City's Central Development Area Expanded
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Jennifer [email protected]
On May 5, the commission approved a declaratory resolution to expand the area and sent a favorable recommendation to the Warsaw City Council to expand the area. The council approved a resolution May 19 to expand the central development area.
The area was created in the 1990s to broaden economic opportunities while creating a community focal point, according to planning information.[[In-content Ad]]The original plan focused on revitalizing the downtown commercial district by improving streets, infrastructure and aesthetics within the commercial district.
The original development area encompassed the blocks between the north-south Conrail tracks, Center Street, Canal Street and the alley between Indiana and Buffalo streets.
The expansion of the development area includes the border of Center Lake and Buffalo Street, then south along Buffalo Street to the alley south of Fort Wayne Street. It then heads back north along the existing development area's boundary, returning to Center Lake. The acreage of the expansion is approximately 5 acres.
Expanding the Central Development Area will allow the city to focus on two rehabilitation projects, according to City Planner Jeremy Skinner.
The first project includes improving the infrastructure and aesthetics along Buffalo Street.
The project will include improving and replacing infrastructure along Buffalo Street, running from the alley immediately north of Main Street to Center Lake.
Along with the infrastructure improvements, Warsaw will restore the original boulevard that connected the downtown district to Center Lake.
The improvements will include replacing or improving any storm, sanitary and water mains that run throughout the project area.
In addition to those water and sewer improvements, the project also will include rehabilitating the street, sidewalks and curbs within the project area.
The second project will be to rehabilitate existing commercial property in order to accommodate the construction of a new city hall. As a result of the city's continued growth, the city has been researching potential options for a new city hall.
Expanding the central development area was addressed by the 2002 Hyett Palma study, which recommended addressing the city's need for a new city hall and connecting the downtown business district to Center Lake and Central Park. The study was conducted at the request of the city to start, refocus and energize downtown enhancement efforts, according to planning information.
The new city hall would house the majority of the city's offices and be adjacent to Center Lake Park.
The proposed building would consist of two stories, and include offices for the clerk, mayor, human resources and building and planning department and house the city council chamber and public hearing assembly rooms.
Skinner said the next step is for the city to speak with Indiana American Water regarding the city acquiring property for a new city hall. He said the city is considering acquiring the Indiana American Water building at 350 N. Buffalo St. He said an appraisal on the property will need to be conducted, and architectural and engineering plans will be discussed.
"The completion of these projects will allow for the continued growth of the downtown redevelopment district while strengthening the local economy, providing future economic opportunities and improving the downtown commercial district," Skinner said.
On May 5, the commission approved a declaratory resolution to expand the area and sent a favorable recommendation to the Warsaw City Council to expand the area. The council approved a resolution May 19 to expand the central development area.
The area was created in the 1990s to broaden economic opportunities while creating a community focal point, according to planning information.[[In-content Ad]]The original plan focused on revitalizing the downtown commercial district by improving streets, infrastructure and aesthetics within the commercial district.
The original development area encompassed the blocks between the north-south Conrail tracks, Center Street, Canal Street and the alley between Indiana and Buffalo streets.
The expansion of the development area includes the border of Center Lake and Buffalo Street, then south along Buffalo Street to the alley south of Fort Wayne Street. It then heads back north along the existing development area's boundary, returning to Center Lake. The acreage of the expansion is approximately 5 acres.
Expanding the Central Development Area will allow the city to focus on two rehabilitation projects, according to City Planner Jeremy Skinner.
The first project includes improving the infrastructure and aesthetics along Buffalo Street.
The project will include improving and replacing infrastructure along Buffalo Street, running from the alley immediately north of Main Street to Center Lake.
Along with the infrastructure improvements, Warsaw will restore the original boulevard that connected the downtown district to Center Lake.
The improvements will include replacing or improving any storm, sanitary and water mains that run throughout the project area.
In addition to those water and sewer improvements, the project also will include rehabilitating the street, sidewalks and curbs within the project area.
The second project will be to rehabilitate existing commercial property in order to accommodate the construction of a new city hall. As a result of the city's continued growth, the city has been researching potential options for a new city hall.
Expanding the central development area was addressed by the 2002 Hyett Palma study, which recommended addressing the city's need for a new city hall and connecting the downtown business district to Center Lake and Central Park. The study was conducted at the request of the city to start, refocus and energize downtown enhancement efforts, according to planning information.
The new city hall would house the majority of the city's offices and be adjacent to Center Lake Park.
The proposed building would consist of two stories, and include offices for the clerk, mayor, human resources and building and planning department and house the city council chamber and public hearing assembly rooms.
Skinner said the next step is for the city to speak with Indiana American Water regarding the city acquiring property for a new city hall. He said the city is considering acquiring the Indiana American Water building at 350 N. Buffalo St. He said an appraisal on the property will need to be conducted, and architectural and engineering plans will be discussed.
"The completion of these projects will allow for the continued growth of the downtown redevelopment district while strengthening the local economy, providing future economic opportunities and improving the downtown commercial district," Skinner said.
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