects will be undertaken in our community, according to Sharon Feasel, executive director of the Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, LLC. “Neighborhoods that have been eager for new business may now see developers interested and able to bring new opportunities to the area,” Feasel said.
The New Markets Tax Credits program was established by Congress in 2000 to allow individual and corporate taxpayers to receive a credit against their federal income taxes when they make a qualified investment in the community. A report based upon the data collected on NMTC investments between 2002 and 2007 found that in the relatively short period of time since its inception, the NMTC Program has become an increasingly popular and critical tool for facilitating the investment of private sector capital in low-income communities. It has induced an estimated $14 of investment for every $1 of federal tax revenue foregone as a result of the credit.
Fort Wayne one of 42 communities taking part in Rails to Trails Conservancy advocacy program
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry called on federal leaders today to appropriate $50 million for Fort Wayne-area trails and other infrastructure projects that will make the area more friendly for pedestrians and bicyclists alike, while improving access to mass transit.
The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation with Allen County, the City of New Haven and Citilink are part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy's 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation. It asks Congress to expand a pilot federal program, which funded multimodal infrastructure improvements in four communities, as part of the 2010 federal transportation funding bill.
“The federal government has been instrumental over the past 50 years in expanding and maintaining car-based infrastructure, which has been critical in economic development for our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “As more people are using their feet, bicycles and public transportation to get around town, local communities like ours need federal dollars to help build multiuse trails, sidewalks, paths and bike lanes that connect people to their destinations. Federal funding is critical for transportation systems that enhance quality of life and serve as a foundation for high-tech economic development.”
To put $50 million in perspective, that's the cost of a single mile of a four-lane urban highway. That same amount could fund hundreds of miles of a multimodal transportation network for Fort Wayne, Allen County and New Haven.
Fort Wayne, Allen County and New Haven are one of 42 communities participating in the campaign. The other Indiana location is Indianapolis. The plan calls for a $5 million, 10 percent, local match.
Today's news conference was part of events across the country calling on federal leaders to invest in active transportation that can enhance individuals' mobility, spur economic development, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and increase opportunities for health and fitness.
“If we are to continue to extend our trails, sidewalks, multi-use trails and bike lanes, federal funding will be needed. We have made great progress in providing alternative transportation connectivity in New Haven, Fort Wayne and Allen County,” said New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald. “With increased usership each year, our experience in New Haven with our portion of the River Greenway has been a tremendous success!”
Fort Wayne authored a case statement that highlights recent successes in trail development, including the doubling of trail mileage from 20 miles to more than 40 in just over three years, as well as plans for new bike and pedestrian routes. A copy of the case statement is available at
www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/whatwedo/case_statements/Ft%20Wayne.pdf .
Additional construction of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can reduce reliance on automobiles, improve access to and use of mass transit and increase exercise and activity levels of Allen County citizens.
“The trails that have been built in Allen County continue to benefit our community's health, economy and recreational opportunities,” said County Commissioner Linda Bloom. “The importance of trails to our future infrastructure is evident in our 2030 Transportation Plan and we hope federal leaders will recognize this and provide funding so we can continue to build out these systems.”
Local residents have expressed a desire for more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure while Citilink bus ridership increased this summer. In the 25 public workshops for the Plan-It Allen comprehensive land use plan, more trails and sidewalks was one of the top three requests.
The City's bicycle use survey, which launched earlier this month, has received more than 900 responses. The online version of the survey is available at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/bikeusesurvey through Nov. 17.
The 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation is an expansion of the SmartMobility pilot program that allocated $25 million in 2006 through 2009 for each of four communities ' Columbia, Mo., Marin County, Calif., Minneapolis and Sheboygan County, Wisc. ' to expand non-motorized infrastructure and public transit use. For more information about the national campaign, visit
www.railstotrails.org/2010 .
Check out Dawn Ritchie, greenways manager, explaining the play on this
YouTube post .
Update Shows Construction on Target
Essential modernization to the Fort Wayne's Water Treatment Facility and the St. Joe Dam is on target for completion.
Already completed at the downtown Water Treatment Facility is the new electrical building and an emergency generator to ensure water delivery even if there is a power outage. It's critical to the security of our city and our water supply.
“We have to make sure citizens have water and that we can provide adequate pressure for the Fire Department if there is a power outage. It's irresponsible and endangers our infrastructure security to not have a back-up source,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Replacing electrical systems and upgrading mechanical equipment will help City Utilities meet modern demands and support the needs of the future. The $2.5 million Filter Valve Replacement Project is important to water purification at the Water Filtration Plant. Filter valves control the way water moves through the filtering system, which is the last step in the water purification process.
It is on target for completion in January of 2009.
“We are using filter valves that are outdated. Operation of the existing valves has become increasingly problematic in recent years because repairs became more frequent. The new valves will be more efficient and more reliable, said Mark Gensic, Manager of Planning and Design.
A vital project that's about 50% complete at this point is the $13.5 million dollar North Pump Building. The building will house high service pumps that can pump up to 48 million gallons per day and meet our peek needs. It replaces aging equipment built in 1930. The pumps will send water to all parts of the City and are critical to maintaining water pressure.
“Capacity and reliability will greatly improve with the new pumps. It ensures that we can meet the needs of the community for many years to come,” said Matthew Wirtz, Deputy Director of Engineering.
As construction continues at the North Pump Building, maintenance will be performed on the underground reservoir. A specialty company that cleans reservoirs will be brought in to clean the bottom of our reservoir using a robotic vacuum. The process should take about three weeks and will begin next Monday. It's an essential procedure for completing the construction and connection of the high service pumps.
The North Pump Project is on deadline to finish in the summer of 2010.
Away from the Water Filtration Plant, at the St. Joe Dam, work continues on a new electrical system with a backup generator and the addition of two pumps. The pumps replace aging equipment and make the process at the dam more efficient and reliable. The project is about 75% complete and will meet its target date of March of 2009.
Customers made these improvements possible through the rate increase in 2006. Utility rates are the only way City Utilities has to fund essential improvements to the water system infrastructure.
“We take customer trust seriously and are committed to improving the efficiency of our operation. We use our revenues efficiently and we understand that rate increases can be burdensome. That's why we only come to ratepayers to request an increase when we absolutely need to ask for them to improve service or to meet federal mandates,” said Kumar Menon, Director of City Utilities.
These projects total nearly $24.5 million. Of that, more than $18 million is staying in the community through the hiring of local contractors.
“I'm always thrilled when we can build essentially needed upgrades to our water system that not only improve services but at the same time are able to give a boost to the local economy," said Mayor Henry.
Residents can send City Council their feedback about police expenditures
Following a request from Councilman Tim Pape at Tuesday's City Council meeting, the City of Fort Wayne has posted an online comment form about the proposed 2009 budget for the Fort Wayne Police Department.
The comment form links to the budget and asks for feedback about what the Police Department's budget priorities should be. All comments will be sent to City Council members, who are currently reviewing Mayor Tom Henry's 2009 City budget for approval.
“The public should have a chance to comment on the police budget because of its importance in public safety and judge the cost and importance of the expenditures compared to the value of the police protection provided,” said Councilman Pape. “It's the City's largest single department. We cannot cut costs substantially without taking officers off the street. That is the choice.”
The Police Department comprises 33 percent of the property-tax supported budget while providing a critical public-safety service for every resident of Fort Wayne. The department has 460 sworn officers, 35 full-time civilian employees and 418 take-home vehicles.
The comment page can be found
here or by clicking on slide No. 4 on the homepage at www.cityoffortwayne.org. The police budget is online at
here .
Residents in a five block area on Fort Wayne's west side are without water service this afternoon. The water is shut off while City Utilities makes repairs. The interruption involves homes between the 1900 to the 2200 block of Melbourne Court, the 5200 block of Crandon Lane and the 5300 block of Kenton Lane.
The service is expected to be back later this afternoon around 4:30pm.
Mayor Tom Henry cuts the ribbon for the Renaissance Pointe trail in southeast Fort Wayne
New YMCA Will Be in the Heart of Renaissance Pointe Neighborhood
Mayor Tom Henry and YMCA CEO Martin Pastura joined police officers, neighborhood residents and YMCA supporters to bike, walk and roll along the new Renaissance Point Trail today. The Trail connects the site of the newly announced Renaissance Pointe YMCA to the neighborhood about six blocks away.
“Since our community is becoming more and more aware of fitness as well as fuel-saving options, we wanted to demonstrate how easy it is to get to where you want to go,” said Mayor Henry. He joined a group who participated in the ground blessing for the new YMCA and then took to the trail to parade over to the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood for a ribbon cutting on the new Trail in that neighborhood. The Mayor and two police officers lead the procession on their T3 Segway-style scooters while and Pastura and others rode bicycles while some walked from the site of the YMCA to the official destination at John and Hurd Streets.
“We look forward to meeting our neighbors and showing them the exciting new opportunities they'll have at the new YMCA,” said Pastura. “From childcare to fitness to community meetings, we are excited to be bringing a fabulous new facility to this area, which is undergoing an amazing transformation with the City's investment in the infrastructure and the developers' commitment to creating a front-porch neighborhood in the heart of the central city.”
The Mayor acknowledged the private investment, from homeowners who've taken part in the rehab programs for homes and pointed out the many well-kept yards and homes in the area, blending with the new construction to create a cohesive, comfortable neighborhood feel. “The City is pleased that the YMCA has chosen to collaborate with our vision for revitalizing an older part of the community, bringing high quality facilities and more opportunities to the families who call this neighborhood “home,” said Mayor Henry. “With strong connections like this trail leading to positive destinations like the YMCA, each development strengthens the other, and our residents benefit most of all.”
The City has made significant investment in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood, primarily through infrastructure improvements in the last two years. In 2007, the City invested:
$1.5 million in storm/drainage improvements
$80,000 in improvements to John Street (model block area)
$450,000 in water/sanitary connections to Phase 1 lots
In 2008, City invested:
$2.1 million in other “dry side” Phase 1 improvements (sidewalks, street paving, alleys, signs, new Hurd Street, new trail)
Total investment to date by the City of Fort Wayne (in infrastructure only): approximately $4.1 million.
City, County collecting coats for Township giveaway
The City of Fort Wayne and County of Allen are collecting new and gently used winter coats as part of the Wayne Township Trustee's coat drive.
Anyone can drop off a coat or jacket throughout the City-County Building, the Parks and Recreation Department at 705 E. State Boulevard, the Street Department at 1701 Lafayette St., Fire Administration at 307 Murray St. during regular business hours.
The Wayne Township Trustee's Office, 320 E. Superior St., is taking donations of winter coats through October 22.
For more information call the County Commissioners' office at 449-7000 or the Office of the Mayor at 427-1111.
City reminds residents to keep signs out of the right of way
The City of Fort Wayne is enforcing its sign ordinance that forbids yard signs in the right of way and on public property including parks, utility poles, traffic signs, shelters, trees, garbage cans and benches.
Fort Wayne's Right of Way Department can remove signs placed illegally.
For houses or businesses with a sidewalk, the sign must not be in the parkstrip between the sidewalk and the street. If the location doesn't have a sidewalk, generally the sign needs to be 11 feet from the curb or edge of the street.
Any questions about right-of-way locations can be directed to 427-6155.
Washington Elementary artwork on display
Artwork from students at Washington Elementary School is on display at the City-County Building. Art from third, fourth and fifth grade students is in the 9th floor lobby.
Fleet manager on green vehicles panel in Chicago
Larry Campbell, the City's fleet manager, served on a panel at the Green Fleet conference in Chicago Sept. 16 with fleet managers from the private and public sectors. Campbell spoke about preparing the maintenance facility and technicians for challenges repairing a green fleet as well as adding idle-reduction technology on diesel trucks.
Parks and Recreation youth centers hosting open house
The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department's youth centers at Jennings, Cooper and Weisser are participating in a citywide Safe Haven Prevention week October 10 - 18, pledging to stay in shape, in school, off drugs, and out of gangs. Safe Havens are Jennings, Cooper, Weisser, East Wayne Street, Eagles Nest, Euell Wilson, Fort Wayne Urban League, and Old Fort YMCA.
The following sites are holding open houses as part of the Safe Haven Prevention Week:
Saturday, 10/11 Cooper Community Center
11am ' 3pm 2300 Clinton & Creighton Ave. (427-6728)
Sunday, 10/12 Union Baptist Church
11:30 Services 2200 Smith Street (456-3421)
Monday, 10/13 Weisser Park Youth Center
5pm ' 7pm 802 Eckart Street (427-6780)
Tuesday, 10/14 Euell Wilson Center
4pm ' 6pm 1512 Oxford Street (456-2917)
Wednesday, 10/15 Old Fort YMCA
4pm ' 6pm 2221 Reed Street (745-0541)
Thursday, 10/16 Jennings Recreation Center
4pm ' 6pm 1330 McCulloch Street (427-6700)
For more information on safe havens and how to get involved, contact Bennie Lewis, Manager of Neighborhood Programs for Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, at 427-6701.
Assistance Available to Commercial Property Owners in Corridors Throughout the Community
Mayor Tom Henry today shared details Oct. 9 of the City's planned Commercial Façade Grant program with members of the business community along the Broadway corridor.
“When I was running for mayor, I talked about my desire to “strengthen the heart” of our community,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I wanted to make opportunities available to property owners in designated corridors that would help make every corner of our community commercially attractive for investment and commerce.” The Mayor explained the new program will make funds available to offset the costs of facades, signage, lighting, awnings, parking improvements, decorative fencing, and other enhancements owners may wish to make to their property.
The average matching amount of the grant is expected to be about $20,000, but larger projects may qualify for more assistance, the mayor said. Administered through the Redevelopment Department, the grant applications will be available November 14, 2008, both in the City-County Building and online. Property and business owners who meet certain criteria will be able to apply from November 14 to December 19, 2008 so funds will likely help them with spring construction projects. Projects must be located in City Council-designated economic development target areas (EDTAs), several of which exist throughout the community. An EDTA area map is available at the city's website.
“The ideal grant program of this type finds the intersection of what the business community, the neighborhoods and the City all deem important,” said Mayor Henry. “We've identified areas where we want to support redevelopment, and where neighborhoods have told us they'd like to see more done to support businesses. In an area such as where we are today, along the Broadway corridor, business owners have come together to work as a team, identifying a vision they have for this area, and we are proud to offer support and assistance to help make the vision a reality for all involved.”
Mayor Henry thanked attorney and property owner Steve Shine for his long-term commitment to the Broadway corridor and his personal investment into the area surrounding his office building. “With committed individuals like Steve Shine, who put their effort and investment into creating a stronger residential and commercial neighborhood, an entire area can be turned around and enhanced,” said the Mayor. “We're pleased that the City can play a role, too.”
Applications will be available from the Redevelopment offices and online in the next few weeks. Businesses with questions or wanting more information may call Julie Sanchez at 427-2147.
Traffic Signals at two downtown intersections are not functioning this morning due to a pole fire at Broadway and Washington.
Temporary stop signs are in place at the intersections of Broadway and Washington and Broadway and Jefferson.
American Electric Power is working on the situation. At this time the City does not know how long the signals will be out.
All traffic signals out earlier today are operating again with the exception of Spy Run & Fourth Street.
A pole fire occurred at Fourth Street and I&M has barricaded the road while crews are working on the pole. It is expected to be closed through mid-evening.
Spy Run remains open.
Fort Wayne Fire Department is observing the 2008 National Fire Prevention Week theme of Prevent Home Fires by announcing a new Smoke Alarm Distribution Program. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the annual theme for this week dedicated to reminding everyone to put safety first and take proactive steps to reduce the number of fires and fire-related injuries. FWFD chose to make the announcement today about this new program at its Survive Alive House in Fort Wayne's Safety Village.
“We feel the number one step anyone can take towards fire safety is to make sure that their home, apartment or business location has a working smoke alarm,” said Chief Peter X. Kelly, FWFD. “The new program we are introducing is a need-based program using Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Income Guidelines to provide smoke alarms in homes for those that would not be able to afford them,” he added.
FWFD's Smoke Alarm Distribution Program will be funded by a $55,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and $5,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. FWFD will have registration forms available beginning Monday, Oct. 13, at FWFD Code Enforcement Division, 4130 Lahmeyer Road; FWFD Administration Office, 307 East Murray Street; and, Safety Village, 1275 south Phoenix Parkway. Those completed registration forms are to be returned to any of these listed FWFD locations for review to see if the applicant meets the guidelines. Forms will also be available at Catholic Charities, 315 East Washington Blvd.; Early Childhood Alliance Administrative Office, 3320 Fairfield Ave.; and, any Fort Wayne office for Community Action of Northeast Indiana. The forms are to be returned only to the three FWFD locations listed above or may be sent via FAX to 427-5082. Those that qualify will then be contacted by FWFD.
Another aspect of Fire Prevention Week occurred earlier today with the 62nd Annual WOWO Citywide Fire Drill. All schools within Fort Wayne are encouraged to participate in the drill in which a host school is selected to actually activate its fire alarm and make the “911” call. Blackhawk Christian Junior-Senior High School was the 2008 host school and Charly Butcher, WOWO's Morning Show host, was onsite at Blackhawk to signal the beginning of the drill for all of the schools.
In addition to smoke alarms and fire drills, FWFD lists some additional fire prevention steps that can be taken to make a home or business safer. A complete list is available at
www.firepreventionweek.org
Do not overload any electrical outlet or power strip. Be sure to make sure all cords or not frayed or stripped.
Make sure the chimney is professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
Test smoke alarms every month and change the batteries according the manufacturer's instructions.
If your home is equipped with gas appliances and/or a fireplace, install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 86 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
...
Residents can send comments via City Utilities insert or extended online survey for bike lane locations
Recognizing the increased use of bicycles in Fort Wayne, Mayor Tom Henry is asking for feedback to make the city more bicycle-friendly. Henry asks residents to complete a survey about their bicycle use and where they might like to see bike lanes or bike-friendly paths.
In addition to the survey, a team of City employees is evaluating locations that might be suitable for bicycle lanes while continuing to invest in existing and additional multiuse trails.
City Utilities customers will receive a survey in their October bill. Those can be returned with their payment. An online survey is available at
www.cityoffortwayne.org/bikeusesurvey , which goes into greater depth with additional questions.
The surveys ask questions about riding frequencies, challenges bicyclists face, locations for bike lanes or paths, where bicyclists currently ride and where they'd like to ride. Mayor Henry encourages all cyclists to complete either survey by Nov. 17.
“If you're a casual weekend bike rider, a dedicated bicycle commuter or even someone who is just thinking about riding, we need to hear from you,” Mayor Henry said. “I know I've noticed so many more people using their bicycles downtown and throughout Fort Wayne this summer, and riders want safe routes. We've been successful in the ongoing expansion of our trail network in Fort Wayne, but the time is now to look at ways to incorporate bicycles into our other transportation plans.”
Results from the survey, which will be released after the first of the year, will be used for a bicycle transportation plan for Fort Wayne. Locations for bike lanes have not been established, but City staff members have already started to look at areas that may be ready for such features with minor modifications.
“Bike paths are about connectivity, connecting people to work, parks, shopping, library branches and schools. We want this to be a well-designed plan that fits the needs of people who use bicycles as transportation as well as recreation,” Mayor Henry said.
The City also plans to host some bicycle forums to gain additional public input. Those will be announced at a later date.
Tourney is preceded by week of open houses for area youth
The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department's youth centers at Jennings, Cooper and Weisser are participating in a citywide Safe Haven Prevention week October 10 - 18, pledging to stay in shape, in school, off drugs, and out of gangs. The week's activities begin and end with great basketball games. The kick off game October 10th is at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum with the Indiana Pacers vs. the Chicago Bulls. Tip off is at 7pm.
Special recognition for five youth advocates will be held at halftime on the 10th. The people being recognized for youth basketball are Ron Holmes, Michael Ayers, Gregory Mitchell and Ron Stevenson. Denita Washington, of Lakeside Middle School, will also be recognized for her service to the Afternoons R.O.C.K. program.
The week ends with the annual Safe Haven Tourney between area youth leagues at Lakeside Middle School, beginning at 6pm October 17 and all day Saturday, October 18. The championship game begins at 8pm.
During Drug Awareness month, eight area youth-serving organizations have created special events to draw awareness to the Safe Haven network. This network includes the three Parks & Recreation Department youth centers, which have come together to form an association of multi-service centers. They provide prevention programs designed to reduce crime and restore neighborhoods, while also coordinating youth and adult services in highly visible, secure and accessible facilities. Established more than five years ago with a grant from the US Department of Justice, this network continues to serve the youth in the southeast quadrant of Fort Wayne.
Safe Havens are Jennings, Cooper, Weisser, East Wayne Street, Eagles Nest, Euell Wilson, Fort Wayne Urban League, and Old Fort YMCA.
In addition to basketball activities, the following sites are holding open houses as part of the Safe Haven Prevention Week:
Saturday, 10/11 Cooper Community Center
11am ' 3pm 2300 Clinton & Creighton Ave. (427-6728)
Sunday, 10/12 Union Baptist Church
11:30 Services 2200 Smith Street (456-3421)
Monday, 10/13 Weisser Park Youth Center
5pm ' 7pm 802 Eckart Street (427-6780)
Tuesday, 10/14 Euell Wilson Center
4pm ' 6pm 1512 Oxford Street (456-2917)
Wednesday, 10/15 Old Fort YMCA
4pm ' 6pm 2221 Reed Street (745-0541)
Thursday, 10/16 Jennings Recreation Center
4pm ' 6pm 1330 McCulloch Street (427-6700)
For more information on safe havens and how to get involved, contact Bennie Lewis, Manager of Neighborhood Programs for Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation.
Fort Wayne City Utilities with the assistance of Burgess & Niple, Inc. will be “smoke testing” sewer lines in several southeast neighborhoods beginning on Monday, October 6, 2008 as part of a sewer separation project in the area. Smoke testing will be done in the area generally bounded by Petit Avenue on the north, Roosevelt Drive on the south, Anthony Boulevard on the east and Gaywood Drive on the west. Testing the entire area is expected to take about two weeks to complete.
Combined sewers in the area to be examined become overloaded when it rains indicating that rain water and ground water is entering the lines. This overloading occasionally results in an overflow of sanitary sewage to the St. Mary's River. The proposed sewer separation project will result in separating sanitary sewage from stormwater via separate sewer systems.
To find the areas that leak, workers will systematically blow smoke into manholes. The smoke will come out of the sewer system in places where the sewers may be cracked, have a bad joint, where a stormwater inlet is connected, or have some other deficiency that causes it to leak. Smoke may be seen coming out of manholes and inlets or out of the ground. The smoke being used is chemically generated but is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. It will be white or gray in color.
Smoke may be seen coming from building gutters and downspouts if they are directly connected to the combined sewer. Smoke coming from plumbing vents on roofs is not unusual. The smoke should not enter any homes or businesses. Smoke coming into a building may indicate that a drain tap is dry or that there is a plumbing defect. City Utilities suggests that property owners make sure that drain traps have water in them. Seldom used floor drains are the most likely place that smoke will enter a building, so City Utilities suggests that property owners pour a gallon of water into each floor drain
If smoke does enter building, the occupants should exit the building and look for City Utilities crews who will be nearby conducting the testing. Also, if residents return home and find smoke in the building, they should call the 311 service center so that City Utilities can investigate the problem.
Prior to the testing, City Utilities will be delivering door hangers and letters to residents and businesses in the area where the testing will be done. Questions from residents should be directed to City Utilities at 427-1255 or to the 311 service center.
Working to Secure a Clean Energy Future is the theme of the 2008 Energy Awareness month.
Setting aside a time to remind us about saving energy began in 1981 with American Energy Week, which was observed from 1981 through 1985. It became a month-long observance at the Department of Energy in 1986. In 1991 October became Energy Awareness Month after a presidential proclamation.
Each year, government organizations, businesses, and concerned citizens observe the month with activities that promote public understanding of our energy needs and encourage reduced energy consumption in our everyday lives.
The City of Fort Wayne's Energy and Environmental Services will commemorate Energy Awareness month by giving away Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL bulbs) at four library branches and city hall on the five Friday's in the month. CFL's use 75% less energy than conventional light bulbs and last 10 times longer.
CFL Giveaways:
Friday October 03, 2008 11a-1p
First Floor Lobby of the City/County Building
Friday October 10, 2008 11a-1p
Pontiac Branch Library
Friday October 17, 2008 11a-1p
Little Turtle Branch Library
Friday October 23, 2008 11a-1p
Dupont Branch Library
October 24-26, 2008
Good Life Expo
Allen County Memorial Coliseum
Friday October 30, 2008 11a-1p
Aboite Branch Library
Additionally staff from Energy and Environmental Services will educate the public about other energy saving initiatives that they can easily implement in their homes.
Investigation Discovery's “Call 911” producer will talk to City's dispatcher, police officer, caller about 2005 burglary call
A national television show that features remarkable 911 calls and the calm, steady voice of emergency dispatchers will tape a segment in Fort Wayne Friday.
Producers from Investigation Discovery's “Call 911” program are scheduled to interview a Fort Wayne woman, Myra Lassen, who called the City's emergency dispatch center Sept. 23, 2005, about a burglary that took place in her home at about 3:30 in the morning. The producers will also interview dispatcher Katrina Mace who took the call and Fort Wayne Police Officer Andy Irick who responded.
Friday's taping will be the first time Lassen will meet the dispatcher in person.
According to the call tape, Lassen called 911 when she heard her kitchen window break. Burglars then entered her house on Fort Wayne's northeast side. Lassen heard the burglars coming up the stairs and hid under a desk, even while the burglars were in the room. During the 10-minute call, dispatcher Mace gave Lassen instructions to stay quiet while police were dispatched to scene.
Fort Wayne's 911 Communications office submitted the tape to the show, which started this summer.
“Emergency dispatchers are the connection between the scene and the responders. They must be professional yet caring in talking to people at the scene who could be in the most stressful situation of their lives while directing police, fire or paramedics to the scene,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Fort Wayne has highly skilled professionals ready to take these emergency calls 24 hours a day. It's wonderful to see our City's dispatchers get national recognition for the service they provide in times of crisis.”
Police apprehended a juvenile suspect in the basement at Lassen's home and found two other suspects on a foot pursuit. Police connected them to other burglaries as well.
Investigation Discovery's “Call 911” airs on Comcast Channel 111 and Verizon FIOS Channel 123. The Fort Wayne segment is scheduled to air sometime this season.
City's International Trade Conference is largest international trade event in state
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry recognized two Fort Wayne-based companies as the Indiana exporters of the year at the City's sixth annual International Trade Conference at the Grand Wayne Center.
The Mayor awarded Caliente LLC as the 2008 small-business exporter of the year. Tippmann Sports earned the award for 2008 large-business exporter.
“I am honored to recognize two local companies for their exporting success,” said Mayor Henry. “As the market becomes ever more globalized, many Indiana companies will become additionally reliant on their international sales. We produce world-class products and provide cutting-edge services in our city and state, so it's wonderful to see how they are exporting them to other parts of the world.”
Caliente LLC started in 2001, and specializes in the design and manufacturing of thermal systems that manage performance of electronic equipment. Its products heat and cool sensitive equipment such as circuit boards, LCD displays, battery backup systems and cell sites.
Caliente has focused on exporting since its inception, with 25 percent of sales going overseas to the UK, Sweden, Italy, Israel, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. The company's increase in export sales from 2006 to 2007 was 35 percent.
Starting as a firearms manufacturer, Tippmann Sports LLC has developed into a world leader for paintball marker equipment. Today, paintball has almost 10.4 million participants ' more than baseball, more than snowboarding and more than mountain biking. It has emerged into a sport played on fields by paid athletes in professionally organized leagues around the world. In 2007, Tippmann increased its exports to over 80 countries by more than 50 percent as compared to 2006, with almost all markers still made here in Indiana.
Mayor Henry also recognized Thompson International with the International Trade Appreciation Award. Thompson International is an export management company, specializing in the automotive fluid power and HVAC industries, that represents the export sales of North American manufacturers into international markets. It serves as a liaison between the manufacturer who is looking to expand into foreign markets and foreign buyers seeking to purchase consumer goods from top-quality U.S. and Canadian manufacturers.
The currency exchange rate is making American-made products affordable and attractive for foreign buyers. During the last couple of years, American exports, including those from Indiana, have grown rapidly. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. reported 2007 set a record $25.9 billion in Hoosier exports, growing faster than the national average.
The recipients were selected on the following criteria:
1. Exports as a percentage of the company's total sales,
2. The number of countries to which the company exports, and
3. Increase in export sales from the previous year.
City's 2009 balanced budget includes an increase of less than 1% over 2008
Mayor Tom Henry and Controller Pat Roller release the 2009 City budget
Mayor Tom Henry today sent City Council his 2009 budget document on Oct. 1. The $134 million plan is just a fraction over the total for the 2008 budget, though expenses are anticipated to be much higher in some areas, such as natural gas, gasoline and diesel fuel. Employees are slated to receive a 1.5% pay increase, which is about half what the typical increase has been for many years. Due to favorable experience, the city's share of insurance costs will remain flat for 2009. Total headcount has been reduced by five positions in the 2009 budget. “The City will face numerous challenges in the coming years,” said Mayor Henry. “While this budget is sound and solid, we owe a debt of gratitude to prior administrations and Councils for managing wisely, allowing us to go into 2009 with a balanced budget, something not all municipalities in the state are able to do.” Mayor Henry went on to say that the real concerns occur when it's time to look at 2010. The recent legislation which reduced property taxes for citizens also reduced revenue for governmental units. By 2010, without strong action, difficult decisions will have to be made about services, programs and positions to cut. “This budget represents a lot of dedication and hard work on the part of Pat Roller, our controller, “ said Mayor Henry, “and on the parts of each division and department head who understood what challenges we're facing and did all they could to keep the budget flat. City employees are working hard to do more with less. The citizens of Fort Wayne are well-served by the employees who are squeezing every drop of utility they can from the resources available.”
The proposed 2009 budget is online here . For video from the Oct. 1 news conference, click here .
Exemplary Safety Keeps Vehicles on the Job
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes safety efforts in Fort Wayne's vehicle maintenance as tops in the country.
Fleet management company, First Vehicle Services, received OSHA'S Voluntary Protection Program Star Award. The Star is the program's highest award and is given for excellence in occupational safety and health. The City of Fort Wayne contracts with Fleet Vehicle for maintenance on most city vehicles from heavy equipment to police cars.
“The efforts made to comply with the high OSHA standards improve turnaround time on routine maintenance. We know the equipment is ready to go and operating properly, when we need it. That's especially important when we're talking about equipment like fire trucks and snow removal trucks,” said Larry Campbell, Fleet Manager, City of Fort Wayne.
The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) promotes effective worksite-based safety and health practices. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.
"Safety in particular is a very high priority, and in the fleet maintenance environment, as with any environment working with heavy equipment, constant vigilance is required to maintain high safety standards,” said Dale Domish, Senior Vice President of First Vehicle Services. “We are very proud that the group at Fort Wayne is being recognized for their commitment to excellence, and their diligence in maintaining those standards,” added Domish.
OSHA representatives presnted the Start Award Tuesday September 30, 2008 at the Ctiy for Fort Wayne's Sercvice Center.
To improve efficiencies and save at least $200,000, City will have two pick-up cycles instead of three in 2008
The City of Fort Wayne's leaf collection will start on the city's north side Oct. 27 with two collection cycles instead of three as done in years past. Weather permitting, leaf collection will conclude Dec. 12.
This change will save the City at least $200,000. In 2007, the first pick-up cycle collected only 7 percent of the total leaves collected.
By going to two collection cycles and starting about two weeks later, the City's street department, which is charged with leaf collection, will be able to save taxpayer money and finish collection about a week earlier, giving the street department an additional week to outfit these trucks for snow plowing.
“Residents and taxpayers expect the City of Fort Wayne to deliver effective services while also being prudent with their money,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Going to two leaf pick-ups allows us to do both. Most residents won't even notice a difference, plus we're providing priority pick-up for those who use the paper leaf bags.”
Starting Oct. 27, residents who collected their leaves in biodegradable bags can call the 311 call center for priority pick-up within two business days regardless of the traditional collection dates.
The leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
'¢ North: Oct. 27-31 and Nov. 17-21
'¢ South: Nov. 3-7 and Dec. 1-5
'¢ Central: Nov. 10-14 and Dec. 8-12
'¢ The week of Nov. 24 will be used be to catch up on weather-related delays.
During leaf season, residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org for the day's pick-up locations.
A map of the leaf collection areas is included with this release. The same map and collection dates are included with City Utilities' October bills. The north, central and south boundaries for 2008 haven't changed.
Leaves must be raked to the park strip. The street department recommends having them there by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves is illegal, and they cannot be placed into the trash.
To schedule bagged leaf pick-up starting Oct. 27, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.
To see the collection map and other information, visit the
Street Department's leaf pick-up page .
Mowing lawn with leaves can provide excellent fertilizer
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is asking Fort Wayne residents to consider a “green” alternative to the traditional leaf collection this fall: mulching leaves on site in the yard.
Instead of raking all leaves to the park strip for pick-up, City residents can mow through the leaves, leaving them to biodegrade in the lawn and providing extra nutrients for the grass and soil. Turf experts from Purdue and Michigan State have found this to be an effective method for managing leaves.
“If you have a mulching lawn mower and a few trees in your yard, this is something that will probably work for you, yet leave your lawn looking good,” Mayor Henry said. “The fewer leaves our crews have to pick up, the faster they can complete leaf pick-up and the less they have to haul to the City's biosolids field. This benefits your lawn and our resources.”
Brooks Beatty, assistant street commissioner and City resident, has committed to mulching the leaves in his own yard this year.
“I looked at the research and thought this was a time-saving option ' less raking ' for my property while also providing environmental benefits,” Beatty said. “I know this might not work for people with a large volume of leaves, but for most homes, this is a great way to help their lawns at no cost.”
The City of Fort Wayne's leaf collection will start on the city's north side Oct. 27 with two collection cycles instead of three as done in years past. Weather permitting, leaf collection will conclude Dec. 12.
The leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
'¢ North: Oct. 27-31 and Nov. 17-21
'¢ South: Nov. 3-7 and Dec. 1-5
'¢ Central: Nov. 10-14 and Dec. 8-12
'¢ The week of Nov. 24 will be used be to catch up on weather-related delays.
During leaf season, residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org for the day's pick-up locations.
Leaves for pick-up must be raked to the park strip. The street department recommends having them there by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves within the city is illegal, and leaves cannot be placed into the trash.
For pick-up of bagged leaves in biodegradable leaf bags, call the 311 call center starting Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.
For additional leaf pick-up information, click here.
To see the collection map and other information, visit the Street Department's leaf pick-up page .
Mayor Henry Fulfills Campaign Promise to Reach Out to Business and Government
Mayor Tom Henry today made good on a campaign commitment to work more closely with the business and legislative communities by naming Ozzie Mitson as his Business/Legislative Liaison.
“I said I wanted to work with our business community, both directly and through the Chamber of Commerce and I also see the need for greater communication with our city, county, state and federal elected officials,” said Mayor Henry. “Clearly, I have an ideal person to fill this role already here on staff, so it makes sense to formalize his position with an upgrade in title. Ozzie brings a wealth of experience and skills in understanding the needs of business and legislators, and I intend to utilize his skills to strengthen my administration's involvement in those arenas.”
Included in Mitson's new duties will be tracking city, county, state, and federal legislation on issues that have Fort Wayne and regional impacts; fostering positive relationships between city, county, state, and federal representatives and the City of Fort Wayne to further the policies and goals of the city; and to assist and advise the Mayor and senior staff on Chamber of Commerce and other local and statewide business organization's needs and partnership opportunities.
Attending the announcement was Matt Bell, State Representative ( R ) 83rd District, who offered his support for the Mayor's decision. "I want to thank Mayor Henry for delivering on his promise to strengthen the relationship between his office and the business community and our area's other elected officials,” Bell said. “I have worked with Mr. Mitson in a variety of capacities, and I am confident that his talents will equally benefit this city and the Mayor's office. Ozzie is a great communicator with an excellent work ethic and a talent for building consensus among a variety of groups. I wish him the best and I look forward to working with him."
Kristine Foate, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce quote also voiced the Chamber's support for this new position. “The Chamber looks forward to working in partnership with the city to make it easier to do business in Fort Wayne. With a more concentrated effort and a single point of contact for business this will provide clear, and more productive, direction when dealing with city issues,” Foate said. “As always, the Chamber stands ready to help make government more efficient and business friendly. We will continue to work with Mayor Henry to create a business friendly climate in our city.”
Mitson, a Fort Wayne native, has served as a public information officer for the city since Mayor Henry appointed him in January of this year. Mitson has previously served as the Manager of Government and Community Affairs for the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, as a staff member of Congressman Mark Souder and has served as campaign staff on political races on both the national and local levels.
Mitson's position within the public information office will remain unfilled.
To see video from the news conference, visit click here .
New award recognizes individual's extraordinary public service, commitment
From left: Jackie Redd, Charles Redd, Mayor Tom Henry
Mayor Tom Henry presented the first “Key to the Fort” award to Charles Redd, who has been a community advocate in Fort Wayne for 40 years Sept. 26. This new honor goes to individuals who've made extraordinary commitment to the community through a lifetime of stewardship and involvement.
The “Key” is a hand forged replica of the iron key that was used at the Fort in the days of Anthony Wayne, circa 1790. The original key is at The History Center. History Center Executive Director Todd Maxwell Pelfrey says the key was discovered in very good condition, indicating it had probably not been buried in dirt for years and years. The key, with its highly unusual tumbler structure, came to the History Center from an early 20th century donation of the family of Mayor Franklin Randall, who was the City's mayor during the Civil War.
The first recipient of this award is Charles Redd, an 8-year City Council member and longtime community activist. Mayor Henry said he could think of no one more deserving than Redd, with whom the mayor served on City Council from 1984 to 1992.
“Charles has been a tireless advocate for equality and democracy in Fort Wayne and beyond,” said Mayor Henry. “He has lived his ideals in service to others through City Council, the Fort Wayne Urban League, the NAACP, his church and numerous non-profit organizations. We share many of the same personal and political values so I wanted to publicly recognize Charles for his service.”
Mayor Henry explained the idea for the award. “I had the idea from the Governor's Sagamore of the Wabash award and once we started working with the History Center in April to identify an appropriate symbol with historical significance, the key seemed like a good fit.” Mayor Henry said the City began working with an ironsmith in June, “The base of the award is made from wood we found from the original St. Vincent's Church at the corner of Wallen and Old Auburn roads. Fort Wayne-based Baldus Co. designed the whole piece and we're thrilled with the way it turned out.”
The Mayor recognized Redd at a ceremony in City Council Chambers, surrounded by Redd's family, colleagues and friends.
For video from the presentation, visit the City's YouTube channel .
Mayor Henry's proclamation for Charles Redd
WHEREAS, Always a civic-minded person, Charles represented the 1st District on the Fort Wayne City Council from 1984 to 1992 and served as council president for two consecutive years; and
WHEREAS, While employed by the Urban League of Fort Wayne, Mr. Redd assisted the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and the Fort Wayne Branch of the NAACP in their service as advocates for public school desegregation and encouraged major industries to employ ex-offenders; and
WHEREAS, Charles Redd has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne since 1970 and served two terms as the congregation's president and a Unitarian Universalist Association Trustee at the national level while living the principles of affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person with justice, equity and compassion in human relations and respecting the use of the democratic process; and
WHEREAS, Charles was raised in Detroit, Michigan, and continues to be a loyal Detroit Tigers fan, and has provided leadership to Fort Wayne non-profits by serving on the boards of many organizations that touch thousands of people in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, THOMAS C. HENRY, Mayor of the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, do hereby proclaim, September 26, 2008, as
CHARLES REDD DAY
in Fort Wayne, and encourage all citizens to recognize the tireless service Charles Redd has provided to the city of Fort Wayne.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Office of Mayor, City of Fort Wayne, Indiana to be affixed this 26th day of September, 2008.
Thomas C. Henry
Mayor
Meetings with Henry on 9th floor of City-County Building
Mayor Tom Henry will hold the next Mayor's Night In from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the City-County Building.
The public is invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in his office on the 9th floor to discuss any concerns about City government or services.
“Residents of Fort Wayne take their local government seriously, which is why it's so important that I make time to meet with them. I've been impressed with the research and information these residents have provided at the earlier Mayor's Nights In, and my administration is committed to following through on their concerns,” Mayor Henry said. “If you have something to bring to my attention about City government, this is the perfect opportunity.”
Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor's Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff. Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor.
Mayor Henry hosted Mayor's Nights In in March and July and a Mayor's Night Out in May. The Mayor's final neighborhood walk will be in the northwest quadrant Oct. 9.
Nelson Peters and Tom Henry Place Friendly Wager on Fort4Fitness Race
Mayor Tom Henry announced he's accepted a bet from Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters on the outcome of Saturday's Fort4Fitness 4 mile race in downtown Fort Wayne.
“Commissioner Peters has been making comments about my running prowess,” said Mayor Henry. “I tried to tell him I may not look it, but I'm an incredible athlete.”
Saturday's event is the inaugural Fort-4-Fitness health festival. Activities include a certified half marathon course that provides a scenic view of historic Fort Wayne, and a run/walk over a 4 mile course that shows off the city's parks and downtown area. Many local restaurateurs will be showcasing their healthy cuisine, and fitness organizations will provide information and display products that support a fit lifestyle. Parkview Health is the Diamond sponsor of this festival celebrating Northeast Indiana's commitment to healthy living.
“I don't think the Mayor realizes I've been in training for this race for quite awhile,” said Peters. “Just last week, I passed up French fries in order to have a healthier snack and tomorrow I'm going to do some stretches and possibly walk up the flight of stairs to my second floor office.”
The two elected politicians debated over what to wager on the race. Eventually, through several grueling rounds of negotiations and give-and-take, they agreed that , in the event Mayor Henry crosses the finish line ahead of Commissioner Peters, Peters will pick up the tab for dinner at The Green Frog Inn, a neighborhood dining establishment in the heart of the City at Sherman and Spring Streets. Should Peters make it across the finish line in front of Henry, however, Mayor Henry will treat the Commissioner to dinner at a well-known establishment in the County, Billy's in Zulu.
The two figuratively shook hands and wished each other well. “May the best official win,” they said in unison.
“I'll bring the Ben Gay,” said Peters.
Registration available online, any Fort Wayne fire station, Fort Wayne Scott's or Kroger store
The City of Fort Wayne and the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana have teamed up for a special offer to those participating in Don't Miss a Beat, the communitywide hands-only CPR training.
Anyone completing the training Oct. 25 will receive a “Bring a Friend for Free” coupon for CPR certification through the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana.
The buy one, get one free certificate, a $50 value, can be used for the Red Cross's adult, child, infant CPR training class through July 1, 2009. The certificate does not have to be used by the person who attended the October training.
The compression CPR training offered throughout the day Oct. 25 at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, will train participants how to give adults life-saving chest compressions.
“The mission of Don't Miss a Beat is to teach as many people as possible how to save a life through CPR. I'm excited that this offer from the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana will expand the reach of this program, helping even more people to be able to learn CPR,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Individuals may register for the Don't Miss a Beat training sessions online at 3RCPR.org, at any Fort Wayne Kroger or Scott's location, and at any Fort Wayne fire station from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Registration is also available at the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health's office on the 5th floor of the City-County Building and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing St. Registration forms are also included with City Utilities' September bills and can be returned with the payment.
The City of Fort Wayne has partnered with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, the American Red Cross, Lutheran Health Network, Parkview Health, Focus on Health and the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health to offer the free classes. While it is not a full CPR certification course and does not meet OSHA or federal guidelines for employment-required certification, it does teach a life-saving skill.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in a victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
In addition to the training sessions Oct. 25 for residents ages 16 and up, the American Red Cross will have a blood drive at the Public Safety Academy and the Fort Wayne Police Department will offer demonstrations including training equipment at the academy. To secure a blood donation time, preferably after training, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
To register online for training, visit
3RCPR.org . For more information, call (260) 427-1120 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Steering Committee Has Been Working on Plan for Several Months
Mayor Tom Henry today announced plans for a social service agency summit, a vision he discussed during his campaign for office.
“Our community is truly blessed with so many organizations and programs that want to reach out and help people, whether that help be in the form of food, housing assistance, financial aid, healthcare, parenting support or other need,” Mayor Henry said. “The challenge is how to communicate among all those organizations, large and small, to try to ensure the best way to deliver the services to the people who need them most.”
Since May, the steering committee, headed by Janet Chrzan and Jerry Peterson, has been pouring over maps with various sorts of information: income level, service providers, service recipients and more, trying to get an understanding of the big picture of where the most need is, where the help is, and how it is provided.
“With the analysis tools and resources offered by the City, the committee was able to get a good grasp of the service provider and service needs landscape,” Chrzan said. “We are now ready to test some ideas and gain guidance from some of the experts in social services delivery in our community to determine how to make the whole delivery system more efficient.
The committee decided to invite social service agencies to a summit, set for December 5, where they will share what they've been studying and seek additional input. Prior to that meeting, the group is sending out requests for information on what services are provided by which agencies with the intention of compiling a list of the most current information to use as a resource to analyze gaps in the existing network of providers.
The committee is made up of Janet Chrzan (Leadership Fort Wayne), Jerry Peterson (United Way), Jonathan Ray (Fort Wayne Urban League), Terri Noone (YWCA), Frank Zirille (Wellspring Interfaith Social Services), Kirk Ray (St. Joseph Hospital), Rev. Dr. Larry Merino (Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School) and Fernando Zapari (El Mexicano newspaper).
Pat Roller gives notice to Mayor Henry of intent to leave at the end of 2008
Mayor Tom Henry announced Sept. 16 that City Controller Pat Roller has informed him of her intention to step down from the position effective December 31, 2008. In a letter dated September 2, Roller thanked the mayor for the opportunity to work with him. Roller has served as Controller, the Chief Financial Officer position of the City, since January 2004.
“Pat has been a tremendous asset to me as our new administration took office and settled in,” said Mayor Henry. “I am appreciative of her expertise, insight and advice she has shared with me and I hope she will continue to be a resource even as she moves on to explore other career opportunities.”
