Page 62 - New Allen Alliance Digital Book

Other Complementary Projects: Facade, Leadership, Maintenance, Branding

Through the development of East Allen’s Rural Revival Regional Development Leadership and Placemaking Training & Support
Plan, there were a few things that were identified to be needed to elevate the ($250,000)
success of the effort. A presentation will be made to Allen County Council in As many of those involved in East Allen’s communities are baby boomers, the need
October 2018 for consideration of funding of $1,000,000 from 2019 – 2023 for has been identified to cultivate additional volunteers to serve in leadership positions.
the first three activities. The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne will be In rural areas, most every position is volunteer in nature to some capacity.
approached to assist with the Regional Branding Strategy.
There is need for additional placemaking support for communities. Placemaking
Allen County Commercial Façade Program is the foundation of the work we are taking on. While NewAllen and NIRCC can
($500,000 Allen County + $500,000 Property Owner Match = $1,000,000) coordinate larger physical improvements, there are many fine-grain opportunities
As the streetscapes are being improved with Stellar funding, a locally funded that could use support. The places that are enhanced are important, but so is
façade grant program will be put into place. This is a new program that will be the actual process of community members doing the work. This is an important
administered by the Allen County Redevelopment Department. The program will be part of capacity building. Organizations that could use the support include existing
made available county-wide aside from the cities of Fort Wayne and New Haven. and emerging Main Street Organizations (Woodburn, New Haven, Grabill, Leo), Park
New Haven will be implementing their own program. Through the program, Boards, Community Foundations and Associations, local Chambers, etc.
downtown commercial property owners can apply for funding to improve such
things as windows, awnings, signage, roofing, and tuck-pointing. Scoring criteria There are often small grant opportunities that pop up with short turn-around times.
for applicant rounds will include a favorable factor for properties within Revival NewAllen shares these opportunities with communities but does not have the
target areas. capacity to address each one. Ultimately, it would be good for each community to
respond on their own, but if relationships are built with organizations such as the
Operations/Maintenance Fund for Harlan and Hoagland Projects Allen County Purdue Extension perhaps the community developer could work more
($250,000) closely to accomplish more things. This work may be handled through a position
Harlan and Hoagland are each receiving investment into their parks and streetlights with the Purdue Extension or separately contracted.
as part of this plan. Because these communities are not incorporated, the upkeep
and maintenance of these facilities falls on the Harlan Community Association
and the Hoagland Area Advancement Association and Hoagland Chamber. Up to
$25,000 per year per community is being set aside to be used toward items such
as electric bills for lighting, maintenance and upkeep of equipment and grounds.

The NewAllen Alliance offers three programs that support small business in East
Allen County. These programs include a low-interest loan program for up to $50,000
administered by the CDC of Northeast Indiana, a façade rebate program for up to
$1,000, and business education grants up to $500.

Meadowbrook Elementary:
future EACS Career & Tech Center

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