6-3 vote favors Harrison Square
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17131520.htm
It's a 'yes' for Harrison Square
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17132534.htm
Talkback Responses
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17132510.htm
Most at hearing favor downtown project
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17131539.htm
What's Next?
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=210
Harrison Square gets City Council's Approval
http://wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=6383143
Harrison Square: PASSES
http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/Story.aspx?type=ln&NStoryID=5880
Ft Wayne stadium plan advances
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070425/LOCAL/70425010
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
More on Harrison Square Vote
Harrison Square passes by 6-3 vote
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17129656.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
Harrison Square passes, 6-3
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17129582.htm
From the article-
"The Fort Wayne City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve the downtown Harrison Square project.
Councilmen Tom Didier, R-3rd; Tom Hayhurst, D-4th; Tim Pape, D-5th; Glynn Hines, D-6th; Sam Talarico Jr., R-at large; and John Crawford, R-at large; voted for the project.
Councilmen Tom Smith, R-1st; Don Schmidt, R-2nd; and John Shoaff, D-at large; voted against the project
The vote came after nearly four hours of public testimony, filled with mostly supporters of the project. Talarico said he counted 77 people speaking in favor of the project, 23 against it and 11 unsure.
Supporters and opponents on the council both previously said they believed there were enough votes to approve the development."
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17129656.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
Harrison Square passes, 6-3
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17129582.htm
From the article-
"The Fort Wayne City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve the downtown Harrison Square project.
Councilmen Tom Didier, R-3rd; Tom Hayhurst, D-4th; Tim Pape, D-5th; Glynn Hines, D-6th; Sam Talarico Jr., R-at large; and John Crawford, R-at large; voted for the project.
Councilmen Tom Smith, R-1st; Don Schmidt, R-2nd; and John Shoaff, D-at large; voted against the project
The vote came after nearly four hours of public testimony, filled with mostly supporters of the project. Talarico said he counted 77 people speaking in favor of the project, 23 against it and 11 unsure.
Supporters and opponents on the council both previously said they believed there were enough votes to approve the development."
BREAKING
City Council has passed resolution R-07-04-09 for Harrison Square with a vote of 6-3.
Those who voted yes included Tom Didier, Sam Talarico Jr., Tom Hayhurst, Glynn Hines, Tim Pape, and John Crawford.
Those who voted no included John Shoaff, Tom Smith, and Don Schmidt.
Those who voted yes included Tom Didier, Sam Talarico Jr., Tom Hayhurst, Glynn Hines, Tim Pape, and John Crawford.
Those who voted no included John Shoaff, Tom Smith, and Don Schmidt.
Breaking News-
Tonight's City Council Meeting-
Tonight's City Council meeting will start at 5:30 with a public hearing on Harrison Square. As of today, 108 people were signed up to speak at the hearing.
For the sake of time, City Council has cut the time for people to speak from 3 minutes to 2 minutes.
Tonight's City Council agenda.
Tonight's City Council meeting will start at 5:30 with a public hearing on Harrison Square. As of today, 108 people were signed up to speak at the hearing.
For the sake of time, City Council has cut the time for people to speak from 3 minutes to 2 minutes.
Tonight's City Council agenda.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Harrison Square Update
Harrison Square vote could be Tuesday The Proponents The Opponents On the
fence
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"As of Friday afternoon, the city clerk’s office had 80 residents signed up to speak at the hearing. Each resident will be allowed to make a comment, ask a question, hear the answer and offer a rebuttal in a three-minute period. That means the hearing will be at least four hours before council begins its discussion.
Council is officially voting on an ordinance that will commit the city to more than $20 million in public money for the project. But city spokesman John Perlich said if council does not pass the ordinance, the project, as currently proposed, will not happen."
Harrison Square is a tonic to revive city’s optimism
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana understand how symbolic the Harrison Square project is. They understand brain drain, and we should be listening to them. We want them to have a stake in the future.
With this signature development downtown, Harrison Square, the excitement and positive vibe will continue to grow and bring us yet-unknown opportunities. Yes we will leave a stadium behind like the Pacers left Market Square for Consenco and the Colts will leave the RCA Dome for Lucas Field. Our lack of forward thinking denied the beginnings of the Interstate system crossing downtown Fort Wayne in 1947 (shot down by referendum), and the NBA Pistons moved to Detroit years later. Yet in 2007, the NBA developmental league is coming back. People even fought the Courthouse Green, and today it is a centerpiece of downtown."
Letters to the Editor
Link
See "City needs a better attraction" and "It's now or never for revival".
Letters
Link
See all three letters.