Roller said she is exploring several opportunities for the next step in her professional path. “I've learned so much from serving in this position,” said Roller. “I think it's an invaluable opportunity for anyone to see firsthand how committed public employees are to working for the citizens and to making the most of the taxpayers' dollars and their trust. I am impressed with those with whom I've worked and I am proud to have served.”
Mayor Henry said the City will be posting Roller's position immediately.
For Release: Thursday, September 11, 2008
Contact: Jason Freier, Hardball Capital, 404-579-5786
Rebecca Karcher, City of Fort Wayne, 427-1120
John Perlich, Parkview Health, 260-373-7206
Parkview Health Steps Up to the Plate
Makes major contribution to Harrison Square Project
Ballpark to be Named "Parkview Field"
Fort Wayne , Ind. - The City of Fort Wayne, Parkview Health and Hardball Capital today announced that Parkview has agreed to become the signature partner for the new downtown Harrison Square development. Parkview has agreed to make an annual commitment of $300,000 per year ($150,000 of which will be contributed directly to the City's Capital Maintenance and Improvement Fund) for at least the next ten years. The new downtown ballpark will be known as Parkview Field.
“Parkview is making a tremendous investment in this community,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This commitment by one of Fort Wayne's leading healthcare institutions is a shot in the arm for the success of Harrison Square and the healthy, energizing effect this project will have on our downtown. This is yet another example of Parkview offering its time, talent and financial resources to help improve our community.”
“We are excited about our long-term partnership with Parkview,” said Jason Freier, CEO, Hardball Capital. “There are tremendous opportunities for us to work together to make Harrison Squarea success and to further Parkview's mission in the community. We would like to thank Parkview for this show of support.”
“Parkview is excited to be a partner in this signature downtown development that is vital for our community's future,” said Mike Packnett, President and CEO, Parkview Health. “Harrison Square will enhance Fort Wayne's role as an economic development and quality of life leader. We must strengthen the heart of our community to promote job growth and retention and new business opportunities. As the area's not-for-profit hospital system, we are committed to the health and wellness of our community and want do to everything possible to have a vibrant Fort Wayne.”
Parkview is a strong partner in the community and in 2007 returned $100 million to the communities it serves to support numerous health and wellness activities that benefit thousands of residents in northeast
Indiana.
Parkview's investment in the Harrison Square project will total $3 million over the ten year initial term. Half of that investment will go directly into the City of Fort Wayne's Capital Maintenance and Improvement Fund, which will assure that Parkview Field remains a first-class facility and an asset to downtown
Fort Wayne and the surrounding community.
In addition to the ballpark being named “Parkview Field,” Parkview Health will receive a seat on the Board of Advisors that oversees both Parkview Field and the employment of the Capital Maintenance and Improvement Fund.
Parkview and the soon-to-be-renamed Fort Wayne Wizards will also be collaborating on numerous health-related initiatives at Parkview Field. They include health and fitness education and activities, blood drives, cholesterol, blood pressure and other health screenings, tobacco cessation, trauma prevention, bicycle safety, and other safety education programs, as well as healthy food choices developed by Parkview nutritionists and the Parkview Heart Institute.
“We look forward to teaming up with Parkview and tapping into their resources to make the experience at Parkview Field the best in minor league baseball and to deliver on the promise of the new facility as an asset for the entire community,” said Mike Nutter, Fort Wayne Wizards General Manager.
Later this fall the logo for Parkview Field will be unveiled to the community, and following that, permanent signage identifying the ballpark will be erected on each of the ballpark's major entrances as well as directional signage around downtown and on major arteries leading into the city. Parkview Health will also be designated as the ballclub's “Official Hospital Partner.”
The first official game at Parkview Field will be April 16, 2009 at 7 PM. Parkview Field has also been awarded the 2010 Midwest League All-Star Game.
Parkview Health is a not-for-profit, community-based health system that serves northeast Indiana, western Ohio and southern Michigan. Parkview is home to the region's only Verified Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center. Additional services include the Samaritan Flight Program, Parkview Heart Institute, the Orthopaedic Hospital at Parkview North, a Certified Stroke Center, Women's & Children's Hospital, Outpatient Services Center and Comprehensive Cancer Center. As the area's largest employer with more than 6,000 full and part-time employees, Parkview's mission is to provide quality health services and improve the health of the communities it serves.
More information on Parkview Health can be found at www.parkview.com . More information on the Harrison Square project can be found at www.harrisonsquarefortwayne.com .
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Harrison Square project, ballpark to be named “Parkview Field”
For release: Friday, September 12, 2008
Contact:
Rebecca Karcher, Public Information, 427-1120
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MAYOR HENRY ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH CITY, STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF REFUGEES AND THE COMMUNITY
Mayor Tom Henry, FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob, Bishop John D'Arcy, Congressman Mark Souder announce new and expanded services to help the refugees successfully integrate into our community and how everyone can benefit from a new centralized Community Resource Center for Refugees.
Fort Wayne , IND--- Mayor Tom Henry announced today that Fort Wayne will open a new
Community Resource Center for Refugees this fall. The Center will offer assistance to the several thousand new refugees who are struggling with accessing services and integrating into the Fort Wayne community. The Resource Center will serve refugees from Burma, Somalia and other regions of the world whom the US State Department offered “shelter” in this country from dangerous political regimes around the globe.
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Fort Wayne has long welcomed immigrants and refugees who must leave their homelands to find safety,” said Mayor Henry. “This Resource Center will be a valuable point of contact and collaboration for our new arrivals, helping them navigate the important social services and programs they need to begin to truly become part of the Fort Wayne community. I want to publicly thank Family and Social Service Agency Secretary Mitch Roob for all his hard work in working with our community to make sure the various pieces of this project came together in the way that best serves the refugees and best works for our community.”
“Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Henry and team work from our community partners, we are happy to offer these enhanced services to this vulnerable population,” said FSSA's Roob. “By utilizing systems that are already in place, it is our hope to meet the specific needs of the Burmese Refugees and help them establish a specific health care plan.”
The Resource Center will offer established community businesses, employers and individuals a place to connect with new refugees as well as provide a variety of self-sufficiency programs, English language classes, employment assistance services, healthcare navigation, assistance with issues related to public schooling for children, disease prevention education, limited preventive health care and other services needed by new refugees. These services are aimed at an estimated one thousand refugees who are beyond their “relocation and placement services (typically 180 days)” and less than five years since their arrival in our country. These services will be supplemental and offer a continuum of care to the initial resettlement and placement services provided by Catholic Charities for those refugees whose “port of entry” in the U.S. is through Fort Wayne.
The new international integration center will be located at 2826 South Calhoun Street in space donated by the Anthony Wayne Services (AWS) Foundation. The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation will provide a grant to underwrite tenant fix-ups and the ongoing operating costs as a part of their commitment to operate the facility as well as serving as the fiscal agent for $490,000 in federal grants from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. These grants will help to underwrite seven new positions as well as program services to be housed in the facility. St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Director Meg Distler acknowledged the important roles of Mayor Tom Henry, Bishop D'Arcy, Congressman Mark Souder, Senator Richard Lugar and Senator Evan Bayh in helping to build a local coalition and to speak strongly on its behalf over the past six months in Washington DC which helped Allen County to earn these federal grants to provide supplemental services.
A $300,000 grant from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) will provide supplemental services to recently arriving refugees who've been here at least 90 days including:
· Funding of The Reclamation Project to expand its “Circle of Friends” program which matches trained community volunteers in friendship and mentorship to newly arriving refugee families to assist with their integration into the community;
· Funding of the Burmese Advocacy Center and Catholic Charities to establish a Health Navigator to assist refugees in accessing the local medical community and in attaining health and wellness.
· Funding of the East Allen County School System for a Burmese Family Liaison to work closely with Burmese families whose students are enrolled in East Allen County Schools.
· Funding of Ivy Tech Community College to create curriculum and offer a “Train-the-Trainer” program in how to teach “English-As-A-Second Language” Classes.
A second grant of $190,000 from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement will fund the
Burmese Advocacy Center 's ability to establish three new staff positions and operating costs to offer:
· Employment assistance and workplace skills training
· Self sufficiency skills classes and services
· General assistance with translation, interpretation and cultural understanding
Indiana 's FSSA will also establish an office at the new center with an Eligibility Specialist who is bi-lingual and of Burmese decent. He will process all appointments and help with the initial intake process. This person will be assisted by other FSSA staff in getting this population Medicaid and Food Stamp benefits. Computers for self enrollment using the FSSA's new modernized eligibility system will also be provided to further increase the quality and quantity of services provided.
FSSA will also work to bring specialized medical care coordination for Burmese refugees organized to address some of the common medical and cultural needs specific to individuals arriving from Asian refugee camps. According to Secretary Roob, “Utilizing care coordination through Advantage will enable FSSA to more effectively treat those in need of immediate medical care.” Office space for Advantage will be provided at the new
Community Resource Center for Refugees.
The Fort Wayne- Allen County Department of Health and the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation also plans to base a “Healthy Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program” outreach health educator services for refugees at the Center as well. This position will help educate refugees diagnosed with lead poisoning and/or asthma on the best practices to clean and maintain homes to help reduce the risks of asthma, lead poisoning and other illnesses as western household management is new and different to individuals who are used to rural housing in Burma.
In addition, discussions are underway to offer other services potentially including a household goods and clothing bank, a culturally appropriate food bank, housing services, English-as-a-Second-Language classes and more. Any agency wishing to have access to an office or conference room for a few hours to a regular schedule to reach the refugees with any of the above services or new services should contact the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation at 969-2001 ext. 201.
Members of the Refugee Resource Coalition who are actively involved in supporting this new resource center include: Anthony Wayne Services Foundation;
Burmese Advocacy Center; Catholic Charities; City of Fort Wayne; East Allen County Schools; Family & Social Services Administration; Fort Wayne- Allen County Dept. of Health; Ivy Tech Community College; St. Joseph Community Health Foundation; and The Reclamation Project.
It is estimated that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 Burmese refugees and immigrants have recently relocated to Northeast Indiana establishing one of the largest Burmese populations in the world outside of Burma itself. It is estimated that one-third of these individuals have been resettled in Fort Wayne as their “port of entry” by the US State Department and Catholic Charities within the past five years. The remaining two-thirds have chosen to migrate to Fort Wayne to meet up with other friends and extended family members after the State Department officially “settled” them in other American cities. Many estimate 1,000-2,000+ new Burmese are expected to settle in the area for at least each of the next three years. Because of the extraordinary circumstances, the need for a centralized community center to address the needs of refugees in the Fort Wayne area has never been greater. This refugee resource center will be well-positioned to address the immediate needs of local refugee populations, as well as assist in the longer term, assimilation of those populations into the larger community. Doors are expected to open in about 30 days.
For immediate release
September 15, 2008
Contact: Rebecca Karcher, City Public Information 427-1120
Todd Ramsey, 3 Sheets Development, 421-1910
MAYOR ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW ICE FACILITY:PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
Much Needed Additional Space for Hockey Leagues and Skating
Fort Wayne , Ind. ' Today, Mayor Tom Henry announced a long-awaited project is moving forward and will bring more than $14.1 million in private investment to the community.
“Our community has recognized for years the need for additional ice space to meet the needs of youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skaters and recreational skating. I am proud today to announce that this project, with its intention to bring a first-class facility
Fort Wayne, gives us a chance to fill that need for the region,” said Mayor Henry.
A local development group, 3 Sheets Development, LLC, submitted plans today to develop 22 acres of land on Lima and Wells Streets, across from Glenbrook Commons. The first parcel to be developed will be a facility with three sheets of ice that the group calls “Spiece on Ice,” a reference to the successful basketball center located just a mile north on Lima, to indicate the sort of regional draw they expect to bring to the facility, as hockey leagues from several states will hold tournaments and events there.
“This proposed project will redevelop a brownfield site,” pointed out Mayor Henry. “This is the sort of investment and “in-fill” development we encourage in the City, and we will be participating by providing some infrastruture improvements in the way of a road and bike path along the Pufferbelly Trail.” Henry said the City's commitment is expected to represent about $250,000 of this $12 million project.
The City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the developers, which is not a final contract, but does represent the intent of all involved to work out the details of the project. The MOU, which will require the approval of the Park Board of Commissioners will be discussed at this Wednesday's Board meeting with full support expected.
Three Sheets' spokesman Todd Ramsey said the developers anticipate a quick pace on the project. “We want to break ground yet this fall and have the ice facility ready for the '09 season, just about one year from now,” Ramsey said. “This will be the only 3-sheet facility in the entire region and we are thrilled to be bringing it to Fort Wayne, along with thousands of visitors and potential retail shoppers and restaurant diners.”
Third District City Councilman Tom Didier offered his support of the project. “I'm so excited that this is really coming to fruition,” said Didier. “I want to commend Mayor Henry and his administration for bringing this long-discussed project off the back burner and into the reality stage. This is nothing but a benefit for our community,” Didier said.
Part of the plans include a management firm to oversee both the new facility and the City-owned McMillen Ice Arena. Three Sheets is working with Canlan Ice Sports out of Canada for management services. McMillen has two sheets of ice, but Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll says one of those is in need of expensive repair and will likely be shut down. “It's always hard for the City to stop doing something it's done for a long time, and we've been in the ice business for 40 years,” said Moll. “This project makes it a little easier, since we know the community as a whole will still be served by even more ice, with more opportunity and the chance to better schedule four sheets if one management firm is handling the logistics of managing and operating both facilities.”
The City will still own the McMillen building and Moll said he and Mayor will be putting together a blue ribbon committee of citizens to study and suggest alternate programming which might be offered at the site or new uses for the portion of the building with the un-used sheet of ice.
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Allows for improved pedestrian, bicycle safety
Following through on a request from the Southwest Area Partnership, Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department has installed pushbutton crosswalk signals at the intersection of Oakdale Drive and Broadway.
The new signals at the south and east sides of the Broadway, Oakdale and Bluffton Road intersection are expected to go into operation Monday, weather permitting.
In addition to crosswalk signals, the City will paint piano-key style markings on the pavement Monday as well, weather permitting. The City also plans to install ADA ramps at these locations later this fall.
This intersection has high pedestrian and bicycle traffic since it is adjacent to the Rivergreenway system and close to Foster Park, plus proximity to residential neighborhoods.
Amendments to tax abatement code on website for citizen scrutiny
City Councilwomen Karen Goldner, D-2nd and Liz Brown, R-at-large, have completed a draft to amend the current Municipal Code Chapter 153: Planning and Development, Designation of Economic Revitalization Areas and the Granting of Tax Abatements. The two freshmen council members publicly announced the formation of their ad hoc team earlier this year to bring forward suggested changes to the City's tax abatement program.
In keeping with the pledge to the community and other council members to make these proposed changes, they also want to offer citizen input. Therefore, the councilwomen are placing the
draft documents on the city's website.
“Councilwoman Brown and I were both interested in creating a more balanced approach to the way Fort Wayne grants tax abatements; several months ago we began work on these amendments,” stated Goldner. “Economic development is a critical function of local government. We believe we're on the right track to ensure that we continue to make Fort Wayne a good place to start and expand business. But in order to come up with the best proposal, we hope that citizens will give us their thoughts, too.
“Tax abatements are economic development tools that local governments can use to grow businesses in their communities without investing more tax dollars in those businesses.” Brown said. “Our changes to the tax abatement application process will make it more transparent for our taxpayers, interested businesses, as well as, our government officials.”
The documents on the website will include an Executive Summary of the amendments as well as the “red-lined” copy of the city code with the proposed changes. Other documents will include the new Tax Abatement Review System which the city will use to determine the years of abatement given on real and personal property investments. Citizens visiting the site will be able to follow procedures for providing suggestions and comments.
The general public has until Friday, October 10 to submit their comments via the website. If residents wish to mail their comments, they may do so by sending them to: Fort Wayne City Council Office, One Main Street, Room 290, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802. All submissions will be reviewed and a final ordinance should be introduced to the full City Council before the end of 2008.
Status Conferred on Parks 100+ Years
In a special 100th birthday celebration at Lakeside Park, Mayor Tom Henry was joined today by Director of Parks & Recreation, Al Moll and park advocates as they kick off a campaign for public support.
“In honor of our City's past, and in an effort to be good stewards of our parks for the future, we are celebrating a status of Legacy Park for Lakeside and ten other parks that have reached 100 years or more,” said Mayor Henry. “I'd like to call on all citizens to join us as care takers of our heritage and enjoin them to take this opportunity to donate to our Legacy Parks Trust.”
Lakeside Park (23.81 acres), which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, joins the following parks (with establishment dates) as a Legacy Park:
Old Fort (1863)
Clay & Main St .
Moody (1864)
College & Jones
Lawton (1866)
1900 Clinton & Fourth
Swinney (1869)
1600 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Nuckols Memorial (1876)
Jefferson & Harmar
McCulloch (1864)
Broadway &
Parkview
Reservoir (1880)
2300 Clinton
Williams (1890)
Calhoun & Wildwood
Orff (1892)
Main & Rockhill
Rockhill (1908)
Catalpa & W. Jefferson
In a special challenge, Moll announced up to a $50,000 match for new private donations coming into the trust. “The Department will match, dollar-for-dollar, the first $50,000 in contributions from the public,” he said. “The funds will come from past private donations that are currently held in the Park Trust account.”
Today's announced Legacy Parks include those that are often overlooked (Orff - the City's smallest park at .02 acres) to perhaps one of the most beloved parks (Swinney at 94.54 acres). All these parks have unique histories that need the public's help in preservation, appreciation and donations.
“This new designation of 'Legacy Park' is to bring attention to the parks that have reached the centennial milestone, but also to offer citizens the chance to contribute to a trust fund that will help maintain our heritage,” said Moll. “Without contributions from the public, the Parks and Recreation Department would not be able to do many of the things it does so well. The Legacy Park Trust is another option for people who wish to donate funds that will preserve these cherished parks for future generations.”
A unique logo to indicate the Legacy Park status will be attached to signs in the near future. The Parks Legacy Committee worked with the Department to create this new sign at Lakeside Park.
For more information on donations to the Board of Parks Commissioners and Legacy Parks ' visit
www.fortwayneparks.org or call
427-6000.
Follows daylong workshop focusing on connectivity of neighborhoods to downtown
The City of Fort Wayne's Division of Community Development will host a public open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to help plan a bicycle and pedestrian route from Renaissance Pointe and other south central neighborhoods to downtown Fort Wayne.
The event in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building will ask for input and showcase the results of a daylong workshop with Indianapolis-based Storrow Kinsella Associates, which has worked with other Indiana cities to develop bicycle and pedestrian corridors.
City planners, representatives from neighborhoods and local businesses, parks and bicycle advocates and other stakeholders from Renaissance Pointe and south central neighborhoods will work with SKA throughout the day to develop ideas to link these areas to points of destination throughout Fort Wayne.
“Connecting neighborhoods through corridors that are friendly for cars, bicycles and pedestrians is something that's important to residents throughout Fort Wayne. This open house is a great opportunity for people interested in connecting south central neighborhoods to the Rivergreenway, downtown and beyond to see the progress the City is making,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Parks Department reminds residents to water street trees Fort Wayne's Parks and Recreation Department reminds residents with street trees that are three years or younger to water these trees every 10 to 14 days while the area experiences dry weather. With little to no rain predicted for the holiday weekend and beyond, watering may be needed for the trees' health and survival. Trees that have yellowing leaves at this point in the season are not turning colors because of fall weather but because they need water. Watering is best done with a slow trickle from a garden hose for about an hour, completely soaking the surrounding soil. If a hose is not available, a slow watering with five to 10 gallons of water also works. City offers free transportation to neighborhood conference The City of Fort Wayne is offering free charter-bus transportation to the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) held in Lima, Ohio, Oct. 2 through Oct. 4. The conference, open to anyone, offers an opportunity to learn from nearby cities and neighborhoods that have similar opportunities, successes and challenges as Fort Wayne. Some cities that participate are Evansville, Louisville, Ky., and Columbus, Ohio. Anyone planning to attend conference and would like transportation, contact Cherise M. Dixie at 427-1130 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For information or registration about the conference, visit www.LACNIP.org Animal Care & Control hosting fund-raising walk Grab your leash, dog, and tennis shoes and let your feet help beat animal cruelty and neglect through education. This is a fund-raising event from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Franke Park to benefit Animal Care & Control, so registration and a minimum pledge of $25 is required of all participants to walk, win a shirt and sample great vendor products. Prizes are awarded for top-fund-raisers. Get forms online at www.fwacc.org , at local veterinary clinics, at Animal Care & Control, or by calling 427-5508. CPR training registration forms available at Fort Wayne Scott's, Kroger stores Registration forms for Don't Miss a Beat, the free hands-only CPR training Oct. 25 at the Regional Public Safety Academy, are now available at Fort Wayne and New Haven Kroger and Scott's grocery store service desks. Drop boxes for the forms are also available at these locations. For more information about the communitywide training or to register online, visit 3rcpr.org . City's biosolids yard open Saturday, Sunday for holiday weekend The City of Fort Wayne's biosolids yard, 6202 Lake Avenue, will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday of the Labor Day weekend. It will be closed Monday. The biosolids yard offers free compost biosolids soil, mulch, firewood, grass clippings and unscreened lime if customers load it themselves. The facility's staff will load compost biosolids dirt for $8 per ton, screened lime for $250 per ton, and mulch for a $5 flat fee. The facility will also take grass clippings, brush, trees or other natural materials but no stones and rocks for a nominal fee. For more information, call (260) 427-5535 or visit http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/content/view/1346/1463/ . More than 20 videos on City's YouTube channel The City of Fort Wayne's Public Information Office has posted more than 20 short video clips to the City's YouTube channel since launching it less than two months ago. All the videos to date are unique to YouTube, often taped from press conferences or responses from Mayor Tom Henry or City staff members. The most recent videos are from the Lloy Ball community rally at the City-County Building. The Web address for the YouTube channel is: www.youtube.com/user/fwpublicinformation . City employees earn tower climbing certification City employees from the radio shop, risk management and the fire department earned authorized climber certification this week, including on site training at the City's radio shop and the water tower on Rothman Road, to be able to safely climb communications towers and water towers. The radio shop employees need to be able to climb towers for Fort Wayne's early warning flood control system. City Utilities managers speak at conference on sewer overflows, rain gardens Four Fort Wayne City Utilities employees spoke at the Indiana Water Environment Association conference for other sewer system professionals in Muncie Aug. 21. Deputy Director for Engineering Matthew Wirtz and Long Term Control Plan Program Manager Justin Brugger spoke about Fort Wayne's program to reduce sewer overflows going to the rivers. Susan Beck, the City's Stormwater Quality Manager, and Water Quality Regulatory Specialist Brandi Wallace talked about Fort Wayne's rain garden program. Just over 100 communities in Indiana have combined sewer systems ' systems that carry both sanitary and storm sewage. During rainy weather, the sewers are designed to discharge some of the combined sewage and stormwater to local streams and rivers. All communities where this happens will soon be under agreements with the state or federal government to reduce these sewer overflows. Indianapolis was the first, and Fort Wayne was the second, in Indiana to be subject to such an order. At the Aug. 21 conference, Wirtz and Brugger shared information with others of other sewer systems around the state about the process that Fort Wayne went through to reach an agreement with the federal government to reduce sewer overflows. He also outlined the specifics of the plan that includes the construction of nearly $240 million in sewer system improvements by 2025. The result of the program will be a 90 percent reduction in the amount of sewage going into Fort Wayne's Rivers. Beck and Wallace talked about the City's rain garden program. As part of the agreement with the federal government on reducing sewer overflows, Fort Wayne City Utilities will build 20 demonstration rain gardens around the City and will offer incentives to encourage 1,000 homeowners to plant rain gardens. Beck is overseeing the City's first demonstration rain garden that was planted in April at the sewer maintenance facility. The conference was sponsored by the Indiana Water Environment Federation ' the state chapter of a national organization for sewer system managers.
Employees leaving notices for residents, businesses in affected locations
Fort Wayne's sewer maintenance department will be “smoke testing” sewer lines in several southeast neighborhoods beginning Tuesday, September 2.
Smoke testing will be done in the area generally bounded by Paulding Road on the north and Tillman Road on the south, Hanna Street on the east and Fairfield Avenue on the west. Testing the entire area is expected to take about three weeks to complete.
Sanitary sewers in the area to be examined become overloaded when it rains indicating that rain water and ground water are entering lines intended to carry sanitary sewage only. This overloading occasionally results in an overflow of sanitary sewage to the St. Marys River.
To find the areas that leak, sewer utility workers will systematically blow smoke into manholes. The smoke will come out of the sewer system in places where the sewer may be cracked, have a bad joint or have some other deficiency that causes it to leak. Smoke may be seen coming out of manholes or out of the ground. The smoke being used is chemically generated but is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. It will be white or gray in color.
Smoke may be seen coming from building gutters and downspouts if they are directly connected to sanitary sewer lines. Smoke coming from plumbing vents on roofs is not unusual. The smoke should not enter any homes or businesses. Smoke coming into a building may indicate that a drain trap ' the J-shaped piece of pipe ' is dry or that there is a plumbing defect. City Utilities suggests that property owners make sure all drain traps have water in them. Seldom-used floor drains are the most likely place that smoke will enter a building, so City Utilities recommends property owners pour a gallon of water into each floor drain.
If smoke does enter a structure, the occupants should exit the building and look for City Utilities crews who will be nearby conducting the testing. Also, if residents return home and find smoke in the building, they should call City Utilities at 427-1255 so that City Utilities can investigate the problem.
Prior to the testing, City Utilities will deliver door hangers and letters to residents and businesses in the area where the testing will be done. Questions may be directed to City Utilities Sewer Maintenance through the 311 call center open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays.
Only third local person to win Olympic gold medal
Mayor Tom Henry honors Lloy Ball's gold medal achievement in men's volleyball.
The gold medal.
The community on the plaza of the City-County Building celebrates the first gold medal earned by an Allen County resident in 32 years.
On the steps of the City-County Building, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry honored USA Men's Volleyball team member and Woodburn native Lloy Ball Aug. 28 for winning a gold medal Aug. 24 at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Born in Fort Wayne, Ball is only the third person from Allen County to win an Olympic gold medal. Ball is a four-time Olympian, participating as a setter in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. He is the only USA men's volleyball player who has played in four Olympics.
“Lloy's Olympic accomplishments, both in Beijing and at the other games, are truly remarkable. Not only is he has he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete, but as person,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “All of Fort Wayne joins in celebrating the team's performance for the U.S. and welcomes Lloy home as Olympic champion and gold-medal winner.”
The Mayor declared Aug. 28, 2008, Lloy Ball Day, honoring his achievements.
Ball's father, Arnie Ball, joined in the celebration. Arnie Ball has been the longtime coach of Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne's men's volleyball team. Other members of the Ball family attended the rally too.
In addition to the Mayor, Allen County Commissioners Linda Bloom and Bill Brown and IPFW's Walt Branson, vice chancellor for financial affairs, and Tommy Bell, IPFW athletics director, joined in the public celebration.
“We here in Allen County have always known that Lloy Ball is a championship-caliber person, and has been long before that gold medal was placed around his neck this past Sunday,” Commissioner Bloom said.
Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown honors Lloy Ball.
To see video from the City's rally, check out the City's YouTube channel .
Work done while river levels were down
The City of Fort Wayne lowered a gate on the Maumee River's Hosey Dam Wednesday, Aug. 27, following repairs and work along the Maumee, St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers.
The tainter gate, replaced in 2006, came back down, and river levels will naturally rise as water backs up behind the dam. The speed at which the river levels increase will be influenced by the amount of rain the area receives in the next three or four days.
The lower river levels allowed City Utilities to repair the sanitary sewer system behind Don Hall's Gashouse. City Utilities also took a core drilling of a wall near an intake valve on the St. Joseph River. The County Highway Department removed debris that collected around bridges over the three local rivers.
The gate controls water from the St. Joe Dam and the St. Marys River at the Taylor Street bridge to the Maumee River just west of the North Anthony Bridge.
To be added to the public notification list of tainter gate adjustments, contact City Utilities Engineering Support Services at (260) 427-5065.
Provides better pedestrian safety crossing Coldwater to Springbrook Road
The City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department is starting improvements at the intersection of Coldwater and Springbrook roads for the safety of students at Northrop High School, including school zone flashers for both directions of Coldwater Road.
At the recommendation of 3rd District Councilman Tom Didier, the City has worked with Fort Wayne Community Schools to make the area safer near the Coldwater and Cook roads intersection by moving the crosswalk south by about 50 feet to improve visibility and take advantage of the existing median as a designated place for pedestrians.
The first change drivers and pedestrians will see are flashing signs denoting the area as a school zone with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. weekdays. Traffic Operations expects to the flashing signs to be working Tuesday morning.
The change will allow pedestrians to cross three of the six lanes of Coldwater at a time with a median in the center as a pedestrian refuge marked with delineators showing it to be a pedestrian area. The final step will be piano-key style markings on the pavement to alert drivers to the crosswalk area.
Signs reminding drivers that state law requires them to yield to pedestrians in the cross walk will also be added.
“Fort Wayne's traffic engineering department consistently must balance the needs of local drivers with the safety of pedestrians. This project gives Northrop students and other pedestrians a safer crossing on one of Fort Wayne's primary north-south routes,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The improvements, including ADA-compliant ramps and extension of a sidewalk, are expected to be complete in October.
Mayor Henry and Director Moll Kick off Public Campaign by Accepting Funds from Grassroots Group Called “Taylor's Friendship Circle”
Mayor Tom Henry and Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation, called on city residents to support a public campaign for Indiana's first Boundless Playground. City Council members and representatives from Turnstone and League for the Blind & Disabled added their support to the project today.
“There are more than 100 Boundless Playgrounds across the nation, and we are proud to create Indiana's first facility of this nature,” said Mayor Henry. “This venue, which is the vision and dream of 6th-grader Taylor Reuille, will serve the region's families and children with disabilities.”
The Fort Wayne Boundless Playground movement, called Taylor's Friendship Circle, got started when Taylor, a student at Harlan Elementary School, realized that there are many kids with disabilities who couldn't play at playgrounds in this area. She researched and found that a Boundless Playground would offer amazing play opportunities for children with and without disabilities, including those with physical, sensory, developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Taylor and her mother, Kasandra Booher, presented the first Boundless Playground private contribution to the Mayor totaling $10,758.43. These proceeds came from small fundraisers that have been organized throughout the past few months, including funds contributed by Taylor's teachers and fellow classmates at Harlan Elementary. They donated their nickels and dimes to the project.
“While the Kreager Endowment at the Parks & Recreation Department has submitted the first major private gift of $250,000 and the land for the facility, this project will require both public and private financial support,” said Moll. “Taylor's dream provides an excellent opportunity for the community to get behind a great cause for the right reason.”
Fort Wayne's Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods, including sand, poured-in-place rubber, mulch and natural turf.
For details about the Boundless Playground and for those interested in helping support the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
More information about Taylor's Friendship Circle Boundless Playground efforts can be found at www.taylorsdream.com and at www.boundlessplayground.org ,
Boundless Playground Details:
“Playing is critical to child development and health, and this funding campaign would provide 'play equity' for all those who wish to participate. Indiana's first Boundless Playground will be a wonderful and needed addition to our City and region!” Al Moll, Director, Parks & Recreation
A Boundless Playground creates'¦
A place where children, with and without disabilities, can develop essential skills for life as they learn through play. It includes the features and amenities that address the needs of children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities.
The Fort Wayne Boundless Playground'¢ features could include:
Three circular pods of playground equipment and activity areas, which will be placed in proximity to one another and on changing elevations, with accessible ramps and walkways to and among each:
Alpha Pod will provide play structures that include slides, tunnels, ramps, and a playhouse
Beta Pod will provide sand tables, a swimming boat, and a Braille panel
Gamma Pod will provide structures such as a fossil dig, solar sound station with solar powered features, and a climbing wall
A splashpad for water play; the splashpad will connect the three activity pods like the spokes of a wheel
Safe surfaces: mulch, natural turf, sand, and poured-in-place rubber
Four shade structures for rest, socialization, reflection, and relaxation
A covered, open-sided picnic pavilion w/ accessible restrooms
Landscaped natural areas for outdoor movement and sensory stimulation
Concrete and asphalt walkways, fully accessible by wheelchairs
An entrance staging area for teachers or families and groups to gather and discuss the unique nature of the playground's experience
Access road for vans and buses: discharge riders and turn around
Ample, accessible parking: ample ADA-specific designated spaces
Collaborators
Taylor's Friendship Circle, initially a grassroots group of friends, neighbors, and family members, is the result of the energy of 11-year-old Taylor Reuille and her mother Kasandra Booher, R.N. Collaborators include:
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation
Fort Wayne Park Foundation
League for the Blind & Disabled
Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities
E. Allen Family Resource Center
Capital Investment
Site Development Estimates
Excavation (44,000 sq. ft.) $55,000
Asphalt Parking (22,000 sq. ft.) $70,000
Concrete Walkways (14,000 sq. ft.) $70,000
Landscape Areas (12,000 sq. ft.) $30,000
Sanitary (200 LF) $6,000
Water (800 LF) $20,000
Electrical (1000 LF) $20,000
Retaining Walls (500 LF) $70,000
Site Subtotal $341,000
Architectural/Engineering Estimates
Architectural/Engineering Fees $30,000
Playground Development Estimates
Alpha Pod Play Equipment $53,000
Beta Pod Play Equipment $27,000
Gamma Pod Play Equipment $107,000
Additional Play Equipment $30,000
Poured-in-Place Rubber (8,000 sq ft) $210,000
Various Other Play Surfaces (8,000 sq. ft.) $50,000
Playground Subtotal $477,000
Structural Features
Splash Pad $100,000
Restroom Building $120,000
Four Shade Structures (30'x30' ea.) $40,000
Structural Subtotal $260,000
Contingency fund $200,000
PROJECT TOTAL $1,308,000
Mayor Tom Henry today remembers former Mayor Robert Armstrong saying, “Today is a sad day for Fort Wayne. Our community mourns the loss of a well respected pillar of our community. Mayor Armstrong was a wonderful public servant as both Mayor and as a County Councilman. My family's thoughts and prayers are with the Armstrong family in their time of loss."
Mayor Henry has ordered all flags on municipal buildings be lowered to half-staff.
Compliance improves aesthetics, driver and pedestrian safety
The City of Fort Wayne reminds residents and businesses to keep all yard signs outside of the property's right of way in compliance with the City's sign ordinance.
For houses or businesses with a sidewalk, the sign must not be in the parkstrip between the sidewalk and the street. If the location doesn't have a sidewalk, generally the sign needs to be 11 feet from the curb or edge of the street.
Any questions about right-of-way locations can be directed to 427-6155.
A stricter sign ordinance, put into effect last year, gives police officers, firefighters and some Public Works employees the ability to remove and destroy any signs placed illegally.
“Yard signs are an important way for businesses and individuals to communicate especially for political campaigns, real estate agents and contractors. I certainly want residents and businesses to use yard signs, but they need to follow Fort Wayne's ordinance,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Since the implementation of the ordinance last year, our streets and neighborhoods look better and fewer concerns about signs obstructing views, but we have to keep it that way. If you currently have a yard sign, please make sure it's in compliance.”
In addition to the right of way, signs are not permitted on public property including parks, utility poles, traffic signs, shelters, trees, garbage cans and benches.
2-week detour marked for drivers
Motorists driving southbound on U.S. 33 wanting to turn right onto Washington Center Road will need to use the marked detour starting Tuesday, Aug. 26. The detour will last approximately two weeks, weather permitting.
Drivers are directed to turn left onto Merchant Road, then right onto Huguenard Road, and right onto Washington Center.
During this time, Primco Inc. will construct the island at the northwest corner of U.S. 33 and Washington Center as part of the Indiana Department of Transportation's project to add travel lanes on U.S. 33.
Evaluations to start by Sept. 1, recommendation due to City, County Nov. 1
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Allen County Commissioners Bill Brown, Nelson Peters and Linda Bloom entered into a memorandum of understanding today to study how emergency communications dispatch for the City and County could be combined.
“Today marks an important next step in public safety and government efficiency for residents of the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our City and County are showing remarkable cooperation to work for the benefit of all taxpayers by looking at how we can provide the best emergency communications possible through a unified department.”
The County, under the guidance of Jim DeRose, retired County communications director, and Steve Smith, retired City communications director, will study the City's proposal presented in May to consolidate the dispatch operations for the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Fire Department and Allen County Police Department.
Then a joint review committee consisting of City communications director Tina Taviano and County communications director Aaron Likes plus DeRose and Smith will provide a final recommendation to Mayor Henry and the three commissioners by Nov. 1.
If a majority of the joint review committee recommends consolidation between the City and County, Fort Wayne and Allen County agree to work in good faith to implement a joint department by Jan. 1.
“This is just another example of intergovernmental cooperation that's taking place between Fort Wayne and Allen County,” said Commissioner Brown. “We commend Mayor Henry and his staff for working with us on this important project.”
State law requires a combined dispatch center by 2014. If the City and County agree to joint departments, it will put Fort Wayne and Allen County a full five years ahead of the mandated consolidation.
“This is a great step forward and further demonstrates our resolve to look at areas in government where the city and county can develop greater efficiencies,” said Commissioner Peters.
The agreement doesn't change how 911 funds from the County are currently dispersed.
“Don't Miss a Beat” to train as many as 3,000 people Oct. 25 to know how to save a life
Mayor Tom Henry joining with six community partners announced today they will offer free hands-only CPR training as part of “Don't Miss a Beat” at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, Oct. 25.
The hour-and-15-minute class, offered four times that Saturday, will train community members ages 16 and older how to give effective chest compressions ' using manikins ' to adults who have suffered a heart attack.
“Having a diverse and large number of people to know how to perform hands-only CPR can save the lives of Fort Wayne residents,” said Mayor Henry. “You never know who you'll be able to help. It could be your spouse, parent, neighbor or even a complete stranger who will forever be grateful you spent a small amount of time this October learning compression CPR.”
The City of Fort Wayne has partnered with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, American Red Cross, Lutheran Health Network, Parkview Health, Focus on Health and the Fort Wayne/Allen County Department of Health to offer the free classes.
Compression or hands-only CPR focuses on chest compressions only, no breaths, to keep blood moving in a victim whose heart has stopped beating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as research has shown it to be effective in helping to save lives.
“We hope to train as many as 3,000 people in a single day in an informative and interactive way.” said Erin McDonald, American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana's Director of Preparedness & Safety Solutions. “This non-certified training will provide the basic skills that can help individuals respond to life-threatening emergencies. People often fear the thought of providing CPR to a stranger and especially a loved one, but being trained and knowing what to do can reduce that fear and save a life.”
During 2005 and 2006, TRAA responded to 452 cardiac arrest cases that happened outside a medical setting, according to numbers from the Emergency Medical Services Foundation here in Fort Wayne. Of those, only 17 percent of victims received bystander CPR.
“In 2007, Fort Wayne had a 33 percent save rate for cardiac arrests. That's an outstanding number compared to national figures, but more people knowing how to perform hands-only CPR is one of the best ways to improve that number,” said Gary Booher, TRAA Executive Director. “Early bystander CPR, in addition to early access to 911 emergency dispatch, first responders with AED capabilities in 4 minutes and advanced life support-capable ambulance in 8 minutes are the major components necessary for greatest survivability, according to research.”
In addition to the training sessions, the American Red Cross will have a blood drive at the Public Safety Academy and the Fort Wayne Police Department will offer demonstrations including training equipment at the academy. To secure a blood donation time, preferably after training, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
Community CPR training follows through on a campaign promise Mayor Henry made last year.
“My sincere thanks to the community partners who have worked diligently on this project since shortly after I took office this year,” Mayor Henry said. “I'm looking forward to be able to tell other mayors throughout this country that Fort Wayne knows how to save a life.”
To register online for the training, visit 3RCPR.org . Registration forms are available at the front desk of the City-County Building and will be sent to City Utilities customers in their bills next month. Starting Aug. 25, registration forms will be available at Fort Wayne Kroger and Scott's grocery stores. Registration the day of the event will also be available.
For more information, call (260) 427-1120 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
To see video from the announcement, visit the City's YouTube channel .
Westbrook from State to Clinton to close permanently providing park-like setting
Following voluntary buyouts of homes along Westbrook Avenue south of State Boulevard, work is scheduled to begin Aug. 18 to transform that area into a park-like setting that will serve as part of the City's flood control efforts.
All Star Construction and Excavation Inc. will barricade and close Westbrook from State Boulevard to Clinton Street. The street will be removed, but a new sidewalk will be installed to provide a walking path through a rain garden with native plants that will soak up and filter water.
Along the backyards on the east side of Edgehill on the City-owned property, the company will construct earthen levees to serve as permanent protection measures for 11 homes. The open land will also be able to hold some of the overflow during high-water events.
“The City of Fort Wayne continues to look for ways to protect homes and residents from high water. This means we don't wait on immediate measures like sandbags, but look for innovative ways to mitigate the damage before it happens,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This area will provide open space the vast majority of the time, but will also be a key part of our efforts to retain water during floods.”
The homeowners voluntarily sold their houses to the City as part of a buyout program for areas that have suffered chronic flooding. The affected homes often experienced floods two to three times year with flood-fighting costs of more than $100,000 per episode, followed by lengthy clean-ups of property damage.
Westbrook Avenue is along the Spy Run Creek and has experienced repeated high water over the years, and the houses have experienced property damage. The homes were demolished prior to the start of this project.
“The homeowners in this portion of Westbrook and Eastbrook have suffered from frequent flash flood events for many years. The previous homeowners along Westbrook and the current Eastbrook homeowners have to be concerned about their homes being flooded every time we have heavy rainfall along this portion of the Spy Run Creek,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of Public Works. “After much study and planning, we are very excited to enter the construction phase. Not only were we able to remove the homes and protect citizens from a very volatile flooding situation, we are increasing the storage capacity during high water events with an area dedicated to green space, in a park-like setting.”
The work is scheduled to be finished by the end of October. The cost is about $237,000 paid from a City Utilities stormwater bond. City Council and the Board of Works approved the project in June 2008. The project has been discussed in the City Council Flood Committee.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department Investigation Division announced the arrest Wednesday, Aug, 13, of Daniel Wayne Lopresti, 25, on preliminary charges of arson in connection with a rash of recent arson fires in the West Central Neighborhood.
Five intersections scheduled to change, studying additional locations to save drivers time, gasoline
To improve the flow of traffic throughout the city, the City of Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department plans to modify select traffic signals for off-peak driving times.
The City has identified five lights to change this month and looks to make additional lights flash yellow on the major roadway and red on the secondary section of the intersection.
Traffic Engineering is evaluating traffic lights for locations such as shopping centers and schools that have specific hours of operation or intersections of arterial roads and residential streets during nighttime hours when the volume of traffic is much lower.
The change will save drivers time, can reduce gasoline consumption and reduce greenhouse gases.
“Changing traffic lights at logical locations to flash instead of the traditional red-yellow-green rotation not only will save Fort Wayne drivers time, but also save them gasoline by avoiding idling at an empty intersection and reducing the amount of tailpipe emissions,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “It will reduce times at these stoplights during evening or early morning hours for drivers in both directions. I have yet to meet a driver who doesn't want to spend less time at stoplights.”
The City identified the following intersections to go to a red-yellow flashing schedule.
Midnight to 6 a.m. starting Friday, Aug. 15:
'¢ Main Street and Osage Street
'¢ Main Street and Runnion Avenue
10 p.m. to 9 a.m. starting Aug. 22:
'¢ Stellhorn Road and Northwood Plaza shopping center
'¢ Maplecrest Road and Northwood Plaza shopping center
'¢ St. Joseph Center Road and St. Joe Village shopping center
Traffic Engineering is evaluating traffic counts and patterns throughout Fort Wayne's streets for other locations where changing traffic lights during off-peak hours would make sense. The City will announce when traffic light operations will change as a result of this study.
Mayor, HUD Representatives Join Non-profit Organizations in Commitment to Improving Homes and Neighborhoods
Mayor Tom Henry was joined by representatives from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as others from the administration and non-profit housing providers to declare Home Ownership Week in Fort Wayne and to emphasize the importance of home ownership to our community.
“We know how vital it is to have owner-occupied homes in neighborhoods,” said Mayor Henry. “Home ownership creates community stakeholders who are active in their community, and it's good for the families, too. Children of homeowners do better in school, and are more likely to graduate. The stable environment that comes from home ownership benefits individuals, families and entire neighborhoods.”
Home ownership does not come easily, however, the mayor pointed out. Many challenges can occur, from health issues preventing a home owner from keeping up the maintenance on a house to an act of nature such a flood damaging a basement or a tree limb falling on a roof. In these cases, some homeowners without resources see their property fall into disrepair, which impacts the family and the neighbors and can begin to change the character of a whole block.
Mayor Henry went on to say, “Government has a role to play in helping strengthen and stabilize neighborhoods, but we can't---and shouldn't---do it alone.” He detailed programs funded through HUD's allocation of federal housing dollars (about $1,300,800) to the City each year, which help fund many programs, such as downpayment assistance and homeowner rehabilitations, as well as emergency repair when something unexpected happens and a family doesn't have the resources to fix it right away. “More important,” said the Mayor, “we are working in collaboration with non-profit organizations throughout the City to help foster programs that assist those who need help in a neighbor-to-neighbor approach. Many years ago, this is how things were accomplished; when someone needed help, neighbors rallied around and lent a hand. The organizations represented here today have that spirit of mission, and act on their motivation to help those who need it, recognizing that those efforts strengthen more than the single family.”
The City will designate $5,000 of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to encourage matching up needy owner occupants with volunteers who are willing to provide free or reduced-cost labor and materials to repair the homes. For instance, if a homeowner has some sort of emergency plumbing issue, the fund may help pay for the skills of a plumber, while volunteers from non-profits may provide the labor and materials to tackle the clean up portion of the situation.
In the coming months, the City will be exploring opportunities to collaborate with its housing partners to leverage more private resources to help homeowners stabilize their property and strengthen neighborhoods.
To see video from the news conference, visit this YouTube link .
Water to be down from St. Joe dam, St. Marys River at Taylor Street to Maumee River dam to allow better access for work
The tainter gate on the Hosey Dam was replaced in 2006. It will be lifted Monday, Aug. 18 to lower river levels to make it easier for the City and County to perform work, maintenance.
