Flood Repeat Possible

As Fort Wayne and surrounding areas continue to clean up from last week's floods, we could see another round of heavy rain and mixed precipitation moving in this weekend. While some areas are still flooded, and some low-lying fields and streets are still water (or ice) covered, not all flooding problems have come to an end. Current forcasts show rain moving in late Saturday night, and continuing throughout the day Sunday, possibly chaning to mixed precipitation or snow Sunday night with colder air moving in, with a couple inches of accumulation possible before the system moves out of our area. However, the snow isn't the primary concern, the rain is.

Current predictions make a point that heavy rain is highly likely Sunday, and possible into Sunday night, and before the system moves out we could see over one inch of rain, some areas could see up to two inches. One to two inches of rain, combined with snowmelt and a possible one to three inches of snow, flooding problems could make a comeback early next week- and flooding problems could reach severe levels before receeding, possibly exceeding levels we saw last week.
All in all, I'd say it's safe to say you might want to stay clear of parts of State Street next week, and parts of Clinton heading into downtown. Also, many low-lying areas will see plenty of flooding problems. We will continue to post lists of sandbagging locations next week, as well as continued coverage of flooding across the area.

The following is from the National Weather Service (NWS) of northeastern Indiana:

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORTHERN INDIANA
453 PM EST FRI FEB 15 2008

...HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY....A POTENT LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL DEVELOP OVER EASTERN TEXAS ANDRAPIDLY SHIFT NORTHEAST INTO THE GREAT LAKES REGION SUNDAY. THECOMBINATION OF STRONG LIFT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM...INCONJUNCTION WITH AMPLE GULF MOISTURE...WILL SUPPORT THEDEVELOPMENT OF WIDESPREAD RAINFALL. THE PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTEDTO BEGIN AS A PERIOD OF FREEZING RAIN LATE SATURDAYNIGHT AND TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN BY SUNDAY MORNING. RAINFALL ISEXPECTED TO BE HEAVY AT TIMES...ESPECIALLY WEST OF A PERU INDIANATO HILLSDALE MICHIGAN LINE. ANOTHER ROUND OF HEAVY RAINFALLIS POSSIBLE LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS A COLD FRONTPUSHES EAST ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA...SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENTOF A LINE OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. TOTAL RAINFALLAMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE BETWEEN THREE QUARTERS OF ANINCH...TO POSSIBLY TWO INCHES. FROZEN SOIL CONDITIONS...MELTINGSNOW PACK...AND RAINFALL WILL LIKELY LEAD TO CONTINUED OR RENEWEDFLOODING ALONG CREEKS...RIVERS...LAKES AND LOW LYING AREAS.

DIG Weekly Update

DIG Weekly Update

Week of 3.26.07

Debates heat up again-

Councilmen are expected to give presentations on Harrison Square tonight based on their own research.

Restoration at Old Schmitz Block continues-

An article on the DID website highlights the restoration process and history of Old Schmitz Block downtown.

DIG's downtown Food For Thought-

Ever since a new Starbucks has opened its doors downtown, we've been seeing quite a few younger faces downtown, as well as some older. Could we use this as an example for the future of downtown? Youth today are more and more turning towards concert halls, coffee shops, and sports venues for entertainment. This is evident in the Fort, when the first Starbucks opened- we weren't all too fond of it. But we knew what coffee shops were, and we knew we liked them. Look at us today, we've got over 9 Starbucks locations in the city, and more opening up soon! And its not just Starbucks. Theres Aspen, Firefly, Higher Grounds, all meeting success.

Viewing from the concert point, concerts are becoming a widespread activity of choice by many youths across the country. Not only major concerts, but smaller shows as well. Of course, these smaller bands, and larger alike, need a stage to perform on. So now we're starting to see smaller youth-oriented clubs, as well as all-ages sports/concert venues geared towards providing satisfying entertainment for all ages, youth and adult both.

Harrison Square could provide all of this, and more. The addition of a downtown ballpark would create another possibility for a concert venue, but also provide quality sports entertainment. Mixed-use developement could lead to the construction of a coffee shop or two, and youth-oriented clubs/entertainment venues. So while providing many options for youth entertainment downtown, it would also likely satisfy many adults as well.

