News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor Henry highlights how Fort Wayne is moving in the right direction
Mayor delivers ninth State of the City Address
(February 10, 2016) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today delivered his ninth State of the City Address. The theme for this year’s address was “Moving Fort Wayne in the Right Direction.”
Highlights from Mayor Henry’s State of the City Address included successes in riverfront and downtown development, job growth and economic development, public safety, and investments in neighborhood infrastructure projects.
Riverfront development:
Property acquisition and demolition of structures will occur this year. In addition, the final designs of the promenade will be completed and bid for construction to start in 2017.Downtown development:
Ash Skyline Plaza, the home of Ash Brokerage’s national corporate headquarters, will be finished in May. The Skyline Garage is now open to monthly parkers, and construction on the Skyline Tower residential component will begin later this year. The total project investment is over $100 million.A developer has been selected to redevelop The Landing into a gathering place for housing, businesses, and entertainment.
Construction on Cityscape Flats, a $27 million housing project, continues across from Parkview Field and will be completed in summer 2017.
Job growth and economic development:
In 2015, there were 1,600 jobs created, more than 6,000 jobs were retained, and a total business investment of nearly $1.3 billion.Public safety:
The Fort Wayne Fire Department will be adding 42 new firefighters this year. The Fort Wayne Police Department will be adding 26 new police officers in 2017.Neighborhood infrastructure:
The City will invest nearly $23 million in neighborhood projects this year. At the end of the upcoming construction season, more than $60 million in improvements will have occurred since 2014.The tunnel project, the largest infrastructure project in the City’s history, is being designed and will be bid this year in order for construction to start in 2017. The investment is part of City Utilities’ ongoing efforts to reduce combined sewer overflows and clean the St. Marys and Maumee rivers.
Parks:
There will be $3 million in improvement projects throughout the parks system this year.“We’re at an important time in Fort Wayne’s history. We’re positioned for success and investment like never before,” said Mayor Henry. “By working together, the future holds endless possibilities for our community. Fort Wayne truly is moving in the right direction.”
Go to the AFW State of the City Address Archive.
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