FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – “All in Allen” is getting feedback from the public on how it plans for the next 20 years of development in Allen County.
Allen County and Fort Wayne government officials are hosting a series of open houses showcasing the project in its current state, diving into each of the project’s ten goals, and gathering public feedback as the plan unfolds. envisioned becomes reality.
The first was on Monday night at the Grand Wayne Center.
Officials stressed the importance of the plan affecting all of Allen County, not just Fort Wayne.
People have seen the development of downtown Fort Wayne… We want that to continue, but that can’t be the only priority.
Brandon Nolin, Senior Project Manager Houseal Lavigne Associates
The ten points of the plan are as follows:
Land use and development
Taking into account public comments and estimates of future trends, the plan outlines new development and future land use over the next two decades over which the plan will be rolled out to determine which areas can remain as they are and which require continuous development. Market value, Fort Wayne utility infrastructure, neighborhood completion, and estimated value per acre will be factored into the development models.
Agriculture and food systems
The “All in Allen” plan hopes to foster a link between the local economy and the community’s agricultural and food systems to establish farmland as an integral part of the region’s landscape. By increasing production and fostering economic prosperity, the agricultural community in Allen County can strengthen its agricultural innovation and dominance.
By providing incentives and networking opportunities, the plan hopes to expand the reach of fresh, local produce and food options for healthier living. Local livestock sales will continue to expand nationally.
Tom Miller, president of the Allen County Agricultural Bureau, was in attendance and spoke a lot about the importance of farms outside of Fort Wayne: “You know 66% of the county is farmland, even today . We’re creating lots of jobs, lots of opportunities, and lots of fresh food for everyone in Allen County.
Housing and neighborhoods
In an effort to keep its “safe, active and thriving neighborhoods,” the “All in Allen” plan will promote responsible and controlled development that preserves existing infrastructure and farmland. A balanced mix of owners and non-owners will help encourage long-term residents within the community.
The plan also hopes to encourage the revitalization of existing neighborhoods through creativity and innovation, with energy efficient resources and the development of local parks, trails and community spaces to promote equity, sustainability and health.
Economic development
Through connections made by local employers and educational institutions, the “All in Allen” plan will foster local talent to attract outside employers to the area. Working with Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. and other leading partners in the region, the plan encourages public-private investment. This economic growth will support accessible transportation services.
The plan will support the continued development of downtown Fort Wayne, as well as the creation of desirable amenities accessible to all neighborhoods. The plan will also focus on investing time and money in world-class local culture, entertainment, sports and arts.
Transport and Mobility
The focus on transportation will help ensure that the public has affordable access to safe transportation throughout the region. This includes air transport, bicycle transport, rail passenger transport and motor vehicle transport and freight transport. This will enable connectivity within the community and strengthen a navigable area to visit or inhabit.
Public facilities and infrastructures
Advances in communication and public safety will ensure better access to education, more effective dissemination of information and more reliable disaster response measures. This will include broader education and communication regarding public safety issues and plans. Through collaboration, best practices and improvements, Allen County hopes to increase safety and reliability, as well as community resiliency.
Community services and education
The development of accessible and reliable educational institutions at the early childhood, secondary and higher levels aims to create opportunities for current and new residents and to foster a prosperous future. By focusing on equity and inclusion, community and social service agencies can work together to enhance residents’ experiences and quality of life. This will include providing education and services in a variety of languages.
By advancing current mental health and community health care, the plan will also encourage accessible, high-level health services.
Parks and environmental resources
The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County will continue efforts to advance local rivers, trails and parks to encourage activity, health and community, including boosting local tourism. By developing the local environment, the plan hopes to foster community interaction and appreciation of the outdoor space.
The community will ensure the protection of high-risk flood zones and other areas that may be at risk. With ongoing education, particularly regarding Fort Wayne’s rivers and other preservation measures, the plan will promote a healthy lifestyle for residents of the community.
Equity
Inclusion and equity will continue to be a priority for the county, especially as it grows and diversifies. Enabling community members to overcome disadvantage by providing accessible and affordable housing will be a high priority.
Community Health
The health of the community, as the project says, depends on how neighborhoods are designed. Do they promote access to healthy foods? Provide opportunities for outdoor recreation? Distribute information on how to live a healthier life?
The “All in Allen” plan seems to say yes to each of these questions.
Sustainability
Sustainability is mainly about reusable energy sources and good agricultural practices. The project aims to promote collaboration between environmentally conscious organizations in the county.
The next four open days will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at different locations and times.
You can find out the details of attending one of these open days and find the draft here.
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