News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Riverfront Development Study receives final approval
Mayor Henry names advisory committee
(November 13, 2013) – The first comprehensive look at Fort Wayne’s riverfront development possibilities is moving forward. A contract between the City of Fort Wayne and SWA Group for a Riverfront Development Study received final approval last night from Fort Wayne City Council. The contract amount is $499,500 and is funded through Legacy dollars.
Today, Mayor Tom Henry named the group of citizens and staff who will guide the study and provide input. Ray Kusisto, Ortho NorthEast (ONE), and Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer will serve as co-chairs of the Riverfront Advisory Committee.
Other members include: Nick Arnett, Creative Collective LLC; Dave Arnold, Ambassador Enterprises; Mark Becker, Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.; Ian Boyce, Dickmeyer Boyce Financial Management Inc.; Steve Brody, Brody Consulting LLC; Tim Hall, Hall’s Restaurants and Fort Wayne Outfitters; Patti Hays, Lutheran Health Network; Lindsay Hively, Kernel Coladas Gourmet Popcorn; Nancy Jordan, Lincoln Financial Group; Dawn Rosemond, Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; Rick Samek, Carson Boxberger, LLP; Tom Smith, Fort Wayne City Council; Wendy Stein, Stein Ad Promos, LLC; Ron Turpin, Lincoln Financial Group; John Urbahns, City of Fort Wayne Community Development; Irene Walters, IPFW; and Dan Wire, Tri-State Watershed Alliance.
The first meeting of the Advisory Committee will be December 5, when SWA visits Fort Wayne and begins the 12 to 18-month process of examining data, seeking public input and exploring possibilities for development.
The Riverfront Development Study is intended to provide the road map for a world class investment. Areas of focus will include land use; engineering and infrastructure investment; environmental and ecological issues; watershed and flooding issues; connectivity to trails, downtown and nearby neighborhoods; access to the river; retail; entertainment; and housing.
SWA Group, an urban planning, design and landscape architecture firm working worldwide from seven locations, was chosen to lead the study. SWA has extensive expertise in riverfront development in the U.S. and around the world. SWA’s team will include Fort Wayne-based MKM Architecture + Design; Biohabitats; Moffatt & Nichol; Market Feasibility Advisors; and AMEC. Additional information about SWA can be found at www.swagroup.com.
City leaders emphasize the public will have an important role throughout the study process. Proactive outreach efforts will be used to gather input on concepts for creating a viable and exciting riverfront action plan.
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