FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The East Central Forward neighborhood plan reached a significant milestone this evening with tonight’s unanimous approval from Fort Wayne City Council on Tuesday night.Once signed by Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker, East Central Forward will be officially adopted and amended into the All In Allen Comprehensive Plan.
“Congratulations to the many residents who volunteered their time and ideas to make this plan a reality,” said Mayor Tucker. “I’m confident this roadmap for the neighborhood will bring about positive change that improves infrastructure, connectivity, safety, housing opportunities and community pride within East Central.”
The City released the following:
The City’s Department of Neighborhoods began working with residents, businesses, organizations, and stakeholders in July 2023 and gathered input from stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, interactive mapping tools, two neighborhood block parties and two open houses. That input was used to develop the ten-year plan that outlines the strategies for neighborhood-based improvements in several areas, including:
Improving safety and security through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design projects.
Telling the story of East Central’s history and heritage through compelling public art.
Supporting strategic development of vacant properties for additional housing units.
Encouraging connectivity of the City’s expansive trail network by finishing the Hanna Street Trail through the neighborhood.
Improving sidewalks and streetlights on several key neighborhood streets.
Increasing community awareness and participation in East Central activities and events.
“At the heart of the planning process was the highest engagement recorded for a neighborhood plan in East Central, with over 420 residents and stakeholders participating in the process,” said Dan Baisden, Department of Neighborhoods director. “The robust participation ensures that the plan really reflects the ideas and goals of the people who live and work in the neighborhood.”
The East Central neighborhood is bounded by Lafayette Street on the west, the Maumee River on the north, South Anthony Boulevard on the east and the railroad elevation on the south. The last East Central plan was developed in 2005. For more information about the plan, click HERE
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