Friday, April 20, 2007

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

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.

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?

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

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

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