Harvester Neighborhood celebrates new bus stop shelter

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Harvester Neighborhood in New Haven is celebrating a new bus shelter. Many local businesses and residents donated time and resources to make the shelter on New Haven Avenue a reality. Mayor Sharon Tucker was there for the celebration and calls it a milestone for the community.

The Harvester Neighborhood Association had been inactive until 2022 when residents began working with the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division to re-start their organization. Since then, the neighborhood has taken on several projects, including the construction of the new bus shelter.

The City of Fort Wayne released the following:

Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker and Harvester Neighborhood Association President Margaret Machlan celebrated the completion of a new bus shelter as a milestone in neighborhood renewal efforts. The shelter, located at 3615 New Haven Avenue on Jesus Name Church’s property, was identified as a priority in the Harvester Neighborhood’s planning efforts led by the City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhoods Department.

“Harvester residents have dedicated themselves to revitalizing their neighborhood association, and the completion of this bus shelter is a testament to their hard work,” said Mayor Tucker. “Their efforts have enhanced the safety and vibrancy of the neighborhood, as well as fostered a sense of community pride.”

“This was a team effort,” said Machlan. “We are so grateful to the many individuals and organizations whose contributions made this shelter possible. The dedication of dozens of volunteers, who donated their time and expertise, resulted in this shelter that now protects residents from the weather, and also serves as a sign of progress and innovation.”

A portion of funding for the shelter was provided by a grant from the City of Fort Wayne, and the following organizations donated time and services to complete the project: Citilink, the City’s Department of Neighborhoods, Custom Engineering & Fabrication, Design Collaborative, Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Career Academy Welding Technology students, Graycraft Signs, Jesus Name Church, O’Neil’s Glass, Schust Construction, and Weigand Construction.

“This project showcases how a neighborhood association can be the catalyst for a project, bringing together businesses, nonprofits and individuals to collaborate and make a meaningful difference in the quality of life for residents,” said Dan Baisden, neighborhoods department director.

The Harvester Neighborhood had been inactive until early 2022, when residents contacted the City’s Neighborhoods Department. The department worked with the residents to complete an assessment, distribute surveys, conduct neighborhood walks, enact formal bylaws and elect a board of directors. Leaders then participated in the award-winning Fortify Neighborhood Accelerator program, which provides leadership training and educates neighborhood representatives on everything from board governance and community engagement to fundraising and civic engagement. For more information about the City’s neighborhood services, click HERE

The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division works to enhance economic opportunity, build strong neighborhoods and ensure a dynamic framework for growth and development. The Division’s departments include Neighborhood Code Compliance, Neighborhoods, Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, Redevelopment/Economic Development, and Planning and Policy