City to invest $25M in neighborhood improvements
May 5, 2016
City to invest $25M in neighborhood improvements
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) -- How are your streets and sidewalks?
City and neighborhood leaders kicked off the construction season Thursday afternoon by announcing a $25 million investment in subdivisions across Fort Wayne.
For example, the Eagle Lake subdivision hasn't seen any updates since it was built in the early 90's, and city workers identified it as one that needs some work.
The concrete streets will be repaved, sidewalks will be fixed and ADA compliant ramps will be added.
It's part of the city's aggressive push to finish about 500 public works project this year.
Streets like McKinnie Avenue are being redone, as well.
In all, about 65 miles of asphalt and concrete roads will be repaired or resurfaced, plus eight to ten miles of sidewalks.
With 1200 miles of city streets and 1600 miles of sidewalks, every segment carries a rating, which helps prioritize the projects.
“In the past we would go in and just repair a spot repair here and there, so we could be in an addition for 10 years doing spot repairs. Two years ago we took a different approach where we're doing comprehensive repair. It'll be full-out construction for one season, but that one season we'll be in here instead of 10 disrupting the neighborhoods,” says Fort Wayne’s Director of Public Works Bob Kennedy.
These construction and city utilities water and sewer neighborhood projects will support about 1300 jobs.
And Mayor Henry says investing millions into neighborhoods contributes to the growth of the city as well as the economic growth, since that's what company leaders want to see for employees they could bring here to work.