The City of Fort Wayne will raise a gate on the Maumee River's Hosey Dam Monday, Aug. 18, to lower river levels to accommodate repairs and work on the Maumee, St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers.
The tainter gate, replaced in 2006, will go up Monday morning, and river levels will recede over the next two days. The gate controls water from the St. Joe Dam and the St. Marys River at the Taylor Street bridge to the Maumee River just west of the North Anthony Bridge.
The gate will close again Aug. 27, weather permitting, in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“It's important that the City notifies the public of this temporary adjustment in river levels as we recognize balancing the needs of recreational waterway users and the needs of City Utilities and the County Highway Department to perform necessary work while the river levels are lower,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This action is needed to allow for timely work on future projects yet allows multiple agencies to do work during a single river adjustment.”
The lower river levels will let City Utilities explore the sanitary sewer system behind Don Hall's Gashouse in preparation for this fall's construction. City Utilities will also take a core drilling of a wall near the water filtration plant's raw water intake valve on the St. Joseph River. The County Highway Department plans to remove debris that has collected around bridges over the three local rivers.
The City has also notified interested parties about the planned gate opening as specified in a Board of Works resolution adopted in September 2007. It requires the City to notify those who have expressed interest to any City adjustment of river levels during the recreational period of April 15 to Oct. 15.
To be added to the public notification list of tainter gate adjustments, contact City Utilities Engineering Support Services at (260) 427-5065.
Mayor Tom Henry announced Aug. 11 he will be appointing two additional members to the Board of Public Safety, bringing the board from three to five members.
Two recent ordinances were introduced to City Council establishing a fire merit commission. “If we already have a board to oversee those concerns, we should use it,” said Mayor Henry.
“We want to recognize the important issues that come before the Board of Public Safety and try to ensure that we have the broad representation to carry out the board's work,”
said Mayor Henry. “This is a positive step we can take to ensure representative citizen oversight of public safety functions.”
The Board is involved in the hiring process, conducting disciplinary hearings, and establishing policies for the police and fire departments. The current members of the board are Quinton Dixie, Sharon Peters and Frank Casagrande. The board members have assured the Mayor that they are in full agreement with the expansion and support the mayor's decision. Mayor Henry plans to fill the two new positions with a retired firefighter, Bob Elder; and a retired police officer, Steve Boerger.
Text of Executive Order:
EXECUTIVE ORDER 08-02
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
WHEREAS, as authorized by I.C. 36-4-9-5, the City of Fort Wayne established separate Boards of Public Works and Public Safety by General Ordinance G-10-91; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Wayne's current Board of Public Safety is composed of three (3) members; and
WHEREAS, I.C. 36-4-9-6(d) provides that the Board of Public Safety may be composed of three (3) or five (5) members appointed by the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor desires to appoint two (2) additional members to the Board of Public Safety as specified by I.C. 36-4-9-6(d).
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Fort Wayne, I hereby increase the Board of Public Safety to five (5) members.
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
To ensure representative citizen oversight of public safety functions for the City of Fort Wayne.
SECTION3. APPLICABILITY/EFFECTIVE DATE
All Executive Orders or policies in conflict herewith are hereby superseded. This Executive Order shall be in full force and effect from and after its execution.
Dated this __________ day of August , 2008.
CITY OF FORT WAYNE
Thomas C. Henry, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Carol Taylor, City Attorney
Joined by members of his staff and residents of the neighborhood, Mayor Tom Henry talked to residents of the Oxford neighborhood in Fort Wayne's southeast side Aug. 7, 2008.
Mayor Tom Henry and members of his staff listen to this resident so they can follow up on his concerns.
The third in a series of four neighborhood walks scheduled for each City quandrant, Mayor Henry talked to residents and business owners about the direction of the Fort Wayne and if they had any concerns for City government.
Mayor Henry thanks this homeowner for taking pride in her home and her neighborhood.
Deputy Chief Nancy Becher talks to some of the younger residents of the Oxford neighborhood.
Mayor Henry talks to former City Councilman Charles Redd on Redd's front porch.
For more on the Mayor's Oxford walk and other neighborhood walks, visit the City's YouTube channel.
More than 25 City employees from across divisions and departments spent Aug. 8 taking part in the United Way Day of Caring. The employees painted a house with recommended by Neighborhood Code Enforcement. In addition to painting the house, they also removed some weeds, added some perennial flower beds and installed a brick patio.
The house the morning of Aug. 8, ready to be primed and painted.
After many hours of work, the house is fully repainted.
This was the fourth year the City has worked with Neighborhood Code to improve a house.
Many thanks to the companies who donated materials and supplies to make this project happen. To see more from the City's United Way Day of Caring project, check out the City's YouTube channel .
Curbs, gutters to be installed west of Getz starting Monday
Covington Road west of Getz Road will have lane restrictions starting Monday, weather permitting, for the construction of curbs, gutters and business entrances in this section of the Time Corners traffic improvement project.
There will be one lane in each direction from Getz to about the Walgreens entrance for approximately two weeks.
The entrance to Walgreens off of Covington will be closed during this phase of construction, however all businesses in this area will have at least one entrance open.
The Time Corners traffic improvement project involves the intersections of Jefferson Boulevard and Getz and Covington roads. It is scheduled to be complete the end of fall.
Drivers encouraged to use Evard, Reed, Stellhorn detour
St. Joseph Road, north of the St. Joseph Center Road intersection, will close at 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, weather permitting, for installation of a storm sewer line.
Part of the St. Joe Center widening project, this closure should last no more than 7 days.
The City's contractor will cut an open trench across St. Joe Road along the north side of St. Joe Center to install a sewer main.
The City recommends drivers use the marked detours on Evard, Reed and Stellhorn roads to travel around the pipe crossing. The entrances to the Riviera Plaza shopping center and the Doc Ricker's convenience store will remain open.
The new storm sewer main will provide improved drainage in this traffic improvement area.
When complete in 2009, St. Joseph Center Road will have two lanes in each direction between Reed and St. Joe roads. The project also adds an additional left-turn lane, a second through lane and a new right-turn lane for eastbound St. Joseph Center Road at the St. Joe Road intersection. Other planned improvements include sidewalks on both sides of the road, curbs and gutters, street lighting and pavement markings.
Mayor Tom Henry and Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation, were joined today by Swinney park users as they dedicated a Japanese-style pavilion at Swinney Park. The new pavilion is based on old photos of Swinney's original Japanese Pavilion built in 1910.
The original Japanese Pavilion was removed from the park in 1966, but is fondly remembered by many residents who frequented Swinney Park in prior years. And because of community interest in Swinney's revitalization, a 2002 Cultural Landscape Report recommended rebuilding this unique structure. Today's new pavilion will serve the needs of families near the baseball diamond and playground in West Swinney.
“The pavilion's distinctive appearance and desirable location are sure to make it a favorite destination for family reunions, picnics and fun activities at Swinney,” said Mayor Henry. “As a gateway park to the City, Swinney provides visitors with an important first impression of Fort Wayne. The pavilion will add to the park's beauty.”
The new Japanese Pavilion is an open-air structure that seats 80 people, with eight 8' tables and a large grill. The structure is lighted at night, and can be rented beginning August 1st. When not rented, it can be used by anyone. Rental prices are: $44 Monday ' Thursday, $55 Friday ' Sunday and holidays.
“We are so proud of the Swinney renovations made in the last year or so, including the Swinney Tennis Center, the topiary Welcome to Fort Wayne sign, a renovated pond, and now this outstanding pavilion,” said Moll. “We wouldn't have been able to make all these improvements without the financial support and encouragement of our City Council At-Large members.”
Costs for the pavilion totaled $365,830: $284,830 from CEDIT At-Large contributions, $55,000 from the Mayor's CEDIT fund, and $26,000 from the Park bond. The architectural firm of Morrison, Kattman and Menze is responsible for the design and engineering of the pavilion. Construction was completed by Hamilton Hunter Builders.
City adds parking on Washington in West Central
Following through on a request from the West Central Neighborhood Association, Fort Wayne's Traffic Engineering Department has added on-street parking on the north side of Washington Boulevard between Van Buren and Garden streets.
The no-parking signs were removed last week following the resurfacing this summer of Washington Boulevard.
“The City has to balance the needs of drivers with the needs of residents when adding parking. On-street parking is critical for Fort Wayne's central neighborhoods, and this location was a great opportunity to provide additional parking for the residents and visitors to West Central,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Water Quality Report Mailed to Water Customers
Fort Wayne City Utilities has compiled water quality data for the year 2007 and the news is good. City Utilities continues to provide its drinking water customers with an abundant supply of clean, safe water at a reasonable cost. Public water utilities around the country are required to provide the results of water quality testing to their customers on an annual basis. City Utilities recently mailed its Annual Drinking Water Report to each of its approximately 75,000 customers. The report shows any contaminants that were found in the City's drinking water in 2007. All tests showed the water to be as good or better than required by federal and state regulations. The report is also available on the City's Web site.
City employees to repair house as part of Day of Caring
More than 25 City employees are scheduled to repair the exterior of a house as part of the United Way of Allen County's Day of Caring Aug. 8.
Neighborhood Code Enforcement has selected a deserving homeowner whose house has code violations that can be fixed in a day. Lutheran Social Services is providing paint and painting supplies. The Parks and Recreation Department and Street Department are providing some equipment and some prep work prior to Aug. 8.
This is the fourth year City employees have repaired a home as part of the Day of Caring.
City, partners host small-business forum
The City of Fort Wayne, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, SCORE and Women's Enterprise will offer a free small-business workshop 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 21, in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.
The forum will cover small-business legal structure, financial statements and recordkeeping for taxes. Registrations preferred but not required. To register or more information, contact: Denise Porter-Ross at (260) 427.2603 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
311 call center now handling inquiries for water filtration, water pollution control plants
The City's 311 call center is now taking calls from the public for the water filtration plant and water pollution control plant.
The 311 call center, “one call to city hall,” handles non-emergency service requests from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every report is assigned a tracking number to provide accountability and follow through. The call center can be reached by calling 311 within the City limits or at (260) 427-8311. The center's e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The 311 call center handles the following departments' resident inquiries: solid waste, neighborhood code enforcement, street lighting, street department, signal shop, water maintenance, sign shop, sewer maintenance, water filtration, water pollution control plant, right of way and parking control.
Residents can also use the City's Web site to report weed violations, potholes, missed garbage or recycling collection, abandoned vehicles on public or private property, or a streetlight out by clicking on the 311 logo on the homepage of www.cityoffortwayne.org .
City collects 885 pounds of food for Community Harvest Food Bank
The City of Fort Wayne collected nearly 900 pounds of food during a summertime non-perishable food drive for the Community Harvest Food Bank. City employees as well as County employees and visitors to the City-County Building donated food that will go to families, children and individuals in the food bank's nine-county service area.
“Hunger is an increasing problem in Fort Wayne and across the country as families feel the financial squeeze of increasing food and fuel costs. Thank you to all the employees of the City and County who donated food and all others who shared with those in need,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The collection totals for each location were:
'¢ City-County Building 370 pounds
'¢ Fort Wayne Fire Department 250 pounds
'¢ Fort Wayne Police Department 135 pounds
'¢ Neighborhood Code Enforcement 87 pounds
'¢ Fort Wayne Street Department 43 pounds
Mayor, Clerk, City Council President speak about proposed local government reform
Some of the City's elected officials discussed the recommended changes to municipal government from the Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform in a television show now airing on City TV.
Mayor Tom Henry, City Clerk Sandy Kennedy and City Council President Tom Didier joined Don Geradot, Monroeville Town Board President, and moderator Vince Robinson to discuss the recommendations for town and city government in the Kernan-Shepard report released last year.
This five-part series has programs to recap the report, cities and towns, counties, townships and schools with leaders from each of those governmental entities discussing the report's recommendations and how they think it would affect their unit of local government. The shows air on Comcast Channel 58 and Verizon Channel 28.
For a link to the commission's report, click here: http://indianalocalgovreform.iu.edu/assets/docs/Report_12-10-07.pdf .
City's GIS manager attends software training, conference
Kevin S. Holle, Fort Wayne City Utilities/Public Works' Geographic Information Systems Manager, attended the Intergraph© 2008 training and users conference, and received the Achievement Award for completion of the Infrastructure Management Certificate Program. The program focused on using GIS software to manage public infrastructure such as water, sewer, storm, and street asset management, utilizing Intergraph's© GeoMedia'¢ flagship software.
The City's GIS Department utilizes Intergraph GeoMedia Professional software. To access the City's public GIS Web site, visit http://maps.cityoffortwayne.org/ .
Will improve north-south traffic flow in preparation for the opening of Harrison Square
Mayor Tom Henry and the City's Public Works and Community Development divisions are starting the process of reorienting Calhoun Street to handle two-way traffic throughout downtown Fort Wayne.
The proposed plan will allow two-way traffic between Washington Boulevard and Berry Street, creating a necessary north-south corridor in downtown Fort Wayne, especially with the expected increase of downtown traffic related to the Harrison Square development.
“Ensuring a sensible and logical flow of downtown traffic is important to visitors and residents alike. Calhoun Street is a wonderful pedestrian corridor in our downtown, but the one-way traffic coupled with the much-needed expansions of the Grand Wayne Center and Allen County Public Library that closed local streets can make this section of downtown challenging to find a direct route to attractions, businesses and restaurants,” said Mayor Henry. “I want to preserve as much of the character of these city blocks while improving traffic routes downtown.”
Final designs for the modifications have not been set, but the plan looks to widen the roadway from 24 feet to 34 feet. It would allow for turn lanes at each intersection and provides space for vehicles to unload to the businesses along the corridor. There will also be a sewer separation project in connection to the road work.
Aesthetic improvements include brick inlays on the sidewalks, new trees and tree grates, new street lights and LED paver lights, similar to what has been done on other downtown corridors as part of ongoing streetscape improvements as outlined in the Downtown Blueprint plan.
The City is sensitive to the needs of the businesses currently located on that corridor including local restaurants with outside dining areas. Although local input was sought last year, City officials plan to invite business owners with assistance from the Downtown Improvement District to provide additional participation in this project.
Traffic patterns in downtown were altered in recent years following the elimination of Harrison Street between Jefferson Boulevard and Washington for the Grand Wayne Center expansion and the closure of Webster Street between Wayne Street and Washington for the outdoor plaza at the Allen County Public Library's main branch.
The anticipated cost for the project, using local funds, is $1.47 million. The City would like the improvements complete in April for the opening of the Harrison Square ballpark.
These two blocks were originally part of a three-block City redevelopment project for Calhoun. They were split off from the first segment between Washington and Jefferson.
On July 30, the Board of Public Works authorized the City to enter into a professional services agreement with Bonar Group to revise the initial plans and bid documents for this project from when it was initially designed as part of the three-block improvement.
Will add traffic signal, turn lanes, multiuse trail
Starting Tuesday, July 29, Taylor Street from Ardmore Avenue east to Portage Boulevard will be closed to all traffic for the start of the Taylor and Ardmore intersection improvement project that will add turn lanes, a traffic signal and other improvements for this increasingly traveled location.
From Tuesday through approximately Aug. 15, drivers should use the marked detour of Freeman Street, Covington Road and Ardmore Avenue.
During this closure, Brooks Construction will construct left-turn lanes in all directions and an auxiliary right-turn lane on Taylor Street for westbound traffic. The new traffic signal will replace the current all-way stop at the Ardmore-Taylor intersection.
The improvement will add additional lanes to Ardmore, making it four lanes from the Covington Road intersection to Taylor. The City is also adding a multiuse trail on the west side of this section of Ardmore. Other improvements include new storm sewers, curbs and sidewalks.
This $1.25 million project, funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money, is scheduled to be complete in mid-November of this year. For any questions or concerns that may arise during construction, contact the City's Traffic Engineering Department at 427-1172.
The widening of Ardmore from Taylor to Jefferson Boulevard is a separate project, currently scheduled for construction next year.
Purcell served under three mayors, returns to fill Deputy Mayor role for Henry administration
Mayor Tom Henry announced that Greg Purcell has accepted an offer to serve as Deputy Mayor. Purcell is a familiar face to many in Fort Wayne, having served in City government from the mid-1980s to 2001.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Greg back to Fort Wayne and to have his depth of knowledge, experience and commitment on our staff. His past achievements are impressive but it's what we plan on accomplishing in the next several years that will be even more exciting,” said Mayor Henry.
Purcell, who has served as the County Administrator in Calhoun County, Mich., since January 2001, says he is excited to be coming back to a community with so much happening.
“The downtown projects, Harrison Square and Renaissance Pointe, and the opportunities with the north river area, discussions about co-locating City and County law enforcement departments and possibly moving the City and County offices out of the City-County Building. --- It's all energizing and indicates to me a lot of positive movement in the community,” said Purcell.
Purcell replaces Mark Becker who left May 31 to join the Northeast Indiana Regional Marketing Partnership. Purcell served under Mayor Win Moses as Director of Community Development & Planning from 1986, then was retained in that position when it was re-aligned as director of Community and Economic Development after Mayor Paul Helmke was elected in 1988. Helmke eventually appointed him to Chief of Staff, a position he held until September 1999. At that time, he was selected as Director of Parks and Recreation, and was again retained when a new mayor came into office, this time Mayor Graham Richard in January 2000. Purcell left in January 2001 to accept the position with Calhoun County, Mich. which he currently holds.
“I've long admired Tom Henry as a political leader with whom I've worked in many capacities,” Purcell said. “He could work with anyone, of any affiliation, to get things done and to move forward. I respect that ability and look forward to adding my efforts to bring groups together and strengthen Fort Wayne to make it an even better place for citizens and businesses to grow.”
Purcell, who had to give substantial notice at his current position, is expected to relocate to Fort Wayne in the next few months and begin full time duties by the third week of September.
Some additional pictures from today:
For video from the news conference, check out the City's YouTube channel .
The first delivery of precast concrete for the Harrison Square parking garage arrived in downtown Fort Wayne July 25. For more information, including recommendations for drivers, check out this earlier news release from the City of Fort Wayne.
Check out the City's YouTube channel for video of the arrival of the truck.
Troop 369 distributes literature to neighbors reminding them of only rain in the drain
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 369 from the Indian Village neighborhood applied markers to storm drains in Waynedale Friday as part of an outreach effort through Fort Wayne City Utilities. City Utilities is organizing marking storm drains as an education program to remind residents not to dump anything down a storm drain.
Members of Troop 369, who also helped plant the City's first demonstration rain garden this spring, installed markers on 45 storm sewer inlets in the area south of Lower Huntington Road and west of Bluffton Road.
“I extend my sincere appreciation for the work Girl Scout Troop 369 has done on behalf of all City Utilities customers that benefits the water quality of our local rivers and streams,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “I encourage neighborhood associations, other Scout troops and civic or faith-based organizations to consider installing these informational markers under the guidance of City Utilities.”
City Utilities provided placards to be attached to storm drain inlets or the curbs nearby. City Utilities also provided all the material necessary to attach the markers to storm inlets or to the curb nearby, safety equipment such as safety vests and traffic cones and training for the Scouts.
City Utilities gave informational door hangers that the Scouts distributed to homes near the inlets that are being marked. The door hangers alert residents about the drain markers and also provide instructions for environmentally appropriate ways to dispose of or recycle a number of household products.
Volunteers will mark storm drains in the Harvester neighborhood this summer. The University of St. Francis is planning to have students do storm drain marking in the fall. Other groups or neighborhoods that would like to install storm drain markers should call Susan Beck with Fort Wayne City Utilities at 427-6213 to schedule an event and receive training and supplies.
Mayor Tom Henry joined by members of his staff, Wayne Township Assessor Bev Zuber, and representatives of the Fairfield Neighborhood Association talked to residents of the Fairfield neighborhood July 23 as part of the Mayor's series of walks.
The Mayor listened to residents with their comments and concerns. For more about the Mayor's comments and reaction from the Fairfield Neigborhood Association President Casey Chesney, check out the video on the City's YouTube channel .
This summer, the Mayor is walking in a neighborhood of each City quadrant. This walk had been rescheduled from June because of bad weather. Some photos from the walk:
City and County Officials Continue to Meet to Discuss the Co-Location of Law Enforcement Agencies
City and County officials met July 23 to continue the discussion of co-locating the headquarters of the Allen County Sheriff's Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Present at the meeting were Mayor Tom Henry, Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters, County Councilwoman Paula Hughes, Police Chief Rusty York and Sheriff Ken Fries.
“Today's meeting was very positive. I remain incredibly optimistic about this possibility and look forward to our continued discussions with the County,” said Mayor Henry. “Having both the Police and Sheriff Departments under the same roof would be tremendous for our community.”
County Councilwoman Paula Hughes said, “I see a very serious possibility that this could happen this time. It's great to see everyone at the table making a good faith effort on something that would be such a benefit to our community.”
The same group will meet again in two weeks to continue discussions.
Located on Calhoun, Wayne streets to create appeal for pedestrians, cyclists
Mayor Tom Henry officially unveiled some of downtown's newest features Monday with the recent installation of additional seating and bike racks on Calhoun and Wayne streets.
Six Bubble Chairs, by the noted designer Philippe Starck, and a bicycle rack that looks like spring are in front of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau. A bike rack in the shape of a bicycle is on Wayne Street just east of Toscani Pizzeria.
“These whimsical elements add some visual fun, while also providing needed space to park bikes and take a seat. They are part of the City's ongoing efforts to make downtown an engaging place for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
With an increased use of bicycles downtown, the City listened to business owners who are seeing patrons and employees looking for a place to park and secure bikes. The bright green spring-style bike rack on Calhoun Street looks like sculpture when not in use, but also provides space for more than half a dozen bicycles. The bicycle-shaped rack on Wayne Street provides space for two bikes, while its profile fits on a tight sidewalk.
The stylized polyethylene seats, made by Kartell, are an inviting alternative to the traditional park bench for seating. Starck's designs are seen worldwide, and now in downtown Fort Wayne. Located in front of the Convention and Visitors Bureau's visitors center and across from the Hilton hotel, the whimsical chairs create an outdoor “living room.”
Another element of these blocks of Calhoun Street is the LED light display embedded into the sidewalk. The lights, sprinkled across the concrete, operate with a computer program in the evenings to flash and fade in a seasonally appropriate spectrum of colors. Because they are LEDs, the display uses a fraction of the electricity of its incandescent counterparts. The LEDs have been in use since this spring.
The funding for these projects came from money committed to downtown improvements and implementation of the Downtown Blueprint including the downtown bond and Civic Center TIF funding.
Last week's rain, increased algae cause natural variations
Fort Wayne City Utilities water customers may have noticed an odd taste or smell in their water during the past few days. The water is safe to use for drinking, cooking and all other purposes despite the change in taste. Changes in taste and odor in the water are common, and typically do not indicate that the water is unsafe.
“Fort Wayne's drinking water consistently exceeds quality standards from the Environmental Protection Agency,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The increased taste and odor of the past week are part of a natural process and not a concern for the health and safety of the drinking water supply for City Utilities customers. City Utilities provides a consistently safe and reliable source of drinking water for our homes, schools, industry and businesses.”
Taste and odor in drinking water may occur after heavy rains wash sediment and organic material such as twigs, leaves or grass into the water source. The source of Fort Wayne's drinking water is the St. Joseph River which received a large amount of runoff during heavy rains last week. When the organic material in the river begins to decay, the process of treating drinking water may result in water with an increased taste or odor.
Runoff may also carry nutrients such as nitrate and phosphorus that can encourage the growth of naturally occurring algae in the river. Algae growth increases during hot weather and can also cause a taste or odor that is removed during the treatment process.
The Fort Wayne Water Filtration Plant uses powdered activated carbon (PAC) to control taste and odor. The carbon is added to water during the treatment process and is removed before the water leaves the plant. Currently the plant is using the maximum effective dose of PAC ' 150 pounds per million gallons of water ' but even this maximum dose may not completely control the taste and odor.
The laboratory at the Plant tests for taste and odor. Results are reported as a Flavor Profile Number or FPN. The FPN scale is from zero to eight. The Filtration Plant has a goal of keeping the FPN at six or lower. Fort Wayne's FPN last Friday was six; today the FPN is four. FPN is reported weekly on Friday and may be found on the City's Web site and on the water quality hotline at 427-2297.
The City of Fort Wayne, Animal Care & Control Department has issued a hot weather alert for animal caretakers. Animals exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation can become ill or irritable, and may pose a danger to themselves and to people. The department urges caretakers to pay extra attention to provisions for their animals during this time.
When possible, bring pets into an air-conditioned area of your home; fans are also helpful where air-conditioning is unavailable.
For animals outside, provide a shady, sheltered place to rest and quantities of fresh water in containers that cannot be tipped and spilled.
Change drinking water often. Dirty water breeds bacteria and attracts flies and mosquitoes. The larvae from mosquitoes can cause heartworm in dogs and cats.
Take measures to prevent fly bites, fleas, and ticks.
Do not leave any animal in a parked car, even with the windows open.
Schedule walks with your dog during the early morning or late evening, taking special care with older dogs, young puppies, and dogs with short noses.
Parents are urged not to allow children to exercise a dog while the child is riding a bicycle or skating. The dog may get over heated and children don't always know when to stop.
Supervise pets. Do not leave them alone in situations where they may come in contact with wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and coyotes.
Whenever taking your pet on an outing, carry plenty of cool water for the pet to drink and have water that can be used to wet down your dog's body.
If an animal is panting excessively, or vomiting, or having difficulty walking in extreme heat, it may be suffering from heat stroke. If you suspect an animal is in trouble, move the animal to a cool place out of the direct sun and use cool water to lower its body temperature. Contact a veterinarian right away.
Report signs of animal neglect to Animal Care & Control immediately by calling 427-1244. Any animal that is found by the shelter to be left in conditions that pose an immediate health hazard to the animal will be taken directly to Animal Care & Control for its safety. An Animal Control Officer will leave a written notice for the owner to claim their pet from the shelter.
Drivers encouraged to avoid Harrison between Jefferson and Douglas
Deliveries of precast concrete for the Harrison Square parking garage are expected to start Monday, July 21. The trucks will travel from Interstate 69 to downtown Fort Wayne for about 90 days.
The City expects between 10 and 20 84-foot trucks daily into October. The trucks will exit I-69 onto Jefferson Boulevard or Illinois Road traveling to the Harrison Square construction site in downtown Fort Wayne.
In downtown, the trucks will use the right lane of Jefferson and a temporary cut-through at the southwest corner of Harrison Street and Jefferson Boulevard to help ease traffic congestion.
City officials recommend drivers avoid Harrison Street between Jefferson Boulevard and Douglas Street weekdays.
The trucks, marked as oversized loads, are delivering precast concrete for the Harrison Square parking garage approximately between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. The use of precast concrete from Decatur will shorten the construction time as well as saving money for the parking garage that will serve Lincoln Financial and the Harrison Square complex.
In the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Harrison Square is a mixed-use development with private and public funding, comprised of a cutting-edge minor-league ballpark, retail space, condominiums, a full-service Courtyard by Marriott hotel and parking garage. The ballpark is on schedule to be ready for the first pitch for the 2009 season.
Meetings with Henry on 9th floor of City-County Building
Mayor Tom Henry will hold the second Mayor's Night In of his administration from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the City-County Building.
The public is invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Mayor in his office on the 9th floor to discuss any concerns about City government or services.
“Openness and accessibility to City leadership is a hallmark of my administration,” Mayor Henry said. “I enjoy talking to our citizens and listening directly to their concerns. Hosting Mayor's Night In is an opportunity for Fort Wayne residents to talk directly to the mayor of the second largest city in Indiana.”
Fort Wayne residents can call the Mayor's Public Information Office at 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time that evening to meet with the Mayor and members of his staff. Times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments will ensure time with the Mayor.
Mayor Henry hosted a Mayor's Night In in March and Mayor's Night Out in May. The Mayor is also continuing with his series of neighborhood walks in each quadrant. The remaining walks are southwest July 23, southeast Aug. 7 and northwest Sept. 25.
Southbound Hillegas lanes remain closed until repairs complete in August
The Indiana Department of Transportation expects to start the repair of the Hillegas Road bridge over U.S. 30 Thursday evening.
The repair work, which is limited to the westbound lanes on U.S. 30, will be done from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each evening, with at least one lane remaining open. All U.S. 30 lanes will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the repair period.
The southbound lanes of Hillegas Road will remain closed between Washington Center Road and Coliseum Boulevard Extended until the repair is complete in mid-August, depending on weather.
INDOT is working with a specialized contractor to repair the underside of the bridge, which was damaged June 13 in a traffic accident on U.S. 30.
The southbound lanes of Hillegas Road over U.S. 30 have been closed since the June accident. This closure does not affect northbound traffic on Hillegas.
The City's detour is eastbound Washington Center Road to southbound Lima Road and westbound on Coliseum Boulevard back to Hillegas Road.
INDOT or the City of Fort Wayne will announce when the bridge reopens.
Drivers encouraged to use Evard, Reed detour
St. Joseph Road, north of the St. Joseph Center Road intersection, will close for up to seven days, depending on weather, later this month as part of the St. Joe Center widening project, for installation of a storm sewer line.
The City's contractor will cut an open trench across St. Joe Road along the north side of St. Joe Center to install a sewer main, instead of the original plan to bore a tunnel for the pipe, based on soil conditions.
The City recommends drivers use the marked detours on Evard and Reed roads to travel around the pipe crossing. The entrances to the Riviera Plaza shopping center and the Doc Ricker's convenience store will remain open. The specific start date for this road closure will be announced before the works begins.
The new storm sewer main will provide improved drainage in this traffic improvement area.
When complete in 2009, St. Joseph Center Road will have two lanes in each direction between Reed and St. Joe roads. The project also adds an additional left-turn lane, a second through lane and a new right-turn lane for eastbound St. Joseph Center Road at the St. Joe Road intersection. Other planned improvements include sidewalks on both sides of the road, curbs and gutters, street lighting and pavement markings.
Families will be happy to learn of a new feature at Shoaff Park, if they haven't discovered it already. The Parks and Recreation Department opened a new splashpad in early July 2008 ' a water playground ' that provides cooling fun for kids of all ages. This playground facility has the added dimension of water jets for children to enjoy.
“The northeast side of town is underserved when it comes to public swimming pools, and a splashpad can help fill that need while still being economically feasible,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Splashpads provide the kind of fun that kids have when they run through the sprinklers at home, even as they also address environmental concerns.”
Shoaff Park's splashpad features the following water sprays: a Thrill & Spill, a Ground Geyser, a Bell Spray, an Aqua Dome, a Fountain Spray and multiple water jets. The cost of equipment and installation of the splashpad reached $98,500 and was installed by RecSource, Inc. Funding came from the $10 million 2005 Parks bond.
Park users are reminded that the road through Shoaff Park is now one-way. After entering the park off St. Joe Road, drivers will see a one way sign pointing to the left. Take the road through the woods and you can park by the new spray ground ' adjacent to the playground.
The splashpad is touch-activated, and water turns off after a designated period of time. It is one of four facilities of its type within the City.
“The Department installed the City's first 'sprayground' in 2002 at Memorial Park, and the success of this one splashpad led us to plan five more,” said Moll. “We installed two last year ' at McCormick and Waynedale parks, and will complete two more next summer at Buckner Park and Harrison Square.”
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, City Clerk Sandra Kennedy and more than 30 employees from across divisions and departments walked in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Three Rivers Festival Saturday, July 12, 2008, in downtown Fort Wayne.
To honor the 40th anniversary of the Festival, Mayor Henry invited all 9 current employees with 30 or more years of City employment to join him in the parade. Police officer Bill Walsh, who has been with the department since 1959, walked with the Mayor and the Clerk.
Mayor Tom Henry, joined by City Councilman Tom Smith and City employees including Northeast Area Advocate Denise Porter-Ross, visited the northeast Fort Wayne neighborhood of Springfield July 10, 2008, as part of the Mayor's plan to visit a neighborhood in each quadrant of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry spoke to residents about the direction of the City and to find out if they had any concerns to bring to his attention. The Mayor's reaction to the evening's walk is available here on YouTube .
The other neighborhood walks are scheduled for:
'¢ July 23: Southwest in Fairfield neighborhood
'¢ Aug. 7: Southeast
'¢ Sept. 25: Northwest
Mid-America Hockey Association awards funds for Ice Arena
A grant for $6,000 was recently awarded to the McMillen Ice Arena's sled hockey program by the Mid-American Hockey Association. The Roger Sharrer Grant from Mid-Am Hockey is provided to a hockey association that offers the best plan for growing participation in recreational ice hockey in their area.
In addition to the $6,000 award, the Fort Wayne Youth Hockey Association presented a $2,000 matching grant for the sled hockey program. These funds will be used to purchase six sleds and associated equipment, which the MAC's new sled hockey team can use to build their program.
Sled hockey is new to the MAC, where registration is continuing to increase the size of Indiana's first sled hockey team. The local team has seven members so far, and is looking to sign up more at their next practice July 19, 8-9am.
The Sharrer grant was presented to representatives from the MAC and Fort Wayne Youth Hockey at the Mid-Am's annual meeting in Columbus Ohio. They included: Chuck Reddinger, supervisor of programming; Kevin Wagner, President of FWYH; and Greg Chess, V.P. of FWYH.
“The recent registration of Indiana's first-ever sled hockey team is a big boost to the sport,” said Reddinger. “Participants have had to travel to Ohio and Illinois to play. Now they can play with a regular team, as well as host a sled hockey tournament February 14th, 2009.”
Sled hockey is similar to wheelchair basketball and is a great sport for youth and adults. People with mobility disabilities who enjoy (or want to learn) the sport of hockey are welcome! Once they've learned the basics, they can compete with anyone ' non-disabled friends and others. No experience necessary. There is no pre-registration for this drop-in program, and all equipment will be provided.
This is the third consecutive year that the MAC has received a Sharrer grant. Previous awards were used to fund the “Suit Up for Hockey” equipment loan program, which provides free use of all the equipment young skaters need.
For more information, visit
www.mcmillenicearena.org , or call 427-6769.
Mayor announces board, commission appointments
Mayor Tom Henry announced the following mayoral appointments to these boards and commissions:
Historic Preservation Review Board:
'¢ Tim Domer, replacing Larry Wardlaw
Citizens Appeals Board:
'¢ Matt Coffman
'¢ Julie Morrison
Housing and Neighborhood Development Services:
'¢ Kumar Menon, replacing Mark Becker
'¢ Andy Downs, replacing Maynard Scales
'¢ Karan Flick, Jeremy Senk reappointed
Humane Education Advisory Council:
'¢ Peggy Bender, Diana Fair, Karen Nagel reappointed
Internal Audit:
'¢ Kathy Miller reappointed
Police Merit Commission:
'¢ Rufus Hamilton reappointed
Cable Access Fund:
'¢ Rebecca Karcher, replacing Pat Roller
Mayor Henry thanks the outgoing members for their service and the new and continuing members for their time commitment to the betterment of the City and community. “Our boards and commissions are an integral part of local government. I commend these community leaders for their willingness to serve.” Henry said.
Three partnerships, other organizations not meeting in July
The Northeast, Northwest and Southwest Area Partnerships will not meet in July. The monthly neighborhood association presidents meeting and Community Service Council also do not have meetings scheduled for this month. The Southeast Area Partnership will meet 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Calvary Third Presbyterian, 4700 S. Anthony Blvd.
City Utilities focuses on water filtration plant improvements on City TV
Fort Wayne's water quality and the improvements being made at the water filtration plant and St. Joe Dam will be the topic of the July and August “Bringing the Basics To You” program on City TV, shown on Comcast's Channel 58 and Verizon's Channel 28.
Water Filtration Plan lab manager Vicky Zehr will discuss the quality assurance program used at the Plant to ensure that Fort Wayne's drinking water meets or is better than state and federal standards require. The plant tests regularly for more than 120 water contaminants. Testing is done before, during and after the water is treated.
City Utilities is spending more than $24 million dollars on electrical improvements and other reliability projects at the downtown plant and at the St. Joe Dam. City Utilities Planning and Design Manager Mark Gensic will give a video tour of those projects as part of the program.
The program airs at 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 a.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
City, partners host free small business workshop July 17
The City of Fort Wayne with the cooperation of the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau's Women's Enterprise, S.C.O.R.E., Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce are hosting the “Basics and Beyond for Starting or Growing a Business” workshop 9 a.m. to noon July 17 in the Omni Room of the City-County Building. The August seminar will be “Taxes and Recordkeeping” Aug. 21 at the same time and location. No RSVP is needed. For more information about these workshops, contact Denise Porter-Ross at 427-2603.
Mayor joins employees to walk in Three Rivers Festival parade
Mayor Tom Henry will walk in the Three Rivers Festival parade. Employees will join the Mayor, including an employee with more than 40 years of City service to honor the 40th annual Three Rivers Festival. Mayor Henry invited all 9 current City employees with 40 or more years of City service to join him in the parade.
The Mayor will also run in the festival's 5K prior to the parade.
First posting Tom Henry's address at Harrison Square topping off Mayor Tom Henry announced today the start of the City of Fort Wayne's official presence on YouTube. The first video posted is Mayor Henry addressing the crowd at the Harrison Square topping office ceremony from earlier this week. “I have no plans to be an Internet celebrity, but I'm looking forward to being able to share information and video directly to Fort Wayne residents and those with ties to Fort Wayne who now live elsewhere,” said Mayor Henry. “This is a new opportunity to communicate information about the City using a different and engaging medium.” The public information staff plans to upload video from the Mayor's events, City departments and possibly video from City TV. The link to the City's channel, with the user name of FWPublicInformation, is http://www.youtube.com/user/FWPublicInformation . The City has also posted photos from the Harrison Square topping off ceremony on the City's website. The pictures are available at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/content/view/1676/1690/ .
Mayor Tom Henry joins the B shift of firefighters for breakfast at Station 1 downtown Wednesday, July 2. The Mayor visited the station to listen to firefighters and answer any questions they had for him. "Being an open and accessible mayor is for both residents and employees," Mayor Henry said. "I think it's important for me to meet our employees who work throughout the City."
Public signs final steel beam for structure
Click here for pictures from the event.
Mayor Tom Henry joined current and former members of the City Council, the Redevelopment Commission, Hardball Capital, Barry Real Estate, the Fort Wayne Wizards and the public to top off Harrison Square's ballpark structure today.
The final 20-foot steel beam, with signatures from City leaders, the project's private-sector partners and the general public, was lifted into place with the traditional ceremony of an American flag and an evergreen tree.
“Today is an achievement in the revitalization of the heart of our city,” said Mayor Henry. “The topping off marks an important point in the construction of the Harrison Square ballpark, just like Harrison Square marks an important point in making downtown Fort Wayne a great place to live, work and play.”
The key private-sector partners, Barry Real Estate and Hardball Capital, also joined in today's celebration.
“We're thrilled about the progress of the ballpark,” said Chris Schoen, chief executive officer of Barry Real Estate. “The construction has gone very smoothly, which speaks to the skill and safety of Fort Wayne's workforce. We are looking forward to being here in Fort Wayne to throw out the first pitch next spring.”
The construction of the ballpark, condominiums and retail space, hotel and parking garage is expected to create nearly 1,000 construction-related jobs.
In the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Harrison Square is a mixed-use development with private and public funding, comprised of a cutting-edge minor-league ballpark, retail space, condominiums, a full-service Courtyard by Marriott hotel and parking garage. The ballpark is on schedule to be ready for the first pitch for the 2009 season.
Resource available on City website
Mayor Tom Henry released the new Community Builders A-Z Resource Guide, a 144-page compilation that will help residents access local government and community organizations more efficiently.
Compiled alphabetically and available on the City's Web site, the Guide is organized as a resource in addition to being a directory. The Community Builders A-Z Resource Guide is a unique, comprehensive guide released by the City and County.
“The Community Guide is a great resource for Fort Wayne and Allen County residents,” Henry said. “The Guide makes local government more open and accessible by providing insight into the services that are useful to people on a regular basis. It benefits not only people new to the local community, but also those who have lived here their entire lives.”
City and County leaders know it will be useful to Fort Wayne and Allen County residents.
“We're happy to be partnering with the City on such a valuable cooperative project for our citizens,” said Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown. “This guide will be a great resource for people who have questions about the operation of County and City governments.”
Community and non-profit organizations may want to keep a copy of the Guide on file.
“The idea of a comprehensive guide came from some of the Neighborhood Association presidents who were always looking for information to share in their newsletters. Then with the assistance of county leaders and requests for a government services resource, the project became a priority,” said Denise Porter-Ross, NE Area Advocate.
The Community Builders A-Z Resource Guide is currently available
here . An Office Depot coupon for 15 percent off the cost of printing is also available online with the Guide.
Citizens are notified that Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control will be closed to the public July 4th through 7th. It will reopen at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8th after the Independence Day weekend. Anyone with a lost pet should search at the shelter throughout the week and especially on Thursday, July 3rd to claim pets before the start of the long holiday weekend.
Animal Care & Control currently is caring for 261 animals in their stray wards. Another 300 are expected to arrive by Thursday. Descriptions of lost pets being held at the shelter can be seen on the Animal Care & Control website at
www.fwacc.org .
It's not too late to contribute your piece of artwork to the Multi-Generational Art Show, a Three Rivers Festival event.
While the myriad of new up-and-coming technology and gadgets that pop up everyday seem to increasingly widen the generation gap, the Multi-Generational Art Show is a unique opportunity for children and adults to develop meaningful connections through art.
“Our goal is to offer more opportunity for intergenerational activity,” Patti Davis, supervisor of the Community Center & Preschool/Youth, said. “That's the big push these days.”
Children, ages 5 to 15 years, are invited to enter any work of art created jointly with an adult, ages 50 and older. The entry fee is $4 per piece.
All entries will be accepted on July 10 at Community Center, 233 W. Main St., from 10am-6pm.
Acceptable media for art submissions include paint (watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil), clay and wood. For more details, call 427-6467.
All entries must also include at least one photograph showing the two artists with the work in progress.
Submitted artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Community Center, weekdays July 14-July 17, 8am-4:30pm and 5:30-8pm.
Prizes will be awarded to all participants.
Mayor Tom Henry congratulates the members, coaches and principal of Bishop Luers football, boys' basketball and baseball teams with a proclamation honoring the first high school in Indiana history to earn state titles for all three boys' power sports in a single academic year. Each of the five athletes at the event were on two of the three championship teams.
On a day when it seemed as if nothing was going right for Ryan Dotson, South Whitley, Ind., the Fort Wayne Fire Department Water Rescue and Recovery Team probably looked like the Coast Guard coming to his rescue.
Dotson was in his fishing boat on Shriner Lake, Whitley County, Ind., June 15, by mistake because he had never been on this lake and thought he was on the lake next to Shriner. He turned his boat into rough water and began taking water over the bow of his boat. His boat began sinking rapidly and propelled him into the water as it rolled underwater in seconds. As the water rapidly came into the boat, it knocked the breath out of Dotson. The lifejacket he had was not rated for his weight and he was not using it properly so that was of no help. A former swim team member in junior high school, he knew he was in trouble because he couldn't breathe due to the sudden rush of water as he was pitched into the lake.
Eight members of the FWFD Water Rescue and Recovery Team were practicing diving and boat training on the lake when Firefighter Ben Singleton, on shore, saw what was happening with Dotson and signaled a crew on the water. Three firefighters in a boat, Clifton Dickerson, David Kruse and Brandon Moga, responded and assisted getting Dotson to shore by bringing their boat alongside, grabbing him and hanging onto him while they moved to the shore. While Singleton conducted a Rapid Medical Assessment of Dotson on shore, Dickerson, Kruse and Moga returned to the sinking boat and pulled it to shore along with the help of Firefighter Ryan Smith.
“I wouldn't be here if they wouldn't have been out there,” said Dotson, a father of three. “When I hit the water, I was having trouble breathing. They were very professional and really helpful. Not just in saving me from the water but helping me retrieve my boat and things from the boat. I want to thank them publicly for helping me go home alive to my kids,” he added.
Dotson and the dive team members reviewed proper boating safety procedures and the importance of using a properly fitted lifejacket. FWFD's Water Rescue and Response Team trains so that when these situations occur, they are ready to respond.
Signed I-beam will be raised to mark highest point of ballpark
Marking an important landmark in the construction of the Harrison Square ballpark, Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne, in cooperation with Hardball Capital and Barry Real Estate, invites the public to the topping-off ceremony July 1 at the construction site.
“Harrison Square is a landmark project for downtown Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “It's important we celebrate this milestone in the ballpark's structure with a public event where we can literally watch the facility under construction. I invite you to join us at Harrison Square on Tuesday.”
Mayor Henry is inviting members of the previous and current City Council, redevelopment commission, former Mayor Graham Richard, former Deputy Mayor Mark Becker, representatives from the Fort Wayne Wizards, Hardball Capital and Barry Real Estate to sign an I-beam that will top off the ballpark's structure.
The site will open at 11 a.m. City Council, Redevelopment Commission members, Mayor Henry and others will sign the final I-beam at about 11:30. The beam will then be raised into place, marking the highest point in the construction of the ballpark.
Visitors can enter at the corner of Brackenridge and Ewing or near the corner of Douglas and Webster, across from the Federal Courthouse parking lot. Staff members will help direct people.
In the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Harrison Square is a mixed-use development with private and public funding, comprised of a cutting-edge minor-league ballpark, retail space, condominiums, a full-service Courtyard by Marriott hotel and parking garage. The ballpark is on schedule to be ready to throw out the first pitch for the 2009 season.
May need access for meter reading
City Utilities will be verifying the 10,500 customer addresses in the former Aqua Indiana North service territory starting Wednesday through mid-August.
Two interns with City identification badges and using a City vehicle will be in the area to validate street addresses City Utilities has on file. They will also report any missing addresses.
If the address is missing in City records, City Utilities will need access to the water meter for verification purposes. If customers are not available when the interns are in the area, City Utilities will follow up with a phone call.
City Utilities is starting on the east side of the north service territory and working west.
Anyone with questions about the verification process can call 311 or 427-8311 outside the City from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Important opportunity for Henry to hear directly from individuals, families
Mayor Tom Henry announced a series of neighborhood walks to hear directly from residents about City government. The first walk will be Thursday evening in the Fairfield neighborhood on Fort Wayne's south side.
