Historic Northeast

Councilman Russ Jehl is pleased the Historic Northeast plan has initially been funded $300,000 in the 2024 City budget, with promises of annual funding moving forward.  The plan will provide a list of goals and strategies for the area that will become part of the official county Comprehensive Plan.  Councilman Jehl anticipates the plan will be ready for passage the first quarter of 2024.  Here are some general details of the plan as Community Development shepherds its drafting process:

HISTORIC NORTHEAST 2035

The Historic Northeast Plan includes the neighborhoods of Northside, Forest Park, and North Anthony and will provide a comprehensive list of goals, strategies, and action steps that help advance the community’s needs.

Plan Focus

  • Neighborhood Revitalization
    • Land Use and Zoning
    • Health and Safety
    • Neighborhood Identity
  • Neighborhood Public Health
    • Mobility Infrastructure
    • Parks and Public Space
    • Social Infrastructure
  • Neighborhood Development
    • Economic Development
    • State Street

Plan Phase

  • CURRENT– Task Five: Presentation of initial recommendations for community feedback
  • Thursday, October 26th– Conjure Coffee (7AM to 11AM)
  • Thursday, October 26th– Oh Five Scoop Shop (4PM to 8PM)
  • Saturday, October 28th– Firefly Coffee (10AM to 2PM)
  • Monday, October 30th– ACME by Full Circle (4PM to 8PM)
  • Tuesday, October 31st– Tecumseh Library (11AM- to 3PM)
  • Tuesday, October 31st– Heartland Church (5PM- 8PM)
  • Next- Task Six: Finalize recommendations, develop strategies, priorities, and implementation:
    • Meeting in November (Date TBD)
    • We will review engagement results to help prioritize goals and strategies
    • Work to cross-review goals, strategies, and action steps with City departments
  • Last- Task Seven: Plan Adoption
    • Final review of committee members to review
    • Meet with members of Fort Wayne City Council to review
    • Presentation to Fort Wayne Plan Commission
    • Presentation to Fort Wayne City Council

Plan Priorities (as of October 23)

  • Streetscape and Boulevard Improvements
    • East State (Between Spy Run and Parnell)
    • Lake and Anthony
    • North Anthony (from Crescent to St. Joe River Dr.)
    • St. Joseph Boulevard
  • Neighborhood Development
    • Economic Development
    • State Street
  • Street Lighting Improvements
    • Columbia Avenue
    • Crescent Avenue
    • East State (Alabama to Pemberton)
    • Lake Avenue
    • Tennessee Avenue
    • Vance Avenue
  • Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Improvements
    • Columbia Avenue
    • Crescent Avenue
    • East State
    • Lake Avenue
    • North Anthony Boulevard
    • Parnell Avenue
    • St. Joe River Drive
    • Tecumseh Avenue
    • Tennessee Avenue
    • Vance Avenue
  • Neighborhood Bicycle Safety Improvements
    • Columbia Avenue (Extend to River Greenway on the east)
    • North Anthony Boulevard
    • St. Joe River Drive
    • Tecumseh Street
    • Tennessee Avenue
  • Neighborhood Social Infrastructure
    • Improve connectivity and accessibility for all users to Northside and Lakeside parks
    • Improve connectivity and accessibility for all users on East State
    • Develop walking paths around Lakeside Park (southern ponds)
    • Develop parking and accessibility to the playing fields at Northside Park
    • Create programmable public space/third space for community events near East State
    • Support additional neighborhood programming
  • Economic Development
    • East State
    • Lake and Anthony
    • North Anthony
    • Façade Improvements
    • Whitebox available storefronts to encourage new business
  • Neighborhood Health
    • Stronger connectivity to Parkview Randallia (relations, programming opportunities)
    • Improved access to physical activity, programming, parks and trails
  • Neighborhood Beautification
    • Curb Appeal programs
    • Home Improvement programs