Don't miss city's historic opportunity
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"The financial package Mayor Graham Richard’s administration assembled will not cause any citizen to pay higher taxes. In fact, the project will generate about $19 million in new tax revenue that will help pay for it. And the city’s investment into a parking garage and baseball stadium will result in construction of a new downtown hotel along with long-wanted downtown retails shops as well as condominiums.
Critics passionately argue for phantom alternatives. A water park. A skating rink. A fully enclosed multi-use arena. A development along the river. But where are the financing plans? Where are the developers willing to spend $5 million up front, as the Wizards owners will for the stadium, and $45 million more on building shops and housing? Critics offer a series of maybes. Mayor Richard offers a firm project with sound financing, committed developers and property in hand.
Moving the Wizards from a 14-year-old stadium that could immediately become obsolete is indeed regrettable – but worth the tradeoff."
fence
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"As of Friday afternoon, the city clerk’s office had 80 residents signed up to speak at the hearing. Each resident will be allowed to make a comment, ask a question, hear the answer and offer a rebuttal in a three-minute period. That means the hearing will be at least four hours before council begins its discussion.
Council is officially voting on an ordinance that will commit the city to more than $20 million in public money for the project. But city spokesman John Perlich said if council does not pass the ordinance, the project, as currently proposed, will not happen."
Harrison Square is a tonic to revive city’s optimism
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana understand how symbolic the Harrison Square project is. They understand brain drain, and we should be listening to them. We want them to have a stake in the future.
With this signature development downtown, Harrison Square, the excitement and positive vibe will continue to grow and bring us yet-unknown opportunities. Yes we will leave a stadium behind like the Pacers left Market Square for Consenco and the Colts will leave the RCA Dome for Lucas Field. Our lack of forward thinking denied the beginnings of the Interstate system crossing downtown Fort Wayne in 1947 (shot down by referendum), and the NBA Pistons moved to Detroit years later. Yet in 2007, the NBA developmental league is coming back. People even fought the Courthouse Green, and today it is a centerpiece of downtown."
Letters to the Editor
Link
See "City needs a better attraction" and "It's now or never for revival".
Letters
Link
See all three letters.
Don't miss city's historic opportunity
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"The financial package Mayor Graham Richard’s administration assembled will not cause any citizen to pay higher taxes. In fact, the project will generate about $19 million in new tax revenue that will help pay for it. And the city’s investment into a parking garage and baseball stadium will result in construction of a new downtown hotel along with long-wanted downtown retails shops as well as condominiums.
Critics passionately argue for phantom alternatives. A water park. A skating rink. A fully enclosed multi-use arena. A development along the river. But where are the financing plans? Where are the developers willing to spend $5 million up front, as the Wizards owners will for the stadium, and $45 million more on building shops and housing? Critics offer a series of maybes. Mayor Richard offers a firm project with sound financing, committed developers and property in hand.
Moving the Wizards from a 14-year-old stadium that could immediately become obsolete is indeed regrettable – but worth the tradeoff."
Sunday, April 22, 2007
City Council Public Hearing
Public to be heard, but will it matter?
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"Councilman Glynn Hines, D-6th, has been a vocal supporter of the project. He said council members have attended meetings over the last several months on the issue and met with numerous residents. The hearing will mean another long night, but Hines said it is unlikely to sway any minds.
“I’ve got enough information,” he said. “I’m ready to vote for it.”
Even one of the most vocal opponents of the project, Councilman Don Schmidt, R-2nd, said the hearing will serve little more than a cathartic exercise for the public, rather than a way to gather input.
“I think the majority of the council has their minds pretty well along how they’re going to vote,” he said, agreeing he doesn’t see any issue that could sway him to support the project."
Link
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"Councilman Glynn Hines, D-6th, has been a vocal supporter of the project. He said council members have attended meetings over the last several months on the issue and met with numerous residents. The hearing will mean another long night, but Hines said it is unlikely to sway any minds.
“I’ve got enough information,” he said. “I’m ready to vote for it.”
Even one of the most vocal opponents of the project, Councilman Don Schmidt, R-2nd, said the hearing will serve little more than a cathartic exercise for the public, rather than a way to gather input.
“I think the majority of the council has their minds pretty well along how they’re going to vote,” he said, agreeing he doesn’t see any issue that could sway him to support the project."
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Election 2007
Kelty Kitty bested by Peters Cash
Link
From the article-
"Peters raised $149,182 this year, and has $103,378 left in his campaign war chest, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.
Matt Kelty, an architect and Peters’ main primary opponent, . Kelty, however, raised $85,532 this year and has $20,746 left in his campaign account, not including $148,000 in debts his campaign owes him."