“One of the most important things I can do as Mayor of Fort Wayne is listen to comments and concerns from our residents,” Mayor Henry said. “These neighborhood walks offer my staff and me the opportunity to talk to folks on their porches and in front yards. It's central to my administration to be available and accessible to the public.”
The Mayor will be in the neighborhood from approximately 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to staff members, Henry invited City Council members to join him in the walks.
Mayor Henry has scheduled a walk in each quadrant of Fort Wayne now through September.
The other walks are scheduled for:
'¢ July 10: Northeast
'¢ Aug. 7: Southeast
'¢ Sept. 25: Northwest
The Fort Wayne Fire Department will be participating in the 2008 Safety, Health and Survival Week, being held the week of June 22-28, 2008. This safety emphasis week is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC.
As part of its commitment to safety, FWFD will have a demonstration of its new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment (SCBA) from 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, at the Regional Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing.
Firefighters will demonstrate how the SCBA Air-Pak 75 operates. Chief Peter X. Kelly said, “FWFD will be replacing and upgrading its SCBA equipment paid in large part by an Assistance to Firefighters Grant of just over $400,000 that our department received from the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Preparedness Directorate.” Jim Ridley, President of International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 124 added, “Every one of our firefighters is committed to safety in all aspects ' individually, for the crew and the community we serve. This new SCBA signifies a commitment to our firefighters to provide the best equipment we can so that each one of them 'goes home safely,' a motto of firefighters everywhere.”
“We are looking forward to participating in the Safety, Health and Survival Week,” said Chief Kelly. “Safety is paramount in all that we do day in and day out so taking the time to join with our fellow firefighters in this safety review is necessary to learn all that we can to keep our firefighters and community as safe as possible.”
The theme “Safety, Health & Survival,” will focus on preparing firefighters and EMS personnel for their daily duties by reviewing their training and the proper use of equipment to ensure safe response, mitigation and return from all emergency situations. Failure to remain cautious can cause routine activities to become hazardous, as has been shown in the many fire service and emergency medical service line-of-duty deaths and injuries.
In 2007, 115 firefighters died in the line of duty; already this year, 53 have been lost. The purpose of the Safety, Health and Survival Week is to reduce these deaths and injuries by calling attention to safety practices and improving them. These types of safety emphasis weeks and events have been used by the military for years to correct issues that have been identified as a problem throughout the ranks.
“We will be reviewing safety in all aspects including in regards to our use of apparatus and personal protective equipment as well as personal health and remembering those who have died in the line of duty,” said Chief Kelly.
City Utilities meetings about clean-water infrastructure improvements through July 7
City Utilities is hosting a series of introductory public forums to inform and educate City Utilities customers about the City's long term control plan to significantly reduce combined sewer overflow into Fort Wayne's waterways. This 18-year plan will invest nearly $240 million in clean-water infrastructure that will eliminate up to 90% of the untreated sewage now flowing into our rivers and streams from sewers that carry both raw and storm sewage.
Each meeting will have a 20-minute presentation that provides an overview of the plan. Some locations will feature plans specific to the neighborhood. City Utilities staff will be available at each meeting to answer questions.
All meetings start at 6:30 p.m. The remaining meetings will be:
'¢ Today, Northwest Area Partnership, North Ridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Road
'¢ Monday, June 23, Little Turtle Library; Staffed display and information will be available at this library from 2:00 until meeting time.
'¢ Tuesday, June 24, Georgetown Library
'¢ Thursday, June 26, Pontiac Library
'¢ Monday, July 7, Dupont Library; Staffed display and information will be available at this library from 2:00 until meeting time.
New webmaster joins City
Mark Brown, a Fort Wayne native and graduate of Paul Harding High School, is the City's new webmaster. He started Monday.
With more than 20 years of experience in information technology, Brown previously worked as the webmaster for East Allen County Schools.
Meeting for inactive neighborhood associations southeast
The City of Fort Wayne is hosting a meeting Saturday morning for people from inactive neighborhood associations in the city's southeast quadrant. Representatives from the Fort Wayne Police Department, Neighborhood Code Enforcement, Southeast Area Partnership and other neighborhood leaders will be available to help jumpstart inactive associations. The meeting will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing.
Energy and Environmental Services at Green Expo
Staff members from Energy and Environmental Services and City Utilities will be at Glenbrook Square Friday and Saturday for the Green Expo. Visitors to the booth can pick up a free compact fluorescent light bulb and information about keeping fats, oils and greases out of drains and sewers.
City hosting green infrastructure workshop
The Center for Neighborhood Technology will conduct a green infrastructure workshop June 30 for City employees and other stakeholders interested in adding and expanding these structures as part of the City's long term control plan to reduce combined sewer overflow.
According to CNT, green infrastructure is the interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas, such as greenways, wetlands, parks, forest preserves and native plant vegetation, that naturally manages stormwater, reduces flooding risk and improves water quality.
Two representatives from CNT and the executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District will conduct the workshop that runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.
Street Department employee goes to Washington to meet with legislators
Nate Thompson, a 10-year City employee in the Street Department, will go to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress and congressional staffers June 24 and 25 as part of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning's Lifelong Learning Account Advocacy Day.
CAEL's Lifelong Learning Accounts, offered to City employees, are employee-owned, employer-matched portable accounts to pay for training and education. CAEL selected Thompson because of his success planning his education and receiving additional training. The council is paying for Thompson's expenses.
ARCH recognizes Public Works for Wilt Street restoration
ARCH gave the City of Fort Wayne's Board of Public Works a certificate of commendation for the restoration of brick paving on Wilt Street. ARCH and West Central Neighborhood residents nominated the work for the award.
Fort Wayne Fire Department joins with Fort Wayne Police Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority to encourage everyone to enjoy fireworks in the safest possible way. “We recommend for everyone's safety that they go to fireworks presented by trained professionals,” said District Chief Jim Murua, Fort Wayne Fire Department Fire Marshal. “If they are going to purchase fireworks for private use, we encourage them to use fireworks responsibly and take safety precautions.”
Anyone with a fireworks-related complaint is to call the Fort Wayne Police Department at 427-1222.
The Fort Wayne City Ordinance governing the use of fireworks in Fort Wayne which is similar to Indiana's State Fireworks Law which does allow adults age 18 and older to purchase fireworks for use in Fort Wayne on the user's property, the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks, or at a special discharge location designated by the State Fire Marshal.
In the City of Fort Wayne, the fireworks may be used only between 5 p.m. and two hours after dusk (approximately 11 p.m.) from June 29 ' July 3 and July 5 ' 9. On the day before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, the day before Labor Day and Labor Day, the hours are extended from 10 a.m. ' to midnight. For New Year's Eve, the hours are 10 a.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan. 1.
“According to a report from the Indiana State Department of Health, in 2007 48% of all fireworks-related injuries in Indiana involved children and adolescents. They represent a quarter of Indiana's population so this is a concern. Of these injuries, 69% of cases reported burn injuries with burns to the hands being the most common type of burn injury,” said Murua. He explained that of all the injuries in 2007, one in five of those injuries involved the eyes with 92% of those injuries due to not using any eye protection. He noted the report also said that fireworks use on private property accounted for 83 % of the reported injuries. “Fireworks injuries are often severe,” he added.
Safety is always the key to any activity and this includes fireworks. For your safety, as well as that of your loved ones, neighbors and the community, the Fort Wayne Fire Department suggests you enjoy your fireworks at a professional event. Information regarding Fort Wayne's new Fireworks Law is available at www.FWFD.org, the Internet Site for Fort Wayne Fire Department.
Additional fireworks safety information includes:
Make sure to have a responsible adult supervise all fireworks activities. Do not let children play with or light any fireworks.
Use fireworks in an open area away from buildings or anything combustible. Keep your audience a safe distance away from the shooting site. Be aware of the wind direction and plan accordingly.
Safety glasses should be used by those lighting the fireworks or in close proximity to the fireworks.
Have a hose, bucket of water or water supply, or a fire extinguisher nearby and pay attention to the wind direction.
Bridge undergoing inspection, repair following accident Friday
The southbound lanes of Hillegas Road are closed between Washington Center Road and Coliseum Boulevard Extended while the bridge over U.S. 30 is inspected and repaired following an accident Friday.
The detour is eastbound Washington Center Road to southbound Lima Road and westbound on Coliseum Boulevard back to Hillegas Road. Signs marking the detour should be up by 9 p.m. today.
The southbound lanes have been closed since an accident Friday night damaged the bridge. Indiana Department of Transportation and City of Fort Wayne officials are working together and expect this closure to last at least 30 days, depending on the severity of the damage.
This closure does not affect northbound traffic. INDOT or the City of Fort Wayne will announce when the bridge reopens and provide updates as needed.
Mayor Calls on Community to Collaborate in Meeting Needs
In announcing the 2008 allocations of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Mayor Tom Henry today visited with staff and students at CANI's Head Start program. Many of the students in Head Start classes will benefit from the United Way's Ready Schools program, a program funded in part by CDBG monies allocated through the City.
“Many organizations throughout our community are focusing on closing the achievement gap between students whose families have sufficient socio-economic resources and those whose families do not,” said Mayor Henry. “All parents, regardless of their level of income, want their children to succeed and thrive. Programs like this help children be better prepared before they even enter schools so they can succeed in the classroom and do well in their academic pursuits.”
Ready Schools Overview
The objective of Ready to Learn/Ready Schools plan is to better meet the educational needs of our most vulnerable children. Readiness for school and a child's early school experience generally sets a pattern for their future success. Children who have an unsuccessful experience in kindergarten are less likely to catch up and do better in later grades and are more likely to drop out of school. A study sponsored by the National Center for Educational Statistics, indicated that about 20% of kindergarten children lagged behind in the cognitive area of development and 31% lagged behind in the social and emotional area of development.
The Ready Schools/Ready to Learn Initiative implemented by the United Way bridges the gap between early child care providers and kindergarten classrooms. The program increases the awareness of early childcare providers in the school expectations and kindergarten standards. Ready Schools also implements a system for documenting the children's experience in the early child care setting and provides this information to the kindergarten teachers. Perhaps the most important feature is the increased relationship between the parents and the schools.
The success of the Ready Schools initiative can be attributed to the unique collaboration between several community partners including: Fort Wayne Community Schools, CANI Head Start, Early Childhood Alliance, MLK Montessori, Gingerbread House, Turnstone Center, Lutheran Social Services, Fort Wayne Urban League, Zion Lutheran Church & School, City of Fort Wayne, IPFW, Ivy Tech, and the United Way.
“While City government cannot be the answer to all the troubles in our community, we do have a role to play, “said Mayor Henry. “Our CDBG funds can be leveraged to help emphasize areas we, as a community, determine are priorities. Many organizations have decided to look at the area of this achievement gap and do what they can to address it. WE need to encourage organizations to collaborate on the issues facing our community, and this is an excellent example of a challenge that impacts many agencies, schools and families. Ultimately we are giving children a better start in school if we reach them early with this sort of program.”
CDBG: What is it?
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
CDBG funds can be used for a variety of activities including public infrastructure improvements, rehabilitation, acquisition, clearance (demolition), economic development, and public services.
The City is allowed to spend a portion of the CDBG allotment on public services. Public services include (but are not limited to) child care, health care, job training, recreation programs, education programs, public safety services, services for seniors, and services for homeless persons.
CDBG: Where does it come from?
The City of Fort Wayne receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2008 the City is receiving just over $2,000,000.
CDBG: The City's Grant Application Process
Each year the City takes applications from local non-profit organizations for funding social service programs. The City receives anywhere between 30 and 50 applications annually. Funding decisions are made based on a needs assessment completed as part of the five year Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan identifies what services the community needs and places a priority on those services. The Plan serves as the basis for allocating the CDBG funds over the next five years and gets updated at least annually.
LSA scholars to be named
Mayor Tom Henry and City Council representatives were joined by participants and supporters of the Lifetime Sports Academy for the opening day for the 11th year of LSA today.
“Lifetime Sports Academy is such a great summer sports program ' it's free and safe for youth participants and it is a priceless asset to the community,” said Mayor Henry. “Not only are children served by this seven-week program with talented coaches and instructors, but the whole community benefits from the healthy activities that come to McMillen Park each year.”
During the LSA session (June 9 ' July 25), boys and girls ages 8 ' 18 will receive free group lessons in golf, tennis and swimming instruction in a supervised environment. A pavilion program provides arts, crafts and organized games. Lunch is provided daily through Fort Wayne Community School summer lunch program.
“More than 14,000 kids have learned lifetime sports here,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Kids have the opportunity to earn golf and tennis equipment, and for the second year they can also qualify for an outstanding scholarship opportunity with the University of St. Francis.”
The Tom Jehl LSA Scholarships are available to students who have participated with the Lifetime Sports Academy, have been actively involved in volunteer activities and have a high school GPA of 2.7 or higher. This scholarship is available to new college students beginning in the fall of 2008. The new recipients will receive full-tuition scholarships, which are good for up to eight semesters as long as recipients maintain full-time enrollment and a 2.5 GPA. Named today at the opening day are scholarship recipients Robert Gallmeyer and Michelle Fox. For more information, see
www.sf.edu/financialaid .
The scholarship fund at St. Francis was established in 2006 to honor Tom Jehl, a visionary and co-founder of LSA and a big supporter of USF.
Kids are welcome to register for Lifetime Sports Academy at any time during the seven weeks of activities. Call 427-6000 or visit
www.fortwayneparks.org/programs for more information.
Participants have earned more than 700 sets of golf clubs and 900 tennis rackets in the past 10 years.
City Utilities hosting series of meetings about long term control plan
City Utilities will host a series of introductory public meetings to inform and educate City Utilities customers about the City's long term control plan to significantly reduce combined sewer overflow into Fort Wayne's waterways. This 18-year plan will invest nearly $240 million in clean-water infrastructure that will eliminate up to 90% of the untreated sewage now flowing into our rivers and streams from sewers that carry both raw and storm sewage.
Each meeting will have a 20-minute presentation that provides an overview of the plan. Some locations will feature plans specific to the neighborhood. City Utilities staff will be available at each meeting to answer questions.
All meetings start at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will be at:
'¢ Thursday, June 12, Northeast Area Partnership, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave.
'¢ Monday, June 16, Shawnee Branch Library
'¢ Thursday, June 19, Northwest Area Partnership, North Ridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Road
'¢ Monday, June 23, Little Turtle Library; Staffed display and information will be available at this library from 2:00 until meeting time.
'¢ Tuesday, June 24, Georgetown Library
'¢ Thursday, June 26, Pontiac Library
'¢ Monday, July 7, Dupont Library; Staffed display and information will be available at this library from 2:00 until meeting time.
Fleet manager to serve on environmental panel at national conference
Larry Campbell, fleet manager for the City of Fort Wayne, will be a panelist Monday at the 2008 Government Fleet Expo & Conference in San Diego.
Campbell will talk about the City's successes with hybrid vehicles, biodiesel and other green initiatives including grant opportunities in the “Going Green: What is Working” panel. In 2006, Fort Wayne earned the Fleet of the Year award and has won other awards and recognition for innovative practices.
City, employees collecting food for Community Harvest Food Bank
The City of Fort Wayne and its employees are collecting non-perishable food items for the Community Harvest Food Bank now through June 13. Collection barrels are placed at the elevators on each floor and the lobby of the first floor. Employees and visitors are welcome to donate.
“With the ever increasing costs for food and gas, Fort Wayne residents and families are feeling the economic squeeze,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This drive helps restock Community Harvest Food Bank's shelves and ensures our fellow residents don't go without necessities.”
Food can also be dropped off at any Fort Wayne Fire Department station between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. now through June 13. The barrels are located in the area where free blood pressure checks are preformed.
Mayor to address Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition Thursday
Mayor Tom Henry will talk about the City's commitment to environmentally responsible practices Thursday morning with the Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition.
The Mayor will speak at 7:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers in the City-County Building.
City employee's needlework on display in lobby of 9th floor
The needlework of Cici Case, associate attorney for the City of Fort Wayne, is on display throughout June in the lobby of the 9th floor of the City-County Building.
Cici Case joined the Embroiderers Guild of America in 1984 while a resident of Pennsylvania, and continued her membership when she moved to Indiana in 1995. She is also a contemporary needleworker, teacher, and finisher, and owner of Cici Case Designs and Miss Cici's Finishing School. Her needlework emphasizes the use of multiple fibers, textures, colors and depth as created through the many stitch combinations found in today's needlework designs (counted cross stitch, specialty stitches, hardanger, drawn thread, and others).
Bringing the completed design to life, striving for perfection as created through stitching, and innovative finishing techniques are her trademarks. The hallmark of her work ' whether for pleasure or for professional activities - is the construction of the finished product. In addition to classes at stitching shops, she has taught embroidery and finishing at Embroiderers Guild of America and American Needlework Guild events, Hoosier Stitchers' events, and through online internet forums.
Maumee Basin documentary earns award
A documentary produced by Fort Wayne City Utilities, the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality and WFWA-TV PBS-39 earned an award of distinction from the Videographer Awards.
“A Watershed Mentality” focuses on the issue of sedimentation in the Maumee River basin, the economic impacts of sediment pollution and how it can be prevented. City Utilities secured and administered a Great Lakes Commission grant for the production of the video as well as provided an in-kind donation of staff services. The documentary has aired locally on PBS and across the country.
Community Service Council starts 13th year with election of new chair
Fort Wayne's Community Service Council will elect a new chair at the 6 p.m. meeting Thursday in the Omni Room at the City-County Building.
Appointed by the Mayor, CSC is comprised of representatives from City and County government, law enforcement, neighborhood association partnerships, businesses, faith-based organizations and community organizations focusing on education, health care, diversity, mental health and youth. For more information about CSC, contact Denise Porter-Ross 427-2603.
Mayor Tom Henry and Director Al Moll were joined by representatives of the Fort Wayne Baseball Federation, Fort Wayne Community Schools and the City Council as they dedicated the City's newest park and baseball diamond. Named the Daryl B. Cobin Memorial Park, Home of Carrington Field, the 6.3-acre park replaces an old development on the north side of Coliseum Blvd. by Lakeside Golf Course.
“Creating a park and ball diamond here is a great use of this land,” said Mayor Henry. “The site is on a flood plain and now absorbs flood waters with the removal of asphalt, concrete, a trailer park and apartment buildings. Impervious materials were recycled and now the community has a great new green space to enjoy.”
The Parks and Recreation Department completed demolition and clean up in 2007, removing 89,467 square feet of asphalt, concrete and old trailers. Green building practices were used in the creation of this park, including recycling the concrete and asphalt that was removed, and the use of biosolids to make the lawn healthy. Low-energy sports lighting and recycled construction materials were also enlisted in the Department's efforts to create a new home for Carrington Field.
The original Carrington Field was located at Johnny Appleseed Park, but was displaced by the building of Memorial Baseball Stadium in 1992. A new field was created across Coliseum Blvd. on IPFW property in 1993, where it hosted amateur baseball games for 15 years. Lease of IPFW's land came to an end this year, and good fortune occurred when three business men donated the property at 742 N. Coliseum Blvd. to the Department, and the new Daryl B. Cobin Memorial Park will be open in time for baseball this summer.
Steve Cobin, Harold Belkin and Jeffrey Cagan are the former owners of the 6.3 acre site. Mr. Cobin attended today's ceremony, as the park was named in memory of his son Daryl B. Cobin.
“The Fort Wayne Baseball Federation and Fort Wayne Community Schools have been our partners in creating this new park,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “During our planning phase, the Federation was very active in helping us determine the configuration of the diamond. Fort Wayne Community Schools' Anthis Construction Trades students helped with construction of the dug outs and installation electrical wiring to the scoreboard and dugouts.”
Amateur baseball will be seen this year with Fort Wayne Baseball Federation games. Next year, the North Side High School baseball will call Carrington Field home.
The scoreboard was donated by Crumback Symons Chevrolet, Inc., and the posts were donated by Omni Source. Erie Haven provided services, and consultants included GAI for engineering plans, Palermo Construction for demolition and Brooks for construction. The project received funding assistance from the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, the Park Bond, the Mayor's CEDIT pledge and City Council District 1.
“With the donation of land and shared costs for the project, this new park and baseball diamond are great examples of a true public-private partnership,” said Moll.
Free site available for tenants, landlords featuring detailed property listings
The City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Housing Authority are offering a new Web site to list housing for rent. The free listing service connects renters with available apartments and homes including affordable housing in Fort Wayne and Allen County.
The Web site,
www.fortwaynehousingnow.org , is ready for both rental property providers to list apartments and homes and for potential tenants of all income levels to search for housing anonymously anytime using the Internet.
“The ability to access available rental housing for all income levels is an essential part of the economic health and growth of our County,” said Maynard Scales, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Housing Authority. “I urge property owners to register today.”
The detailed property listings include street address, monthly rent, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, amenities such as a washer and dryer and special features like handicapped accessibility, pets allowed, Spanish-speaking staff and income restrictions if applicable.
“This service is a great resource for Fort Wayne and Allen County residents. It's an important step to ensuring the future health of our neighborhoods and economy by granting greater access to housing resources,” Scales said.
The website offers 24-hour access to managing, adding and updating property listings and advertised company information. An experienced bilingual call center is available for those who do not use the Internet.
The site has free property inventory management tools for landlords. Property owners and renters can also use the search feature for neighborhood and pricing comparisons.
FortWayneHousingNow.org is developed and managed by Socialserve.com®, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to serving the affordable housing needs of communities like Fort Wayne.
Socialserve.com is a national leader in housing listing and locating services and currently serves half of the U.S. population across 22 states.
Affordable housing is intended for households whose income is at or below 80 percent of area median income, or about $49,050 for a family of 4 according to 2007 Housing and Urban Development data.
For more information, visit
FortWayneHousingNow.org or contact Socialserve.com at (877) 428-8844.
Henry, staff building on planning policies from previous mayor
Mayor Tom Henry congratulates his predecessor, Graham Richard, for the Distinguished Leadership by an Elected Official award from the Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association.
“During his time in office, Mayor Richard provided leadership and assisted the City's Community Development staff to implement new planning ideas that have earned Fort Wayne statewide recognition,” said Mayor Henry. “Mayors have the sometimes unglamorous job of spending a lot of time planning and setting the wheels in motion for projects that take many years to come to fruition. It's appropriate that we recognize and honor Mayor Richard's contributions as Fort Wayne continues to grow into an even stronger place to live and work because of his leadership.”
Paul Spoelhof from the Community Development Division will accept the award on Richard's behalf Friday at the APA Indiana Chapter Spring Conference in Indianapolis.
Richard said he is honored to receive the award, and he shares it with the Community Development Division's staff, all of whom worked hard to engage the community in establishing a bold vision for the future.
A draft of the City's proposed new Commercial Code Ordinance can now be viewed from the City's Web site on any of the following home pages: Community Development , Strategic Planning , Southeast Strategy , or Neighborhood Code .
For the past several months, City staff has been meeting with representatives of local business, government and neighborhoods to help determine what issues are causing the most concern among those groups in regard to commercial structures. While Neighborhood Code Enforcement handles many concerns about residential properties, they have limited responsibility when the property in question is a commercial, industrial or institutional property.
The ordinance has been increasingly called for by community and business association activists for a number of years. Action crystallized last summer following the City's adoption of the Southeast Area Development Strategy as a first amendment to the Plan It! Allen Comprehensive Plan. Southeast residents, business owners and neighborhoods very strongly matched earlier calls for action to protect and enhance investment in our non-residential real estate.
City staff has been taking input from those various groups and incorporated much of the input into the current draft version. Additional comment and input is welcome and can be made on either the Southeast Strategy or Neighborhood Code home pages.
City Planning and Policy and Neighborhood Code staff would like to send a version of the ordinance to the City Council early this summer.
City does not collect tree limbs, brush left at curb
The City of Fort Wayne's solid waste department reminds residents that the City does not collect tree limbs or brush left at the curb.
Brush and small limbs can be bundled and placed in the residential trash bins for regular trash collection or dropped off to the City's two yard waste sites.
Tree branches must be cut down to 3 feet in length and the diameter of the branches cannot exceed 3 inches in diameter. The branches must be bundled with string or twine or placed in the City cart for collection. Individual bundles cannot exceed 60 pounds. No City department will pick up piles of branches at the curb.
The city has heard reports from residents about a tree-trimming service that is leaving branches at the curb, telling the residents that the City will collect them. City officials have notified the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana about these reports.
“Fort Wayne is not doing curbside collection of tree branches,” said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy. “If homeowners hire a tree-trimming service, they should make arrangements prior to the work being done on who will remove the debris. If the contractor doesn't remove them, residents can either place such items for trash collection or take them to our yard waste facilities.”
Leaves, yard waste and brush can be dropped off at the Bio-Solids Facility at 6202 Lake Ave. and National Serv-All at 6231 Macbeth Road.
The Bio-Solids Facility is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. National Serv-All's hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Minimal charges apply to yard waste and leaves dropped off at either facility.
Branded signs part of continued efforts to make downtown Fort Wayne friendly, accessible
The City of Fort Wayne is continuing to make downtown friendlier for drivers with the addition of architectural signage for public parking garages and directional signs from key entry points to Fort Wayne.
Signs have been installed at the City's parking garages and lots that offer public parking. They are designed to be distinctive yet readable to drivers who are not familiar with which parking lots and garages are available for public use.
The downtown directional signs have been installed near the airport and exits from interstates 69 and 469. Additional trailblazer signs have been installed at key intersections to help drivers find their way downtown.
The new signs supplement branded signage installed downtown in 2006 to help drivers find attractions and parking. That project was the first phase of the City's efforts to make downtown friendly to visitors. Both strategies are from the Downtown Blueprint plan.
“Downtown Fort Wayne needs to be as easy to navigate as possible,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “The new signs help visitors find downtown from the highway or airport, and once they are here, help them find a place to park. Downtown Fort Wayne must be a destination for our city, which is exactly why we are making large investments like Harrison Square and smaller investments like additional signage and improved sidewalks and streetscapes.”
The public parking signs have been installed at the Plaza and Civic Center parking garages, and the Freimann Square, Barr Street and Headwaters parking lots.
City officials are working with owners of privately owned parking lots and garages to encourage them to purchase and install the signs.
The City has also added directional signs for Science Central and Historic Fort Wayne. These attractions are often of interest to downtown visitors.
The downtown capital improvement bond is funding the directional and the City's parking signs. Design Collaborative designed the signs; Burkhart SIGNSYSTEMS built and installed the signs.
Flooding caused damage between Pemberton Drive, North River Road
In time for the Memorial Day weekend, the City Fort Wayne announces that a section of Rivergreenway along the Maumee River has reopened.
The trail between Pemberton Drive at mile marker 2.0 to the North River Road trailhead at the 5.75 mile marker was recently repaired following the damage from February's flooding on the Maumee River.
For information about any Rivergreenway closure or status, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org/rivergreenway .
Fort Wayne's 311 call center is now handling sewer maintenance inquiries. The center handles 10 City departments as well as general inquiries about City government.
The 311 call center, “one call to city hall,” handles non-emergency service requests from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every report is assigned a tracking number to provide accountability and follow through. The call center can be reached by calling 311 within the City limits or at (260) 427-8311. The center's e-mail address is
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The 311 call center handles the following departments' resident inquiries: solid waste, neighborhood code enforcement, street lighting, street department, signal shop, water maintenance, sign shop, sewer maintenance, right of way and parking control.
Residents can also report online potholes, missed garbage or recycling collection, abandoned vehicles on public or private property, or a streetlight out by clicking on the 311 logo on the homepage of
www.cityoffortwayne.org .
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources awarded the City of Fort Wayne a $900,000 grant Tuesday as part of the Hoosiers on the Move statewide trails plan.
The City's grant will fund Phase IIB, or about 1.7 miles, of the planned Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This 5.5-mile trail will connect the Rivergreenway with the Aboite New Trails system, eventually creating 40 miles of contiguous trails from New Haven to southwest Allen County.
“Fort Wayne is now known statewide for our growing trail system, which is becoming a key part of the City's infrastructure,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Our trails provide key elements for improving our quality of life including safe alternative transportation and free access to recreation and exercise.”
The City's grant was one of 28 projects totaling $19 million selected throughout Indiana. The Towpath Trail, which is under construction currently, is part of the Indiana State Visionary Trails System.
19 discharge sites had 100 percent compliance for 2007
Mayor Tom Henry recognized 19 industrial customers of City Utilities today for 100 percent compliance in pretreating wastewater in 2007.
Participants in the program partially treat on site the waste they produce before discharging it into the City's wastewater collection system. Regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the industrial pretreatment program requires vigorous monitoring and reporting.
“City Utilities' industrial customers are a crucial part of Fort Wayne's strategy to improve our rivers' water quality,” Mayor Henry said. “These 19 sites are leading by their example of 100 percent compliance last year. They are important partners with the City and demonstrate their commitment to the environment every day.”
Five companies ' General Motors, Harris Kayot, Hospital Laundry Service, Valbruna Slater Stainless, Waste Management Fort Wayne Reduction Site ' have earned the award annually since its inception 8 years ago.
The locations with 100 percent compliance for 2007 are:
'¢ Cintas Corporation Brooklyn Avenue
'¢ Cintas Corporation Independence Drive
'¢ Creative Coatings
'¢ Fort Wayne Anodizing Outfall 001
'¢ General Motors
'¢ Harris Kayot
'¢ Hospital Laundry Service
'¢ Karl Schmidt Unisia Building 24, Outfall 002
'¢ Karl Schmidt Unisia Main Plant, Outfall 001
'¢ Lincoln Foodservice Products
'¢ National Serv-All Landfill
'¢ Nu-Tec Coatings
'¢ Parker Hannifin Corporation
'¢ Smith Metal Finishing
'¢ United Refuse Smith Road Landfill
'¢ Valbruna Slater Stainless
'¢ Waste Management Fort Wayne Reduction Site
'¢ Wayne Metal Protection
'¢ White Electronic Designs
Mark Becker's imminent departure leaves important vacancy
Mayor Tom Henry announced he's asked his Transition Team to reconvene to assess and screen candidates for the position of deputy mayor. Henry recently accepted the resignation of Deputy Mayor Mark Becker, effective May 31, 2008.
To fill this important position, Henry is looking to the same group who helped him assemble his senior management team when he took office Jan. 1, 2008. The advisory group, chaired by Ben Eisbart, Executive Vice President - Administration of OmniSource Corp., is comprised of:
'¢ Dick Merren, chair of the United Auto Workers' (UAW) Region 3, Area 4 Community Action Programs' Council and Chair of the UAW Region 3 Retirees' Council;
'¢ Ken Neumeister, President and CEO of Liberty Construction;
'¢ Rae Pearson, Ph.D, President and CEO of Alpha Rae Personnel, Inc., and a State Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Administration;
'¢ Chuck Surack, Founder and President of Sweetwater Sound;
'¢ Bob Taylor, President and CEO of Do it Best Corp.;
'¢ Andrew Thomas, Vice President of Sales with Ridge NAPA Auto Parts and owner of 816 Pint & Slice, and board president of Young Leaders Northeast Indiana (YLNI);
'¢ Irene Walters, longtime community volunteer.
Mayor Henry acknowledged that the role of Deputy Mayor can be a challenging one.
“I have charged the Transition Team with finding someone who knows our community, understands our opportunities and has a familiarity with the way government works,” Henry said. “I know that's a tall order, but I have faith that the Transition Team will provide me with qualified candidates. I have also told them that while I would be delighted if candidates were presented immediately, they should not sacrifice quality for speed. This position is just too important.”
The job description is available through the City's Human Resources Department and can be found online at
www.cityoffortwayne.org and clicking on the link to the mayor's office. The direct link to the job description is at
http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/content/view/1588/1631/ .
Applicants can mail their resume and cover letter expressing why they are the right candidate to the City's Human Resources Department, One Main St., Room 380, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, and mark it to the attention of Deputy Mayor.
Becker will be joining the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership as Director of Regional Development and Executive Director of the Northeast Indiana Foundation where he will focus on supporting regional economic development throughout northeast Indiana.
Community leaders will make recommendations on potential funding alternatives for sewer improvements, better water quality in rivers
Demonstrating his commitment to community involvement and improved river water quality, Mayor Tom Henry announced today that he has assembled community leaders to explore alternative funding sources to pay for the City's consent decree and long term control plan with the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The consent decree and long term control plan addresses how the City will minimize combined sewer overflows over the next 18 years. Fort Wayne's largest investment in clean-water infrastructure ever, it will significantly reduce untreated sewage into local waterways, ultimately reducing bacteria counts in Fort Wayne's three rivers.
“The EPA's consent decree is essentially an unfunded mandate for Fort Wayne, yet improved water quality benefits everyone in the Maumee River basin and ultimately the Great Lakes watershed,” Henry said. “I am acutely aware of the concerns Fort Wayne residents have about the increased cost of living across the board. I have a responsibility to City Utilities' rate payers to ensure that we investigate all alternatives to rate increases.”
Some possibilities include lobbying for the creation of state and federal grants, low- or no-interest loans from state and federal sources, or other sources of revenue and funding that minimize the financial burden to customers. The group will use some alternate funding recommendations from the EPA.
The 19-member task force will have its first meeting June 2. The Mayor expects the committee's recommendations by the end of the year. The task force facilitator will be John Stafford, director of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne's Community Research Institute.
The Mayor selected task force members with a range of areas of expertise and represent the economic diversity of City Utilities' rate payers.
“A hallmark of my administration has been involving and engaging the community,” Henry said. “This task force draws on the depth and diversity of City Utilities rate payers. I appreciate their willingness to look at ways to fund these improvements that could make the costs not the sole responsibility of our sewer customers.”
The task force categories and members are:
Banking
Donald Schennkel, Tower Bank
Steve Doan, Chief Investment Officer, STAR Financial
Commercial Business
Steve Gard, owner, The Oyster Bar
Industry
Tom Poiry, President, Fort Wayne Anodizing
Health Care
Kirk Ray, CEO, St. Joseph Hospital
Institutions
Kathy Friend, CFO, Fort Wayne Community Schools
Rob Young, President, Fort Wayne/Allen County Economic Development Alliance
Non-Profits
Nicole Turner-Ridley, St. Peter-Zion Project, Inc.
Major Mark Welsh, Salvation Army of Fort Wayne
Government
Councilwoman Karen Goldner, Second District, Fort Wayne City Council
Councilwoman Liz Brown, At-Large, Fort Wayne City Council
Councilwoman Paula Hughes, District 2, Allen County Council
Commissioner Nelson Peters, Allen County Commissioner
Other
Dan Wire, Sewer Advisory Group member, river activist/ Northside High School Teacher
David Kohli, Sewer Advisory Group Chair, Northeast Area Partnership Chair, Ford & Young Futures
Luke Forbing, former chair of Downtown Development Committee, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana
City Utilities starting on 18-year plan to improve water quality in local rivers by significantly reducing combined sewer overflow
City Utilities has started the nearly $240 million plan to improve Fort Wayne's river quality and wants to inform and educate customers throughout the process, Mayor Tom Henry said.
The 18-year plan will reduce the amount of combined sewage entering Fort Wayne's waterways by about 90% from more than 1 billion gallons to about 100 million gallons in a typical year. The number of overflow events will be reduced from more than 100 now to four or fewer in a typical year by 2025.
Combined sewers are sewer systems where sanitary sewage and storm water uses the same pipes. During heavy rain events, the additional yet untreated sewage flows directly into waterways. There are more than 100 communities in Indiana with combined sewers and more than 700 nationwide.
“This is a comprehensive plan that demonstrates the City of Fort Wayne's commitment to clean water in our three rivers,” Mayor Henry said. “Fort Wayne's rivers are some of the most underutilized resources in the city, but the long term control plan will improve the water quality and make the St. Joseph, the St. Marys and the Maumee the assets they deserve to be. Our sewer overflow control strategy balances the needs of the environment with the needs of our customers.”
The City's plan will enhance use of existing combined sewer overflow storage ponds at the Water Pollution Control Plant on Dwenger Avenue. In the later years of the plan, large interceptor sewers will be constructed parallel to the St. Marys and Maumee rivers to collect sewage from most of the existing overflow points.
City Utilities has already implemented partial sewer separations in some neighborhoods, but it would be cost-prohibitive and extremely disruptive to neighborhoods to do a complete sewer separation for every combined sewer line in Fort Wayne. City officials studied seven alternatives to control untreated sewage flowing into the rivers and chose the one that had the greatest impact on water quality with the lowest burden on customers.
City Utilities will make regular reports to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the public.
The City's consent decree and long term control plan, negotiated over a 7-year period, was developed with approval from EPA and IDEM. This plan allows the City to make strategic investments in environmental, economic and educational development opportunities for Fort Wayne now and into the future.
“This plan requires skilled workers including engineers, plant operators, surveyors, construction trades, technical staff and more for nearly two decades of implementation,” Mayor Henry said. “Area high schools and colleges can serve as a local pipeline to educate today's students for the skills the City of Fort Wayne will need in the years to come to successfully execute this plan.”
On Sunday, City Utilities staff will have a display board, distribute copies of the long term control plan executive summary and answer questions at the downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library noon to 5 p.m. They will also be at the Dupont, Georgetown, Little Turtle, Pontiac, Waynedale and Shawnee branches in the coming weeks.
Downloadable versions of the consent decree and long term control plan are available on the City's Web site, www.cityoffortwayne.org, under the City Utilities section. City Utilities will also make these documents available on a CD at local libraries.
City Utilities staff are available to neighborhood associations and other community and business organizations to make presentations about the long term control plan. To schedule a presentation, call (260) 427-1381.
Residents can report 6 most common problems directly on Web site
In continuing to make City government as responsive as possible to residents, Mayor Tom Henry announced today that the six most common requests to the 311 call center can now be made online.
Reports of potholes, missed garbage or recycling collection, abandoned vehicles on public or private property, or a streetlight out can be made by clicking on the 311 logo on the homepage of
www.cityoffortwayne.org .
“Expanding 311's services to the City's Web site is another step to providing open and accessible services for our residents and taxpayers,” said Mayor Henry. “By providing these forms online, we now make 311 services available to people who might not have time to call during the workday or simply prefer to use the Web.”
The Web site will assign a tracking number to online requests. These requests can also be tracked from the site. Reports need to have relevant information to the request including make and color of an abandoned vehicle and its location, street address for potholes and details about a missed garbage or recycling pick-up.
Additional online reporting forms will be made available in the coming months.
The 311 call center, “one call to city hall,” handles non-emergency service requests from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every report is assigned a tracking number to provide accountability and follow through.
Fort Wayne's 311 call center, the first such center in Indiana, was launched a year ago. It has received 95,000 calls since January 2007.
The call center can be reached by calling 311 within the City limits or at (260) 427-8311. The center's e-mail address is
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
City Utilities provides City water to all former Aqua customers on schedule
Mayor Tom Henry celebrated today the completion of providing City water service to 9,000 former Aqua Indiana north customers.
Approximately 4,000 customers, the final and largest section of the transition area, will start to receive City water today. No water service outages were expected during the transition.
The City's Water Maintenance crews made more than 20 connections in less than three months between the City's water lines and the former Aqua Indiana pipes to implement the switch to City water. The City also gained 1,700 retail sewer customers as a result of the Aqua Indiana acquisition.
“City Utilities has made a safe and nearly seamless transition for these new customers to receive better water at a lower cost,” Henry said a celebration at corner of Valley-O-Pines Parkway and Pine Mills Road in the Pine Valley subdivision. “I believe the City has exceeded the expectations for some of its newest water and sewer customers. This change has been welcomed by residents and businesses alike on Fort Wayne's north side.”
The City is adding to Aqua Indiana's previous efforts to install more fire hydrants in some of the area's older neighborhoods. Aqua installed fire hydrants in subdivisions that didn't have sufficient hydrants.
Mayor Henry flushed the first additional City-installed hydrant today to mark the continued commitment to the goal of improving fire protection facilities such as fire hydrants. The City expects to install at least 30 to 40 additional hydrants in the northern areas.
Water main flushing is planned throughout the Phase 6 area today to help clear the lines. Once the transition is made, residents and businesses in the area could experience discolored water as a result of changes in the direction of water flow within the water main system. Customers may also experience air in the lines and/or a temporary drop in water pressure. As the transition is made, City Utilities will flush the water lines by allowing fire hydrants to run for several minutes to hours. This will help to remove any deposits that may exist in the water mains.
After the City has flushed the water main systems in these areas, the City recommends that customers consider flushing their own internal water piping by letting the water run for several minutes, flushing toilets several times and allowing appliances that use water to cycle several times. Discolored water may reappear and if it does, these flushing actions may need to be repeated. For persistent problems, customers should call Fort Wayne City Utilities at 427-1234.
City utility rates went into effect for customers in the Aqua north area when the City acquired the Aqua north assets Feb. 12. As part of the transition plan, Fort Wayne City Utilities hired Aqua Indiana to continue to operate the north system for three months while customers converted to City water. The City is leasing Aqua's Cook Road headquarters back to the company until February.
A family of 4 inside the City limits using an average amount of water, 7,500 gallons a month, can expect to save about $90 per year on their water and sewer bill after the switch to City rates.
Aqua Indiana north transition to be complete this week
Fort Wayne City Utilities will begin providing City water to the final 4,000 customers in the northern system previously owned by Aqua Indiana on Thursday. This includes the neighborhoods of Pine Valley, Autumn Ridge, West Autumn, Chapel Creek, Perry Lakes, Falcon Creek, Cottonwood, Eagle River, Corbin Place, River Bend Bluffs, the Oaks, Oak Point, and Oak Grove. The Leo Crossing commercial area is also part of the final transition phase.
The City plans to begin converting Phase 6 ' Pine Valley and Lake River Areas during the morning on Thursday. The conversion of this phase will continue through the afternoon until completed. No water service outages are expected as the transition takes place. Water main flushing from fire hydrants in the area will be taking place at this same time to help clear the lines.
Once the transition is made, residents and businesses in the area could experience discolored water as a result of changes in the direction of water flow within the water main system. Customers may also experience air in the lines and/or a temporary drop in water pressure. Once the new connection is made, City Utilities will be flushing the water lines by allowing fire hydrants to release water. This will help to remove any deposits that may still exist in the water mains.
After the City has flushed the water main systems in these areas, the City recommends that customers consider flushing their own internal water piping by letting the water run for several minutes, flushing toilets several times and allowing appliances that use water to cycle several times. Discolored water may reappear and if it does, these flushing actions may need to be repeated. For persistent problems, customers should call Fort Wayne City Utilities at 427-1234.
The transition of all Aqua Indiana north customers to City water will be completed on schedule. City Utility rates went into effect for customers in the Aqua north area when the City acquired the northern assets on February 12.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department is going forward with the hiring process for the 2008 Recruit Class. FWFD has sent letters to those individuals still in the process.
The number of individuals in the 2008 Recruit Class may be reduced in light of Indiana House Bill 1001. If all goes as expected with the next couple of steps in the hiring process, FWFD anticipates graduation for this class at the end of 2008.
Questions may be directed to the FWFD Administration Office by calling 427-1170 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Collaborative Purchasing Plan Stretches Taxpayer Dollars
Mayor Tom Henry announced plans for a purchasing partnership summit he will host June 25. In continuing a campaign promise, Mayor Henry is inviting representatives from other taxing entities to bring forward ideas or best practices on how to stretch taxpayer dollars through collaborative purchasing efforts.
A public-sector membership group would bid for commonly used products and services as a group creating economies of scale and a greater return on public expenditures.
“I've used a three-pronged test for decision making in former positions where purchasing was one of my duties:” said Mayor Henry, “ higher value, better services, lower costs. Taxpayers in Fort Wayne and in other districts deserve to get the best deal for their tax dollars as possible.”
The Mayor and City Purchasing Director James Howard made their announcement today near the city's salt dome, an example of one commodity currently purchased in collaboration with other entities, such as municipalities and school districts, to ensure a better price for all involved.
“It doesn't stop at salt,” said Howard. “These efforts can look at fuel, office supplies, paper products, and many other necessities we all use in bulk. I look forward to the ideas we'll generate at the meeting in June.”
Mayor Henry said he is still proud of his work with a purchasing cooperative he founded and oversaw through his 20 years as President/CEO of Midwest Health Net. That idea came to him while he served as Director of Shared Services with Parkview Hospital in the early 1980s and realized hospitals could save money if they combined their purchasing power. When he left Parkview, Henry put the concept into practice and eventually built a purchasing consortium of 48 hospitals in three states, generating savings for all the members.
The June 25 event will take place at the Public Safety Academy.
Flooding caused damage between Pemberton Drive, North River Road
A section of the Rivergreenway is temporarily closed for repair and clean-up following this winter's flooding on the Maumee River.
The trail between Pemberton Drive at mile marker 2.0 to the North River Road trailhead at the 5.75 mile marker is undergoing repairs and removal of silt and debris.
In February, the Maumee River was at its highest level since 1991, covering some sections of the Rivergreenway with 3 to 4 feet of water. The high water left behind up to 2 feet of silt and dirt and many stray branches and downed trees on the trail.
The City Street Department has cleared the debris and much of the silt, but will keep the trail closed until it is fully repaired. The City will announce when this section has reopened.
For information about any Rivergreenway closure or status, visit
www.fortwayneparks.org/rivergreenway .
Web site seeks to provide easier and greater access to the public
Today, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and the Allen County Commissioners announced that work is underway on the creation of a joint Web site to house information regarding both City and County public meetings. The new Web sitewill seek to provide information such as meeting dates, times, locations, agendas and minutes. The Web sitewill also provide an opportunity for other governmental organizations to make their meeting information available. The Web sitewill be fully operational in the near future.
“While much or all of this information is currently on the City's Web site, it is sometimes hard to find,” Mayor Henry said. “This joint Web sitewill provide the public with easier access to information on public meetings by placing all of the information at one location. I vowed at the beginning of my term to make my administration as open, transparent and accessible as possible, and this collaboration with the Allen County Commissioners, is a major step toward that goal.”
A joint City-County public information Web sitewas originally proposed by former City and County Public Information Officer, and current Allen County Recorder, John McGauley. "Communities are at their best when citizens are informed, interested and involved in local government," McGauley said. "A one-stop public information portal will make it that much simpler for the citizens of Fort Wayne and Allen County to be active partners in government at all levels."