Question: What is your reaction to the above article?

Downtown DIGs-

"I like the Harrison Square proposal and the idea of mixed-use developement downtown, something that we need."

-Costin Ritter, Fort Wayne

Nick's Knick-Knack of the week-

Besides a ballpark/mixed-use development, what other kind of development would you like to see downtown? (e.i. a waterpark, amphitheater, etc.)

In the News...

Today-

Debates heat up again

Debates over Harrison Square heat up, with two councilmen expected to give presentations about the project based on their own research at the city council meeting tonight-

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16980753.htm


When councilmen don't agree...

A column by Kevin Leininger, from the article-

"But to City Councilman John Shoaff, it’s the project’s public financing that matters most. And he doesn’t think one crucial question has been answered:

Does Harrison Square – estimated to cost between $125 million and $160 million – really represent the best possible use of those public dollars?

According to figures agreed upon by Shoaff and city officials, about $42 million in public money earmarked for the project (including interest) could be used for other projects downtown and elsewhere. Shoaff, D-at large, wants the city to evaluate other uses for that money before committing itself to a project that polls suggest has failed to win widespread support.

“I’m committed to downtown redevelopment, but the stadium is what gives people a headache,” said Shoaff, who wants council to consider alternatives before committing to a project he fears will not produce the hoped-for results. At tonight’s council meeting, Shoaff plans to cite several studies contradicting the notion that sports facilities serve as catalysts for downtown redevelopment. "

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16980915.htm


The Old Schmitz Block-

An article by Dan Carmody highlighting the history of the Old Schmitz Block downtown, and tells of its renovation.

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=208


Formulas for Success-

An article by Dan Carmody, gives the steps to success in redevelopement and revitalization.

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=201


What are your reactions to Councilman Shoaff's statements?

AP takes notice

The AP took up Harrison Square, article from the Chicago Tribune focuses on hotel proposal-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/indiana/chi-ap-in-fortwaynehotel,1,2352872.story?coll=chi-newsap_in-hed

Eating in Cancun...

...or at least eat like you were there.

From the DID, an article on the opening of a great downtown restaurant-

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=170

10 Things to do downtown this spring

From the DID-

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=199

Plenty of ideas of fun, free, healthy activities downtown for this spring. Some include taking a walk downtown, going to the library, going to museum, going to a concert or a show, and many more!

In the news...

New downtown Marriott has gap of $6 million-

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16939585.htm

State law requires land acquired by city to still be appraised-

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16939607.htm

DIG Update, some changes.

DIG and The Downtown Times will be making some minor changes in the next month. DIG will now be moving to a monthly Newsletter (as opposed to a bi-monthly newsletter), and the name will change from "The DIG Newsletter," to "The Downtown Times". The Downtown Times blog will now become DIG's online version of the newsletter.


So what does this mean for The Downtown Times? We will continue to run blogs and articles, but we will also be adding some new features. First off, The Downtown Times (online) and the DIG website will now be accepting "Downtown DIGs". The Downtown DIG is where you can post your ideas, comments, or whatevers on your mind concerning downtown, and submit it to DIG. Each month, DIG and The Downtown Times will select a few "Downtown DIGs" to publish in that month's edition of The Downtown Times (newsletter).




Also, we will be more frequently giving DIG updates, and will each week have a "DIG Weekly Update," where we will update you on DIG happenings, as well as downtown happenings, and select one Downtown DIG to include.



We will also be running weekly polls and surveys, of which will be pubished with the DIG Weekly Update, and The Downtown Times Newsletter.


To give your Downtown DIG, visit http://digfortwayne.tripod.com, or email us at thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com.
____________________________________________________________
The Downtown Times is DIG's online version of their monthly newsletter, The Downtown Times Newsletter.

To submit a Downtown DIG, visit http://digfortwayne.tripod.com,
email us at thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com.

Questions? Comments? Email DIG at digfortwayne@yahoo.com.

YLNI Public Forum

Earlier tonight, YLNI hosted a public forum focused on Harrison Square. Pictures above show new renderings from Harball Capital and HOK showing what may be a clearer picture of the final design of the project.

