Public participation is encouraged
Fort Wayne, Ind. -- The future of downtown Fort Wayne is the focus of an upcoming community workshop and open house titled "BlueprintPlus." The goal is to build on the significant progress already achieved through the Downtown Blueprint for the Future and take downtown revitalization to the next level. Public participation is encouraged.
Nationally-recognized architect and planning visionary Gianni Longo will facilitate the meetings. He is a founding Principal of ACP Visioning & Planning, New York City and Columbus, Ohio.
Regarded as a leader in strategic public engagement processes, Longo directed Chattanooga's "Vision 2000" effort in the mid-1980s that led to the renaissance of its downtown. More recently, he has been at the forefront of projects in New York City for Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center site, Washington, D.C., Houston and the Knoxville, Birmingham and Kansas City regions, among others.
The public work sessions will examine what specific projects, initiatives and developments will make downtown the centerpiece of the region. Where should projects be located? How will they create vibrant and prosperous streets and public places? When will implementation start and what goes first? Which incentives, partnerships and collaborations will make it happen?
Schedule for public participation. The events are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30-9 p.m.
BlueprintPlus Summit (Community Workshop)
Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
At the workshop, participants will be divided into small groups to help identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that exist today in downtown. The information will enable Longo's team to develop possible development alternatives that can be expanded and tested.
Wednesday, May 18, 5-6:30 p.m.
BlueprintPlus Open House
FourthWave Building, 300 E. Main St.
At the open house, the public will be able to look over the shoulders of the design team to see how the ideas developed at the community workshop are shaping the plan.
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard has established a steering committee to help guide the process and spearhead community consensus building. The committee is chaired by Bob Taylor, President of Do-it Best. George Huber with the Downtown Improvement District serves as co-chair.
Since the Blueprint's unveiling late in 2002, the public sector has been a primary catalyst to implementation. The City has championed the creation of foundational elements to position downtown for private investment. These financial tools and resources include the downtown Community Revitalization Enhancement District, the 2005 CEDIT bond which dedicated $10 million to downtown projects, the 2002 CEDIT bond which dedicated $2.5 million to downtown projects, a $500,000 transportation enhancement grant focused on urban trails for downtown, and other urban tax incentives.
Another BlueprintPlus community workshop and open house will take place June 4-7.