“Informed citizens make a community stronger,” commented Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown. “Easily understanding the 'when, where and what' of public meetings will help people learn what local government does.”
“This is an excellent first step in making local government more accessible through the internet,” added Commissioner Nelson Peters. “We look forward to collaborating with our city partners on similar initiatives such as integrating public access television programming.”
City, trails organizations look to continue financial, community support for safe recreation, alternative transportation routes
In less than six weeks, the City of Fort Wayne and its four partner trails organizations raised more than $1.25 million as part of Oprah's Big Give Fort Wayne Trails.
“The support for multiuse trails from individuals, businesses and non-profits is truly amazing. As I said Saturday at the community celebration, 'What a statement, what a city,'” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Trails are an important part of our City's infrastructure, but they don't usually get this level of attention. The outpouring of resources demonstrates our commitment to providing an outstanding quality of life for everyone and connecting our communities.”
The $1.25 million is the total of cash, land and in-kind donations collected as of April 17. Additional gifts continue to come in this week as the momentum for trail construction and expansion continues. The City's portion, which is more than $500,000, will fund part of the next section of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The Towpath Trail will connect the existing Rivergreenway with the Aboite New Trails network.
“Trails are an ongoing investment in our community,” said Dawn Ritchie, City greenways manager. “The money raised is very critical to expand our network, but multiuse trails are a multimillion-dollar investment for years to come. All of us working on trail development look to continue this momentum we've created.”
Fort Wayne and New Haven's fund-raising achievements are scheduled to be featured on the April 21 “Oprah.” The program will focus on the “Oprah's Big Give” reality show winner and affiliates' success with growing $10,000 of “Oprah's Big Give” seed money given to local groups into something larger. It airs at 4 p.m. on WPTA-TV.
More than 3,000 people came out April 12 to Headwaters Park East to celebrate the achievements of the City, Aboite New Trails, the Greenway Consortium, New Haven/Adams Township Park and Recreation Department and Northwest Allen Trails. Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy and four Colts players, including Bob Sanders, came to show their support of the community's fundraising achievement.
In March, “Oprah's Big Give” selected ABC affiliate Indiana's NewsCenter and the local non-profit Aboite New Trails for a donation of $10,000. The mission from “Oprah's Big Give” to Aboite New Trails and Indiana's NewsCenter was to find a way to grow the money into something larger.
Aboite New Trails chose to split the Oprah's Big Give funds with each of the four partner trails organization to host its own fund-raising event, thus expanding the reach of the Oprah's Big Give funding throughout Fort Wayne and New Haven. The partner organizations kept the money raised from the individual fund-raising walks or rides to fund the expansion and maintenance of the trail network in Allen County.
The fund-raising totals from each organization, not including any of the Oprah's Big Give Fort Wayne Trails seed money, as of April 17 are:
City of Fort Wayne:
'¢ Total raised: $552,655
'¢ Pledges from corporations or donations mailed in: $37,900
'¢ Money donated at the community celebration: $645
'¢ Booth fees for community celebration: $1,420
'¢ In-kind contributions: $12,690
'¢ City match for the Towpath Trail: $500,000
Aboite New Trails:
'¢ Total raised: $667,505
'¢ Cash and pledges including event registrations: $229,055
'¢ Sponsored projects (Lutheran Campus Loop Trail): $170,000
'¢ Land donations: $105,000
'¢ In-kind contributions: $163,450
Greenway Consortium:
'¢ Total raised: $15,936
'¢ Cash raised including event registrations: $15,330
'¢ In-kind contributions: $606
New Haven/Adams Township Park and Recreation Department:
'¢ Total raised: $6,089
'¢ Cash raised including event registrations: $4,520
'¢ In-kind contributions: $1,569
Northwest Allen Trails:
'¢ Total raised: Approximately $10,500
'¢ Cash raised including event registrations: $7,912
'¢ In-kind contributions: Approximately $2,500
Alan Candioto brings experience and vision to City position
Mayor Tom Henry is pleased to announce the hiring of Alan R. Candioto as the City of Fort Wayne's Human Resources director. Candioto has served as a human resources executive in the private sector and brings more than 38 years of professional experience and credentials to his new post.
“We're committed to bringing the highest caliber leadership to the City's human resources functions,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Al will add to our efforts in strategic planning and in constantly being ready to provide the highest quality services to our diverse workforce.”
Candioto most recently held the position of regional director of human resources for Bethesda Lutheran Homes & Services and prior to that, served as the director of human resources for Fort Wayne's BF Goodrich Tire/Michelin, NA location.
Mayor Henry and the Allen County Commissioners say they remain committed to working toward improved cooperation between City and County human resource efforts. Since earlier this year, both departments are now located in adjoining space on the third floor of the City-County Building, which will soon include an expanded and shared staff training facility for collaborative efforts in professional development. In addition to training, the City and County are continuing to explore additional opportunities to achieve better efficiencies by coordinating and sharing the resources of the two departments.
Candioto will begin his tenure with the City at the end of this month.
Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Fire Department Chief Peter X. Kelly honored firefighters and other local heroes Tuesday night, April 8, during the FWFD Service Awards at the Auditorium of the Public Safety Academy. FWFD presented awards to 31 firefighters for exceptional service either on- or off-duty; 19 medics (including three off-duty FWFD Firefighters); and eight citizens. Some of the recipients received more than one award.
Firefighters honored with Service Awards at the ceremony include: District Chief Larry Fisher, Battalion Chief Brian Meeks, Captain Bruce Bickley, Captain Casey Cassidy, Captain Joel Degitz, Captain Greg Goodwin, Captain Matt Loraine, Captain Mike Miller, Lieutenant Craig Mueller, Phil Bogenschutz, Doug Call, William Colter, Brian Dey, John Gilbert, Jason Green, Earl Hamilton, Steve Koenes, Spencer Lewis, Steve Messerschmidt, Jeff Meyer, Dan Mounsey, Mark Nelson, Donald Niemeyer, Phil Nicolet, Brent Peterson, Ryan Preston, Ty Reed, Keith Roddy, Jeremy Sexton, Bryan Sorgen, and, Wes Wiederkehr. These awards included Medal of Valor (Bickley and Mounsey), Meritorious Service (Green and Koenes), Unit and Individual Commendation (others listed).
Service awards were presented to the following Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians: Mike Anderson (off-duty FWFD Firefighter), Dan Basting, Heather Cagnet, Eric Colvard, Heather Craib, Chad Foos, Tom Griffin, Bryan Heckman (off-duty FWFD Firefighter), Mylissa Hess, Tony Mowery, Phil Nicolet (off-duty FWFD Firefighter), Traci Scanlon, Tony Stimpson, Barry Van Camp, Scott Yoder, Ryan Zehring, and Lisa Zerkle, all from Three Rivers Ambulance Authority/American Medical Response. Captain Curt Chivers and Private Robert Atkinson, New Haven Emergency 45, were also presented awards for medical response. All of these individuals received a Citizen Action Award and were part of a Group Meritorious Award.
Jerry Priest received a Citizen Action Valor Award, for rescuing a girl and a young lady from a dog attack. Alex Asay, Ben Bodie and Don Wallace, Glenbrook Security, received a Group Meritorious Award for their medical response for an individual that suffered a heart attack who has made a full recovery. Lynn Doctor and John Ward received Citizen Action Meritorious Awards for their assistance with translation and direction during a fire at a large apartment complex. Alyssa Ivanson and Ben Short, WANE-TV, received Citizen Action Corporate Meritorious Awards for their educational series “A Day in the Life of a Firefighter”.
The City of Fort Wayne thanked all of these individuals for choosing to put others first.
The City's flood control project south of Foster Park has temporarily closed a portion of the Rivergreenway. While the Foster Park loop will remain open, the Rivergreenway between Hartman Road and the Airport Expressway remains closed to all trail users through the rest of 2008.
The flood control project is due to be completed by late October this year, but work on the Rivergreenway will likely keep the area closed until early spring 2009, depending on weather. The Rivergreenway will have a new and improved look when the area opens again.
In the meantime, Rivergreenway users are encouraged to use the two mile loop that traverses Foster Park. This portion of the Rivergreenway is one of the most popular areas in the City.
For information, call (260) 427-6002.
Preliminary construction underway, project will widen St. Joseph Center Road to 4 lanes
City officials are encouraging drivers to avoid St. Joseph Center Road between St. Joe and Reed roads now that construction is underway to reconstruct and widen the roadway.
The project was implemented to improve the traffic pattern at the intersection of St. Joseph Center and St. Joe roads with the addition of turn lanes for eastbound traffic on St. Joseph Center Road.
The marked detour uses St. Joe and Evard roads around this construction zone. City officials will announce when lane restrictions at the intersection of St. Joe and St. Joseph Center roads will start. They will continue to provide road-closure and lane-restriction notices throughout the project.
When complete next year, St. Joseph Center Road will have two lanes in each direction between Reed and St. Joe roads. The project also adds an additional left-turn lane, a second through lane and a new right-turn lane for eastbound St. Joseph Center Road at the St. Joe Road intersection. Other planned improvements include sidewalks on both sides of the road, curbs and gutters, street lighting and pavement markings.
All existing intersections on St. Joseph Center Road will remain. No additional traffic signals will be installed as part of this project.
Crews are currently working to relocate utility lines and clear the rights of way for construction throughout the summer.
The first lane redirection will be the St. Joseph Center and St. Joe intersection, where traffic will shift south. The north lane will close, and all westbound traffic will temporarily be directed to use the current eastbound left-turn lane during storm sewer work. The north lane closure will last three to four weeks.
This spring, construction crews will add a temporary asphalt lane on the south side of the roadway. Over the summer, crews will reconstruct two new permanent lanes on the north side of St. Joseph Center Road, while eastbound and westbound traffic uses the current and temporary south lanes.
Next year, the work will reverse. Motorists will use the north two lanes, while the two eastbound lanes on the south side of the road are reconstructed.
The City's contractor, Primco Inc., has been working on the project since approximately the first of this year. Their crews have been clearing the right of way, relocating a water main to accommodate the wider road and installing a large storm sewer for greatly improved drainage.
The $7.4 million project is expected to be complete in August 2009. Federal dollars account for 80 percent of the improvements' cost.
30 acres in St. Joseph, Milan townships become part of Fort Wayne March 31
Approximately 30 acres in St. Joseph and Milan townships will become part of the City of Fort Wayne at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 31, as part of a voluntary annexation approved by Fort Wayne City Council in November 2007.
The annexation area is bounded by Stellhorn Road to the south and west, Schwartz Road to the west, the Norfolk & Southern Railroad and Korte Electric's property line to the east and another owner's property line north of Stellhorn. The area will begin to receive City services immediately, including police and fire protection as well as garbage and recycling pickup.
Mayor Tom Henry sent letters to property owners this week welcoming them to the City. An accompanying resource packet included information about City services, City contact information and a map of the area.
A map of the annexation area is available here .
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Mayor Henry to seek input during neighborhood partnership meetings
Mayor Tom Henry today Tuesday he will solicit public input on the budgetary impact of recent actions by the state legislature. Mayor Henry will ask residents to attend the neighborhood partnership meetings during the month of May.
During the meetings, Mayor Henry and City staff will present an overview of the legislation, the results of the City's internal analysis, including possible impacts on City programs and services, and a report on the City's ongoing cost-saving measures.
“Due to the loss of almost $6 million from the 2009 budget, careful analysis of the City's budget is critical, and it will take time to thoroughly examine all divisions and departments. Contrary to some reports, I have not proposed that the City Council raise the local option income tax. I have stated repeatedly that at this critical time, all options are on the table and must be investigated. I will wait until our review of the budget is complete and at that time will present our analysis to the taxpayers,” Henry said. “I am issuing an invitation not only to the taxpayers of Fort Wayne and Allen County, but also to the local school districts and all elected officials, both city and county to participate. We are all in this together. It is critical for the community to be involved in the choices we make.”
The exact dates, times and locations of the Mayor's presentations at the neighborhood partnership meetings will be released soon
New sidewalks, trees connect places of interest using Downtown Blueprint ideas
Continuing his commitment to downtown revitalization, Mayor Tom Henry kicked off the start of the Barr Street streetscape improvement project Monday.
This improvement project running from Main to Wayne streets is similar to what was done on Harrison Street. It involves installing new sidewalks with brick pavers, historically styled streetlamps, new trees and curbs, and other features to make the area more pedestrian friendly.
“Downtown is a gathering place for people, and this work on Barr Street is part of what will make the heart of our city more walkable, welcoming and truly remarkable,” Henry said. “We are using ideas collected from the public during the Downtown Blueprint process and making them a reality this summer for Barr Street. Investment in public infrastructure provides the framework for private investment.”
Construction activity will begin at the southeast corner of Barr and Berry in front of the History Center. The City anticipates construction to be complete at the end of May or beginning of June.
The intersections are being reconfigured to make them safer and more friendly to pedestrians. The curbs will extend into the parking lanes, which lessens the distance across the street but still allows for two lanes of traffic.
The City will replace the 10 existing trees with 15 Cleveland Select Flowering Pear trees, which have white flowers in the spring, and the leaves can turn a vibrant red in the fall. The new trees will be 14- to 16-feet tall when planted.
Barr Street is part of the Cultural District as outlined in the Downtown Blueprint and Blueprint Plus plans.
City officials selected this area for investment because of the buildings already in place ' Fourth Wave, the History Center and Barr Street Market, Renaissance Square and the First Source building.
“We don't want to put in new trees and sidewalks in an area that could soon be under construction,” said Redevelopment Director Greg Leatherman. “Since this section of Barr Street is already developed, it was a perfect place for us to put these ideas into action.”
In the coming years, other downtown blocks will receive similar enhancements. “Inlaid brickwork, shady trees and ornamental fixtures add character and create a unique sense of place. These features are an invitation for walkers to enjoy the downtown experience. They instill pride, and they help to connect our many attractions and points of interest,” Henry said.
The cost of this phase is $648,000, with $496,000 coming from an Indiana Department of Transportation transportation enhancement grant given to the City in September 2004. This grant is designated for pedestrian-oriented projects. The remaining money comes from local economic development (CEDIT) funds.
Construction may involve some traffic restrictions and delays. Drivers and pedestrians should use caution in the area.
Rebecca L. Karcher, currently Account Supervisor/Public Relations Manager for Asher Agency, has been appointed the City's Director of Public Information, Mayor Tom Henry announced today. Her appointment, the result of an extensive search, will be effective April 1.
City's website, hotline updated to reflect new schedule
The City of Fort Wayne Street Department's third and final leaf pick-up is underway.
The crews will start in the central section of the city, as outlined on the leaf pick-up map, and work north. The south section and part of the central section is already finished.
Weather and equipment permitting, crews should be finished in three weeks.
Areas scheduled for the first pick-up include Westfield, Taylor Street, Wildwood Park, Ardmore Avenue, Engle Road, Broadway, Getz Road, Maumee Terrace, East Central, Spring Street, Clinton Street, the Oxford neighborhood, Pontiac Place, Greater McMillen Park, Rudisill Plaza, New Haven Avenue, McKinnie Avenue, Oxford Street, and Anthony Boulevard.
Community Development Division incorporates key enhancement tool
Highlighting his comprehensive approach to strengthening neighborhoods, Mayor Tom Henry today announced that the Community Development Division will oversee the City's Neighborhood Code Enforcement Department. The change becomes effective on March 17.
“Realigning Neighborhood Code with Community Development will help us build healthier, stronger neighborhoods and foster greater economic vitality across the city,” said Mayor Henry. “This small change ensures a complete integration of this important tool into our citizen-driven community enhancement strategies. You can be sure that I will continually champion ways to make your City government more responsive to neighborhood needs and a better steward of our precious resources.”
Mayor committed to responsive, effective government for all residents
The City of Fort Wayne has created the new position of Hispanic/ Latino Liaison to improve customer access to City programs and resources among this growing segment of the community.
City employee Vanessa Myers has been repositioned to work with residents, local leaders and community groups helping to build connections and serving as a resource and an advocate for Fort Wayne's Hispanic/Latino populations. A native of Puerto Rico, Myers is bilingual in English and Spanish.
In her new position, Myers will be a direct point of contact for this varied constituency. By integrating best practices from other cities with similar positions, she will take existing outreach efforts by the Fort Wayne Police and others departments to the next level. The liaison is part of the Mayor's Public Information staff.
“Our Hispanic/Latino community is a growing and important part of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “This new position will allow the City of Fort Wayne to strengthen its relationships with Hispanic/Latino organizations and remove barriers to City services for individual residents. I am excited to see this initiative begin within the first 100 days of my administration. I am committed to making government more accessible and more effective for all our citizens.”
New maps allow for better customer service, City Utilities' non-residential customer stormwater billing more accurate
Fort Wayne City Utilities and Public Works Geographic Information Systems Department earned the Indiana Geographic Information Council's 2008 Excellence in GIS Award for large cities for work the department did to improve maps used by the City's stormwater utility.
In 2005, the State of Indiana GIS Council received a $6 million grant to produce orthophotographs for the entire State. Orthophotographs are aerial photos that are enhanced to remove distortions such as camera tilt. Orthophotos are adjusted to allow for a consistent measurement scale throughout the entire photo, so the photos can be used as maps and can provide the base for many other informational layers and features in a geographic information system.
The Fort Wayne City Utilities and Public Works GIS Department used these enhanced aerial photographs to update maps used by the City's stormwater utility to more accurately show the amount of impervious or hard surface areas for each City Utilities' non-residential customer.
By using the state's maps, City Utilities saved about $100,000. The GIS department hired four summer interns last year to analyze the state's orthophotographs and convert them into local maps for individual properties within the City. The hard surface shown on the individual property maps form the basis for the stormwater utility bill that non-residential properties receive.
Lane restrictions, construction on hold until clear weather
The Time Corners traffic improvement project is temporarily on hold as the City and its contractor wait for improved weather. This project will involve the intersections of Jefferson Boulevard and Getz and Covington roads.
“We are trying to get this project started as early as possible this spring, but felt the pending weather conditions warrants a slight delay in our construction schedule,” said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy. “We will make sure drivers are aware when the construction and lane restriction will start.”
The start date has not been determined, although the order of the multiphase construction project will remain the same. City Engineer Dave Ross said the Oct. 25 completion date should remain the same because weather delays were built into the project's schedule.
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6-week media campaign to build awareness, encourage donations
The City of Fort Wayne is collaborating with three local non-profit trail groups to form Fort Wayne Trails, encouraging the use and expansion of the City's trail network.
Fort Wayne Trails is a partnership of the City, Aboite New Trails, the Greenway Consortium, Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council and Northwest Allen Trails. The goal is to provide trail access for all Fort Wayne residents within 15 minutes of their homes.
“Fort Wayne Trails is the result of these effective not-for-profit organizations joining forces with the City to build trails,” said Dawn Ritchie, City Greenways Manager. “We are able to maximize every dollar we have, while working toward providing additional access to greenways throughout Fort Wayne.”
As part of the network's launch, Fort Wayne Trails is kicking off a 6-week media campaign starting Wednesday. Designed to educate the public on the many values of multi-use trails and raise money for ongoing greenway development, the campaign focuses on 7 miles of connector paths to link the Fort Wayne area from the western Allen County line to New Haven.
City Information Systems looking for people to help leverage technology for public access
Now anyone with a broadband internet connection can watch the proceedings of Fort Wayne's City Council. The City of Fort Wayne's technology staff is offering video on demand of City Council proceedings at the City's website, www.cityoffortwayne.org.
“This feature is aligned with our mission of 'Effectively and Efficiently Connecting Citizens, Businesses, and Government,'” said Chief Information Officer Clifford Clarke. “It allows citizens to watch City Council proceedings on their own schedule.”
On the site, users will find a link to that meeting's agenda and a choice of bandwidths. The City will start with the Council meetings to gauge the site's performance and citizen response while evaluating other opportunities to post public meetings.
Roads reopening, Public Works looking at voluntary buyouts
Some city streets and intersections are reopening at 5 p.m. today as standing water throughout the city continues to go down.
The following locations are reopening:
· Calhoun and Tillman
· Winchester Road between Bluffton and Airport Expressway
· 1700 block of Catalpa
· Taylor east of Freeman
Smith Road at Covington is closed as well as Taylor between Portage and Freeman.
Drivers should continue to avoid areas with high water and not drive around barricades.
River levels going down or remaining steady
River levels in Fort Wayne or upstream of the City are either going down or remaining steady.
The City of Fort Wayne continues to monitor flood conditions at points along the City's three rivers as well as water levels in neighborhoods.
Call lines open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday City of Fort Wayne officials are calling on all homeowners who experienced any type of property damage from this week's flood to call the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
These calls will help state and federal officials determine the full scope of damage from the recent flooding and aid in any possible requests for federal disaster relief.
The Homeland Security Department's toll-free number is (866) 210-1925. The department's call center is open regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All flood- and water-related damage, including flooded basements, should be reported, said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy.
As temperatures drop, drivers need to watch for icy roads
Cold temperatures are predicted for the Fort Wayne area Saturday night, so City of Fort Wayne officials are reminding drivers to watch out for icy roads this weekend.
High water may be clearing from areas throughout the City, but remaining puddles are likely to become slick.
All remaining road closures announced Saturday morning will remain in effect throughout the weekend.
Motorists should continue to avoid driving through flooded streets or driving around barricades.
Volunteers no longer needed, roads and intersections reopening
As river levels start to go down or stabilize, volunteers for field work and sandbags are no longer needed, the City of Fort Wayne announced late Friday night.
Many roads and intersections that were flooded this week have reopened. The City will issue an updated list of street closures and lane restrictions this morning.
The 311 Call Center will be open through noon today for residents with questions about flooding.
Drivers should continue to use common sense
The City of Fort Wayne announced Saturday morning that many roads and intersections closed this week from high water have reopened.
Lane restrictions remain in effect for Clinton Street between 4th and Superior streets and State Street at the Eastbrook-Westbrook area.
Drivers are reminded not to drive through standing water as depths can be deceiving.
Below is the updated road closure list for Saturday morning.
National Weather Service says Maumee at Anthony has crested
The City of Fort Wayne continues to monitor flood conditions at points along the City's three rivers as well as water levels in neighborhoods.
Residents with issues or concerns related to flooding may call 311 for assistance. 311 will remain open throughout Friday evening and night.
River levels fluctuate as City's flood control teams keep eye on neighborhoods
According to information from the National Weather Service, rivers in northeast Indiana will crest this weekend, with the exception of the St. Joseph River at the former Root's location, which appears to have crested yesterday.
Help needed for sandbags or in the field
Mayor Tom Henry called for volunteers this afternoon to help with flood control efforts.
“The City needs help to replenish our sandbag supply and extra help in the field,” Henry said. “Fort Wayne has such a wonderful volunteer spirit and I know our residents will come through.”
Those interested in filling sandbags should report to the City Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette St., as soon as possible.
Volunteers interested in helping in the field should report the Regional Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre, behind Menard's and Wal-Mart. Everyone in the field should dress in layers and bring wet-weather gear.
Residents with concerns relating to the recent flooding should call 311 for assistance.
Two new additions, other closures remain in effect
The City of Fort Wayne announced two additional street closures this morning.
New closures as of 10 a.m. Friday:
Smith Road at Engle
Tecumseh Street bridge
Clinton Street between 4th Street and Superior Street continues to have lane closures. State Street in the Eastbrook-Westbrook area is open but does have some water. Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes.
311 resumes regular hours, pumps remain in operation throughout city
The City of Fort Wayne continued to monitor flood conditions Friday morning as the city's three rivers are expect crest over the weekend
More than 30 pumps remained in operation throughout the City Friday morning to help move water out of streets and neighborhoods, including Clinton Street between 4th and Superior streets.
Clinton Street in Headwaters Park had lane restrictions Friday morning as a result of high water.
A larger pump was also moved to State Street at the Eastbrook and Westbrook area to make State more passable to motorists.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid using Clinton this morning as pumps continue to clear water. All other road closures as announced on Thursday remain in effect Friday morning.
City replenishing sandbags, 311 call center will be open overnight
The City of Fort Wayne is continuing non-stop flood control efforts Friday afternoon.
The 311 Call Center will be open through Saturday morning, city officials announced. Residents with flood questions and concerns should call 311.
Mayor Tom Henry and city officials renewed their call for community volunteers.
Those interested in filling sandbags should report to the City Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette St., as soon as possible.
Volunteers interested in helping in the field should report the Regional Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre, behind Menard's and Wal-Mart. Everyone in the field should dress in layers bring and wet-weather gear.
The City of Fort Wayne announced three additional street closures this afternoon.
New closures as of 3 p.m. Friday:
Fairfield from Lower Huntington Bridge to Concord
Prospect at Griswold
Tennessee at Griswold
Clinton Street between 4th Street and Superior Street has a single lane closed. Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes.
Below is a complete list of the closures for Friday morning. Residents are also reminded to not drive through standing water as depths are deceiving and under currents can be strong.
City's Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor conditions
According to information from the National Weather Service, rivers in northeast Indiana will crest this weekend, with the exception of the St. Joseph River at the former Root's location, which crested at approximately 9:30 this morning.
Drivers should continue to use caution, watch for slick conditions
The City of Fort Wayne urges drivers to use caution as high water conditions persist in some locations.
New additions to the list on Thursday morning:
Fillmore from Cunningham to Portage
Geneva at Ardmore
Elyetta at Middle
Freeman and Taylor
Taylor and Bright
Taylor and McKinley
Glasgow and Dwenger
Edsall to the railroad track
North River Road
Perry to the dead end
Perry at the alley
New road closures announced, property damage remains minimal
The City of Fort Wayne announced two new road closures Thursday morning as well as continued flood control efforts in the City.
New road closures:
Freeman between Jefferson and Covington
Elizabeth Street bridge
Residents are reminded to not drive through standing water as depths are deceiving and under currents can be strong.
City crews are building clay levees in the Woodhurst neighborhood and fortifying the temporary levees already at Berry and Thieme and the Ross-Michaels area.
City thanks the more than 150 who helped with sandbag efforts
The City of Fort Wayne no longer needs help with filling and delivering sandbags at either the Street Department or the Waynedale area.
More than 150 people answered the City's call for volunteers Wednesday. “On behalf of the entire City of Fort Wayne, I'd like to thank each and every one of the volunteers who donated their time this week in flood control efforts,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
Four locations available to residents to make their own sandbags
The City continues to keep open the four locations for residents in danger of flooding to make their own sandbags. The Street Department has placed piles of sand and bags at these locations. The locations are:
Portage Middle School ' 3521 Taylor Street
Broadview Florist ' 5409 Winchester Road
Taylor University ' 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd.
(parking lot on the south side of Rudisill)
Southwest Conservation Club ' 5701 Bluffton Road
Residents with issues or concerns related to flooding may call 311 for assistance.
CITIZENS URGED TO AVOID SOUTHBOUND CLINTON STREET
The City of Fort Wayne continues to monitor river levels as City crews are on the streets monitoring conditions. Although the flood situation has begun to stabilize, many roads and intersections remain closed due to high water.
While the City has not closed Clinton Street, it is now down to one lane at Headwaters Park. The City is strongly urging motorists to avoid this area if at all possible. Traffic has been steadily backed-up on Clinton Street, north of the State Street intersection. The City advises drivers to find alternate routes into downtown Fort Wayne if possible.
As a note, Anthony Blvd is now open for traffic.
New closures as of 1 p.m. Thursday:
Corvallis at Belle Vista
Charlotte and North Side Drive
4th Avenue between Clinton and Spy Run
Immediate help needed for filling sandbags
The City of Fort Wayne's need for volunteers with flood control efforts continued Wednesday afternoon.
People interested should report to the City Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette St., as soon as possible. Volunteers will be filling sandbags and loading trucks to help in the City's flood control measures.
“We need help as soon as possible, “said Public Works Director Bob Kennedy. “Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated by the city and its residents.”
Residents with concerns relating to the recent flooding should call 311 for assistance.
Immediate help needed for filling
sandbags
The City of Fort Wayne is expanding its
call for help in flood control efforts. Volunteers are needed in the Waynedale
area as soon as possible.
Volunteers should report to the corner of Bradbury and Broadripple to
help with filling and distributing sandbags.
Help is also still needed at City Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette
St.
Residents with concerns relating to the recent flooding should call 311
for assistance. The center will be open throughout this flooding
episode.
Drivers encouraged to use alternative routes
The City of Fort Wayne continues to update road closures at some new intersections and roads as the Street Department continues to monitor high water conditions throughout the City.
Residents are also reminded to not drive through standing water as depths are deceiving and under currents can be strong.
New additions to the list:
· 7700 block of Woodbine, north of Cook Road
· 1700 block of Catalpa
· 1800 block of Hadley Road
· 3000 block of Broadripple to Pinewood
· Anthony and Lake
· Anthony and Berry
· Superior and Van Buren
· Sherman and High
· Westbrook between State and Clinton
The City of Fort Wayne has made preparations to address flooding that recent wet weather events have caused along the Maumee River and the St. Mary's River. The Emergency Operations Center was activated at 8 AM. Flood Levee Patrols have been activated and are on location monitoring river levels and directing flood prevention measures.
Clay levee construction and sandbagging efforts have begun at the following locations: Ross-Michaels area at Superior Street, Woodhurst Neighborhood, Berry and Thieme and the NIPSCO Parking lot.
City officials have directed automated calls to be placed to notify and advise residents in flooding trouble areas.
Drivers
encouraged to use alternative routes
The City of Fort Wayne has placed barricades at several locations due to high water. Residents are asked to avoid these areas if at all possible. Residents are also reminded to not drive through standing water as depths are deceiving and under currents can be strong.
This list will be updated at approximately 4 p.m. today.
These streets are either closed or experiencing high water. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes to avoid these areas until further notice.
Aqua Indiana, Inc. (Aqua) and the City of Fort Wayne jointly announced today that the two have reached an agreement that allows for a smooth transition of what is commonly known as Aqua's “North System” (Perry, Washington, Cedar Creek and St. Joseph townships in Allen County'a portion of which is located within the City) on February 12, 2008, and resolves the long-standing disputes between both parties.
“We are pleased to have been able to reach this agreement as it will allow for a smooth transition for our 9,200 North System water and 1,700 sewer customers as well as to know that the City will give our employees preferred treatment in job placement following the transition of ownership,” said Aqua Vice President Bill Etzler. “Our customers and our employees have remained of paramount concern throughout the negotiation of this settlement and we are satisfied that both will be properly handled by the City.”
Ceremony Marks Formal Start to Construction on Private-Public Venture
Fort Wayne , Ind. ' Together with the development's private-sector partners, Mayor Graham Richard, local and state elected officials, business, civic and neighborhood leaders, and people from across the city gathered today to break ground on Harrison Square. The public celebration marked the formal beginning of construction for the signature downtown Fort Wayne catalyst project.
Taking part in the first-shovel ceremony, in addition to the Mayor, were principals of the Harrison Square development team, as follows: Chris Schoen, CEO of Barry Real Estate Companies; Deno Yiankes, President and CEO of Investments and Development with White Lodging Services Corporation; and Jason Freier, CEO of Hardball Capital and Fort Wayne Wizards' owner.
Mayor Invites Public to Celebrate Kickoff of Downtown Catalyst Project
Mayor Graham Richard announced today that Thursday, November 29 has been selected as the official groundbreaking day for Harrison Square. The event will mark the official start of construction on the signature, downtown Fort Wayne catalyst project that includes 30,000 square feet of street-level retail space, 60 residential condominiums, a new 250-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel, state-of-the-art, multiuse ballpark and 900-space parking garage.
Along with Harrison Square partners and local officials, the public is invited to attend the event. More details about the festivities will be released in the near future.
In preparation for the Grand Opening of the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana on November 28, 2007 at 2PM, The Academy's Director, Brent Johnson, is pleased to announce that the leases with the regional Academic partners have been completed. One of the many novel aspects of the Academy is the presence of Academic professionals to work in concert with 1st responder trainers to produce future Public Safety leaders. Part of this effort is leasing space and moving entire programs, individual classes, certificate programs and other educational opportunities on-site to the facility at Southtown. To date, of the 16 offices and 13 classrooms available for lease, the educational partners have filled all the offices and 12 of 13 classrooms.
Land Use Management Merger Would Send Welcoming Signal to Positive Growth
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard and Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters today announced proposed plans to merge Allen County and Fort Wayne land use management and development permitting services.
Upon approval, the consolidation would bring together the best from the County and the best from the City to form a new performance-driven, service friendly department whose mission is to promote and support high-quality, sustainable development throughout the community.
As envisioned, the new department would provide combined development application review services and would serve as the primary staff to the Allen County and Fort Wayne Plan Commissions and Boards of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
Public Works Magazine Selects Fort Wayne for National Honor
Fort Wayne, IN- Fort Wayne has been recognized as the No. 1 Public Works Department in the country by Public Works Magazine . Mayor Graham Richard and Public Works Director Bob Kennedy received the award today at photo shoot and brief ceremony held at the site of the Park-Thompson Flood Control Project (former site of ARC of Allen County). Mayor Richard and Kennedy were joined by Interim City Utilities Director Len Poehler and several Public Works and Utilities department managers and staff. Stephanie Johnston, Editor in Chief of Public Works Magazine , presented the award to Mayor Richard. The Park-Thompson project is one of the key projects in the Stormwater Drainage and Flooding Master Plan Program. This program was the highlight in the submission for the award.
DLGF Decision Paves Way to Lower Interest Rate, Savings on Catalyst Project
In a Wednesday, October 3 meeting with Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave, Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters and Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard received the state's approval for the Harrison Square bond financing. The decision was the latest authorization in the multi-step public approval process for the downtown catalyst project.
The state's endorsement puts the City in a stronger position when selling the $45.9 million bond to finance Harrison Square. The general obligation backing is viewed as a form of credit enhancement by the bond market. This provision will enable the City to secure a lower interest rate and save significant money for the public over the life of the bond.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced that over $1 billion in private investment has been committed in urban Fort Wayne since he set the goal in 2005. The three-year goal was achieved ahead of schedule, requiring only two-and-a-half years to surpass expectations. Mayor Richard made the announcement at St. Joseph Hospital, the site of one of the investments.
In 2005 Mayor Richard announced his “Invest Fort Wayne” initiative. The goal of the initiative was $1 billion of urban investment within three years. That goal was met and exceeded during the two-and-one-half year period from January 2005 to June 2007. The cumulative total as of today is $1.3 billion in private investment commitments.
The City of Fort Wayne will again provide special programs to help individuals start their own small or home-based business. The Self Employment and Start Up Business Forum will be held on Thursday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.
“Census figures show that small businesses represent more than 99.7 percent of all employers,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “In Indiana, income from those businesses total more than $10 billion a year. The numbers clearly illustrate the importance of small business in our economy.”
Current and future homeowners can see for themselves the possibilities and potential of high-technology (smart) and environmentally friendly (green) home design by visiting the region's first and only SmartGreen Home. The home, located at 2429 Smith Street in Renaissance Pointe, is now open for individual and group tours.
“The idea behind the SmartGreen Home is to showcase innovative technology and materials and allow people to touch it, feel it, and see it in action,” said Heather Presley, deputy director of Housing and Neighborhood Services for the City of Fort Wayne. “We hope people visit the SmartGreen Home feeling inspired to try to incorporate some of these features in their own homes and maybe even build a new home in Renaissance Pointe with those components.”
Mayor Graham Richard, along with Councilmen John Crawford, R-at-large, Tim Pape, D-5th and Tom Smith, R-1st on Tuesday August 21st announced a proposal for an amendment to the City's Municipal Code, Chapter 99: "Streets and Sidewalks; Trees and Shurbs" that governs placing signs on public land. Mayor Richard gave strong support to the measure that will strengthen the way the city deals with illegal posting of signs on public land.
The three Councilmen worked with citizens and other elected officials who urged them to make changes in the local law for several valid reasons. Many of the concerns voiced surrounded the potential safety hazard the signs created reducing drivers visibilty at intersections. Other concerns heard dealt with the unslightliness of roadway litter as more and more of the signs are posted along many of the city streets and on utility poles.
The amendment now defines Public Land and gives a broad group of city employees the charge to take down signs, posters, and notices that are illegally placed on public land. Penalties under the amendment allow for citations to be issued through the mail to any offender of the ordinance by the Right-of-Way Department. Fines range from $50 for the first offense; $100 for the second offense; and $250 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Mayor Richard is eager to see enforcement of the amended ordinance and fully supports the new language.
Health Department will begin spraying on Thursday
ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. - Health officials confirmed today that a pool of mosquitoes collected in northwest Allen County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
To reduce mosquito activity and prevent the spread of the disease, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health will conduct adulticiding in a ½-mile radius around the 3200 block of Kroemer Road where the mosquitoes were collected.
Hardball Capital and Barry Real Estate will host a community open house to provide the public with an opportunity to see the latest design renderings and provide feedback on the Harrison Square development.
The event will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, August 2 in the Harrison Rooms at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Hardball Capital and Barry Real Estate are investing over $20 million toward the construction of the new ballpark, condominiums and retail for Harrison Square.
The Harrison Square development took another step forward today with the start of demolition work. The first phase of work includes the demolition of Belmont Beverage and Palace Restaurant sites on South Harrison Street.
Martin Services Systems is the contractor for the demolition of the Harrison Square site. The cost of the project is $637,000. Demolition work will be done in five phases. The projected completion date is October 1.
Earlier this week, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved the definitive agreements for Harrison Square. The F ort Wayne City Plan Commission approved zoning map amendments for certain properties within the Harrison Square development to be rezoned to commercial status. Fort Wayne City Council approved a bond financing lease for certain land and public improvements between the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Authority and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced changes in the City's public information office.
Michael Joyner will serve as the primary media contact for the City effective August 3.
Joyner will replace John Perlich. Perlich has served as the City's Director of Public Information since September 2004. Prior to serving as director, Perlich served as Public Information Officer for Public Works and City Utilities. Perlich's last day with city government will be August 2. Perlich has accepted a position in the private sector.
“We appreciate John's commitment to public service. Media relations and community outreach are important functions in city government, and John worked hard to ensure that city government was explained effectively to the public,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to Mike's new role. Mike's experience and professionalism will assist us as we complete several important initiatives over the next few months.”
Joyner currently serves as Public Information Officer for the Fort Wayne Police Department. A replacement for Joyner at the Police Department will be announced in the coming days.
Beginning Thursday, July 26, improvements will be made to the St. Joseph Pathway on Spy Run Avenue extended from State Boulevard north to Parnell Avenue, which will close this portion of the Rivergreenway.
Concrete and widening work will occur along some of the older sections of the pathway. Work is expected to last around one month.
This year, the City is investing nearly $2 million to expand and improve greenways and trails. Since 2005, the City has invested $2 million in the community's trails and greenways system. In addition, donations, grants, in-kind contributions, and commitments by Allen County, New Haven and IPFW total $14 million in investments to the greenway network.
Mayor Graham Richard today was joined by representatives from Hardball Capital/Barry Real Estate and White Lodging Services/Acquest Realty to announce that all definitive agreements for the Harrison Square development have been signed. The private sector partners also expressed their support for the Harrison Square project and its importance to the community and region.
“Our community is fortunate to have nationally respected developers that are investing $56 million in private money to benefit our city and region,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to a bright future for downtown that will feature additional quality jobs and new business opportunities.”
The City of Fort Wayne late Monday afternoon reached a definitive agreement with White Lodging Services/Acquest Realty for a new hotel as part of the Harrison Square development.
Summary highlights of the definitive agreement are as follows:
*White will build a minimum 250-room full-service Courtyard by Marriott with a signature restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Room service will be available during restaurant hours. An indoor pool and fitness center will be included.
*Cost estimate for the hotel is $35 million
*White will have an option to acquire additional land for hotel expansion
*City will work with White to provide connectivity from hotel to Grand Wayne Center
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the City of Fort Wayne has reached a definitive agreement with Hardball Capital/Barry Real Estate and are in final negotiations on a definitive agreement with White Lodging Services/Acquest Realty for the Harrison Square development.
Definitive agreements are documents necessary for construction to begin. They represent a significant milestone toward realizing the project. Agreements will be presented to the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission for consideration at its 4:30 p.m. meeting today on the 8th floor of the City-County Building . The Redevelopment Commission is the sole entity responsible for approving the agreements.
“We continue to make great progress as we move forward on a signature downtown development for our community and region,” said Mayor Richard. “ Harrison Square will assist us in retaining and gaining jobs and bringing new business opportunities to the area. Harrison Square demonstrates sound fiscal management and the commitment of respected private investors that want to be key partners in revitalizing downtown. An investment in downtown is a positive investment for our community's future.”
Mayor Graham Richard and North River Task Force members today presented a progress report on the process to develop the 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.
The announcement included an invitation to the community to participate in the July 23-26 design workshops, a request to contribute ideas through the City Utilities' and online surveys and an update on the initial round of community meetings.
“Good progress is being made as we continue our commitment to build a better city to retain and gain jobs and provide a great quality of life for residents and businesses,” said Mayor Richard. “We encourage everyone to get involved as we work together to create a great destination place north of the river for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Mayor Graham Richard will welcome the Wisla Folk Song and Dance Ensemble from Fort Wayne's sister city, Plock, Poland. The event will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 13 in the Mayor's office on the 9th floor of the City-County Building .
Wisla is a group of young adults that share the Polish culture through folk songs and dances. This will be Wisla's sixth visit to Fort Wayne . The group will be performing several free concerts during their visit. For more information, contact Stan Podzielinski at 432-2414.
“This is a great opportunity for our community to enjoy the wonderful Wisla team,” said Mayor Richard. “We enjoy our sister city partnership with Plock and look forward to Wisla's performances.”
Fort Wayne City Council tonight will consider an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County (Plan-it Allen!) to add the Southeast Area Development Strategy. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 200 on the second floor of the City-County Building .
The City's Division of Community Development has been working with residents, businesses, and community leaders over the past several months to define a vision for the future of the southeast area and to create its first development strategy.
The strategy lays out geographic areas for commercial and residential development and redevelopment along with land use policies, recommendations and incentives to encourage and guide quality development, redevelopment and investment.
The Southeast Area Development Strategy is a positive outgrowth of Plan-it Allen!, the recently adopted joint City and Allen County land use and development plan. It reflects the Plan's new vision, guiding principles and the inclusive roadmap for future development promoting sustainable community growth, new jobs and businesses and stronger neighborhoods.
Last month, the Southeast Area Development Strategy received approval from the Fort Wayne City Plan Commission.
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homeownership seminar from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 in Meeting Room B of the Downtown Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza.
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne. The Renaissance Pointe development will also be discussed.
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
An ordinance outlining the bond financing for the Harrison Square development will be introduced at the July 10 meeting of the Fort Wayne City Council.
City Council is being asked to approve a lease for certain land and public improvements between the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Authority and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. Those improvements include a new ballpark, parking garage, enhancements related to a new hotel, and related public improvements.
The lease provisions outlined in the ordinance are the same as those that have gained approvals from the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on June 18 and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Authority on July 3.
The bond financing is scheduled to be discussed by City Council at its July 17 meeting. Possible final approval could come at the July 24 City Council meeting.
Mayor Graham Richard and city officials today announced a full-service, 250-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel with a unique urban design is planned to be built in downtown Fort Wayne as part of the Harrison Square development.
“A Courtyard by Marriott will be a great asset for our community and region as we move forward with Harrison Square,” said Mayor Richard. “A successful privately financed hotel complements the overall Harrison Square development that will strengthen our community and enable us to retain and gain quality jobs and businesses.”
Hotel highlights
* Six-story, 250-room hotel
* Approximately 6,000 square feet of meeting room space
* Signature restaurant, bar and coffee shop
* Room service during restaurant hours for hotel patrons
* Indoor pool and fitness center
The Courtyard by Marriott will feature an urban design that will enhance downtown's visual landscape. Its welcoming façade will add energy to the street-level experience.
Mayor Graham Richard and Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana Director Brent Johnson today were joined by first responders, area educators and government officials to view the progress being made at the Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre.
The first-of-its-kind facility is on schedule to open in November. The $27 million academy will provide police, fire, emergency medical services, and homeland security training and education for professionals and students from Northeast Indiana and across the Midwest.
Mayor Graham Richard and neighborhood leaders today joined Delagrange Homes, Ideal Builders and Lancia Homes to break ground on Renaissance Pointe, a major development that includes plans for nearly 400 new homes and the renovation of more than 100 existing homes near downtown Fort Wayne . Renaissance Pointe is a 36-block area bounded by Creighton Avenue, Pontiac Street, Hanna Street, and South Anthony Boulevard.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with a great development that brings hope and opportunity back to a neighborhood that has been underserved,” said Mayor Richard. “High trust, high performance partnerships with the private sector will make Renaissance Pointe a success. We are building a better city with a great quality of life and a more competitive city with quality jobs.”
Area builders Delagrange Homes, Ideal Builders and Lancia Homes have created a variety of home designs and floor plans that match the architectural character of existing homes in the neighborhood. Mansur Real Estate Services, Inc. of Indianapolis is the master developer for Renaissance Pointe. Mansur's experience with this type of development includes the Fall Creek Place neighborhood revitalization in Indianapolis . Homes in Renaissance Pointe will range in price from just below $100,000 to as high as $200,000.
Mayor Graham Richard and City Controller Pat Roller today explained how changes in State tax policy have resulted in an increase in local property taxes due.
The State of Indiana has reduced property tax credits, which has increased the taxes due.
* State
Homestead Credit: reduced by 40%
* State Property Tax Replacement Credit: reduced by 13%
* The result is an increase in local property taxes
“We are committed to reducing the tax burden on taxpayers while maintaining excellent services,” said Mayor Richard. “We have been fiscally responsible and have one of the lowest city property tax rates since the 1960's.”
The city only tax rate is down by 5.6%. The city's tax rate continues to be approximately 30% of the tax bill.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced Fort Wayne Fire Chief Tim Davie will retire effective August 21.
Mayor Richard has appointed current Deputy Fire Chief Pete Kelly to become Fire Chief effective August 21. Kelly will continue the excellent public safety services provided by the Fort Wayne Fire Department as a result of his many years of leadership, experience and service with the Fire Department.
Davie has served as Co-Public Safety Director and Fire Chief since Mayor Richard took office in 2000. Rusty York will assume the full duties of Public Safety Director as well as continuing to serve as Police Chief.
