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."

City Council Public Hearing

Public to be heard, but will it matter?

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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."

An Interview with Tom Didier

Don't let Harrison Square become Stagnant Water
By Nick Arnett

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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. "

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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

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