East Market Street Neighborhood Plan
A public hearing is the next step for the East Market Street Neighborhood Plan according to Brad Johnson with Ground Rules Inc., Zionsville.
The first sub-area plan for the project, to be included in the comprehensive plan, was presented to members of the Warsaw Plan Commission Monday evening. The comprehensive plan itself is under consideration by the Warsaw Common Council.
Additionally Johnson presented a bike and pedestrian plan map for inclusion in the plan.
Jeremy Skinner, city planner, noted the plan will be posted on the city’s website for the public to review prior to the public hearing. The hearing is expected in 30 days.
The project focuses on the Market Street area from Detroit Street to Argonne Road, Center Street to Smith Street. “The vast majority will have no changes,” Johnson said.
The focus in residential areas is to stabilize the neighborhoods. Sidewalk construction/reconstruction and park improvements are suggested. Also is the utilization of zoning regulations, a basic property maintenance ordinance and a public/private partnership to construct new homes or refurbish homes.
Most of Johnson’s presentation centered on the Little Crow and Gatke properties.
Suggestions for the Little Crow building is to try and market the building for the next couple of years, before intervening to modify the building for re-utilization or demolish the building for new development.
The Gatke property, with several structures in disrepair, is believed to be cost prohibitive for most potential clients. Johnson provided numerous suggestions for the property’s use, including demolishing some structures to redevelop the site.
Suggestions for that site included a mixed-use commercial development for offices, retail, restaurant and recreation uses; an indoor recreation center and a Ruins Park. A Ruins Park would be taking bones of the existing structure and converting it for safe recreation and play. While not climate controlled, it would be under roof and could provide semi-indoor recreation. It could also be a themed park and a destination for tourism.
Several examples of Ruins Parks were given. Johnson stated this would be a new concept for northern Indiana.
It was stated the property has been cleared by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management except for residential purposes and use of ground water.
Pedestrian crossings, intersection enhancements, sidewalk enhancements were also noted.
Regarding the Bike and pedestrian plan, it was noted it was almost 90 percent the same as a plan already on the books. The new plan connects the gaps in the original plan and provides a potential opportunity to circle the entire city.
During other business:
- Preliminary and final plat approval was given for the CCS YMCA Subdivision, allowing Combined Community Services to split its property into two parcels: 3.76 acres and 2.21 acres. It was stated the intent is to sell the 2.21 acres to the YMCA.
- Send a favorable recommendation to the city council amending appendix B (vision clearance, fences and accessory structures) to the zoning ordinance.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8.