“We appreciate Tim's seven and a half years of service as Co-Public Safety Director and Fire Chief,” said Mayor Richard. “Under Tim's leadership, the Fort Wayne Fire Department has provided excellent services to our community. Tim has been an effective leader and a great public servant.”
Under Davie 's leadership, the Fire Department implemented several new programs including video conferencing, mobile data terminals in all emergency vehicles and a wellness fitness program. During Davie's tenure, the City opened six new fire stations, added more than 20 new pieces of equipment to assist firefighting efforts and hired over 170 new firefighters. The Fire Department was also able to save nearly $2 million through the use of best practices.
The Fort Wayne City Plan Commission today will consider an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County (Plan-it Allen!) to add the Southeast Area Development Strategy. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building .
If approved by the Plan Commission, the measure will be considered by the Fort Wayne City Council next month.
The City's Division of Community Development has been working with residents, businesses, and community leaders over the past several months to define a vision for the future of the southeast area and to create its first development strategy.
The strategy lays out geographic areas for commercial and residential development and redevelopment along with land use policies, recommendations and incentives to encourage and guide quality development, redevelopment and investment.
The Southeast Area Development Strategy is a positive outgrowth of Plan-it Allen!, the recently adopted joint City and Allen County land use and development plan. It reflects the Plan's new vision, guiding principles and the inclusive roadmap for future development promoting sustainable community growth, new jobs and businesses and stronger neighborhoods.
The City of Fort Wayne is in need of Greenway Rangers to monitor trails in Aboite Township. A training session for interested individuals will be held July 9 at the Fort Wayne Police Department.
Anyone interested in becoming a Greenway Ranger should contact Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager, at 427-6002 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . before July 9.
Greenway Rangers are citizen volunteers who provide a valuable service to the community by monitoring a section of the greenways and trails network on a weekly basis for problems and concerns. There are currently 45 Rangers for the Rivergreenway, but none in the Aboite area. The Ranger program has been a success with strong community support.
The City of Fort Wayne will be recognized Saturday, June 23 as an Honorary Mention at the First Annual Mayors' Climate Protection Awards at the Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Fort Wayne is being recognized for its commitment to proactive energy and environment practices.
Fort Wayne has been a leader through its Green City Initiative:
* First-ever Energy Policy was enacted in January 2007
* Green Ribbon Commission issued its energy and clean air plan in October 2006. The City is actively implementing several of the recommendations from the report
* Fort Wayne is a leader in innovative techniques with hybrid vehicles, biodiesel and ethanol fuels and anti-idling software
Mayor Graham Richard will attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting beginning Friday, June 22 in Los Angeles .
The conference will include sessions on global warming and climate protections, violent crime and affordable housing.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.
On Saturday, June 23, Mayor Richard will participate in the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Leadership Council Strategy Session in Los Angeles .
The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County have formed a partnership to meet with developers on a monthly basis to discuss and answer questions about downtown development ideas.
The first meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 on the 8th floor of the City-County Building . Those interested in renovating a downtown building or building a new facility downtown are encouraged to attend to learn more about the process for downtown development and redevelopment.
The Fort Wayne City Plan Commission tonight will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County (Plan-it Allen!) to add the Southeast Area Development Strategy. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building .
The Plan Commission will consider approving the amendment at its Business Meeting on June 25. If approved, the measure will be considered by the Fort Wayne City Council next month.
The City's Division of Community Development has been working with residents, businesses, and community leaders over the past several months to define a vision for the future of the southeast area and to create its first development strategy.
The strategy lays out geographic areas for commercial and residential development and redevelopment along with land use policies, recommendations and incentives to encourage and guide quality development, redevelopment and investment.
The Southeast Area Development Strategy is a positive outgrowth of Plan-it Allen!, the recently adopted joint City and Allen County land use and development plan. It reflects the Plan's new vision, guiding principles and the inclusive roadmap for future development promoting sustainable community growth, new jobs and businesses and stronger neighborhoods.
Stadium
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Condos
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The City of Fort Wayne will host Indiana 's Water Pollution Control Board on Wednesday, June 13.
City officials will take board members on a tour of several sites around the City related to water quality. Board members will tour the Water Filtration Plant, which has over $24 million in improvements planned. Additional locations will include the Water Pollution Control Plant, which is in the middle of a $32 million project to increase sewage capacity. Other highlights will include the Camp Scott site in southeast Fort Wayne , a $20 million project to improve stormwater quality and reduce basement backups.
At 1:30 p.m., the board will have an official monthly meeting in the Omni Room of the City-County Building . The board's agenda can be found on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management website, www.in.gov/idem .
“We look forward to hosting the Water Pollution Control Board,” said Greg Meszaros, Director of Public Works and City Utilities. “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Wayne to demonstrate how proactive water, sewer and stormwater projects can have a positive impact on a community.”
The City of Fort Wayne today announced the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program for 2007 brought $1.3 million back to working families in the community. The City participates in the EITC program to assist lower income working families apply for tax refunds.
In 2006, $1.1 million was brought back to working families in the community. In 2005, $1.6 million in tax refunds were received by working families. In 2004, the total was just over $1 million. In 2003, $250,000 was returned to the local economy.
Cell phone provider Comcast has added 311 as part of their cell phone services. Verizon, Sprint, Centennial, and Vonage also provide the same services.
Last month, the City of Fort Wayne launched 311, a new “One Call to City Hall” program designed to improve customer service.
The public now can dial 311 to get quick and easy access to non-emergency City services. Several City departments are part of the initial rollout. Those departments are Solid Waste, Neighborhood Code, Parking Control, Street Department, Property Management, Sign and Signal Operations, and Right of Way. Additional departments, including Animal Control, Water Maintenance and Traffic Engineering will be added in the near future. The public may also dial 427-8311 to access the call center.
Hours for the 311 call center are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Cell phone providers Centennial and Vonage have added 311 as part of their cell phone services. Verizon and Sprint also provide the same services.
Last month, the City of Fort Wayne launched 311, a new “One Call to City Hall” program designed to improve customer service.
The public now can dial 311 to get quick and easy access to non-emergency City services. Several City departments are part of the initial rollout. Those departments are Solid Waste, Neighborhood Code, Parking Control, Street Department, Property Management, Sign and Signal Operations, and Right of Way. Additional departments, including Animal Control, Water Maintenance and Traffic Engineering will be added in the near future. The public may also dial 427-8311 to access the call center.
Hours for the 311 call center are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Mayor's Leadership Learning Institute continues its Community Builders workshops with a session on Problem Solving in the Community. Participants will learn how to turn complaints into compliance and understanding. Several city departments will be represented at the event. The Leadership Learning Institute is designed to help residents learn new skills and strengthen the community.
When: 5-6 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2007
Where: Omni Room, second floor of the City-County Building
Mayor Graham Richard will attend a national conference on sustainable communities and climate change June 4-6 in Racine, Wis. The conference is hosted by the National Energy Center for Sustainable Communities and the Johnson Foundation.
The organizations are working toward national sustainable development goals and a five-year action plan. Experts from the corporate, academic, nonprofit, government, and financial sectors will lead discussions on energy and climate change.
The North River Task Force will host a series of community input workshops this month. The information-gathering sessions will give the public an opportunity to share their ideas and explore possibilities for the North River area. Free parking is available at all locations.
Meetings
Tuesday, June 12
Allen County Public Library, Meeting Room A, 900 Library Plaza.
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 14
Taylor University , Eicher Student Commons , 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd. 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 19
IPFW Walb Student Union Ballroom, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
6-8 p.m.
“North River is an extraordinary opportunity for our community,” said Rick Samek, Co-Chair of the North River Task Force. “It is ours to shape. The public workshops are the place to imagine the future of this unique riverfront locale. Please come and share your ideas at the meeting nearest you.”
A documentary on sediment and erosion in the Maumee River Basin will be shown for the first time at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31 on the Indiana Tech campus (Cinema Center Tech Theater), 1600 E. Washington Blvd. The title of the documentary is “A Watershed Mentality.”
The event is free and open to the public. A meet and greet will begin at 6 p.m.
The project was coordinated by Fort Wayne City Utilities, the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality and WFWA PBS 39.
For more information, contact the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality at 484-5848, extension 111.
The City's Yard Waste Recycling Facility, 6202 Lake Ave., will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. Regular summer hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Visitors can pick up biosolids and mulch for gardening and landscaping projects. Biosolids and mulch are free if customers load the material themselves. Customers purchasing a ton or more of biosolids will be charged $8 for each ton. Customers purchasing less than a ton will pay $5. The facility also accepts yard waste, grass clippings, twigs, and small brush. The cost is $1 for the first 250 pounds and $17 per ton prorated after the first 250 pounds. Railroad ties, treated lumber and concrete are not accepted. The facility can be reached at 427-5535.
The City of Fort Wayne and the New Haven Parks and Recreation Department will be holding public information and input meetings regarding the Six Mile Creek Trail. Six Mile Creek is the historic name for the Trier Ditch.
The trail route will go along Tillman Road from Southtown Centre to the Trier Ditch, then north to Moser Park in New Haven. The trail is in the feasibility study phase. No construction date has been set and funding is not available at this time. When completed, the study will help give officials a cost estimate for construction.
Meetings
6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31
New Haven Police Training Room, 815 Lincoln Highway East in New Haven 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 13
McMillen Park Pavilion, 3900 Hessen Cassel Road in Fort Wayne
This year, the City is investing nearly $2 million to expand and improve greenways and trails. Since 2005, the City has invested $2 million in the community's trails and greenways system. In addition, donations, grants, in-kind contributions, and commitments by Allen County, New Haven and IPFW total $14 million in investments to the greenway network.
Garbage and recycling will not be collected in the City on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. Residents will have their garbage and recycling materials collected one day later than normal next week. The City's Solid Waste Department will be closed on Memorial Day. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 29.
The City of Fort Wayne today continued its commitment to convenience and technology with the launch of 311, a new “One Call to City Hall” program designed to improve customer service. Fort Wayne is the first city in Indiana to utilize the new service.
The public now can dial 311 to get quick and easy access to non-emergency City services. Several City departments are part of the initial rollout. Those departments are Solid Waste, Neighborhood Code, Parking Control, Street Department, Property Management, Sign and Signal Operations, and Right of Way. Additional departments, including Animal Control, Water Maintenance and Traffic Engineering will be added in the near future.
Hours for the 311 call center are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on Monday, May 21 will consider approving a confirmatory resolution, which would amend the Jefferson Boulevard/Illinois Road Economic Development Area. The meeting will also include a public hearing on the proposed amendment.
The proposed amendment would expand the area to increase economic development opportunities. The boundaries of the expanded area are Jefferson Boulevard on the north, Ewing Street on the west, Baker Street on the south, and Harrison Street on the east. The expanded area would include the Harrison Square development.
The City of Fort Wayne has received a $200,000 brownfields assessment grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant funds will be used for community outreach, site inventory and prioritization and conducting up to 15 Phase I petroleum environmental site assessments on selected sites. Fort Wayne has identified at least 68 brownfields properties citywide. The grant will assist in removing environmental contamination from some of those sites.
The City of Fort Wayne is sponsoring upcoming free, public “Open Space” meetings from 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, May 24 and 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, May 25 at the Allen County Public Library Downtown, 900 Library Plaza. This is an opportunity for people of all ages to offer their ideas and collaborate on actions to make the community more sustainable and respond to climate change challenges.
Open Space is a unique meeting format that allows participants to present their ideas and identify areas of interest in a group setting.
John Steinbach with JP Consultants, Inc. of Fort Wayne will lead the Open Space event. Steinbach works with businesses and organizations on civic engagement projects and is passionate about energy and environmental issues. Steinbach was trained by Al Gore and a team of experts at the Climate Project on climate change issues and how to engage the public. Additional information is available at www.grassrootsgreen.us .
The Open Space event is part of the City's Green City Community Involvement Campaign.
City crews are placing Altosid briquets in nearly 5,000 catch basins. Altosid is an insect growth regulator that is used to reduce the mosquito population. This is the fifth year the City has used Altosid in catch basins.
More than 3,000 volunteers will help clean the City's neighborhoods, parks and rivers on Saturday, May 19 as part of the annual Great American Cleanup.
Nearly 155 groups will focus on cleaning a certain site in the City. Some of the highlights include cleanups at the following locations:
* Washington Center Road from Lima to Huguenard roads
* Pontiac Street roundabouts
* West Jefferson Boulevard from Rockhill Park to Interstate 69
* Bloomingdale Elementary School
Following the cleanup, volunteers will be treated to a party featuring food, music, games, and raffle prizes at Freimann Square from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can still sign up by calling the City's Solid Waste Department at 427-1345.
The Great American Cleanup is the country's largest organized litter prevention, beautification and community improvement program.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will deliver the opening keynote address from 9:10-10 a.m. Tuesday, May 1 as part of the Killer App Conference and Expo. The first of its kind conference is being held at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne today through Wednesday.
Mayor Richard will discuss how Fort Wayne is a leader in the technology movement to provide better services to residents and businesses. Mayor Richard will highlight several local case studies showing how applications for high speed Internet improve services for housing, the environment, healthcare, and education.
Mayor Graham Richard today declared May as National Historic Preservation Month in Fort Wayne and called attention to activities celebrating our history and heritage, as well as the enhancement of our community's historic neighborhoods, buildings and sites.
The annual focus on preservation finds several local organizations hosting events and activities throughout the month. A brochure highlighting these activities has been prepared by the Historic Preservation office in the City's Division of Community Development. It is available at several locations around the community. The brochure, along with more information about community preservation, also can be found on the City's website at www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation .
From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at the Downtown Allen County Library, Fort Wayne will host the Grassroots Preservation Roundup "Idea Exchange." The Roundup is an informal one-day event held annually in a different part of the state. The Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology holds the event to present information on state and federal programs that can benefit local preservation efforts.
At the Roundup, participants from around the state will also share stories of their local preservation projects, challenges and successes, with the opportunity to meet and network over lunch. The afternoon will feature a choice of tours of Fort Wayne preservation successes or the Genealogy Department of the Allen County Public Library. Tours are followed by a dessert reception. This event will interest local preservationists and officials, business owners, local historians, neighborhood groups, and others.
The Roundup is free and open to the public. It is sponsored locally by the City of Fort Wayne , ARCH, Inc., West Central Neighborhood, the History Center , and the Allen County Public Library, with additional sponsorship from Higher Grounds Coffee House, Casa D'Angelo and Martin Riley Architects/Engineers.
City of
Fort Wayne Historic Preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission work to strengthen the city's historic resources through historic preservation and heritage
development. The Historic Preservation program offers a wide range of assistance to help property owners recognize historic properties by listing as Local Historic Districts or on the National Register of Historic Places. Technical assistance is also available to assist public and private property owners in maintaining or recapturing the historic character of their properties.
For more information call 427-1127, or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation . To learn more about the Grassroots Preservation Roundup "Idea Exchange," or to RSVP for the event, call ARCH, Inc. at 426-5117.
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homeownership seminar from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2 in the Chase Auditorium on the second floor of One Summit Square in downtown Fort Wayne .
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne .
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
The Downtown North River Task Force today 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.
Today's session served as an organizational meeting and a review of the goals and objectives for the process.
“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,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “We are working to retain and gain jobs and bring additional significant private investment to the heart of the city.”
The membership of the Task Force also was announced, as follows:
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. Dates and times will be announced in the coming weeks.
A Downtown North River Task Force e-mail address and website are being constructed to allow the public to provide comment and learn more about possible plans for the area. The specific e-mail and website addresses will be announced soon.
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.
Earlier this month, Mayor Graham Richard and Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown announced the creation of the task force.
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.
Mayor Graham Richard and Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters have received notice that the Fort Wayne/Allen County community is one of 21 cities being considered for the prestigious All-America City Award for 2007.
The finalists will participate in the All-America City competition in Anaheim , California , June 6-8, 2007. The City of Fort Wayne has won the award before in 1998, 1982 and 1954, but this is the first time that the City and County collaborated in the competitive process.
The All-America City application is based on criteria set by the National Civic League (www.ncl.org ) and communities must demonstrate successful resolutions of issues through collaborative efforts. For a community to be named an All-America City, it must include the following: active citizen involvement, effective and efficient government performance, maximized local philanthropic and volunteer resources, a strong capacity for cooperation and consensus building, community vision and pride, inter-group relations, community information sharing, and intercommunity cooperation.
Typically, the All-America City Award helps communities gain and retain businesses that generate jobs and a stronger tax base because it attracts and retains residents who want a healthy community. Finalists and winners also have seen an increase in tourism, grants and bond ratings.
For more information about what Fort Wayne/Allen County will be doing in preparation for the All-America City Award finals, contact Denise Porter-Ross, 260-427-2603, or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , to get an electronic copy of the 2007 application.
The City of Fort Wayne will host an International Trade Conference from 7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Mayor Graham Richard will give welcome remarks at lunch and present the 2006 Indiana Exporter of the Year Award. The Mayor's comments will begin around noon. The luncheon keynote speaker will be Paul Solman, a national business and economics correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
The conference will feature several sessions on a variety of importing and exporting topics.
The City of Fort Wayne is sponsoring a free, public “Open Space” meeting from 9:15 a.m.-5 p.m. April 21 at the Allen County Public Library Downtown, 900 Library Plaza. This is an opportunity for people of all ages to offer their ideas and collaborate on actions to make the community more sustainable and respond to climate change challenges.
Open Space is a unique meeting format that allows participants to present their ideas and identify areas of interest in a group setting.
John Steinbach with JP Consultants, Inc. of Fort Wayne will lead the Open Space event. Steinbach works with businesses and organizations on civic engagement projects and is passionate about energy and environmental issues. Steinbach was trained by Al Gore and a team of experts at the Climate Project on climate change issues and how to engage the public. Additional information is available at www.grassrootsgreen.us .
The Open Space event is part of the City's Green City Community Involvement Campaign.
The City of Fort Wayne will host an open house on Thursday, April 19 to present the Southeast Area Development Strategy's draft recommendations to the public for the first time. The City's Division of Community Development has been working with residents, businesses, and community leaders over the past 10 months to define a vision for the future of the southeast area and to create its first development strategy.
The strategy lays out areas for commercial and residential development and redevelopment along with policies and recommendations to encourage and guide quality development, redevelopment and investment.
Residents and business owners throughout southeast Fort Wayne and the entire community are encouraged to attend the open house to learn more about the Southeast Area Development Strategy and provide input on its recommendations.
Open House : 5-7 p.m.
Presentation : 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at Link's Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave.
Several successful projects are underway in the southeast quadrant. At Southtown Centre, a new Menards, Wal-Mart, and Firestone are open. A Regional Public Safety Academy, Wendy's Restaurant and a retail center are under construction.
Plans continue to move forward on Renaissance Pointe. The development calls for nearly 400 new homes, the rehabilitation of more than 100 existing homes, a greenway trail, and improved infrastructure in the area of
Creighton Avenue, Pontiac Street, Hanna Street, and South Anthony Boulevard. Additional recent improvements on the city's southeast side include the new Allen County Public Library Pontiac Branch, CANI's Head Start program, the Urban League, and Citilink bus stop.
The Southeast Area Development Strategy is a positive outgrowth of Plan-it Allen!, the recently adopted joint City and Allen County land use and development plan. It reflects the Plan's new vision, guiding principles and the inclusive roadmap for future development promoting sustainable community growth, new jobs and businesses and stronger neighborhoods.
To find out more information about the Southeast Area Development Strategy, visit the City's website at www.cityoffortwayne.org .
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the conclusion of successful negotiations between the City of Fort Wayne and key Harrison Square development entities.
A memorandum of understanding has been reached between the City and Hardball Capital, LLC/Barry Real Estate Companies, LLC toward the development of Harrison Square's new downtown condominiums, retail space and ballpark. A similar understanding with Acquest Realty Advisors, Inc./Acquest Development, Inc. and White Lodging Services Corporation has also been achieved in pursuit of a new downtown hotel.
The memoranda represent agreements in principle defining the broad framework for the development of these central components of the downtown catalyst project. Harrison Square includes a new parking garage in addition to the new downtown housing, shops, ballpark, and hotel described in these documents.
“The successful negotiation of agreements with Acquest/White Lodging and Barry Real Estate/Hardball Capital signals real progress in the development of Harrison Square,” said Mayor Richard. “These partnerships will bring significant private investment into Fort Wayne strengthening the heart of our community, making it a regional destination and enabling us to retain and gain jobs. We are building a better city and a brighter future for generations to come."
City government leaders today released financial information that demonstrates the City's strong overall financial position and its capacity to fund Harrison Square and future community projects.
The City projects CEDIT revenues to increase between 2008 and 2017, which would allow for future projects beyond Harrison Square. The City's cumulative CEDIT receipts over the next five years are expected to be at $111 million and $228 million over the next 10 years. The City expects to have $5 million in CEDIT over the next five years and $19 million over the next 10 years of available CEDIT-project capacity. CEDIT revenues are resources specifically designed to spur and support economic development initiatives.
Jefferson Pointe Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has a projected gross balance of $50 million, of which $25 million will be dedicated to Harrison Square. That would leave another $25 million for community-improvement projects within the Jefferson Pointe taxing district over the life of the district.
The public is invited to attend “Community Night” at the Killer App Conference and Expo from 5-9 p.m. Monday, April 30 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
The event is free and designed for individuals and families that want to enjoy an evening downtown and learn about the latest technology applications that are changing the way we live, work and communicate.
Community Night highlights:
Gaming ' Take part in a video gaming demonstration and see if your video game skills match up with others.
Music and Digital Media ' Hands-on booths will allow you to see the latest broadband trends in music, television and phone services!
Video Conferencing and Video Calling Booths ' See first hand how you can do video emailing, video conferencing and video calling right from your home.
City leaders today released a report examining the economic and fiscal impact of the proposed Harrison Square development. The analysis indicates that Harrison Square is projected to have a positive overall effect on the local economy. The report was conducted by Crowe Chizek, a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in several states including Indiana.
City leaders will discuss planned improvements for sections of Calhoun Street at an upcoming public meeting. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at the American Bar Association, 924 S. Calhoun St.
The conversion of Calhoun to two-way traffic from Washington Boulevard to Berry Street was a key recommendation of the Downtown BlueprintPlus plan to enhance downtown.
Plans call for widening Calhoun by 10 feet between Washington and Berry and adding loading zones on the east side of the street. On-street parking will be added on both sides of the street in the area of the Hilton Hotel and the Convention and Visitors Bureau office.
Existing sidewalks, trees and streetlights on Calhoun from Jefferson Boulevard to Berry will be removed. New brick sidewalks, trees and streetlights will be added along with new furniture for the public to enjoy.
The theme for the improved area will be the former trolley line that ran along Calhoun. Overhead lights will run across the street to give a sense of trolley wires. An audio system may be added that would feature theme and holiday music.
Construction could begin soon after the Three Rivers Festival. The project is expected to be complete in late December. The estimated construction cost is $2 million.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald and Allen County Commissioners Linda Bloom, Nelson Peters and Bill Brown will recognize area businesses for their 2006 contributions to Allen County's economic vitality at the 13th annual Business Expansion Awards Breakfast. The event, sponsored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Ceruti's Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd.
Business Expansion Awards will be presented to 82 businesses. The award-winning companies announced over $176 million in new investments in 2006. These projects will retain over 10,000 employees and create more than 1,100 jobs.
“This is a great opportunity for local government to recognize the tremendous efforts companies are making to improve our area economy,” said Mayor Richard. “We are building a better community that will be more competitive in attracting and retaining jobs and businesses.”
The City of Fort Wayne's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program to assist lower income working families apply for tax refunds runs through Saturday.
In 2006, $1.1 million was brought back to working families in the community. In 2005, $1.6 million in tax refunds were received by working families. In 2004, the total was just over $1 million. In 2003, $250,000 was returned to the local economy.
The Wayne Township Trustee Office is the site for this year's local EITC effort. Free tax preparation services for qualified individuals are available through April 14. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
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 St. Marys River. The area encompasses the OmniSource property north of the river and alongside its banks between North Harrison and Clinton streets.
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 Headwaters Park. As noted in the 2005 BlueprintPlus plan, the “North Core” represents a prime opportunity for transforming a near-river site into a lively, sought-out attraction; for creating a walkable, urban mixed-use place integrated with its surrounding neighborhoods; for strengthening the image of Fort Wayne as a family destination; and for making the river central to downtown and the region.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a keynote speaker at the Digital City Expo in Washington, D.C. The Mayor will speak at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 3.
Mayor Richard will share his vision of a wired and inspired city for job creation, workforce development and bridging the digital divide.
Mayor Richard will also discuss the upcoming Killer App Conference and Expo to be held April 30-May 2 in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne was selected because of its commitment to technology and for being one of the first cities in the Midwest to have fiber-to-the-premises broadband services.
Conference attendees will learn how technology can benefit government, business, education, health care, and land development to name a few. The event will also include a Mayor's Summit for elected officials from around the country to see how technology can improve services and the quality of life in communities. To learn more about the conference, visit www.cityoffortwayne.org and www.killerappexpo.com
“Local government must be innovative to attract private investments and retain and gain quality jobs,” said Mayor Richard. “ Fort Wayne is a leader in using technology to improve services for residents and businesses.”
Digital City Expo is a conference and forum that addresses technology, economic, legal, and infrastructure issues.
Fort Wayne City Council has approved the designation of 701 Kinnaird Ave. and the 700-1200 blocks of the Columbia Avenue corridor as local historic districts.
Known as the Harry & Jennie Fishack House, 701 Kinnaird Ave. has remained virtually unchanged since the time of its construction. The exceptionally high degree of original integrity and many fine details of the home make this property a superior example of the Craftsman Bungalow style.
As the principal eastern route out of Downtown, Columbia Avenue, with its fine turn-of-the-century homes and mature trees, is an established and familiar visual feature of the City that still recalls its heritage as Fort Wayne's first suburb. Designation of this corridor was pursued by the Northside Neighborhood Association and the property owners along Columbia Avenue as a means of stabilizing the neighborhood and retaining its historic character.
Local listing requires that the Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission review any future conspicuous exterior changes to the property. This does not affect regular repair and maintenance procedures that do not involve a conspicuous exterior change, nor does it mean that buildings/structures cannot be altered or demolished, or that new buildings cannot be constructed.
The City of Fort Wayne is hosting a free forum to assist small businesses. The Self Employment and Start Up Business Forum will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, March 29 in the Omni Room, second floor of the City-County Building, One East Main St.
The event will include instruction on developing business and financial plans, complying with code, zoning and health requirements, and marketing a product or service.
The forum developed through a partnership with representatives from U.S. Small Business Administration, and the local efforts of SCORE, Northeast Indiana Small Business Center, Women's Enterprise, a program of the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, and National City Bank.
The Fort Wayne Plan Commission today will consider approving an amendment to the Jefferson Boulevard/Illinois Road Economic Development Area.
Last week, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved a declaratory resolution expanding the area to increase economic development opportunities. The boundaries of the expanded area are Jefferson Boulevard on the north, Ewing Street on the west, Baker Street on the south, and Harrison Street on the east. The expanded area would include the proposed Harrison Square
development.
The Plan Commission will determine if the amended area complies with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in Room 128 of the
City-County
Building.
The City's Yard Waste Recycling Facility, 6202 Lake Ave., will begin summer hours on Monday, April 2. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Visitors can pick up biosolids and mulch for gardening and landscaping projects. Biosolids and mulch are free if customers load the material themselves. Customers purchasing a ton or more of biosolids will be charged $8 for each ton. Customers purchasing less than a ton will pay $5. The facility also accepts yard waste, grass clippings, twigs, and small brush. The cost is $1 for the first 250 pounds and $17 per ton prorated after the first 250 pounds. Railroad ties, treated lumber and concrete are not accepted. The facility can be reached at 427-5535.
Plan-it Allen!, the first-ever, joint land use and development plan for Allen County and Fort Wayne, will be discussed before two governing bodies this week, specifically: Tuesday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. in Room 128, City-County Building ' Fort Wayne City Council discussion and possible approval.Friday, March 30, 10 a.m. in the Commissioners' Courtroom, City-County Building ' Allen County Board of Commissioners discussion and possible approval.
During the March 21 meeting of the Allen County Plan Commission, the plan received the group's unanimous approval and certification to the Allen County Commissioners for action. On February 26, the plan received the same endorsement from the Fort Wayne Plan Commission.
Once the plan is approved by City Council and the County Commissioners ; Monroeville , Huntertown, Grabill, and Woodburn can consider adopting the plan.
The plan will serve as the official policy document for addressing issues related to growth and development in Allen County and Fort Wayne .
Plan-it Allen! has been shaped by community involvement and examined areas such as economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, and community identity to name a few.
Allen County and Fort Wayne launched the Plan-it Allen! process in 2003. This is the first time in over 20 years that both County and City plans have been updated.
For more information, visit www.planyourcommunity.org.
The recommendations of the Preserve-it Allen! Historic Preservation Strategy are described in a new, full-color brochure produced by the City's Division of Community Development.
Developed as a compliment to the Plan-it Allen! Comprehensive Plan, the Strategy is a comprehensive approach to enhance the preservation of historic structures and develop heritage resources in Fort Wayne and Allen County . An advisory committee, representing a wide range of professional expertise and various communities throughout Allen County , reviewed current issues and practices in the field of historic preservation and discussed their relevance to our community heritage and historic resources. The discussions and community input led to the recommendations listed in the brochure.
One recommendation of Preserve-it Allen! that has been implemented is the adoption of a new Fort Wayne Historic Preservation and Protection Ordinance. The major changes of the new ordinance include: renaming the Historic Preservation Review Board as the Historic Preservation Commission, clarifying processes and procedures, and improving the flow of the document.
It also introduces Conservation Districts; a new tool for neighborhood preservation. Conservation Districts are targeted toward areas that do not qualify for Local Historic District status due to loss of historic integrity or incompatible new development. The designation also helps preserve and protect existing architectural and neighborhood character by review of new construction and proposed demolitions.
Preserve-it Allen! brochures are available at various locations, including Allen County Public Library branches, the ARCH office, the History Center , and the City-County Building . To learn more about Preserve-it Allen! or to see the new preservation ordinance and brochure, visit the City's website at www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation or call the City Planning Department at 427-1127.
HARRISON SQUARE
A Downtown Development Initiative
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Plan-it Allen!, the first-ever, joint land use and development plan for Allen County and Fort Wayne, will be discussed before two governing bodies this week.
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, Room 128 of the City-County Building ; Fort Wayne City Council discussion
1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, Room 126 of the City-County Building ; Allen County Plan Commission public hearing and possible recommendation
The plan will serve as the official policy document for addressing issues related to growth and development in Allen County and Fort Wayne .
Plan-it Allen! has been shaped by community involvement and examined areas such as economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, and community identity to name a few. Allen County and Fort Wayne launched the Plan-it Allen! process in 2003. This is the first time in over 20 years that both County and City plans have been updated.
For more information, visit www.planyourcommunity.org .
A national expert on sustainable development will visit Fort Wayne to present ideas on how communities can benefit by integrating best practices in transportation, energy efficiency and broadband technology.
Scott Bernstein, President of the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago , will present two sessions to government, business and community leaders.
Session 1: 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 22, City Council Chambers
Session 2: 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, March 22, City Council Chambers
“We look forward to hosting Scott Bernstein to learn how our community can use innovative practices to retain and gain quality jobs,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “High trust, high performance partnerships between local governments, private businesses and neighborhoods will assist us in capitalizing on economic and quality of life issues.”
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission today will consider approving a declaratory resolution, which would amend the Jefferson Boulevard/Illinois Road Economic Development Area.
The proposed amendment would expand the area to increase economic development opportunities. The boundaries of the expanded area are Jefferson Boulevard on the north, Ewing Street on the west, Baker Street on the south, and Harrison Street on the east. The expanded area would include the proposed Harrison Square development.
If the resolution is approved by the Redevelopment Commission, it would then go before the Fort Wayne Plan Commission and Fort Wayne City Council for approval before returning to the Redevelopment Commission for a confirmatory resolution.
The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the City-County Building.
Mayor Graham Richard has proclaimed March 19-23 as Flood Awareness Week in the City of Fort Wayne .
Flood Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the flood mitigation efforts that have occurred since the flood of 1982. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Flood of 1982, which caused more than $50 million in damages.
The City's existing flood protection plan includes $500,000 per year to purchase chronically flooded properties, and a $17 million stormwater revenue bond to construct flood protection projects along the Spy Run watershed, St. Marys River and Fairfield Ditch. Additional work includes improving drainage problems in several neighborhoods experiencing chronic problems.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced significant progress is being made in southeast Fort Wayne in private investments, housing, infrastructure, and public safety. Mayor Richard presented a progress report on southeast development as part of his Report to the People speech to the Southeast Area Partnership.
The City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will present design ideas in an effort to make enhancements to the Wells Street corridor from Superior Street to State Boulevard.
The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at 2000 North Wells Street, the former YWCA campus and home to Imagine Schools. The public is encouraged to attend.
The Wells Street Business Association is also involved in the partnership. Next week's presentation will offer business owners ideas on possible changes they can make to their building facades along with possible signage and streetscape improvements.
Last month, the City and a group of local architects hosted two design workshops and collected ideas on how to enhance Wells Street.
The City of Fort Wayne 's seventh annual International Festival will be held from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, March 10 and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at the new downtown Allen County Public Library.
The theme for this year's festival is “Unifying the Community.” The festival is sponsored by the City of Fort Wayne and the Foundation for Art and Music in Elementary Education (FAME).
Festival attendees will be able to learn about different cultures and enjoy food, music and dance from various lands. The event is free and open to the public. NewsChannel 15's Terra Brantley will serve as master of ceremonies.
The City of Fort Wayne 's website, www.cityoffortwayne.org will not be accessible from 5 a.m. to approximately 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 7 for maintenance purposes.
A reminder from Fort Wayne 's 21st Century Scholars iTeam. All 21st Century Scholar seniors must complete an affirmation form and their Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms by Saturday, March 10. Call 481-4175 for more information. The Twenty First Century Scholars and the City have partnered to create a Twenty First Century Scholars iTeam (i for innovation). The iTeam works to engage students, parents and community organizations in increasing the enrollment of eligible scholars and to retain and mentor scholars online through the successful completion of their post secondary education.
Plan-it Allen!, the first-ever, joint land use and development plan for Allen County and Fort Wayne, is being presented to several governing bodies in February and March. The preliminary adoption process timeline has been revised to include a new Allen County Plan Commission date.
Revised provisional timeline:
Mar. 20: Fort Wayne City Council discussion
Mar. 21: Allen County Plan Commission public hearing and possible recommendation
Mar. 27: Fort Wayne City Council possible approval
Mar. 30: Allen County Commissioners discussion and possible approval
During the February 26 meeting of the Fort Wayne Plan Commission, the plan received the group's unanimous certification to the Fort Wayne City Council for action.
Once the plan is approved by City Council and County Commissioners ; Monroeville , Huntertown, Grabill, and Woodburn can consider adopting the plan.
The plan will serve as the official policy document for addressing issues related to growth and development in Allen County and Fort Wayne .
Plan-it Allen! has been shaped by community involvement and examined areas such as economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, and community identity to name a few. Allen County and Fort Wayne launched the Plan-it Allen! process in 2003. This is the first time in over 20 years that both County and City plans have been updated. For more information, visit www.planyourcommunity.org .
Mayor Graham Richard's Report to the People to the Southeast Area Partnership will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 at New Joshua Baptist Church, 4202 Hessen Cassel Rd.
The Mayor's report will feature a progress report on southeast development, including updates on the Southeast Development Strategy, Public Safety Academy, infrastructure investments, the PRISE retail incentive program, Southtown Centre, Renaissance Pointe, and business development.
Mayor Richard will also discuss Harrison Square, the City's mixed-use development proposal for downtown.
The Report to the People to the Southeast Area Partnership was originally scheduled for February 14, but was postponed due to inclement weather.
The City of Fort Wayne today acquired the Palace Restaurant property at 1202 S. Harrison St.
The property would be included in the area where a new parking garage would be constructed as part of the proposed Harrison Square mixed-use downtown development plan.
The purchase price was $2.4 million. By purchasing the property, the City expects to save nearly $1.5 million on the construction of a parking garage.
The owner of the Palace Restaurant recently approached the City to pursue an agreement to have the City purchase the property.
Fort Wayne's 21st Century Scholars iTeam will be holding an upcoming community event. The Twenty First Century Scholars staff will be enrolling students from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, March 1 at Scott's Foods, 5300 Decatur Rd.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Lean Six Sigma for Government conference February 27-28 in Alexandria , Va.
Mayor Richard's presentation, “Performance is the Best Politics: How to Create High Performance Government Using Lean Six Sigma,” will focus on innovation, investment and involvement. Since 2000, Fort Wayne has saved over $10 million by using Six Sigma best practices to better serve taxpayers, reduce costs and provide increased services with fewer employees.
Fort Wayne is widely known for its Six Sigma efforts. Author Michael George in his book, Lean Six Sigma for Service, recognizes Fort Wayne for using business practices such as Lean Six Sigma.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced a new grassroots public campaign to engage the community in energy saving and air quality practices. Mayor Richard made the announcement as part of his Report to the People speech to the Southwest Area Partnership.
The campaign will include a community involvement “Open Space” meeting. Open Space is a unique meeting format that allows participants to present their ideas and identify areas of interest in a group setting. The session is expected to result in several ideas for how individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, and schools can support and implement energy conservation techniques.
The Open Space event will be held in April. A specific date and time will be announced in the coming weeks.
The City of Fort Wayne today released more details on the proposal received for the downtown hotel component of the Harrison Square mixed-use development. Acquest Realty Advisors, Inc. along with White Lodging Services Corporation has submitted a response, which calls for a full-service Marriott-branded hotel.
RFP highlights
* $47 million private sector development
* 11-story, 250 room hotel tower
* 4,000 square foot junior ballroom
* Two 1,000 square foot meeting rooms
* 4,200 square foot signature restaurant and bar for hotel patrons and residents
* 1,200 square foot specialty coffee shop
* Outdoor pool, year-round spa and fitness center
* Developer supports the overall Harrison Square development and acknowledges the hotel, Grand Wayne Center and mixed-use development along with a baseball stadium would serve as a visitor and local destination place
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced the City of Fort Wayne will invest $60 million to upgrade transportation, water, sewer, and stormwater systems. Mayor Richard made the announcement as part of his Report to the People speech to the Northwest Area Partnership.
“Infrastructure investments will assist our community and region in retaining and gaining quality jobs,” said Mayor Richard. “We must build a better city to be more competitive in attracting new businesses. Our continued commitment to investing in roads and water and sewer lines provides residents and businesses with a great quality of life.”
The City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will hold two design workshops in an effort to make enhancements to the Wells Street corridor from Superior Street to State Boulevard.
The workshops will be held at 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday, February 22 at 2000 North Wells Street, the former YWCA campus and home to Imagine Schools. Each workshop is scheduled to last one hour.
The Wells Street Business Association is also involved in the partnership. The public is encouraged to attend and help identify ways to further enhance the Wells Street business corridor.
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homeownership seminar from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, February 22 in the Chase Auditorium on the second floor of One Summit Square in downtown Fort Wayne .
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne .
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
Mayor Graham Richard's Report to the People to the Southeast Area Partnership scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the League for the Blind & Disabled has been postponed due to inclement weather. The report will be rescheduled. The new date will be announced in the coming weeks.
The City of Fort Wayne , Allen County and the City of New Haven have announced snow status changes.
Effective at noon:
* The City of Fort Wayne will no longer be under a Snow Emergency. City Street Department crews have worked to clear main arterial streets. However, several City streets remain snow covered. Crews have started plowing residential streets. Crews will work around the clock in anticipation of having residential streets completed by Thursday morning.
Due to the inclement weather, the Board of Public Works and the Board of Stormwater Management will not meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 14 in the Omni Room of the City-County Building . Contractors' preparing bids in anticipation of tomorrow's meeting will have until 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 21 to submit the bids. Bids that have already been submitted will be secured for next week's meeting. The next meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 21.
Plan-it Allen!, the first-ever, joint land use and development plan for Allen County and Fort Wayne, will be presented to several governing bodies in February and March.
Preliminary timeline:
Feb. 13: Introduction to Fort Wayne City Council
Feb. 19: Fort Wayne Plan Commission public hearing
Feb. 26: Fort Wayne Plan Commission possible recommendation
Mar. 8: Allen County Plan Commission public hearing
Mar. 15: Allen County Plan Commission possible recommendation
Mar. 20:
Fort Wayne City Council discussion
Mar. 27:
Fort Wayne City Council possible approval
Mar. 30: Allen County Commissioners discussion and possible approval
Once the plan is approved by City Council and County Commissioners ; Monroeville , Huntertown, Grabill, and Woodburn can consider adopting the plan.
The plan will serve as the official policy document for addressing issues related to growth and development in Allen County and Fort Wayne .
Plan-it Allen! has been shaped by community involvement and examined areas such as economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, and community identity to name a few.
Allen County and Fort Wayne launched the Plan-it Allen! process in 2003. This is the first time in over 20 years that both County and City plans have been updated.
For more information, visit www.planyourcommunity.org .
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced the City this year will invest nearly $2 million to expand and improve greenways and trails. The Mayor made the announcement during his Report to the People speech to the Northeast Area Partnership.
Greenway highlights for 2007
* Resurface nearly two miles of the Rivergreenway, including the widening of sections of the greenway along the St. Joseph River. Once this project is completed, the entire original Rivergreenway will have been resurfaced.
* Construct nearly one mile of the Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Ardmore and Covington roads and near Engle Road. By the end of 2007, nearly two miles of the Towpath will be complete. The nearly seven-mile trail will be completed in 2009 and will connect Aboite Township with Fort Wayne and New Haven.
* Design work will begin on the Rivergreenway extension from Johnny Appleseed Park to Shoaff Park
* Design work will begin on the Covington Road trail
The City of Fort Wayne has added language translation links to its website, www.cityoffortwayne.org .
The languages are Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic. The website uses Google Translation Tools to perform the language translations.
Flag links for the respective languages can be found on each page on the City's website. The automated translation services strive to perform the most accurate translations possible, but in some cases, translations may vary. Downloaded forms are not able to be translated at this time.
The new initiative is designed to improve customer service to non-English speaking residents and visitors to the City's website.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced his support for proposed legislation in the Indiana General Assembly that would create a Regional Development Authority for Northeast Indiana. Mayor Richard made the announcement during his Report to the People speech at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.
House Bill 1774 would create a Regional Development Authority to strengthen economic development opportunities in
Northeast Indiana. A Regional Development Authority would serve as a source of funding to leverage state and federal dollars for capital improvements of regional significance.
Potential Regional Development Authority projects could include:
* Economic development projects deemed to have a regional impact
* Transportation infrastructure
* Regional airport development
* Public transit facilities and services
* Recreational trails and greenway projects
Tonight's Neighborhood Associations' Presidents Meeting has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The meeting was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 5.
Today is National EITC Awareness Day across the country. The City of Fort Wayne participates in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program to assist lower income working families apply for tax refunds.
In 2006, $1.1 million was brought back to working families in the community. In 2005, $1.6 million in tax refunds were received by working families. In 2004, the total was just over $1 million. In 2003, $250,000 was returned to the local economy.
The Internal Revenue Service works with over 300 partners nationwide to ensure that free tax assistance is available. Nationwide in 2005, $41.4 billion was returned to working individuals and families.
In Fort Wayne , the Wayne Township Trustee Office is the site for this year's local EITC effort. Free tax preparation services for qualified individuals are available through April 14. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
The Sewer Advisory Group will host an upcoming public meeting to allow residents to learn more about proposed changes to the City's sanitary sewer rates. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 7 in the Omni Room of the City-County Building .
The proposal calls for increasing sewer rates by 25%. City Council is expected to take a final vote on the proposed increase at its February 13 meeting. If approved, the new rates would take effect on March 1. The Board of Public Works has approved the rate change.
Sewer rates have not been raised since 2001. The last rate increase resulted in over $100 million in sanitary sewer system improvements and the rehabilitation of more than 43 miles of sewer lines.
Over the past several months, City officials have held a series of public meetings to discuss the proposed increase.
Impact on homeowner:
* Small residential user (five units) currently pays $11.93 per month
* This same user would see an increase of $2.98 per month for a total of $14.91 per month
* Family residential user (ten units) currently pays $21.63 per month
* This same user would see an increase of $5.41 per month for a total of $27.04 per month
The increase would allow City Utilities to:
* Invest in high value combined sewer system projects
* Continue to invest in pipeline and treatment system rehabilitation work
* Invest in sanitary sewer interceptors to create capacity for future growth and economic development
* Issue a bond for $25-$30 million to construct major projects
Leaders today announced the schedule for the Indianapolis Colts-Chicago Bears “Blue Friday” Rally at 4 p.m. Friday, February 2 on the plaza of the City-County Building.
Schedule of Events
*Mayor Graham Richard and Allen County Commissioners will make welcome comments and read proclamations declaring Friday as “Blue Friday” in Fort Wayne and Allen County
*IPFW cheerleaders will perform
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard today will send a letter to Indianapolis Coach Tony Dungy and Chicago Bears Coach Lovie Smith inviting them to visit Fort Wayne following the Super Bowl.
The City of Fort Wayne has created the Top 10 reasons why the coaches and their families should visit Fort Wayne.
Mayor Graham Richard today was the featured speaker at the Downtown Rotary where he presented a preview of his upcoming 2007 Report to the People sessions.
Mayor Richard discussed the importance of investing in downtown and re-emphasized his support for Harrison Square, a proposal to bring a signature mixed-use development to downtown.
“We are committed to creating jobs and attracting new businesses,” said Mayor Richard. “A downtown catalyst development will enhance economic development opportunities and create a downtown gathering place for our community and region.”
The initial phase of Harrison Square calls for $125 million of investment, with approximately 50% to be privately financed. No general property taxes would be used as part of the project. The initial phase would include a hotel, residential condominiums, retail, baseball stadium, and parking garage.
The City of Fort Wayne, Allen County and IPFW have reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding to examine the potential re-use of Memorial Stadium.
Last month, the City of Fort Wayne announced plans for a proposed mixed-use downtown development, “Harrison Square,” that would include a hotel, residential condominiums, street level retail, a baseball stadium, and parking garage. At that time, IPFW officials expressed an interest in the current Memorial Stadium serving as the home for IPFW sporting and community events.
