New Trail Coming to Liberty Mills Road

The Coventry Lane Economic Development Area was confirmed and approved by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on January 14, 2013. Earlier approvals include those by the Plan Commission and City Council. 

The main project component of the plan is the funding for the construction a multi-use trail along Liberty Mills Road from Falls Drive west to Homestead Road. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to the existing sidewalk along sections of Coventry Lane from Aboite Center Road south to Falls Drive will also be included in the project area. This project will significantly increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists and will improve the overall quality of life for this area of the City.

Funding for the project (Approximately $800,000) will be from tax increment generated by the newly remodeled Kroger Marketplace retail development. The first installment of tax increment will be received in mid-2014, however, engineering and design may begin sooner. Partners in the project include Fort Wayne Trails, Inc., the City of Fort Wayne and Councilman Mitch Harper.  

The trail and sidewalk improvements will be constructed in three phases between 2015 and 2019. 

Jefferson Streetscape

Jefferson Blvd gets update!

Jefferson Blvd. improvements near The Harrison and Embassy Theatre are nearly complete. The Jefferson Boulevard Streetscape project design work was given the go-head in March of 2012 by the Redevelopment Commission. 

The work included closing the far south lane of Jefferson between Fairfield and Calhoun to traffic, and adding sidewalks, new lighting, street trees, landscaping and a drop-off lane for the Embassy Theatre. The parking lot between the Courtyard and The Harrison was also re-designed and landscaping and handicapped parking was added. In order to accomplish the above-ground work, a water main and storm sewer were re-located.

The work to "calm" traffic and provide a better pedestrian experience has been part of the City's downtown and overall strategic plans. The Board and staff of the Embassy Theatre have long wished for and needed a safer access for elderly and disabled patrons visiting this iconic downtown venue, and the Jefferson Streetscape work has now accomplished these goals.

You can help!

What: 

The Fort Wayne Point-in-Time Count will take place on January 30, 2013 and is necessary to help determine how many homeless individuals live in the Fort Wayne area. It's critical to get an accurate count, because the numbers help determine Federal funding that is available to help shelter local residents.

What can you do? You can donate the following:

• Warm, twin-size blankets
• deodorant
• wool socks
• gloves
• knit hats/caps
• scarves
• hand warmers
• heavy duty trash bags
• disposable shaving razors

Where to Donate:

• Central Branch YMCA, 1020 Barr St.
• Jorgensen Family YMCA, 10310 Aboite Ctr. Rd.
• Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave.
• Parkview Family YMCA, 10001 Dawsons Creek Blvd.
• YWCA of NE IN, 1610 Spy Run Ave.