Some adjustments have also been made to site plan, with the residential units now to the north of the stadium, as opposed to the orginal plan to have them located to the east. Also, part of Ewing Street will be closed and a public park/plaza will be located where the street once passed through. The scoreboard/video screen will be attached to the parking garage.

Other notes mentioned tonight include the fact that the stadium will have facilities availible year-round, such as a club level, and it was also emphasized that this is not simply as stadium, its a ballpark, its retail, its mixed-use developement.

DID Launches Downtown Dining Club

A few weeks ago, the Downtown Improvement District launched the "Downtown Dining Club", offering discounts to many downtown restaurants, along with a chance to win either $1,000 or a trip across seas.

From the article-

"Beginning February 15th through April 16th, the DID is launching our Downtown Dining Club. With 18 great Downtown restaurants participating, any member of the Dining Club is able to receive steep discounts from those restaurants."

See Article for more information, cards are limited to 5,000, so get yours today!

Article-
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=180

DIG Update

The DIG website has been updated, and the "News" page will also start being updated. Other things around the site have been changed, and a new newsletter will be out later today.

Plenty of things will be changing in the coming weeks, so heres a brief overview of what you can expect to see-

-New Look

-New Logo (?)

-New events

-New purpose

-Forums

-Mailing list

-DIG Update will be availible online, instead of just area businesses

-And, still, the new site.

So, stay tuned. We'll keep you updated.

From Palace to Parking

I'm sure we all remember eating at the Palace restaurant (formerly Bill's Palace), their delicious hamburgers, they're large, crispy pancakes, the smell of coffee, smoke, and great food.

Well, the restaurant that goes back decades has officially sold to the city for $2.4 million, and will have a parking garage located on the site. Had The Palace not sold, the Harrison Square project would be built around it.

The Palace's sign on Monday read "Closed, thank you", and the deal was set to close at 11 AM today. Buying the restaurant could save the city up to $1.5 million on the new parking garage, and they would not have to build an L-shaped parking garage, which is more costly.

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16794311.htm



What do you think of the City's recent purchase?

And to The Palace, thank you for your many years of business and great food. We will miss you.

DIG Update

We've updated the website, as well as our purpose. Whats our "new purpose"?

To be more youth-friendly.

Because after all, it is your downtown, and the youth of Fort Wayne should get a say in the future of their downtown, but they hardly get the chance, because public presentations and meetings don't always appeal to the younger generation.

So thats exactly what DIG is trying to change.

Beginning in March, DIG will be hosting a series of events/discussions that will be youth and adult friendly, and we strongly urge youth to attend. And yes, there will be cookies.

Check out the DIG Website for more details-

http://digfortwayne.tripod.com

White Lodging is no Stranger

Within the past week, there has been much discussion over the proposal for a new downtown hotel made by White Lodging and Acquest. The hotel would be an 11-story, 250-room full service Marriott branded hotel that would be a key project of the Harrison Square project.

Many residents of Fort Wayne are uncertain about the developer, as well as the entire project itself. Since only one proposal was submitted by the due date, many are also questioning whether or not this is an expirienced developer.

However, many Fort Wayne residents who travel, have probably stayed at a hotel managed by White Lodging. In fact, White Lodging manages 27 different hotels in the state of Indiana alone, with one of them in Fort Wayne. The Marriott Courtyard on Washington Center Road.

Also, they manage 4 hotels in downtown Indianapolis, as well as a Hilton-branded hotel in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. So as you can see, White Lodging is no stranger to Fort Wayne, or Indiana for that matter.

Looking even larger, they manage over 100 hotels across the country, with over 10 of them located in the heart of a city. So they are most definately expirienced when it comes to downtown developement.

In July of 2006, White Loding announced plans to build a 1,000 room hotel in downtown Austin, just blocks away from the Austin convention center. The project would be 26 stories tall, and open in 2009 as Austin's largest hotel in history. And it wouldn't White Lodging's first hotel in Austin, it would be their 17th.

White Lodging isn't new to Indiana either, they're headquatered in Merriville, Indiana, just south of Gary.