The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County will host a Community Indianapolis Colts-Chicago Bears “Blue Friday” Rally at 4 p.m. Friday, February 2 on the plaza of the City-County Building . (The event will be moved to the City-County Building lobby in the event of inclement weather).
Following the rally, attendees will be encouraged to visit downtown restaurants that will be offering Colts/Bears specials.
As part of the rally, memory books and scrapbooks will be available in the City-County Building lobby for fans to write their best wishes and share photos. The books will be part of gift baskets that will be sent to Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.
The City of Fort Wayne today released the schedule for Mayor Graham Richard's 2007 Report to the People sessions.
Each Report to the People session will feature a recap of accomplishments and a look ahead to what city government will work on to improve services. All of the reports are open to the public and are an opportunity for residents to talk directly with Mayor Richard.
The City of Fort Wayne has developed a first-ever energy policy to improve government services and promote energy savings and cleaner air quality. The energy policy was made official through an executive order signed by Mayor Graham Richard.
Key elements of the energy policy:
Energy conservation policies: all city government office equipment will be turned off or placed into energy saving mode at the end of each day.
Idling of city owned vehicles: vehicles will not be allowed to idle for longer than five minutes in any one-hour period. Exceptions include traffic conditions and public safety functions.
City Green Team will work to:
Assess the current status of energy conservation efforts throughout the City
Develop plans to implement goals contained in Green Ribbon Commission report
Set additional goals to improve energy efficiency and sustainable practices
Mayor Graham Richard has named John Urbahns as the City's Director of the Division of Community Development.
Urbahns has worked in the City's Division of Community Development since 1996. Most recently, Urbahns served as Deputy Director of Community Development with a focus on planning, policy and operations.
Urbahns also serves as a lecturer in IPFW's School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
From 2001-2005, Urbahns served as a planning consultant for the town of Huntertown .
Urbahns replaces Deputy Mayor Mark Becker as division director. Becker had been serving dual roles since becoming Deputy Mayor in October 2005.
Urbahns earned bachelors degrees in environmental design and urban planning and development from Ball State University .
The City's Division of Community Development includes redevelopment, housing, strategic planning, and land use to name a few.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard has written a book, Performance is the Best Politics: How to Create High-Performance Government Using Lean Six Sigma.
The book shares the stories of city employees pursuing excellence in city services. It also explains how Fort Wayne became a national leader in using business practices to produce better government services for residents.
Mayor Richard wrote the book in response to dozens of requests from government organizations wanting to learn about how Fort Wayne is cutting costs while providing excellent services. Since 2000, Fort Wayne has saved more than $10 million using Lean Six Sigma. Data based decision-making and empowerment of employees are key components to the success of the program.
Community leaders today announced a series of public meetings to update citizens on the progress being made on Plan-it Allen!, the first-ever, joint land use and development plan for Allen County and Fort Wayne.
The final draft of the plan will be presented at the meetings. Following the series of public sessions, the plan will go before several governing bodies for approval. The plan will serve as the official policy document for addressing issues related to growth and development in Allen County and Fort Wayne.
The Community Service Council and the Neighborhood Associations of Fort Wayne will hold a “State of Health Care ” community meeting. Guest speakers will include representatives from Parkview Health, the Lutheran Health Network, the VA hospital, and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, January 8 in the City-County Building Room 126.
Fort Wayne's 21st Century Scholars iTeam will be holding an upcoming community event.
The Twenty First Century Scholars staff will be enrolling students from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, December 30 at Scott's Foods, 1125 W. State Blvd.
Students entering 7th and 8th grade in the 2007-08 school year can apply to become a Twenty First Century Scholar. Eligible students can receive up to four years of college tuition to attend a public or private college or university in Indiana. Students must keep a pledge of good citizenship. This includes no drugs or alcohol and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. For more information, visit www.cityoffortwayne.org or call 481-4175.
The Twenty First Century Scholars and the City have partnered to create a Twenty First Century Scholars iTeam (i for innovation). The iTeam works to engage students, parents and community organizations in increasing the enrollment of eligible scholars and to retain and mentor scholars online through the successful completion of their post secondary education.
Mayor Graham Richard today was joined by City of Fort Wayne , Allen County and State government leaders as well as the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, and business, community and neighborhood leaders to present an update on plans for a proposed downtown development project with the working name of “Harrison Square.”
The proposal represents a signature private-public venture in the community's efforts to energize downtown Fort Wayne and would create new opportunities to live, work and enjoy the heart of the community.
The scope of the initial phase of the proposed project would include the following:
* A new hotel with at least 300 rooms -- $48 million
* 60 new residential condominium units -- $12 million, with future phases anticipated to provide an additional 120 units
* 30,000 square feet of new street level retail -- $6 million, with future phases anticipated to provide an additional 60,000 square feet
* A new minor league baseball stadium -- $30 million (IPFW officials have expressed an interest in the current Memorial Stadium serving as the home for IPFW sporting and community events)
* A 900 space parking garage -- $10 million
The City of Fort Wayne's Net Literacy iTeam will hold a Computer Drive December 27-29. Individuals in the community may be receiving new computers for the holidays and looking for a home for an older computer.
Individuals and companies are asked to donate computers that they no longer use. Requirements include Pentium II or newer computers, monitor, mouse, keyboard, and power cord. The donated computers will be refurbished to be used by the underserved in the community.
Drop off hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. each day at Fire Station 17, 1910 Getz Rd., Fire Station 15, 1415 Northland Blvd and Fire Station 12, 6901 S. Anthony Blvd.
Net Literacy's mission is to increase computer access and Internet literacy to underserved youth, families and senior citizens.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the Holiday Cab program will begin Thursday, December 21.
In its 19th year, the Holiday Cab program offers free cab rides to people who may be impaired. Cab rides are provided within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fort Wayne. The program runs December 21-January 1. Cabs are available from 8 p.m.-3 a.m. to take passengers to their homes. Potential riders cannot reserve rides or be taken from one event to another. Anyone needing a free cab ride should call 460-4654.
“ Holiday cab provides a tremendous service to our community as we work to be a safe city,” said Mayor Richard. “We also thank our local law enforcement agencies for their commitment to keeping our roads as safe as possible. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.”
Later today, the City of Fort Wayne's Net Literacy iTeam and Bishop Luers' Key Club students will lead training sessions to teach senior citizens basic Internet and computer skills.
The sessions will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. at Concord Village (Lutheran Homes), 6723 S. Anthony Blvd. and the Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
The program is intended to empower young people to increase computer availability and Internet literacy for underserved youth, families and seniors. Earlier this year, nearly 200 used computers were collected as part of a communitywide computer drive.
Last year, Mayor Graham Richard created iTeams as a way to use technology to promote innovation and investment.
The City of Fort Wayne today announced a partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as a way to keep the community's children safe.
The program will include community gatherings to educate parents and children. The sessions will focus on child safety and the prevention of abduction and sexual exploitation.
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homebuyer workshop, “Homeownership is Possible,” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 13 at the Allen County Public Library Little Turtle Branch, 2201 Sherman Blvd.
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne.
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
The City of Fort Wayne has received a $180,000 flood mitigation assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to purchase three homes.
The homes have been damaged by flooding in recent years. Two of the homes are located in the Junk Ditch area. The other home is in the Eastbrook/Westbrook neighborhood. The properties will be demolished and returned to green space.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the Community Services Council (CSC) will not hold its Legislative Preview event that was planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, December 7 at the City-County Building .
The “Money in Your Pocket” Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program is preparing for 2007.
The City of Fort Wayne and community partners work to assist lower income working families apply for tax refunds.
In 2006, $1.1 million was brought back to working families in the community. In 2005, $1.6 million in tax refunds were received by working families. In 2004, the total was just over $1 million. In 2003, $250,000 was returned to the local economy.
Third District City Councilman Tom Didier, Science Central officials and City leaders today led a ceremony to mark the beginning of demolition work on the retaining wall in front of Science Central along Clinton Street.
The wall is being demolished in an effort to enhance the visual aesthetics near Science Central as it serves as a key gateway into downtown. The area will become green space and will be landscaped next spring.
The total cost of the project is $59,995. Councilman Didier has set aside $20,000 of his CEDIT allocation to help finance the project.
Hipskind Concrete is the contractor for the project. The work is expected to be finished by the end of January.
New sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps will be constructed in several neighborhoods courtesy of a $250,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) Safe Routes to School program.
The improvements will link 11 neighborhoods along East State Boulevard and Maysville and Lahmeyer roads with five schools. The schools are Blackhawk Middle, Haley Elementary, Blackhawk Christian Elementary, Blackhawk Christian Jr/Sr High, and St. Peter's Lutheran.
A construction timeline will be determined in the coming weeks. The total cost of the project is expected to be nearly $274,000.
The Safe Routes to School program is aimed at making bicycling and walking to school and other destinations safer. The program also compliments the City's Green City Initiative to enhance greenways and trails throughout the community.
The Community Services Council (CSC) is hosting a Legislative Preview as a way for residents to interact with elected officials on the top issues facing the 2007 Indiana General Assembly.
The event is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2006, in City Council Chambers Room 126 of the City-County Building . The event is free and open to the public.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at the IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference November 30 in San Francisco , Calif.
Mayor Richard's speech, “Wired and Inspired to Compete in the Flat World,” will look at what Fort Wayne is doing to use technology and innovation to promote private investment and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Fort Wayne is a technology leader,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to sharing our successes. Fiber-to-the-premises and broadband technology enhance services for residents as we use innovative techniques to attract jobs and businesses to our community.”
Fort Wayne's Twenty First Century Scholars in collaboration with the City of Fort Wayne will be holding several community events.
All Twenty First Century Scholar high school seniors are required to attend one of the following affirmation meetings.
* 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 2, Little Turtle Library, 2201 Sherman Blvd.
* 3-4 p.m. Saturday, December 2, Georgetown Library, 6600 E. State Blvd.
* 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 9, Hessen Cassel Library, 3030 E. Paulding Rd.
The Twenty First Century Scholars staff will be enrolling students at area Scott's Foods.
* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, December 1, Scott's at 7008 Bluffton Rd.
* 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, December 2, Scott's at 5300 Decatur Rd.
Winter hours are set for the City's Yard Waste Recycling Facility, 6202 Lake Ave. Hours will be 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday beginning Monday, December 4. The facility will be closed Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3. Visitors to the facility can dispose of yard waste, grass clippings, twigs, and small brush. The cost is $1 for the first 250 pounds, and $17 per ton prorated after the first 250 pounds. Railroad ties, treated lumber and concrete are not accepted. The facility can be reached at 427-5535.
The Mayor's Leadership Learning Institute continues its Community Builders workshops with a session on “Celebrating Community Leaders of Today and Tomorrow.” The event will be held from 5-6:45 p.m. Monday, December 4 in the Omni Room of the City-County Building .
Potential and new community leaders will have the opportunity to meet current elected officials and past leaders to develop relationships that can help new leaders learn how to serve the community. In addition, certificates of appreciation will be presented to individuals and organizations that did outstanding work as volunteers in the Fort Wayne area this year.
Mayor Graham Richard today discussed results of a report that examined ways to enhance communication systems in a major, communitywide emergency.
Lou Dollive, President and General Manager at ITT Industries and Wayne Iurillo, Site Executive at Raytheon, co-chaired the Disaster Communication Response BEST Team (Building Excellent Services through Teams). The team also included officials from the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County. Mayor Richard and Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters created the BEST team in September 2005.
Phase one of the Ardmore Avenue extension project has been completed. The newly completed phase will be opened to traffic at 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 21.
Ardmore Avenue has been extended from Lower Huntington Road to Airport Expressway. In addition, new traffic signals have been installed at Ardmore Avenue and Lower Huntington Road as well as Ardmore Avenue and Airport Expressway.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at the 3rd Annual Quality Conference November 17 in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference is hosted by the Institute for Organizational Excellence at Corporate College.
Mayor Richard's keynote speech, “Performance is the Best Politics,” will focus on how Fort Wayne has used business practices such as Lean Six Sigma to save more than $10 million. Mayor Richard will also discuss the importance of quality services, innovation and technology.
Mayor Richard will also lead a breakout session, “High Performance Government Executive Overview,” that will feature specific examples of Six Sigma projects that are improving city services.
“Quality and innovation are critical to building a better city to retain and gain jobs,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to sharing Fort Wayne's successes as a national leader in high performance government practices.”
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will join over 30 mayors at the Sundance Summit: A Mayors' Gathering on Climate Protection, November 12-14 in Sundance , Utah .
“Fort Wayne is a leader in working to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality,” said Mayor Richard. “With fiber-to-the-premises broadband technology, we will see many valuable improvements including the reduction of unnecessary vehicle trips. Our efforts to meet air quality standards will directly impact our ability to retain and gain jobs and increase economic development opportunities.”
Mayor Richard will share successes including the completion of the Mayor's Green Ribbon Commission report and Fort Wayne 's Green City Initiative.
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homebuyer workshop, “Homeownership is Possible,” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 8 at the Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St.
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne.
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
Crews will lower the river level on the St. Joseph River on Wednesday, November 8 to perform construction work on the tainter gate at the Hosey Dam. The river level will be lower until approximately November 20, pending the completion of construction work.
Fort Wayne has been recognized as the best fleet in North America by Fleet Equipment magazine. Mayor Graham Richard today accepted the award at a ceremony at the City's Fleet Maintenance Building . Mayor Richard was joined by Public Works and City Utilities leaders, Fleet Maintenance staff and First Vehicles Services representatives and employees.
Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Code Enforcement Department today presented Gold Star Awards to four recipients for bringing their properties up to Neighborhood Code standards.
The properties were slated for demolition, but all of them were saved due to the commitment of the award-winning property owners. The investments made by the property owners have resulted in higher property values and enhanced neighborhoods.
Gold Star Award winners:
* Hicksville Building Loan and Savings for improving the property at 2936 Abbott St.
* Max Winningham for improving the property at 5030 Tyrone Rd.
* Fisher Property Management for improving the property at 4439 Winter St.
* Larry Brooks for improving the property at 2120 Catalpa St.
Neighborhood Code officials visited the property at 2936 Abbott St. to present the awards. Hicksville Building Loan and Savings made a private investment to make the property viable again.
“We appreciate the commitment of property owners who care about our community,” said Tom Bandor, Director of the City's Neighborhood Code Enforcement Department. “Our department works each day to partner with neighborhoods to develop high performance relationships that keep our community safer and benefit residents.”
City Street Department crews continue to be ahead of schedule as the first round of leaf collection wraps up. Several crews will move to the south section of the City on Thursday, November 2 to begin the second round of leaf collection. A few crews will remain in the north section for the remainder of the week. All crews will be in the south section the week of November 6. Leaves will not be collected on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans' Day. Residents can learn more about the Leaf Pickup program at www.cityoffortwayne.org or by calling the Leaf Hotline at 427-2302.
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control's “KIND Club Show” has won a Philo T. Farnsworth Award.
The “KIND Club Show” was awarded first place in children's programming. This award is given in recognition of excellence in cable programming. The show's focus is on teaching students a greater sense of responsibility, respect, justice, and compassion toward others by emphasizing the obligations and commitments associated with pet ownership and animal care.
Humane Education Specialist Peggy Bender, along with members of the Humane Education Advisory Council, will accept the award on November 17 in Lansing , Mich.
The “KIND Club Show” airs on Comcast Channel 54 at 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The show can also be seen on City TV Comcast Channel 58 at noon Fridays and 9 a.m. Saturdays.
Farnsworth is known as the father of modern television. He later established an electronics laboratory in Fort Wayne .
Mayor Graham Richard today announced Kmart has received a $9,730 grant from the City of Fort Wayne for making façade improvements to its store on South Anthony Boulevard. Mayor Richard was joined by Kmart officials as well as members of the Southside Business Group and the City's Southeast Area Development Strategy Advisory Committee.
Kmart participated in the City's Southeast Retail Incentive (PRISE) Program that assists businesses in the southeast quadrant. PRISE stands for Prime Retail Incentives in Southeast. The program includes “Grow Southeast,” a grant program that provides a 50% funding match for façade upgrades. Kmart also invested $9,730 for a total of nearly $19,500.
City Street Department crews continue to be ahead of schedule during the first collection of leaves as part of the Leaf Pickup program. Several crews will move to the north section of the City beginning Wednesday, October 25. A few crews will remain in the central section for the remainder of the week. All crews will be in the north section the week of October 30. Residents can learn more about the Leaf Pickup program at www.cityoffortwayne.org or by calling the Leaf Hotline at 427-2302.
Mayor Graham Richard will provide welcoming remarks at the Midwest Telecom Expo at around 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, October 24. The conference runs today through October 25 at the Grand Wayne Center .
The Midwest Telecom Expo brings together more than 800 technology professionals from across the country. The event is organized by the Indiana Telecommunications Association.
“We are pleased to once again be the host city for the Midwest Telecom Expo,” said Mayor Richard. “Fort Wayne is a technology leader. We look forward to sharing some of our successes. Fiber-to-the-premises and broadband technology enhance services for residents as we use innovative techniques to attract jobs and businesses to our community.”
City officials soon will begin a series of meetings to discuss a proposed sanitary sewer rate increase.
The proposal calls for increasing sewer rates by 25%. The rates would need to be approved by the Board of Public Works and City Council. If approved, the rate would go into effect February 1, 2007, and last through 2008.
Sewer rates have not been raised since 2001. The last rate increase resulted in over $100 million in sanitary sewer system improvements and the rehabilitation of more than 43 miles of sewer lines to name a few.
Impact on homeowner:
* Small residential user (five units) currently pays $11.93 per month
* This same user would see an increase of $2.98 per month for a total of $14.91 per month
* Family residential user (ten units) currently pays $21.63 per month
* This same user would see an increase of $5.41 per month for a total of $27.04 per month
City Street Department crews today finished the first collection of leaves in the south section of the City. Crews will move to the central section of the City beginning Thursday, October 19. Crews will also be in the central section the week of October 23. Residents can learn more about the Leaf Pickup program at www.cityoffortwayne.org or by calling the Leaf Hotline at 427-2302.
Mayor Graham Richard will speak at the Urban Land Institute Fall Meeting October 19 in Denver .
Mayor Richard will discuss “Making Public-Private Partnerships Work.” Mayor Richard will focus on the City's Renaissance Pointe development. Renaissance Pointe includes plans for 400 new homes, the rehabilitation of more than 100 existing homes, a greenway trail, and improved infrastructure.
Mayor Richard will also discuss the importance of broadband technology and the KillerApp conference in Fort Wayne next spring.
“Public-private partnerships are critical as we continue with our urban investment strategy and look at developing a downtown mixed-use project,” said Mayor Richard. “Fort Wayne 's successes will be shared with a national audience as we highlight local public-private partnerships that make a positive difference in our community and region.”
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit research and education organization. The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land to enhance the environment.
The Cityoffortwayne.org website will be unavailable for maintenance Thursday morning October 19th from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
City Street Department crews today kicked off the City's annual Leaf Pickup program. Crews are in the south section of the City this week collecting leaves. Residents should have their leaves ready for pickup on the first day of their scheduled week. The Street Department will be in the area sometime that week to collect leaves, weather permitting.
Leaves should be raked to the park strip area or placed in brown biodegradable yard waste bags and set at the curb for collection. If residents use biodegradable bags, they can call the Street Department at 427-1235 for pickup within two business days.
The community will have an opportunity to tour Fort Wayne's Camp Scott Wetlands at an open house from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, October 21. The site is located at 3615 Oxford St. The open house is free and open to the public.
Enjoy activities for children, informative talks, snacks, history, and wildlife as you tour the $20 million project that reduces the risk of basement backups during wet weather conditions in neighborhoods around McMillen Park.
Camp Scott assists the City's combined sewer overflow (CSO) compliance program by managing the number of CSOs being sent to the Maumee River. Camp Scott also helps the stormwater quality program by treating stormwater through engineered wetlands.
The facility provides residents and students a place for walking and learning. Camp Scott was a military training facility and prisoner of war camp during World War II.
Mayor Graham Richard today visited Glenwood Park Elementary School to promote a nationwide program, Change a Light, Change the World.
Mayor Richard called on residents to replace frequently used light bulbs with Energy Star marked compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL). Each CFL lasts as long as eight regular incandescent bulbs and uses only 25% of the energy of a regular bulb.
Individuals can get involved by taking a pledge to save energy by replacing at least one light in their home with an Energy Star light. Visit www.energystar.gov and use the drop down box to choose City of Fort Wayne as the referring organization. The City's goal is to have 1,000 residents take the online pledge by October 31.
A tree planting event in Fort Wayne's Harvester neighborhood will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 14. The location is the southwest corner of Edsall and McCormick avenues. Saturday's activities are part of National NeighborWoods Month, a national campaign to regreen America's cities. Trees Indiana is supporting local efforts to educate communities on the importance of planting, protecting and maintaining trees.
City leaders today unveiled new signage in the Renaissance Pointe, A Front Porch Community, development area as progress continues to be made on the City's urban revitalization initiative.
The signs feature renderings of what segments of the new neighborhood will look like.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.rpointe.org to learn more about the development. The website also features floor plans from Lancia Homes, Delagrange Homes and Ideal Builders, who have agreed to build homes at Renaissance Pointe.
Demolition of several city-owned properties will begin in the next few weeks. Model units will be constructed in spring 2007.
Mayor Graham Richard today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The trail is the next step in the community's efforts to expand the Rivergreenway network.
The project is divided into four phases. Phase III will be the first phase to be completed. The limits are between Smith Road and just east of Woodhill Drive. Places of destination along this phase are Canterbury High School and The Dome.
Once the entire project is finished, the nearly seven mile trail will connect Aboite Township with the Fort Wayne and New Haven Rivergreenway system. The trail will begin in Rockhill Park and extend from Engle Road to West Jefferson Boulevard. The trail will follow the old Wabash & Erie Canal towpath, which was the dirt path along the canal used by mules to tow boats.
The City of Fort Wayne 's Fleet Management Department has been recognized by Fleet Equipment magazine as the best fleet in North America . City Fleet Manager Larry Campbell was in Norfolk , Va. , Monday to accept the award.
The 2006 Global Trade Expo planned for Wednesday, October 11 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., has been cancelled. The event will be rescheduled for next spring. A time and date will be announced at a later time.
Mayor Graham Richard today released the Green Ribbon Commission report that outlines a comprehensive energy and clean air plan for the community.
“We appreciate the hard work and commitment of the members of the Green Ribbon Commission,” said Mayor Richard. “Their findings reinforce the urgency to reduce energy consumption and air pollution. All of us must work together to improve our environment. The work we do today will produce cleaner air and save money on energy costs. This enhanced quality of life will help us attract and retain jobs.”
The Commission was co-chaired by Randy Roberts, President of Lincoln Printing and Regina Leffers, Chair of the Board of Synergid Commercial and Director of Construction Education at IPFW.
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homebuyer workshop, “Homeownership is Possible,” from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 7 at the Taylor University library, 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd.
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne.
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
Future workshops
* November 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St.
* December 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., location to be determined
City living is the topic on the newest episode of “Building a Better Community,” which focuses on the City's Division of Community Development.
The program runs at 9 a.m. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and 6 p.m. Sundays on City TV Comcast Channel 58.
Host John Perlich, Director of Public Information, is joined by Heather Presley, the City's Deputy Director of Community Development for Housing and Neighborhood Services and Tim Pancake, a resident of southeast Fort Wayne .
Presley and Pancake discuss the benefits of city living, what homebuyers are looking for and the positive momentum being experienced in urban neighborhoods. In addition, the program features video segments highlighting Renaissance Pointe, the Northside Neighborhood Association and the Packard Area Planning Alliance.
Progress continues to be made on the Renaissance Pointe development in southeast Fort Wayne. Several streets in the development area have been converted from one-way streets to two-way streets.
* Weisser Park Avenue
* John Street
* Gay Street
* Smith Street
* Oliver Street
* Bowser Avenue
Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at the Leadership Oklahoma Conference September 22 in Oklahoma City , Okla.
The Mayor's speech, “Leading into the Future through Innovation and High Performance,” will focus on how Fort Wayne uses technology and high performance standards in city government. Mayor Richard will also discuss the importance of strategic plans, partnerships and training.
Mayor Richard was invited to speak based on Fort Wayne 's successes with high performance government practices such as Lean Six Sigma and fiber-to-the-premises.
“Fort Wayne is gaining national recognition as a city that provides excellent services to residents,” said Mayor Richard. “Innovation and investment will lead to new job and business opportunities.”
The mission of Leadership Oklahoma is to create a dynamic network of leaders with increased awareness and commitment to service.
The City of Fort Wayne 's Green City Public Outreach Campaign has unveiled an official logo.
The logo was designed by Stephanie Fenstermaker, a junior at the University of St . Francis . Fenstermaker is majoring in Communication Arts and Graphic Design in the School of Creative Arts at the University of Saint Francis .
The outreach campaign is designed to inform and educate the community on the importance of conserving energy and improving air quality.
The campaign includes plans for nationally-recognized and community leaders to present communitywide speeches and open forums to discuss the importance of green initiatives. City staff will also begin a series of community information sessions. Neighborhood, School and Business Green Teams will be available to speak to various clubs and organizations. Workshops at the Home Depot are also in the planning stages.
A $32 million project to increase sewage capacity at the Water Pollution Control Plant will reach another milestone as crews prepare to start the concrete work on the new primary settling tanks. Today, City leaders presented an update on the project.
The expansion of the primary settling tanks is the next step that will allow the plant to eventually treat 85 million gallons of sewage per day. Sixteen smaller settling tanks are being replaced by four larger tanks, which assist in the sewage treatment process.
A proposal to promote downtown development will be introduced at tonight's City Council meeting. The proposal will be discussed at City Council's September 19 meeting.
The City is seeking to establish a Municipal Riverfront Development Project, which would be bounded by an area similar to that of the downtown Community Revitalization Enhancement District. This would allow restaurants to obtain a liquor license from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. The license would be less expensive than obtaining a license on the open market and serve as a valuable incentive for a business or individual looking to open a restaurant downtown.
A Municipal Riverfront Development Project area must have received federal, state or local funds for revitalization, have a history of blight by having been designated a redevelopment district and be near a river.
The passage of a development area could spur downtown development as outlined in the City's Downtown Blueprint process to revitalize downtown.
Thirteen cities in Indiana , including Indianapolis , Lafayette , Valparaiso , and Richmond , have riverfront project areas.
Mayor Graham Richard today received the KillerApp Trailblazer Award for being a leader in using technology to improve government services.
Mayor Richard accepted the award while attending the Broadband Properties Summit in Irving , Texas .
KillerApp Magazine and www.KillerApp.com are the leading sources of information about new applications that run on broadband and ultra-broadband networks and the impact those applications have on connected communities.
Today's Summit also included the announcement that Fort Wayne will host the first KillerApp Conference April 30-May 2, 2007 at the Grand Wayne Center . The conference will examine areas such as telemedicine, distance learning, government, videoconferencing, and entertainment. Additional topics include consumer applications, high-speed networks, economic impacts, education, and culture.
City Street Department crews this week will resurface areas of the St. Marys Pathway from Sherman Boulevard to Vesey Avenue. The work will begin Tuesday, September 12 weather permitting and last all week. Beginning Monday, September 18, crews will begin resurfacing areas of the St. Marys Pathway from Foster to Tillman parks. Each section that is being resurfaced will be closed for the day.
Top business and government practices will be on display at the Lean Six Sigma Showcase from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, September 14 at the Grand Wayne Center .
The event is hosted by the City of Fort Wayne and the TQM Network. The event offers business and government leaders an opportunity to learn how to achieve significant improvements through Six Sigma. Six Sigma helps organizations decrease costs, improve customer service and increase productivity. Data based decision making and empowerment of employees are key components to the success of the program.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a keynote speaker at the Broadband Properties Summit in Irving , Texas September 11-13.
The Mayor's speech, “Wired and Inspired to Compete in the Flat World,” will be on Tuesday, September 12.
Broadband Properties is one of the leading technology publications in the country. It is at the leading edge of promoting broadband applications for government and businesses.
“Fort Wayne is recognized as a leader in using technology to provide excellent services to residents,” said Mayor Richard. “Broadband and innovative programs help us retain and gain jobs and enhance the quality of life in our community.”
Potential homeowners have an opportunity to learn about down payment assistance at an upcoming homebuyer workshop, “Homeownership is Possible,” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 12 at the Allen County Public Library Pontiac Branch, 2215 S. Hanna St.
The City of Fort Wayne and Community Connections, the Housing Division of Pathfinder Services Inc., are partnering to increase homeownership opportunities in Fort Wayne.
The event is free, but registration is required by contacting Trish Kraner at 427-6231. Attendees will find out if they qualify for down payment assistance as well as how to obtain a free credit report and the basics about applying for a mortgage.
Future workshops
* September 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Allen County Public Library Little Turtle Branch, 2201 Sherman Blvd.
* October 7, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Taylor University Library, 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd.
* November 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St.
* December 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., location to be determined
City administration leaders tonight will present the proposed 2007 civil city budget to City Council. The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the City-County Building .
Mayor Graham Richard's proposed budget is balanced with the lowest city property tax rate since 1964.
The city tax rate is estimated to drop 21% from 2006. The owner of a $100,000 home would see an estimated 34% net reduction in city property taxes, a savings of $128 for the taxpayer.
The total 2007 proposed property tax supported budget is $143.1 million. The total budget is $172.7 million.
Effective today, the City's water rates have increased. This will allow City Utilities to continue to provide reliable service and safe drinking water.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) recently approved the rate change. City Council approved the rate change last fall.
The increase will allow the City to modernize electrical, pumping and water storage at critical facilities such as the St. Joe Dam and the Water Filtration Plant. Additional projects will help increase pressure and flow in the water distribution system and replace failing water main systems.
A small residential user (five units) will see an increase of around $2.95 per month. A family residential user (ten units) will see an increase of around $4.44 per month. The typical City Utilities water bill is between $12-$20 per month.
City Utilities water customers will not see the full impact of the rate increase on their September bill since they will be paying the old rate for a number of days from August and the new rate for a number of days in September. The full increase will be noticed on their October bill.
“We look forward to beginning several new projects to enhance our high-performing water system,” said Greg Meszaros, Director of Public Works and City Utilities. “Water is a vital resource that our community depends on each day. We appreciate the residents' who voiced their support for the rate change throughout several public meetings last year.”
The last time water rates were increased was in July 2001.
Residents can learn more about the water rate changes in their September City Utilities bill stuffer.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the proposed 2007 civil city budget.
The City administration has proposed a balanced budget that features the lowest city property tax rate since 1964. The city tax rate is estimated to drop 21% from 2006. The owner of a $100,000 home would see an estimated 34% net reduction in city property taxes. The estimated city property taxes on a $100,000 home are expected to drop from $377 to $249, resulting in $128 savings for the taxpayer.
Garbage and recycling will not be collected in the City of Fort Wayne on Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day. Residents will have their garbage and recycling materials collected one day later than normal next week. The City's Solid Waste Department will be closed on Monday, September 4. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 5.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced a proposal to establish a fund to meet a fire and police pension shortfall. The plan calls for an ordinance to be created to establish a fund that would set aside financial resources to pay for future pension plan increases.
McCready and Keene, Inc., an independent actuarial consulting firm, will provide an actuarial analysis to suggest a funding mechanism for the City to use to meet the pension shortfall. A final plan from the City is expected by late fall.
The shortfall comes from a public safety pension fund for firefighters and police officers hired before 1977. As a State Senator in the 1970's, Mayor Richard worked to pass legislation that created a fully funded plan for public safety workers hired after 1977. That fund remains self supporting. However, the pension shortfall from the old plan still exists.
The City of Fort Wayne is hosting a Southeast Area Development Strategy event today and tomorrow to begin creating a guide for future growth focusing on housing and commercial redevelopment and new and infill development.
The strategy is a logical next step as part of the Plan-it Allen! process to develop a joint comprehensive land-use plan for the City and Allen County. The goal is to encourage sustainable growth, new jobs and businesses, and stronger neighborhoods.
Today's program kicked off with positive news about the housing and retail markets in southeast Fort Wayne. Zimmerman/Volk Associates, Inc. recently completed a Southeast Housing Market Potential Study, which examined how the City and developers can work together to rebuild and revitalize urban core neighborhoods.
The housing study shows there is a demand and capacity for housing in southeast Fort Wayne. The study also outlines specific population, geographic and income examples that provide developers an opportunity to explore new forms of development to meet the demand. Forty-five neighborhoods were within the study area, which included Calhoun Street to the west, the St. Marys and Maumee rivers to the north, and the city limits to the east and south.
Mayor Graham Richard will attend the Richard Lugar-Purdue Summit on Energy Security August 29 at Purdue University . The summit will focus on energy demands and policies, and alternative sources of liquid fuels to name a few.
“We must be committed to reducing energy dependency and improving air quality,” said Mayor Richard. “This summit will give leaders an opportunity to explore new ideas and plan an economic and energy strategy to promote new jobs and businesses.”
Fort Wayne is a leader in energy conservation and air quality. Mayor Richard launched the City's Green City Initiative in 2005 as a way to be more environmentally friendly while improving government services.
In addition, a Green Ribbon Commission, made up of government, business and neighborhood leaders, is creating a comprehensive energy and air quality plan. The Commission's action plan will include goals and performance measures to reduce energy costs and consumption and improve air quality. Their recommendations will be presented to the community this fall.
The City is asking residents to provide input on the community's priorities and goals for the 2007 allocations for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership (HOME) and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG). The City receives allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The meeting will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 29 at Link's Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave. The meeting is in conjunction with the Southeast Area Development Strategy meetings being held August 28-29.
At the meeting, the City will also release request for proposals for the CDBG, HOME and ESG programs. CDBG and ESG funds are used to help support local non-profit public service organizations and emergency shelters. HOME funds assist in the rehabilitation of homes, downpayment assistance programs and the construction of low to moderate income housing.
The City of Fort Wayne's Division of Community Development is working with residents, businesses and community leaders in the southeast quadrant of the City to create a first-ever development strategy to define a vision for the future of the southeast area. The plan will explore new and infill development opportunities and serve as a guide for housing and commercial redevelopment in the area.
Residents and business owners in southeast Fort Wayne are encouraged to attend the sessions listed below to learn more about the Southeast Area Development Strategy and provide input. The sessions will be led by Curtis Davis, founder and principal of ReBuildit Collaborative in Boston. ReBuildit Collaborative provides strategic planning, design review and project support services for redevelopment projects across the country.
Community Forum 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, August 28, Link's Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave. Report on Findings from the Community Forum
3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, Link's Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave.
A B.E.S.T. Team (Building Excellent Services with Teams) has completed its study of the McMillen Ice Arena. The team was asked to provide recommendations on long-term solutions to meet future skating needs.
The B.E.S.T. Team was chaired by Dan O'Connell, president of the Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ten arena users comprised the remainder of the team. The B.E.S.T. Team developed several recommendations that they believe will provide for better ice skating opportunities in the future:
* The City needs to evaluate the feasibility of constructing and maintaining an additional ice skating facility
* The ice arena's debt service should be transitioned to the City
* Staffing issues should be examined in an effort to maximize management responsibilities, revenues, advertising, and marketing
* An Arena Advisory Committee should be created to assist with programming
* Introductory programs to teach skating should be emphasized
“We appreciate the work of the B.E.S.T. Team. We look forward to finding new and innovative ways to provide better services to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “We are fortunate to have an ice facility for recreation and competition. Our Parks and Recreation staff will work to develop enhanced programs to improve our current operations.”
Mayor Richard and Parks and Recreation leadership staff led by Parks Director Al Moll will review the recommendations and develop an implementation strategy to incorporate the recommendations that benefit the community.
City leaders tonight will update City Council on the City's health insurance program.
Over the past year and a half, the City has saved $1 million on its insurance plan due to a pharmacy vendor change. In 2005, pharmacy costs represented 13% of total insurance claims, compared to 15% in 2004. The use of generic medications increased to 52% in 2005. The national average for group health insurance plans is 40%.
Health insurance highlights
* Claim cost increases remain at or below the national average. Claims costs did increase by 7.5% in 2005. The national trend is 9.2%-10%.
* Employee contributions are below private and public national averages. City employees' contributions are 13%. The average employee contributions for private companies are 25%. The average employee contributions for public employees are 20%-25%.
* 1,839 employees are currently enrolled in the program, compared to 1,790 in 2004. The total number of individuals enrolled including dependents is 4,835.
* The average cost per enrollee is $9,650. The average cost per enrollee in 2001 was $6,160. The City covers 87% of employees' health insurance costs. This includes coverage for health, dental, life, and long-term disability.
* The City projects medical claims for 2006 will cost $15.5 million
Tonight's update will also include the City's health insurance plan for the future.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the City-County Building.
City leaders tonight will introduce a plan to City Council to expand the boundaries of an Urban Renewal Area for the Renaissance Pointe development.
Renaissance Pointe calls for nearly 400 new homes, the rehabilitation of more than 100 existing homes, a greenway trail, and improved infrastructure. The Renaissance Pointe area is bounded by Creighton Avenue on the north, Pontiac Street on the south, Hanna Street on the west, and South Anthony Boulevard on the east. The development is scheduled to begin this fall, with model units to be constructed in spring 2007.
Last month, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and the Fort Wayne Plan Commission approved the expanded boundaries.
The City Council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the City-County Building.
The City of Fort Wayne's Net Literacy iTeam will hold a “Back to School Computer Drive” August 21-24 at Anthis Career Center, 1200 S. Barr St.
Individuals and companies are asked to donate computers that they no longer use. Requirements include Pentium II or newer computers, monitor, mouse, keyboard, and power cord. The donated computers will be refurbished to be used by the underserved in the community. Drop off hours:
Monday, August 21: 9-11 a.m.
Tuesday, August 22: 1-3 p.m.
Wednesday, August 23: 9-11 a.m.
Thursday, August 24: 1-3 p.m.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the City has started a Green City Public Outreach campaign designed to inform and educate the community on the importance of conserving energy and improving air quality.
The public outreach campaign includes plans for nationally-recognized and community leaders to present communitywide speeches and open forums to discuss the importance of green initiatives.
The City of Fort Wayne recently received a 50th Anniversary Award for its partnership with Sister Cities International. Fort Wayne was one of 23 cities to receive an award.
Fort Wayne has three sister cities, Takaoka , Japan , Gera , Germany , and Plock , Poland . City leaders have developed and sustained relationships with the cities through student, government and economic exchange programs.
Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and international communities. Sister Cities strives to build global cooperation at the municipal level, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development.
Residents still have a few more days to provide input on design proposals for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge. The City's website, www.cityoffortwayne.org , provides residents with a chance to vote for their favorite option. The poll will remain posted on the website through Monday, August 7.
City of Fort Wayne officials today announced the City's fleet maintenance contractor, First Vehicle Services (FVS), has won a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) award of excellence. City leaders today were joined by officials from FVS and Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner Miguel Rivera among others.
The City's Fleet Department is the first municipality in Indiana with a private contractor that performs fleet maintenance to receive the VPP award. The only other city to win the award is another FVS site located in Jacksonville , Fla.
Crews are resurfacing the St. Marys Pathway of the Rivergreenway in downtown Fort Wayne this week. Resurfacing work is located along a one mile stretch from west of Clinton Street to east of Sherman Blvd.
The Rivergreenway will be closed under the Ewing Streetbridge for at least one week as the trail is widened and resurfaced. Trail users can get around the closure by walking, running, or riding up to Wells Street and crossing the road.
Mayor Graham Richard today discussed the results of the BaseballPLUS committee report. The committee has reached a consensus that the City of Fort Wayne should consider a mixed-use development in downtown Fort Wayne that would feature a baseball stadium complex and serve as a catalyst for economic development.
Heavy rain overnight has led to minor flooding along the Spy Run Creek. Nearly four inches of rain has fallen in the Spy Run Creek area since late last night. Crews have placed sandbags and constructed a clay dike along the Spy Run Creek to stabilize the area.
The following streets are closed as a result of heavy rain:
* Westbrook Drive
* Eastbrook Drive
* The far west lane of Clinton at State ' motorists may want to avoid the area of Clinton and State due to traffic congestion
As of 3 p.m., the level on the Spy Run Creek was 5.84 feet. Flood stage is 8 feet. City staff will continue to monitor conditions over the next several days. Volunteers are not needed at this time to help fill sandbags.
Heavy rain overnight has led to minor flooding along the Spy Run Creek. Nearly four inches of rain has fallen in the Spy Run Creek area since late last night. Crews have placed sandbags and constructed a clay dike along the Spy Run Creek to stabilize the area.
The following streets are closed until further notice:
* Westbrook Drive
* Eastbrook Drive
* The far west lane of Clinton at State ' motorists may want to avoid the area of Clinton and State due to traffic congestion
As of 5 p.m., the level on the Spy Run Creek was 5.18 feet. Flood stage is 8 feet. City staff will continue to monitor conditions over the next several days. Volunteers are not needed at this time to help fill sandbags.
Heavy rain overnight has led to minor flooding along the Spy Run Creek. Nearly four inches of rain has fallen in the Spy Run Creek area since late last night. Crews have placed sandbags and are constructing a clay dike along the Spy Run Creek to stabilize the area.
Heavy rain overnight has led to minor flooding along the Spy Run Creek. Nearly four inches of rain has fallen in the Spy Run Creek area since late last night. Crews have placed sandbags and constructed a clay dike along the Spy Run Creek to stabilize the area.
Heavy rain overnight has led to minor flooding along the Spy Run Creek. Nearly four inches of rain has fallen in the Spy Run Creek area since late last night. Crews have placed sandbags and are constructing a clay dike along the Spy Run Creek to stabilize the area.
The City of Fort Wayne will host the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) High Performance Government Task Force on Thursday, July 27. Mayor Graham Richard is the chairman of the task force. Task force members are exploring ways to improve government services and reduce expenses.
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the task force will attend the City's High Performance Government Executive Overview session. The session includes presentations on how the City uses business practices and technology to enhance services. High performance government best practices include Lean Six Sigma, which has saved the City over $10 million since 2000. The overview will be held on the 3rd floor of the City-County Building .
“We are building high trust, high performance partnerships with leaders from communities across Indiana to make government more effective and efficient for taxpayers,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to sharing our successes and learning how other municipalities are developing innovative techniques to better serve residents.”
Northwest Allen Trails, Inc. has received notification from the Internal Revenue Service that they have received 501(c) (3) tax exemption status retroactive to April 7, 2005.
Northwest Allen Trails is working to create multi-use trails through reclaiming abandoned rail beds. The group is also working to develop a network of trails that could connect parks, recreation areas, schools, and libraries in northwest Fort Wayne and Allen County.
Northwest Allen Trails has also played a role in supporting the trail loop at Salomon Farm, which the City will begin constructing this year. The 1.8 mile trail will travel along the Salomon Farm property and connect with the Parkview YMCA. On the east side, the loop will be built on the New York Central rail bed. The trail will then travel parallel to Dupont Road to the western property line of Salomon Farm.
In 2004, Northwest Allen Trails worked with the City of Fort Wayne to secure a $300,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation. The grant allows for the purchase of land for future trail development. Additional information about Northwest Allen Trails is available at www.northwestallentrails.org .
The level on the Maumee River will be lowered beginning Monday, July 24 as crews remove the existing tainter gate and replace it with a new one. The river level will be lower for four to six weeks.
Mayor Graham Richard will lead a session on “Performance Based Government” at the upcoming Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) National Conversation on July 23 in Denver . Mayor Richard will share how Fort Wayne has saved over $10 million by using Six Sigma best business practices to better serve taxpayers, reduce costs and provide increased services with fewer employees. The conference runs July 22-24.
Aboite New Trails has provided the City of Fort Wayne with over $200,000 to help construct the Towpath Trail that will connect Aboite Township with the Fort Wayne and New Haven Rivergreenway system.
“We appreciate Aboite New Trails' commitment to trails and greenways in our community,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “ Fort Wayne is setting a great example by engaging in high trust, high performance partnerships to create a regional greenways network to benefit residents and our quality of life.”
Construction will begin later this year on the Towpath Trail. The trail will begin
in Rockhill Park and extend from Engle Road to West Jefferson Boulevard to a yet to be determined cross point. The trail will ultimately connect to the trail system being developed by Aboite New Trails. The trail will follow the old Wabash and Erie Canal towpath, which was the dirt path along the canal used by mules to tow boats. The entire trail will be completed in the next two years.
“We're pleased to be a partner with the City of Fort Wayne as we work together to build a regional trail network to enhance our entire community,” said Lynn Reecer, President of Aboite New Trails. “Local trail advocacy groups are making a positive difference. We're reaching out to the community to provide great recreation and exercise opportunities, alternative transportation options, and pedestrian connectivity to schools, neighborhoods and shopping.”
Aboite New Trails has solicited the following donations for the Towpath Trail:
* $150,000 '
Parkview Hospital Foundation
* $25,000 ' Community Foundation of Greater
Fort Wayne
* $37,500 ' English-Bonter-Mitchell Foundation
The cost to construct the six mile Towpath Trail is estimated at $2.5 million. Once the project is completed, greenway users will have 25 miles of continuous trails stretching from New Haven to County Line Road in
Aboite Township.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at the Community/Muni Broadband Solutions Summit July 18 in Chicago , Ill.
Mayor Richard will discuss how fiber-to-the-premises and broadband technology can help solve community challenges and improve services.
The conference is hosted by the Public Technology Institute (PTI). Earlier this year, PTI recognized Mayor Richard with a 2006 Tech Leader Award for being a leader in using technology to improve government services for residents.
PTI is a national, non-profit technology research and development organization based in Washington , D.C.
City officials are proposing changes to the City's Brownfields Assistance Program. Under the plan, financial assistance would be available for the first time for individuals who invest in downtown housing. The program also promotes commercial and industrial investments. Fort Wayne's Brownfields Assistance Program is designed to assist individuals looking to improve an area that has environmental contamination challenges.
On Monday, July 17, crews will begin resurfacing additional portions of the St. Marys Pathway in Swinney Park north of Jefferson Boulevard. This section of the rivergreenway will be closed while the resurfacing work takes place.
