Harrison Square Demolation Continues, groundbreaking for Harrison Square could start as early as next month.
Showing posts with label Harrison Square. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harrison Square. Show all posts
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Harrison Square Demolation Continues
Harrison Square Demolation Continues, groundbreaking for Harrison Square could start as early as next month.
Friday, June 8, 2007
New renderings, fly-through
On June 7th, Hardball Capital released new details and renderings of Harrison Square, as well as a "fly-through" of the park. You can view these items on the DIG website, www.digfortwayne.com, or click here to view the city's site.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Harrison Square gets another seal of aproval
View full article: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17260212.htm
From the article-
"At its March 19 meeting, the Redevelopment Commission approved a resolution to expand the Economic Development Area. On March 26, the Fort Wayne Plan Commission ruled the amendment would comply with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and on April 24 City Council approved amending the Economic Development Area.
Also Monday, local residents John Kalb and Mark Gartman filed remonstrances against the Harrison Square project. Both have been outspoken critics of the project at previous public hearings, including Monday night’s."
From the article-
"At its March 19 meeting, the Redevelopment Commission approved a resolution to expand the Economic Development Area. On March 26, the Fort Wayne Plan Commission ruled the amendment would comply with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and on April 24 City Council approved amending the Economic Development Area.
Also Monday, local residents John Kalb and Mark Gartman filed remonstrances against the Harrison Square project. Both have been outspoken critics of the project at previous public hearings, including Monday night’s."
Saturday, May 5, 2007
SAC baseball coaches' reactions
An exciting development
Link: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/sports/17177896.htm
From the article-
"Excitement, mixed in with a little bit of caution, would be the best way to describe three SAC baseball coaches’ reaction to the possibility of Fort Wayne’s getting a downtown baseball stadium.
On April 24, the City Council approved the much-debated Harrison Square development, which includes a baseball stadium to be used primarily by the Wizards.
There has been talk of justifying the high price tag of the project, especially a new baseball stadium, by making the facility available to other endeavors such as high school football, soccer and concerts. The multipurpose portion of the project should also include high school and amateur baseball, Bishop Luers coach Gary Rogers said."
Link: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/sports/17177896.htm
From the article-
"Excitement, mixed in with a little bit of caution, would be the best way to describe three SAC baseball coaches’ reaction to the possibility of Fort Wayne’s getting a downtown baseball stadium.
On April 24, the City Council approved the much-debated Harrison Square development, which includes a baseball stadium to be used primarily by the Wizards.
There has been talk of justifying the high price tag of the project, especially a new baseball stadium, by making the facility available to other endeavors such as high school football, soccer and concerts. The multipurpose portion of the project should also include high school and amateur baseball, Bishop Luers coach Gary Rogers said."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Harrison Square Update
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
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
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.
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."
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.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Council Divided on Stadium
Council divided-
"On the issue of Harrison Square, City Council doesn’t yet see black or white. It sees shades of gray.
Tuesday night’s meeting clearly showed the council is divided on the city’s $125 million-to-$160 million proposed downtown revitalization project.
Council and an audience of more than 50 heard two presentations with key differences regarding the project. While it would be easy to generalize and say one was in favor of and the other opposed to Harrison Square, each council member who spoke gave his own opinion on the project, emphasizing there are more than two sides to every issue.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16987137.htm
"On the issue of Harrison Square, City Council doesn’t yet see black or white. It sees shades of gray.
Tuesday night’s meeting clearly showed the council is divided on the city’s $125 million-to-$160 million proposed downtown revitalization project.
Council and an audience of more than 50 heard two presentations with key differences regarding the project. While it would be easy to generalize and say one was in favor of and the other opposed to Harrison Square, each council member who spoke gave his own opinion on the project, emphasizing there are more than two sides to every issue.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16987137.htm
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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.
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