The expirienced developer isn't one for below-average service either, they've won Marriott's Partnership Circle Award 6 years in a row.

After seeing this track record, according to local media, city officials are comfortable with the desicion they've made. However, should any issues arise, city officials say they may start looking for another developer again, although many are confident that won't be happening.

Dealing With Details

An article in today's News Sentinal noted that though there was only proposal submitted by the due date, city officials are confident that this is a quality proposal made by an expirienced developer.

From the article:

Having only one proposal does not leave the city without any leverage, Leatherman said. If the companies are not flexible, the city could end talks and restart the search for a developer. But Leatherman does not expect that to happen.

“We really don’t have our hands tied to the point it looks like to some people,” he said.

White Lodging manages hotels in 14 states, including four Marriott-brand hotels in downtown Indianapolis. Its track record gives Mayor Graham Richard confidence.

“Our excitement is we have a very capable investor.”


Read full article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16747893.htm


What do you think of the proposal made?

What do you think of the design?

Are you comfortable with the developers of the hotel?

Details of Hotel Proposal availible

City Announces Details of Response to Downtown Hotel Request for Proposals

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

Full Article:

http://http://cityoffortwayne.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1130&Itemid=634

What do you think of the recent hotel proposal made by White Lodging and Acquest?

Northside Harrison Square Meeting

I was unable to find out any information about the Northside Harrison Square meeting, and was unable to call, so seeing how it seemed interesting, I decided to attend anyway.

First of all, the meeting was very well put together, in my opinion, right from the start. They discussed some (not many though) details of the project, went over the project itself as a whole, and then after about a half-hour they opened it up to questions and comments from the public for discussion.

One comment that I found interesting, was when a lady from the North Anthony (?) neighborhood association had mentioned a "sense of urgency". Mayor Graham Richards replied to this comment with different reasonings of why there is, if any, a sense of urgency, including the fact of how crucial it is to get this project underway this year, or the CRED money will be lost, as CRED will not exsist after 2007. This means that if the project hasn't gotten at least somewhat underway by the end of 2007, we loose the CRED money, which could essentially add up to a little over $10 million. This could easily bring Harrison Square to a hault.

Other questions included anything from funding to questioning of the bridges being able to take on so much traffic.

Overall, it was a very informative meeting.

City Officials that attended the meeting included Mayor Graham Richards, Deputy Mayor Mark Becker, Councilman Tom Smith, County Commissioner Bill Brown, Nelson Peters, and others.

If you were not able to attend this meeting, the Mayor's Report to the People sessions will take place next week, as well as other Harrison Square meetings to follow in the coming months.

Fort Wayne, a rust-belt Gritty City?

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16576880.htm

An article discussing what others/visitors to Fort Wayne may think of the city, comparing the interior city to the exterior city, and talks about how Harrison Square may help change that, although it may not "perform the magic people are hoping for".

Mayor Makes Downtown Pitch

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16576834.htm

Mayor Graham Richard spoke at the Downtown Rotary Club as a preview to his Report to the People sessions, discussing a wide range of topics, including Harrison Square.

Related Articles:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16579523.htm

From Atlanta to Fort Wayne

Atlanta, a blueprint for other cities

An article in today's issue of the Journal Gazette showed how the Atlanta aquarium acted as a catalyst project for downtown developement in Atlanta.

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16566663.htm

Do you think that Fort Wayne could see more private investment in downtown as a result of Harrison Square?

The hotel Holds the Key

Another article in today's Journal Gazette focused on the hotel aspect of the project-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16566659.htm

Eminent Domain

One developer of the Harrison Square Project is critical of eminent domain-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16566679.htm

Financing for Harrison Square Compaired to Southtown

Financing for Southtown Centre and Harrison Square are similar, although Harrison Square is on a much larger scale-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16566677.htm

Keeping it Quiet

The city's quest of buying more than 50 properties downtown saves money-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16561035.htm


Do you think it was right for the city to use eminent domain to aquire property downtown?

Could Harrison Square spawn millions of dollars worth of private investment downtown in the future, such as the Atlanta Aquarium did?