A streetscape project to beautify the Fairfield Avenue corridor is set to begin Monday, July 17. New sidewalks, curbs, streetlights, trees, and park space are all part of the project on Fairfield Avenue
from Kinnaird to Kinsmoor avenues. Similar improvements will be made on each side of Mark's City Market ' Packard Avenueto the north and Kinnaird on the south.
The work will provide a pedestrian friendly link between Lutheran and Packard parks. In addition, a tree-lined sidewalk leading into
Packard
Park will be constructed.
The project is within the Packard Area Planning Alliance (PAPA), which includes the neighborhoods of Creighton-Home,
Fairfield, Illsley Place, Oakdale, South Wayne, West Rudisill, and
Williams
Woodland
Park. The enhancements are part of the implementation of the approved neighborhood plan for PAPA.
City Councilmen Tim Pape, John Crawford, John Shoaff, and Sam Talarico, Jr., provided CEDIT funds to assist with the financing of the improvements.
Key Concrete is the prime contractor for the work, which is expected to be complete by October 15.
The Maumee River Pathway of the Rivergreenway will be closed July 14 through the middle of next week for the construction of a pipeline from City Utilities' re-aeration structure to the Maumee River. This will be the final closure for the project. The location of the closure is between the 2.75 mile marker and the 3 mile marker (just west of Coliseum Boulevard) along the Maumee River Pathway of the Rivergreenway.
The City of Fort Wayne will conduct smoke testing of infrastructure in portions of northeast Fort Wayne. The work will begin around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12. Work will take place during regular business hours. The testing is expected to last approximately two weeks.
Smoke testing allows crews to check for problems within sewer piping lines. The test involves large amounts of smoke. Residents should not be alarmed by the smoke.
The test area will be the Lake Forest Addition sections 1-5 and Kercheval Park. Some of the main areas include Maysville Road, Lake Forest Drive, Lakeview Court, and Forest Glen Court.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced details of the City's new, free downtown WiFi program. Wireless laptop computer users now will benefit from several downtown hotspots.
Mayor Richard was joined by downtown business owners, downtown residents, and Downtown Improvement District leaders.
There are nearly 15 hotspot locations in an 11 square block area in downtown. The WiFi system is intended for residents, visitors and business people to have Internet access for casual use while enjoying all of the attractions that downtown Fort Wayne has to offer.
Mayor Graham Richard's Leadership Learning Institute will continue its Community Builders workshops with a session called, “Top of the Town.” The event is from 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 10, and is open to the public.
Individuals attending are asked to meet at Freimann Square to discuss and learn about the importance of downtown revitalization, special events and urban living. The event will end on the roof top of the City-County Building parking garage for refreshments provided by several downtown restaurants and businesses.
Mayor Graham Richard today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the new Regional Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre. Mayor Richard was joined by state and local elected officials, Public Safety Foundation members, education partners, and neighborhood leaders.
Mayor Graham Richard will host the Northeast Indiana Mayors' Roundtable on Thursday, July 6.
The theme for the meeting will be regional services. Two service agencies, Community Harvest Food Bank and McMillen Health Center, will be featured.
Community Harvest Food Bank is the largest food bank in northeast Indiana serving more than 50,000 people each week. In 2005, the food bank distributed eight million pounds of food to those in need. America's Second Harvest recently recognized Community Harvest as the “2005 Food Bank of the Year.”
McMillen Health Center offers over 60 programs for pre-school through high school youth. Each year approximately 45,000 children learn about general health, safety, nutrition, and fitness to name a few.
The meeting will also include a presentation on the new Regional Public Safety Academy to be built at Southtown Centre. The academy will provide public safety training and education for professionals and students from the region.
The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Community Harvest Food Bank, 999 E. Tillman Rd.
A streetscape project to improve pedestrian connections between downtown attractions will begin Wednesday, July 5. The project is a recommendation of the Downtown Blueprint plan to enhance downtown.
The new streetscapes will feature decorative sidewalks with brick inlay. Historical-styled streetlights will be added. Additional improvements will include shade trees in iron sidewalk grates, new access ramps, drives and drainage structures as well as sidewalk widening at selected crosswalks.
City leaders will hold an open house, public information session from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, to gather public input on proposals to redesign the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge on Clinton Street near Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne. The meeting will be held at the FourthWave Building, 300 E. Main St.
City leaders today were on hand as Phil's Market was demolished. The City demolished the site as efforts continue to bring additional retail and housing developments to the southeast quadrant.
Future retail development would complement the City's Renaissance Pointe plan announced earlier this month by Mayor Graham Richard. The plans for Renaissance Pointe include nearly 400 new homes, the rehabilitation of more than 100 existing homes, a greenway trail, and improved infrastructure. The Renaissance Pointe area is bounded by Creighton Avenue on the north, Pontiac Street on the south, Hanna Street on the west, and South Anthony Boulevard on the east. The development is scheduled to begin this fall.
City Councilmen Glynn Hines, John Crawford, John Shoaff, and Sam Talarico, Jr., assisted with funding for the demolition. Their CEDIT allocation was $55,000.
The City of Fort Wayne website will be temporarily unavailable for
maintenance on Thursday, June 29th between 11:00pm and 11:59pm. Thank
you for your patience.
Garbage and recycling will not be collected in the City of Fort Wayne on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Residents with collection on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday will have their garbage and recycling materials collected one day later than normal next week.
The City's Solid Waste Department will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 5. In addition, the City's Yard Waste Recycling Facility will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. The facility will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 5.
The Plan-it Allen! Comprehensive Plan Committee today conducted its final meeting as the first-ever City-County land use and development plan nears completion.
The volunteer committee has led the effort to create a plan that will define a vision for future growth and development. Today's meeting marked a milestone in the planning process that has included broad public input and participation.
City of Fort Wayne and Allen County leaders today announced they will work together on a plan to develop greater efficiencies in their respective development permitting departments.
The city and county have received a grant from the Foellinger Foundation to conduct a study of the development permitting departments. Development permitting affects all aspects of growth and economic development within the community. Development permitting consists of processes for zoning, platting and site plan routing needed to develop residential, commercial and industrial land.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced plans for an urban revitalization initiative near downtown Fort Wayne .
The Renaissance Pointe development would include plans for nearly 400 new homes, the rehabilitation of more than 100 existing homes, a greenway trail, and improved infrastructure. The Renaissance Pointe area is bounded by Creighton Avenue on the north, Pontiac Street on the south, Hanna Street on the west, and South Anthony Boulevard on the east.
The City of Fort Wayne has been notified that the Indiana Supreme Court has upheld the Indiana Court of Appeals ruling that the City of Fort Wayne can complete the acquisition of the former Southtown Mall site with no additional liability.
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Office of Homeland Security rolled out its new Mobile Communications Center today at the City of Fort Wayne 's Radio Shop. The 24-foot communications truck contains state-of-the-art equipment that will help to provide emergency responders with the information and communications capabilities that they will need when responding to emergencies throughout the City of Fort Wayne , Allen County , and Northeast Indiana .
City and community leaders tonight will present a progress report to City Council on downtown revitalization through the Downtown BlueprintPlus plan.
Tonight's report will announce the work of the BlueprintPlus steering committee, comprised of government, business and neighborhood leaders, is complete and project implementation is ready to begin. Leaders tonight will also announce the creation of several task forces that will move forward with implementation strategies and continue with recommendations. In addition to the task forces, a new “Friends of Downtown Forum” will be established to continue to engage the entire community in talking about the importance of downtown revitalization. The Downtown Improvement District (DID) will play a key leadership role in driving programs and developments.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at the Fiber-to-the-Home Council membership meeting and FiberFirst Minnesota workshop June 14-15 in Bloomington, Minnesota. Mayor Richard will discuss how communities can benefit from broadband technology. Mayor Richard will speak to government and business leaders from throughout Minnesota.
Festival goers and individuals walking downtown now have a wider, more accommodating sidewalk to enjoy along Clinton Street near Freimann Square and Headwaters Park.
City and community leaders today led a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the substantial completion of the project. The work was a key recommendation from the Downtown Blueprint plan to enhance downtown. The total cost of the project was around $125,000 which was financed through the Downtown CEDIT bond.
The width of the sidewalk has been tripled and architectural concrete bollards are placed along the curb to protect walkers from traffic. The area also includes brick paving accents, and trees in new planters will be added in the fall.
The City of Fort Wayne has developed a user-friendly Rivergreenway brochure for residents.
The brochure is available at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation office, 705 E. State Blvd., Allen County Public Library branches, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, bicycle shops, and YMCA locations. The brochure is also available online at www.fortwayneparks.org .
Greenway users will find valuable information about the greenway system and a detailed map to assist individuals on their next trip on the greenway.
The brochure includes features on the St. Joseph River Pathway, St. Joe Boulevard Pathway, Downtown Rotary Club Circle of Hope, St. Marys River Pathway, West Jefferson Trail, and Maumee River Pathway.
Additional information includes phone numbers and website addresses for greenway groups.
City and neighborhood leaders today watched as “Illsley Place-West Rudisill Historic District” signs were placed in the Illsley Place and West Rudisill neighborhoods. The district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in April.
The City's GIS Department continues to add new features to its interactive map website, http://maps.cityoffortwayne.org . Residents can now view and print 2005 aerial jpeg photos of individual properties in the community. The new information also allows residents to compare how the community has continued to develop over the past few years. Residents can access the information free of charge.
Wendy Barrott has been hired as the City's Director of Energy and Environmental Services. Barrott has a wide range of experience in environmental issues. She has worked in the automotive and government sectors. Barrott also has experience in energy policy, air quality management and public transportation.
Barrott comes to Fort Wayne after serving as Board Administrator to the Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority since 2004. From 1997-2003, Barrott worked for the Wayne County Department of Environment in Detroit. From 1983-1997, Barrott worked for General Motors Corporation in numerous capacities including Superintendent of Environmental Operations, as well as environmental policy, compliance and implementation.
“We are pleased to have an experienced professional join our team as we work to reduce energy costs and air pollution to be more competitive in gaining and retaining jobs,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “Our Green City initiative and the work of the recently appointed Green Ribbon Commission will help Wendy as she assists us in being a high performance government.”
“Wendy will provide leadership as we produce high quality energy and environmental practices,” said Greg Meszaros, Director of Public Works and Utilities. “Wendy's 20 years of experience and diverse background will help us in developing and implementing essential programs to benefit the community.”
Barrott will lead efforts to develop energy policies, clean air programs and green build practices to name a few. Barrott is an Indiana native and earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in environmental engineering from Purdue University. Barrott began her new duties on Monday.
The City of Fort Wayne was recently recognized with a 2006 ARCH Commendation Award for the redevelopment of the Firestone building at Jefferson Boulevard and Fairfield Avenue. The endangered landmark will be converted into a Starbucks coffee shop.
ARCH recognized the City for its commitment to downtown and for utilizing an existing structure. The project was nominated and approved by the full board of ARCH and the West Central neighborhood.
Leaders of several local trail groups have formed a Towpath Trail Task Force to promote the expansion of regional greenway connectivity.
Construction will begin this year on the Towpath Trail, a multi-use pedestrian/bicycle pathway connecting Aboite Township with the Fort Wayne and New Haven Rivergreenway system. The trail will be completed in the next two years.
The Towpath Trail will begin in Rockhill Park and extend from Engle Road to West Jefferson Boulevard to a yet to be determined cross point. The trail will ultimately connect to the trail system being developed by Aboite New Trails. The trail will follow the old Wabash and Erie Canal towpath, which was the dirt path along the canal used by mules to tow boats. The task force will meet monthly to ensure the maximum utilization of resources and trail designs to name a few.
Task Force members
* George DeRoche ' Greenway Consortium
* Roger Goodland ' Greenway Consortium
* Dawn Ritchie ' City of
Fort Wayne Greenways Manager
* Paul McAfee ' Executive Director of Little River Wetlands Project
* Lori Keys ' Executive Director of Aboite New Trails
* Bob Schmidt ' Canal Society of
Indiana
* Bill Hartman ' Acting Executive Director of the Allen County Highway Department
City TV Comcast Channel 58 is airing a new program, “Building a Better Community,” focused on the City's Division of Community Development.
The debut program examines the importance of historic preservation and helps viewers gain an understanding on certain myths about historic preservation.
The program runs at 9 a.m. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and 6 p.m. Sundays.
Host John Perlich, Director of Public Information, is joined by Don Orban, City Historic Preservation staff member, Angie Quinn, Executive Director of ARCH, and Bernie Gump, West Central Neighborhood resident.
The month of May is National Historic Preservation Month. For additional information about special events scheduled this month or to learn more about the City's Historic Preservation Program call 427-1127 or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org .
National Public Works Week will be celebrated May 21-27. This year's theme is “Public Works: The Heart of Every Community.” The City of Fort Wayne 's public works and utilities division is responsible for street maintenance, snow removal, leaf pickup, flood control, garbage and recycling collection, water and wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. This year, the City is investing $58 million in road, water, sewer, and stormwater improvements.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Lean and Six Sigma for Government conference May 22-23 in Vienna , Virginia.
Mayor Richard will share how Fort Wayne has saved over $10 million by using Six Sigma best practices to better serve taxpayers, reduce costs and provide increased services with fewer employees.
Mayor Richard will also participate in panel discussions on the best approaches to culture change and early challenges of using Lean Six Sigma.
Fort Wayne is known around the country for its Six Sigma efforts. Author Michael George in his book Lean Six Sigma for Service recognizes Fort Wayne for using business practices such as Lean Six Sigma.
More than 3,400 volunteers will help clean the City's neighborhoods, parks and rivers on Saturday, May 20 as part of the annual Great American Cleanup.
Nearly 150 groups will focus on cleaning a certain site in the City. Some of the highlights include cleanups at the following locations:
* North Clinton Street to Mayhew Road
* Harvester Neighborhood near East Pontiac Street
and South Coliseum Boulevard
*West Jefferson Boulevard from
Rockhill
Park to South Bend Drive
* Hillegas Road to West Coliseum Boulevard
Following the cleanup, volunteers will be treated to a party featuring food, music, games, and raffle prizes at
Headwaters
Park from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can still sign up by calling the City's Solid Waste Department at 427-1270.
The Great American Cleanup is the country's largest organized litter prevention, beautification and community improvement program.
The Maumee River Pathway of the Rivergreenway has been reopened. The section between the 2.75 mile marker and the 3 mile marker (just west of Coliseum Boulevard) along the Maumee River Pathway of the Rivergreenway was scheduled to be closed this week. Due to inclement weather, crews are not able at this time to construct a pipeline for City Utilities' re-aeration structure to the Maumee River.
Mayor Graham Richard today recognized 14 local companies for helping control industrial wastewater. The companies participate in the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program and had 100% compliance in 2005.
Deputy Mayor Mark Becker, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald and Allen County Commissioners Linda Bloom, Marla Irving and Nelson Peters will recognize area businesses for their 2005 contributions to
Allen
County 's economic vitality at the 12th annual Business Expansion Awards Breakfast. The event, sponsored by Grabill Bank and Dahm & Elvin, LLP Attorneys at Law, will be held from 8-9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 11 in the Marquis Ballroom of the Fort Wayne Marriott, 305 E. Washington Center Rd.
Business Expansion Awards will be presented to 72 businesses that announced expansions of their operations in 2005. The award-winning companies announced over $400 million in new investments in 2005. These projects will retain over 8,700 employees and create over 1,700 jobs.
Mayor Graham Richard today was joined by the “Mayor's Money in Your Pocket” partners to announce the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program brought $1.1 million back to working families in the community. For the second year in a row, more than $500,000 of the $1.1 million was directly from the earned income tax credit.
Mayor Graham Richard will attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors Energy and Environment Summit May 10-11 in Chicago , Ill. The topics will include climate changes, green buildings, municipal fleets, alternative fuels, hybrid technology, and energy and environment best practices.
Last year, the City created a Green City Initiative designed to reduce energy and improve the environment.
Green City Initiative highlights:
* Green Ribbon Commission established to develop a comprehensive energy and air quality plan
* 13 hybrid vehicles in use and 16 vehicles that run on ethanol fuel
* 300 vehicles running on biodiesel fuel
* Fuel savings; over $217,000
* Construct a new mile of greenway along the Towpath Trail. The trail will eventually link the City and New Haven with the Aboite area. More than four miles of the Rivergreenway will be paved in 2006
Mayor Richard is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Mayor Graham Richard today met with the Green Ribbon Commission as the group held its first meeting to begin to develop a comprehensive energy and clean air plan for the community. Mayor Richard challenged the Commission to create an action plan that includes goals and performance measures to reduce energy costs and consumption and improve air quality.
Mayor Graham Richard has declared May as National Historic Preservation Month in Fort Wayne. Several organizations are hosting events which celebrate historic preservation and Fort Wayne's historic heritage throughout the month of May. Brochures highlighting the events are available at several locations throughout the community. Click here to download the brochure.
New 2005 aerial photography has been added to the City's GIS interactive map website, http://maps.cityoffortwayne.org . Residents can access the information free of charge. The maps were made available through a homeland security grant. More information can be found at the Indiana GIS Information Council website, www.in.gov/igic/projects/ortho . The new information allows residents to compare how the community has continued to develop over the past few years.
Crews from the City's Water Filtration Plant will install flashboards at the St. Joe Dam on Monday, May 8. Flashboards are used to increase the amount of water that is available from the river during the summer months.
Crews will lower the river level north of the St. Joe Dam at midnight on Saturday, May 6 to allow the spillway to dry up for safety reasons. This work will impact people using the river north of the St. Joe Dam. Conditions should return to normal by Thursday, May 11.
The project could be delayed if the spillways are wet on May 8.
The City of Fort Wayne is using new computer software to reduce idle times on several vehicles in the City's fleet. The new program, part of the City's continuing Green City Initiative, is designed to reduce fuel costs and lower emissions to improve air quality.
The City of Fort Wayne and Matthew 25 tonight led an open house to demonstrate a new virtual medicine camera technology.
Health professionals and the Virtual Medicine Eye iTeam are working to provide real-time diagnosis for diabetic patients with possible retinal problems by using a retinal camera. The camera was purchased through a grant from the Lutheran Foundation.
The Public Technology Institute has selected Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard as the recipient of the 2005/2006 PTI Technology Leadership Award. Mayor Richard will receive the award at the PTI 2006 Congress for Technology Leadership April 30-May 2 in Chicago , Ill.
The City of Fort Wayne will create a fair housing services program designed to educate residents and housing program partners. The program is expected to make the home buying and renting process more practical and customer friendly. A request for proposals has been issued by the City. The program is scheduled to begin in early May.
Mayor Graham Richard has appointed two new members to the Fort Wayne Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The new members are Andrew Downs and Jomare Bowers-Mizzell.
Downs is the Director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics. Downs previously worked as Chief of Staff, Director of the Division of the Community and Economic Development, Director of Public Information, and Human Resources Manager for the City of Fort Wayne . Downs also worked for the Department of Workforce Development and was an independent researcher and writer.
Bowers-Mizzell is Assistant Vice President of Small Business Services for Tower Bank. Bowers-Mizzell previously served as Executive Director of the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center . Bowers-Mizzell has also worked for Lincoln National Corporation and is owner of a small business, Mizzell Technical and Creative Services.
The Housing Authority works to provide quality, affordable housing and services to eligible members of the Fort Wayne community and to maintain an atmosphere which encourages self-sufficiency.
A project designed to improve pedestrian travel downtown will begin April 25. The easternmost lane on Clinton Street from Superior Street to the Freimann Square parking lot will be converted into a sidewalk. The width of the sidewalk will be tripled and will include decorative pavement and trees.
Beginning April 25, the two eastern southbound lanes on Clinton north of Superior will be closed. The lane closures will be in effect for approximately three weeks, weather permitting. The entire project is expected to be complete by mid-June, in time for summer festivals at Headwaters Park
The City of Fort Wayne has saved $3,265 by using a Purchasing Card Program. The program is a partnership between the City and Fifth Third Bank.
A rebate check for $3,265 was recently issued to the City. The rebate is based upon net expenditures. The rebate rate is 0.30 percent. The City uses the card program for smaller purchases in departments, travel and copiers to name a few.
“City government is using technology to reduce costs and improve customer service,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “Our community benefits when local government is committed to innovation and best practices to protect taxpayers.”
The City of Fort Wayne 's Net Literacy iTeam, Urban League volunteers and Fort Wayne Community Schools students tonight led a training session to teach adults basic Internet skills.
The program is intended to empower young people to increase computer availability and Internet literacy for underserved youth, families and seniors. Over the past few months, nearly 200 used computers have been collected as part of a communitywide computer drive and are being refurbished to be used by those in need in the community.
The Verizon Foundation has donated $20,000 to help develop Fort Wayne 's Net Literacy program. Additional partners include Adaptive Micro-Ware and Asset Forwarding.
Last year, Mayor Graham Richard created iTeams as a way to use technology to promote innovation and investment.
The Fort Wayne Urban League hosted tonight's training session.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will speak at the annual Verizon Excellence Awards celebration for the Verizon Information Technology organization on Thursday, April 6 in Washington , D.C.
Mayor Richard will describe how Fort Wayne is a wired and inspired city with fiber-to-the-premises technology that serves 100,000 homes and businesses. Verizon has invested $75 million in the community to install its fiber optic network.
“Broadband technology is changing our community for the better,” said Mayor Richard. “Government services, education, health care, and business opportunities are all being improved with fiber-to-the-premises.”
The Verizon Excellence Awards program honors Verizon employees for their contributions in serving customers, communities, shareholders, and colleagues.
Mayor Graham Richard today called for government leaders to come together to make local government work better for residents.
The Indiana General Assembly recently passed House Bill 1362, which provides local government with an opportunity to develop plans for consolidation and coordination of local services without the need for state legislature approval.
Mayor Richard described his support for the creation of one elected chief countywide executive and one elected legislative body.
Mayor Graham Richard today met with visitors from Brazil who are visiting Fort Wayne as part of the Rotary Group Study Exchange program.
“We extend a warm welcome to our visitors from Brazil ,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to sharing the Fort Wayne story and learning more about their culture.”
The group study exchange program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. The Brazil team will be in northern Indiana for 30 days to study our area's way of life, observe their own professions as practiced in the United States , and exchange ideas. In addition to Fort Wayne , the Brazil team will visit Huntington , Decatur , Kendallville, Warsaw , South Bend , Michigan City, and Muncie .
City employee Justin Brugger will travel to Brazil this spring as part of the Rotary program.
Rotary is an international association of business and professional leaders with a chapter in Fort Wayne . Rotary has 1.2 million members and 29,500 clubs.
The City's Yard Waste Recycling Facility, 6202 Lake Ave., will begin summer hours on Saturday, April 1. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Visitors can pick up biosolids and mulch for gardening and landscaping projects. Customers purchasing a ton or more of biosolids will be charged $8 for each ton. Customers purchasing less than a ton will pay $5. Biosolids and mulch are free if customers load the material themselves. The facility also accepts yard waste, grass clippings, twigs, and small brush. The cost is $1 for the first 250 pounds and $17 per ton prorated after the first 250 pounds. Railroad ties, treated lumber and concrete are not accepted. The facility can be reached at 427-5535
Mayor Graham Richard will participate in a panel discussion on the importance of water quality and how it affects cities.
The panel discussion is from 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 29 and is part of the Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership Leadership Meeting at the Metea County Park Nature Center, 8401 Union Chapel Rd.
Greg Meszaros, Director of Public Works and City Utilities, will moderate the panel discussion, which includes mayors and other governmental leaders from Indiana and Ohio.
Mayor Richard will present Fort Wayne's initiatives to meet water quality challenges including combined sewer overflows and stormwater runoff. The City has a 25-year, $250 million program to reduce combined sewer overflows, enhance the Water Filtration Plant and Water Pollution Control facilities and reduce the risk of basement backups.
Fort Wayne recently completed the $20 million Camp Scott project to relieve basement backups. The new $19 million Headworks project at the Water Pollution Control Plant was the first of several major projects to increase sewage treatment capacity from 60 million gallons per day to 85 million gallons per day. The Headworks project was the first major upgrade to the plant's mechanical and electrical systems in more than 30 years. A $32 million project is underway to expand the capacity of the primary settling tank.
A study on the potential of the housing market in southeast Fort Wayne is underway.
The study will examine how the City and developers can work together to rebuild and revitalize urban core neighborhoods. The new study will complement the recently completed downtown housing study that shows the downtown area could support up to 387 new market-rate housing units and 127 affordable housing units per year.
Volunteers are needed for this year's Great American Cleanup. The annual cleanup is from 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20.
Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up online at www.cityoffortwayne.org or by calling the City's Solid Waste Department at 427-1270. The registration deadline is April 14.
Volunteers will be provided with T-shirts, gloves, flower seeds, and garbage bags. Volunteers will also be treated to a party at Headwaters Park following the cleanup. The party runs from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and will feature food, music, games, and raffle prizes.
The Great American Cleanup is the country's largest litter prevention, beautification and community improvement program. Last year, more than 2,000 volunteers helped clean Fort Wayne 's neighborhoods, parks and rivers.
Mayor Graham Richard today led a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the emergency generator project at the Water Filtration Plant.
The generators will allow the City to continue to provide water to customers and fight fires in the event of a tornado, blackout or any other electrical supply interruption. The generators can run the entire Water Filtration Plant and the high service pumping equipment to the City's piping system.
“This project makes Fort Wayne a safer city,” said Mayor Richard. “Drinking water is critical to our well-being and quality of life. We are committed to providing excellent services. The emergency generators will benefit the entire community.”
The general contractor for the project was W. A. Sheets & Sons. The electrical contractor for the project was Henry Electric. Both firms are from Fort Wayne . The cost of the project was $4 million.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced the creation of a Green Ribbon Commission made up of community and business leaders that will help the City develop a comprehensive energy and clean air plan for the community. Mayor Richard made the announcement during his Report to the People speech to the southwest quadrant area.
Mayor Graham Richard's "Money in Your Pocket" campaign will host a Super Saturday event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the Wayne Township Trustee's Office, 320 E. Superior St.
To date, nearly $950,000 in tax refunds have been received by eligible, working families through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. The EITC program assists lower income working families apply for tax refunds.
Mayor Graham Richard will participate in a panel discussion on the economic outlook in Fort Wayne.
The Associated Builders and Contractors Economic Outlook is from 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, March 21 at Don Hall's Guesthouse, 1313 W. Washington Center Rd.
The panel discussion will focus on what the future holds for the local construction industry and additional issues related to economic development.
“I am upbeat about Fort Wayne's economic future,” said Mayor Richard. “The City is investing $58 million in infrastructure projects in 2006. A majority of that work will be done by local contractors. We are building a strong economic foundation to help retain and gain jobs.”
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has released its request to have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consider changing Allen County from non-attainment to attainment status for ozone levels.
Menards officials and Mayor Graham Richard tonight led a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Menards store at Southtown Centre. The 240,000 square foot store will be open from 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays. The store will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays.
Mayor Graham Richard will present opening remarks at the upcoming E85 Retailers Workshop at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 at Ceruti's Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd.
The event is hosted by the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance. Clean Cities is a U.S. Department of Energy sponsored program promoting alternative fuel vehicles and fuels at the grassroots level to improve the nation's air quality and lessen the dependence on foreign oil.
Mayor Richard will highlight
Fort Wayne's efforts to be leader in using alternative vehicles and fuels. The City has 13 hybrid vehicles in its fleet, 16 vehicles that run on ethanol fuel (E85), and more than 300 vehicles that run on biodiesel. The City expects to save more than $112,000 by using alternative-based fuel vehicles.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced that the City will invest $58 million in transportation, water, sewer, and stormwater projects in 2006. Mayor Richard made the announcement during his Report to the People speech to the Northwest Area Partnership.
"A commitment to infrastructure assists us in efforts to create jobs and new businesses," said Mayor Richard. "Economic growth and an improved quality of life will make Fort Wayne competitive in attracting private investments."
The City's Solid Waste Department is partnering with National Serv-all to collect the remaining brown National Serv-all garbage containers that residents used before the City's new garbage container program was implemented in January.
Residents who have not had their old National Serv-all containers collected may contact the Solid Waste Department at 427-1270 for pickup within 48 hours.
City officials today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the nearly $2 million Parkerdale sanitary sewer extension project. The project will also result in the elimination of 118 septic systems.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced a Leadership Learning Institute program. The initiative features a series of meetings designed to help residents learn new skills and strengthen the community. Mayor Richard made the announcement during his Report to the People speech to the Northeast Area Partnership.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced that Wendy's will build a new restaurant at Southtown Centre. Mayor Richard made the announcement during his Report to the People speech to the Southeast Area Partnership.
The installation of traffic signals at the U.S. 27 entrance into Southtown Centre will begin this week.
On Monday, March 13, the signals will be placed on flash and the entrance to Southtown Centre will be opened. The signals will be fully operational on Thursday, March 16.
Tonight, Mayor Graham Richard will hold a Report to the People session at the Southeast Area Partnership meeting. Mayor Richard will update the community on the progress being made at Southtown Centre. The Mayor will also announce a new economic development initiative for the southeast quadrant. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the League for the Blind & Disabled, 5821 S. Anthony Blvd.
The City of Fort Wayne has launched a "One Call to City Hall" program. A pilot program, which focuses on pothole, snow and ice calls, is underway. "One Call to City Hall" is designed to improve customer service through technology and convenience.
The City of Fort Wayne's sixth annual International Festival will be held from noon-8 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
The theme for this year's festival is “Unifying the Community.” The festival is sponsored by the City of
Fort Wayne and the Foundation for Art and Music in Elementary Education (FAME).
Festival attendees will be able to learn about different cultures and enjoy music and dance from various lands. Admission to the event is $3 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.
The City of Fort Wayne has saved over $300,000 since 2005 by purchasing vehicles for City use through a new bidding process.
The City partnered with Allen County in the creation of the new bid process, which allows for all surrounding municipalities, school systems and other governmental entities to participate. Fort Wayne is the first city in Indiana to develop a bid with the federal General Services Administration (GSA) specifications. The specifications enable manufacturers to offer lower prices on vehicles.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced a new study shows a demand for housing in downtown Fort Wayne. Mayor Richard's announcement came at the beginning of a daylong event, “Downtown Partners in Progress,” to showcase the housing study and downtown partnership development programs.
Mayor Graham Richard's office has announced the rescheduled dates for the two Report to the People sessions that were postponed earlier this month.
Thursday, March 16; 6:30 p.m.
Northwest Area Partnership (NWAP); Northridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Rd.
Wednesday, March 22; 6:30 p.m.
Southwest quadrant area;
Canterbury High School, 3210 Smith Rd.
Mayor Graham Richard will be the featured speaker at the Goshen College Business Luncheon from 12:55-1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 23 at Goshen College's Fellowship Hall of College Mennonite Church.
Mayor Richard's speech is titled “ Fort Wayne: The Power of High Performance Partnerships.” Mayor Richard will describe how the City is using new business and education partnerships to be globally competitive. Mayor Richard will explain how fiber optic broadband services for 100,000 small businesses, households and schools will help retain and gain jobs. Mayor Richard will also discuss how Fort Wayne uses high performance partnerships with Lean Six Sigma to improve city services and save taxpayers over $10 million.
“ Fort Wayne is the hub of Northeast Indiana's regional economy,” said Mayor Richard. “We need to place an emphasis on regional marketing as a way to increase private investment to attract new jobs and businesses. Regional partnerships with surrounding counties can help lead us toward economic growth and development.”
Mayor Richard will also discuss the Regional Public Safety Academy planned for Southtown Centre. Officials plan to break ground in June with the facility opening in November 2007. The 125,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility would provide police, fire, emergency medical services, and homeland security training and education for professionals and students from Northeast Indiana and across the Midwest. The academy has also been designated as the first of 10 regional fire training centers in Indiana.
Mayor Graham Richard's Reports to the People for this week have been postponed due to the Mayor being ill.
Postponed meetings:
Wednesday, February 15; 7 p.m.
Southwest Area Partnership (SWAP); Canterbury High School, 3210 Smith Rd.
Thursday, February 16; 6:30 p.m.
Northwest Area Partnership (NWAP); Northridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Rd.
The reports will be rescheduled. The rescheduled dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
A group of community leaders will meet to begin studying the feasibility of a downtown mixed-use baseball stadium. The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 14 at the Baker & Daniels law office, 111 E. Wayne St.
Last October, Mayor Graham Richard announced a call for action to begin several downtown projects as recommended by the BlueprintPlus process. One of the recommendations was to further evaluate a downtown mixed-use baseball stadium complex.
The City of Fort Wayne 's Fleet contractor, First Vehicle Services (FVS), has received ISO9001:2000 certification.
ISO9001:2000 certification is a top honor in the Fleet profession. The City and FVS partner on administrative and managerial functions of fleet management. This includes vehicle/equipment maintenance, installation, modification, specification recommendations, disposal preparation, and customer support.
First Vehicle Services is the only fleet maintenance company in North America to be ISO 9001:2000 certified in comprehensive fleet maintenance services.
Last year, the City's Fleet Management Department was recognized by Fleet Equipment magazine as the ninth best fleet in North America .
The City was recognized for its use of hybrid vehicles, biodiesel and ethanol fuels, and a new bid process for vehicle purchases.
City leaders tonight will present an update to City Council on the Regional Public Safety Academy planned for Southtown Centre. Officials plan to break ground in June with the facility opening in November 2007.
The City of Fort Wayne has launched its Net Literacy Fort Wayne program. The program is one of the City's iTeams. Last year, Mayor Graham Richard created iTeams to promote innovation and investment. Net Literacy Fort Wayne is based on the Central Indiana cross generational program.
At a recent kickoff meeting, nine Fort Wayne Community Schools students participated in phase 1 of the Net Literacy'Senior Connects training program. Student volunteers spent two hours in orientation preparing for senior instruction, discussing teaching styles and discovering how to maximize classroom success while training senior citizens on basic Internet skills. The program is intended to empower young people to increase computer availability and Internet literacy for underserved youth, families and seniors.
Net Literacy iTeam partners include the City of Fort Wayne, Verizon, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Fort Wayne Urban League, Asset Forwarding, Adaptive Micro-Ware, and Humanizing Technologies. Last year in Central Indiana, the Senior Connects program collected over 500 computers, built or enhanced public computer labs in nearly 70 independent and assisted living facilities, and taught senior citizens Internet skills.
The Net Literacy partners have also been collecting computers for use by those in need. Net Literacy has collected over 200 computers. Businesses interested in donating five or more gently used computers should call 1-866-437-4258, extension 203 to arrange for free pickup by Asset Forwarding. Anyone with less than five computers can drop them off at the loading dock of the Standard Federal Building, 200 E. Main St. Free business pickups and drop-offs will continue through Wednesday, February 15. All donations are tax deductible.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a keynote speaker at the 2006 ASQ Six Sigma Conference in Palm Springs , California , Monday, February 6. Mayor Richard will lead a session on the use of Six Sigma in local government. The City of Fort Wayne has saved over $10 million by using Lean Six Sigma to better serve taxpayers, reduce costs and provide increased services with fewer employees.
Fort Wayne is known around the country for its Six Sigma efforts. Author Michael George in his book Lean Six Sigma for Service recognizes Fort Wayne for using business practices such as Lean Six Sigma.
“All of these people and their organizations were impressive, but it's the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, that really amazed me ' perhaps because I, like most people, had low expectations when it came to government services of any sort'¦What's really intriguing are the dozens of city employees who are reducing lead times, streamlining processes, providing better quality service to citizens and holding down costs,” said George.
“Business practices like Lean Six Sigma prepare our City to be a leader in efficient and effective government,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to sharing Fort Wayne 's successes at the conference.”
Mayor Graham Richard today visited the City's Water Maintenance Department to mark the completion of the $11 million automatic meter reading (AMR) project.
STAR Financial Bank, the City's contractor for City Utilities billing operations, is offering free City Utilities services for one year to select City Utilities customers.
Customers that currently receive their Utility bill online or customers that want to begin receiving their Utility bill online are eligible. Customers can sign up to receive their bill online now through March 31 at www.fortwaynecityutilities.com .
Mayor Graham Richard today announced his support for the creation of a Regional Marketing Partnership for economic development. Mayor Richard made the announcement during his Report to the People speech at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.
City Street Department crews today finished the leaf pickup program for 2005. All three sections of the City have had three rounds of leaf pickup. Crews collected 18,000 tons of leaves.
Street Department crews will now focus on snow and ice removal.
The Sewer Advisory Group will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 1. The meeting will be held in the Utility Administration Conference Room 280 of the City-County Building .
City Utilities staff members will present updates on the City's Combined Sewer Capacity Improvements Program and Water Pollution Control Maintenance programs.
The Sewer Advisory Group Stormwater Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at two national conferences in Washington , D.C. later this week.
Mayor Graham Richard today was joined by the “Mayor's Money in Your Pocket” partners to announce plans for the 2006 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, which runs January 28-April 13.
The program will kickoff with a “Super Saturday” event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, January 28 at the Wayne Township Trustee's Office, 320 E. Superior St.
City Street Department leaf pickup crews have finished the final pickup in the North section of the City. Crews are collecting leaves in the Central section for the final pickup in that area. Once the Central area is complete, crews will move to the South section.
Mayor Graham Richard today was the guest speaker at the Downtown Rotary where he presented a preview of his 2006 Report to the People sessions.
Mayor Richard expressed his support for proposed legislation in the Indiana General Assembly that promotes more local control and flexibility for municipalities.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the schedule for the 2006 Report to the People sessions.
Each Report to the People session will feature a recap of accomplishments and a look ahead to new initiatives that the City will work on to improve services. All of the reports are open to the public and are an opportunity for residents to talk directly with Mayor Richard.
The Indiana Court of Appeals today ruled the City of Fort Wayne can complete the acquisition of the former Southtown Mall site with no additional liability.
The former owners of Southtown Mall had appealed the local court's award of damages following the City's condemnation of the site. The Appeals Court affirmed the lower court's decision as to the value of the property and ruled in favor of the City.
City Street Department crews are working on the final pickup in the North section. Crews plan to complete the North section next week and then will move to the Central and South sections for the final pickup in those areas.
The City of Fort Wayne has launched a “Downtown Experience” survey on its website, www.cityoffortwayne.org . The City is taking responses through January 16.
City Street Department crews have resumed the leaf pickup program. Crews are working in the South and North sections of the City.
The Street Department will continue to collect leaves as weather permits. Snow removal is the department's top priority to keep streets accessible for emergency vehicles and motorists. The leaf pickup program was suspended back on December 13 due to inclement weather.
Crews are continuing to deliver new City of Fort Wayne garbage containers to residents.
Crews were on schedule to complete the delivery of more than 80,000 carts before January 1 until snowfall in early December delayed delivery crews.
Residents, who have not received a cart, will have one delivered to them in the next few weeks.
Anyone with questions or concerns may contact the Solid Waste Department at 427-1270.
Fort Wayne City Utilities will change its customer service phone line and walk-in hours on January 3. The new hours for phone lines and walk-ins will be 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
City employee Tom Cain's home restoration efforts are featured in the upcoming January-February issue of Old-House Journal magazine. Old-House Journal is a lifestyle magazine with a national circulation of 300,000. The magazine, which has been published for 30 years, is marketed to old house restorers and historic preservation audiences.
The six-page feature article reports on Cain's 21 years of restoring his home and other historic properties in the West Central neighborhood's historic district clustered near Jefferson Boulevard and Nelson Street.
“I've always believed in Fort Wayne 's potential and have put my personal efforts into these great homes and a great neighborhood,” said Cain. “Old-House Journal picked up my small corner of a larger community-wide effort to reclaim our gracious old neighborhoods, something many cities would give their eye teeth for. There are a lot more good stories like this waiting to be told to the rest of the country.”
The writer, Anne McCarthy Strauss, has connections to Fort Wayne . Her nephew, Justin Brugger, another City employee, tipped her to the story. Local photographer David Kirk of Kirk Photography provided nine of the 13 images in the full color article. The January-February issue should be at newsstands in late December or early January.
Cain is a senior urban designer for the City's Division of Community Development, where he has worked on civic improvement projects for over 23 years. For more information, contact Cain at 427-2142.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will be the featured speaker at a Brookings Institution forum from noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 at the Brookings Institution in Washington , D.C.
The City Street Department has suspended the Leaf Pickup program due to the recent and anticipated snow.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the Holiday Cab program will begin Friday, December 16.
City Street Department employee Shawn Bonar today received special recognition for winning the 2005 Indiana Snowplow Rodeo.
As part of its ongoing community involvement efforts, Plan-it Allen! welcomes John Norquist to Fort Wayne for a speaking engagement on December 13. His presentation is entitled, “Turning Community Dreams into Livable Realities.”
The event will be held in the Walb Student Union Ballroom on the campus of IPFW. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by Norquist's highly-visual presentation at 6 p.m. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Parking is also free in a parking garage adjacent to Walb Union.
Mayor Graham Richard today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the new Wal-Mart Supercenter store at Southtown Centre.
Wal-Mart recently purchased 22 acres of property next to the Menards site to build a 220,000 square foot Supercenter. The store is expected to open in late summer/early fall of 2006.
Winter hours have been set for the City's Yard Waste Recycling Facility,
6202 Lake Ave.
Hours will be 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday beginning Friday, December 2.
City Utilities crews will conduct a water flow test at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 30 in the area of Jefferson Boulevard and Illinois Road. The test will take less than an hour. City Utilities customers along Jefferson Boulevardand Illinois and Thomas roads may notice low water pressure and rusty water while the test takes place.
City crews will lower the river levels on the St. Marys and Maumee rivers and portions of the St. Joseph River on Monday, November 28. The river levels will be lower for two weeks.
The City Street Department is prepared for the upcoming winter season. Fort Wayne is divided into 18 snow routes. Streets in each snow route are prioritized as one, two or three. Priority one streets (arterial) are the first streets to be plowed and salted. Once priority one streets are completed, crews move to priority two streets (collectors and Citilink bus routes). If there is an accumulation of three or more inches of snow, crews then move to priority three streets (residential).
Garbage and recycling will not be collected in the City on Thursday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced the City of Fort Wayne is preparing for the 2006 “Mayor's Money in Your Pocket” Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.
Mayor Richard has sent a letter to financial institutions in the community asking for their support and help with the program. The EITC program assists lower income working families apply for tax refunds.
New features including aerial photography have been added to the City's GIS interactive map website, http://maps.cityoffortwayne.org .
Additional new items include maps of combined sewer outfalls, Rivergreenway trails, snow routes, and topographic lines. The website produces more than 10,000 maps per month.
Mayor Graham Richard and Police Chief Rusty York today presented a meritorious service citation to six Fort Wayne Police Officers for performing an extremely laudable and extraordinary act.
Mayor Graham Richard will speak at the Six Sigma Excellence Conference on Thursday, November 17 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave. The Mayor's comments begin at 8 a.m. The conference runs from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mayor Graham Richard tonight announced the City of Fort Wayne will build an additional mile to the Rivergreenway system in 2006.
Mayor Graham Richard will lead the City's second annual Greenway Summit from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, November 14 at the River Lodge in Shoaff Park, 6401 St. Joe Rd. The Summit is open to the public. Citizens interested in greenways and trails are encouraged to attend.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced a recommendation to delay an increase in the solid waste fee for one year. This plan would save each individual ratepayer $12 in 2006.
A $2.5 million increase in county option income tax (COIT) revenues has allowed the City to develop a plan to use the additional funds to benefit residents.
Crews are delivering new garbage containers to City residents through the end of the year.
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Mayor Graham Richard will participate in the Indiana Technology Summit 8 on November 1 in Indianapolis.
Mayor Graham Richard will lead the City's second annual Greenway Summit from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, November 14 at the River Lodge in Shoaff Park, 6401 St. Joe Rd.
The
Summit is open to the public. Citizens interested in greenways and trails are encouraged to attend.
Fort Wayne City Utilities is one of 14 drinking water systems in the country to win a 2005 Platinum Award for Sustained Competitiveness from the Association of the Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA).
A search committee led by Mayor Graham Richard has unanimously recommended the selection of Al Moll for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Fort Wayne.
Mayor Graham Richard has selected Mark Becker to serve as Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Graham Richard today announced a call for action to begin several downtown projects.
City Street Department crews today kicked off the City's annual Leaf Pickup program.
The City of Fort Wayne will lead a group of volunteers in a door-to- door survey campaign from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, October 15 in the Hanna-Creighton neighborhood.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a featured speaker at the Midwest Telecom Expo October 17-19 at the Grand Wayne Center.
The City of Fort Wayne's Fleet Management Department has been recognized by "Fleet Equipment" magazine as the ninth best fleet in North America.
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will host “Breakfast at the Summit” from 7:15-8:45 a.m. Tuesday, October 25 at Ceruti's Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd.
Mayor Graham Richard will be a speaker at the Lean Six Sigma West conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 26-27.
The City of Fort Wayne will host the 2005 Global Trade Expo from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, November 2 at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Crews from the City's Water Filtration Plant will remove flashboards at the St. Joe Dam on Monday, October 17.
The CityÂs Human Resources Department has changed its job application process.
The CityÂs Flood Control Department will upgrade its current automated flood warning system with new hardware thanks to a $95,000 grant from the National Weather Service.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will participate in the HPR Forum on October 4 in Indianapolis.
The City of Fort Wayne has received a $50,000 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program Grant from the State of Indiana to help with the cost of purchasing biodiesel fuel.
The City of Fort Wayne collected $4,141 during Hurricane Relief Month, which ran for the month of September.
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Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard will be a
speaker at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Conference September 21-25 in Washington ,
D.C.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard today led a dedication ceremony to mark the official completion of the Camp Scott wetlands project.
The City of Fort Wayne will host an iTeam meeting from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 29 at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, 3201 Stellhorn Rd. The meeting is for individuals who have shown an interest in iTeams and City employees interested in joining an iTeam.
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Visitors to downtown Fort Wayne soon will have an easier time finding downtown attractions thanks to new wayfinding signs. Today, crews from the Baldus Company began installing the first of what will be more than 40 new signs downtown. The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
The City of Fort Wayne and IPFW's Department of Sociology have partnered to conduct a neighborhood survey project in the Nebraska and Poplar neighborhoods. The door-to-door program runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today through November 22.
The City of Fort Wayne has developed a public education plan to help residents learn more about the new solid waste contract, which was passed by City Council at its June 28th meeting.