Mayor's race mystery poll funding ID'd
Link
From the article-
"Frederick Rost paid $4,450 for New York-based Zogby International to ask likely voters in the Republican primary questions about mayoral candidates and Harrison Square, the public/private $125-to-$160 million downtown revitalization project proposed by outgoing Mayor Graham Richard.
Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty released the results of the anonymously funded scientific poll during a six-day period. A Zogby spokesman would neither reveal the cost of the poll nor who paid for it due to a confidentiality agreement."
Link
From the article-
"Peters raised $149,182 this year, and has $103,378 left in his campaign war chest, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.
Matt Kelty, an architect and Peters’ main primary opponent, . Kelty, however, raised $85,532 this year and has $20,746 left in his campaign account, not including $148,000 in debts his campaign owes him."
Mayor's race mystery poll funding ID'd
Link
From the article-
"Frederick Rost paid $4,450 for New York-based Zogby International to ask likely voters in the Republican primary questions about mayoral candidates and Harrison Square, the public/private $125-to-$160 million downtown revitalization project proposed by outgoing Mayor Graham Richard.
Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty released the results of the anonymously funded scientific poll during a six-day period. A Zogby spokesman would neither reveal the cost of the poll nor who paid for it due to a confidentiality agreement."
An Interview with Tom Didier
Don't let Harrison Square become Stagnant Water
By Nick Arnett
By Nick Arnett
Click the link above to view the full article.
From the article-
"On Tuesday, April 24th, City Council will hold a public hearing on Harrison Square. The hearing will give residents a chance to make comments on the project, and give their opinions. A vote on Harrison Square may or may not take place after the hearing, with some councilmen wanting to delay the vote until May 1 or later.
"A vote to delay is a vote 'no' on this project," said councilman Sam Talarico Jr. He has been openly supportive of Harrison Square, and many are confident that he will vote yes on Harrison Square.
As for Tom Didier, who has not yet made clear what his vote will be, he said overall, he is feeling more comfortable about Harrison Square.
"I still have to look things over a bit, but overall, but I'm feeling better about, I'm feeling more comfortable and more confident with it. I'm not saying I'm voting yes, but I'm feeling more comfortable (with Harrison Square) as each day goes by." he said, with regaurds to his vote on Harrison Square. "
_________________________________________________________
This is a DIG featured article. DIG Featured articles appear in The Downtown Times (DIG's newsletter) each month.
Pick your copy of this month's edition up today!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Youth Movement
Link to Article
From the article-
"YLNI’s board has come out in favor of Harrison Square, and the group’s Downtown Development Committee held a heavily attended panel discussion earlier this year about the project at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library. One of the featured speakers at the discussion was Hardball Capital’s Freier.
Much of the public’s interest is centered on the proposed minor-league baseball stadium. It’s galvanized both opponents and supporters — but mostly opponents.
“Without a doubt, that is the thing that has drawn the most criticism,” said YLNI committee member Michael Barranda, an attorney at Miller Murphy LLP. “The counter to that is the baseball stadium is the keystone to the project.”
Without the baseball stadium, he said, the other elements, such as the 250-room hotel, likely wouldn’t stand on their own.
He, too, thinks the project could make Fort Wayne more attractive to younger workers. As evidence, he points to a 2006 study done by CEOs for Cities, a Chicago-based organization, that said nearly two-thirds of 25- to 34-year-old college-educated professionals decide where to live first, then look for a job in the city they’ve chosen. And more than half of the singles surveyed said they wanted to live downtown or near downtown.
“They move to a city where the amenities are there and they hope to find a job,” Barranda said.
As founder and CEO of Sweetwater Sound, Chuck Surack recruits job candidates from across the country to move to Fort Wayne and work at the company’s headquarters.
The city has a lot of things going for it — affordable housing, arts, minor-league sports teams, quality of life — but he thinks Harrison Square could make Fort Wayne even more attractive.
“I’m disappointed that there’s so much negativity about it,” Surack said. “I think it’s a great project.”
From the article-
"YLNI’s board has come out in favor of Harrison Square, and the group’s Downtown Development Committee held a heavily attended panel discussion earlier this year about the project at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library. One of the featured speakers at the discussion was Hardball Capital’s Freier.
Much of the public’s interest is centered on the proposed minor-league baseball stadium. It’s galvanized both opponents and supporters — but mostly opponents.
“Without a doubt, that is the thing that has drawn the most criticism,” said YLNI committee member Michael Barranda, an attorney at Miller Murphy LLP. “The counter to that is the baseball stadium is the keystone to the project.”
