Page 22 - New Allen Alliance Digital Book

Project Activities: Downtown Revitalization

Vibrant downtowns are widely recognized as essential to a healthy community In Woodburn, it is important to the community to preserve the vitality of the existing
and local economy as well as important to attracting new investment and talent. downtown as growth on the outskirts occurs due to completion of US 24, “Fort to
The downtown buildings in East Allen were generally developed in the early-mid Port” just north of the city. A Main Street organization was formed, and in 2014
1900s, and many need improvements. Water and sewer infrastructure in many an OCRA-funded Downtown Revitalization Plan was completed. Phase 1 occurred
of the communities is typically over 50 years old, as is stormwater infrastructure, in 2015 along Main Street and Bull Rapids Road, also assisted through OCRA
if existent. Sidewalks were constructed prior to ADA standards and are cracked funds. This project served as a catalyst for a new meat market and town square
and crumbling in spots. Each of the seven East Allen communities are proposing improvements. Woodburn desires to complete planned streetscape improvements
investment in one way or another into their downtowns. throughout the rest of its downtown.

The Main Street Four-Point approach provides a structure for how downtown The City of New Haven, Town of Monroeville and Hoagland CDP have already
revitalization can occur. This approach includes Organization, Design, Promotion, made improvements to their downtown streetscapes. Harlan plans to work with
and Economic Vitality. Woodburn is an Indiana Main Street community, Growing NIRCC to form a Main Street committee and complete a downtown plan. Additional
Grabill has an application pending, and New Haven is preparing an application. projects for downtown revitalization include a façade program in New Haven, an
The Town of Leo-Cedarville and the Harlan Area Revitalization Team are exploring Allen County downtown façade program for all communities other than New Haven,
applications. A Main Street Committee was recently established as part of the and funding to NewAllen and/or the Purdue Agricultural Extension for leadership
NewAllen Alliance to provide opportunities for Main Street and downtown training and place-making community development support. NewAllen’s small
representatives to collaborate, learn from one another, and cross promote. business loan and grant incentives will continue to be made available. NewAllen
has also discussed working with the Allen County Public Library system to bring
The Grabill Streetscape Enhancement Project, Leo-Cedarville Streetscape additional small business learning opportunities through the Indiana Small Business
Enhancement Project, and Woodburn Streetscape Enhancement Project Development Center and others speaking at branches.
– Phase 2 are all proposed for Stellar funding. Grabill and Leo-Cedarville’s
downtowns are approximately three miles from one another along the northern
part of the region. Streetscape improvements will be coordinated to complement
one another. Both communities desire to make improvements to their downtowns
that promote access and visibility to the local businesses, address infrastructure
deficits, spur economic development, provide pedestrian safe walkways and
gathering areas, promote special events and markets, and offer a family friendly
environment – all with connectivity to the Cedar Creek Parks Trail.

LEO-CEDARVILLE STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

GRABILL STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT WOODBURN STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Phase 2

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