Without the baseball stadium, he said, the other elements, such as the 250-room hotel, likely wouldn’t stand on their own.
He, too, thinks the project could make Fort Wayne more attractive to younger workers. As evidence, he points to a 2006 study done by CEOs for Cities, a Chicago-based organization, that said nearly two-thirds of 25- to 34-year-old college-educated professionals decide where to live first, then look for a job in the city they’ve chosen. And more than half of the singles surveyed said they wanted to live downtown or near downtown.
“They move to a city where the amenities are there and they hope to find a job,” Barranda said.
As founder and CEO of Sweetwater Sound, Chuck Surack recruits job candidates from across the country to move to Fort Wayne and work at the company’s headquarters.
The city has a lot of things going for it — affordable housing, arts, minor-league sports teams, quality of life — but he thinks Harrison Square could make Fort Wayne even more attractive.
“I’m disappointed that there’s so much negativity about it,” Surack said. “I think it’s a great project.”
Fort Wayne City Council District 2
Election 2007-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17108407.htm
From the article-
"Harrison Square
Schmidt: He said his objection to the proposed $125 million downtown development is simple: He doesn’t believe a new $30 million city-owned baseball stadium is a good idea. He said the community already has a publicly financed baseball stadium on Coliseum Boulevard, so it would not make sense to build another amenity downtown. He said the city should have asked for numerous developers, not just the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, to submit proposals for projects to be put downtown.
Schaab: He said the existing stadium on Coliseum Boulevard should be refurbished instead of investing in a new downtown stadium. He said regardless of where the baseball stadium is located, its patrons will simply drive to the games and then drive home after them. He said a ballpark will not attract business to the downtown. Schaab said the city should look at investing its infrastructure downtown and developing vacant lots as a way to increase interest in the downtown."
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17108407.htm
From the article-
"Harrison Square
Schmidt: He said his objection to the proposed $125 million downtown development is simple: He doesn’t believe a new $30 million city-owned baseball stadium is a good idea. He said the community already has a publicly financed baseball stadium on Coliseum Boulevard, so it would not make sense to build another amenity downtown. He said the city should have asked for numerous developers, not just the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, to submit proposals for projects to be put downtown.
Schaab: He said the existing stadium on Coliseum Boulevard should be refurbished instead of investing in a new downtown stadium. He said regardless of where the baseball stadium is located, its patrons will simply drive to the games and then drive home after them. He said a ballpark will not attract business to the downtown. Schaab said the city should look at investing its infrastructure downtown and developing vacant lots as a way to increase interest in the downtown."
An Update on Progress
A couple weeks ago, DIG took The Downtown Times Online off, and had it redirected to the DIG website. Well, due to some complaints, we've decided to bring the blog back.
So, a little update-
The next edition of The Downtown Times newsletter will be availible starting tommorow at select downtown locations. Features in this edition will include, but are not limited to:
-An interview with Karl Klingler (Klingler Jewelers)
-An interview with Tom Didier (Fort Wayne City Council)
-An interview with Cathy Overholt (Downtown Cards and Gifts)
-Featured articles, updates, and upcoming events
So, a little update-
The next edition of The Downtown Times newsletter will be availible starting tommorow at select downtown locations. Features in this edition will include, but are not limited to:
-An interview with Karl Klingler (Klingler Jewelers)
-An interview with Tom Didier (Fort Wayne City Council)
-An interview with Cathy Overholt (Downtown Cards and Gifts)
-Featured articles, updates, and upcoming events
Thursday, April 5, 2007
City to study North Core
City to study North Core-
A task force has been established to study possible uses for the Omnisource property to the north of downtown, also known as the "North Core".
"City officials today announced they have an option to purchase the OmniSource property just north of downtown and are soliciting ideas for its development.City officials paid $25,000 in January for an option to purchase the 29-acre property for $4.3 million. The option will expire Dec. 31.Wendy Stein, of Stein Advertising, and attorney Rick Samek will chair a study group, which will have three to four months to give a recommendation for the property. An aquatic center, water park and ice rinks already have been discussed as possibilities, but Stein and Samek said "it's a clean slate" at this point."
http://www.fwdailynews.com/articles/2007/04/05/greater_fort_wayne/news/today/4-5story1.txt
Visit http://www.digfortwayne.com for more on this story.
A task force has been established to study possible uses for the Omnisource property to the north of downtown, also known as the "North Core".
"City officials today announced they have an option to purchase the OmniSource property just north of downtown and are soliciting ideas for its development.City officials paid $25,000 in January for an option to purchase the 29-acre property for $4.3 million. The option will expire Dec. 31.Wendy Stein, of Stein Advertising, and attorney Rick Samek will chair a study group, which will have three to four months to give a recommendation for the property. An aquatic center, water park and ice rinks already have been discussed as possibilities, but Stein and Samek said "it's a clean slate" at this point."
http://www.fwdailynews.com/articles/2007/04/05/greater_fort_wayne/news/today/4-5story1.txt
Visit http://www.digfortwayne.com for more on this story.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
DIG Launches New Website
Today, DIG officially launched their new website. The website features a new message board, and other new user-friendly options.The website will continue to be updated day to day, and new features will be added along the way. The new message board offers a way for people to express their opinions on downtown projects and happenings, or compliment a downtown restaurant or shop on it's service. However, to use the message board, you must register first. Registration is free and fast.
Also, you can join DIG by clicking on the Membership page. To join, just fill out the form, and submit it. There are no age limits on who can join, and joining is also free and fast.
To visit DIG's new website, visit-
http://www.digfortwayne.com
If you have questions or comments regaurding DIG or the new site, you can contact DIG at
info@digfortwayne.com
Restaurant Race
Pizza and more-
New restaurants are opening up downtown, as well as the possibility of a new multi-use development along Superior Street downtown. The development would house restaurants, condominiums, retail, and possibly other forms of entertainment.
From the article-
"A local developer is eyeing another project that could generate interest in downtown. John McKay and his brother, architect Michael McKay, are considering constructing a commercial building with condominiums on Superior Street between North Clinton Street and Club Soda, said Dan Carmody, director of the Downtown Improvement District. John McKay did not return calls seeking comment on the project.
Preliminary plans for Superior Street Row call for stores and restaurant space on the street level of the building and condominiums on the upper three levels, Carmody said. The city would need to decide whether to sell its parking lot on the site to make room for the two-phase project."
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/business/17024810.htm
What are your thoughts on Superior Street Row?
New restaurants are opening up downtown, as well as the possibility of a new multi-use development along Superior Street downtown. The development would house restaurants, condominiums, retail, and possibly other forms of entertainment.
From the article-
"A local developer is eyeing another project that could generate interest in downtown. John McKay and his brother, architect Michael McKay, are considering constructing a commercial building with condominiums on Superior Street between North Clinton Street and Club Soda, said Dan Carmody, director of the Downtown Improvement District. John McKay did not return calls seeking comment on the project.
Preliminary plans for Superior Street Row call for stores and restaurant space on the street level of the building and condominiums on the upper three levels, Carmody said. The city would need to decide whether to sell its parking lot on the site to make room for the two-phase project."
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/business/17024810.htm
What are your thoughts on Superior Street Row?
Opinions
Local Opinions-
First article, Harrison Square will be worth the risk
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17024883.htm
"Show faith in the city's future", and "Current stadium is a better site"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17025947.htm
First article, Harrison Square will be worth the risk
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17024883.htm
"Show faith in the city's future", and "Current stadium is a better site"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17025947.htm
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Daily Rant
From the Daily Rant-
"As a supporter of Harrison Square, I am fully prepared to say I was wrong if it turns out to be a bust. However, the Harrison Square complainers should be prepared to do the same if it improves our city."
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17020033.htm
"As a supporter of Harrison Square, I am fully prepared to say I was wrong if it turns out to be a bust. However, the Harrison Square complainers should be prepared to do the same if it improves our city."
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17020033.htm
In the News...
Letters-
"Exsisting Stadium needs replaced", "Improving downtown will attract young people"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17010886.htm
More Private Money-
An article by Ed Rousseau, a former Allen County commisioner, pointing out specific details of Harrison Square.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17014155.htm
More Letters-
"Downtown racetrack would put Fort Wayne on the map", "Harrison Square won't help taxpayers", "Why not ask fans about stadium?"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17019111.htm
City Council yeas and nays-
An article by Tracy Warner of the Journal Gazette giving an update on where council members stand with regards to Harrison Square.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17019194.htm
"Exsisting Stadium needs replaced", "Improving downtown will attract young people"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17010886.htm
More Private Money-
An article by Ed Rousseau, a former Allen County commisioner, pointing out specific details of Harrison Square.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17014155.htm
More Letters-
"Downtown racetrack would put Fort Wayne on the map", "Harrison Square won't help taxpayers", "Why not ask fans about stadium?"
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17019111.htm
City Council yeas and nays-
An article by Tracy Warner of the Journal Gazette giving an update on where council members stand with regards to Harrison Square.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17019194.htm
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