North end could be "choice area", Andrews North End Plan discussion |
North end could be "choice area", Andrews North End Plan discussion |
Jan 17 2008, 08:07 AM
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,460 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=32796.78
QUOTE Oberlie: North End Can Be 'Choice' Area Jason Miller The News-Dispatch MICHIGAN CITY - In his annual state-of-the-city address last week, Mayor Chuck Oberlie outlined his fast-track plans for the city's North End in hopes that after the first quarter of 2008, the engine of change will be humming. Saying the area isn't pedestrian friendly or visually pleasing, he hopes the results of three studies laying out possibilities for the North End turn the area - through a unified vision - into the city's "neighborhood of choice." "The beauty of it all is that I outlined 21 different projects, and all of them will be moving forward as of (Thursday)," he said. "And they can all move forward without hurting the others." Oberlie also released a small portfolio featuring a few ideas for North End redevelopment gleaned from three studies the city has commissioned in the last two years. The most visually striking of the ideas is a large residential and commercial area along Trail Creek which, in theory, would include three large high-rise buildings just across the creek from Blue Chip Casino. Oberlie's thoughts are that developing the Trail Creek Corridor from Eighth Street to Washington Park would turn the city's North End into the crown jewel of the city. His hopes aren't without precedent. Although its size pales in comparison to that of Michigan City, the town of Saugatuck, Mich., benefits greatly from a developed Kalamazoo River, which houses not only hundreds of private boat slips, but residences, shops and restaurants like those Oberlie envisions for Trail Creek. "Our boating industry is a huge element of our success, if not the lifeblood of our town," second-term Saugatuck Mayor Tony Vettori said Friday. "And it's all due to the fact that there's so much to do right along the river. It brings in boaters and non-boaters." Like Michigan City, Saugatuck features a river that leads to a large, heavily used beach and the waters of Lake Michigan. Vettori said the beach benefits from the downtown river scene, just as the downtown benefits from the beach and Lake Michigan. "We've become an art destination and a shopping destination. And Oval Beach is rated one of the top 10 beaches in the country," Vettori said. "The water is all a part of what draws people here, and I'd think it would have the same effect in Michigan City." |
Jan 18 2008, 08:18 AM
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,460 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
I did forget to post the preview I got from Alderman Murphy. There are links to the plan that was presented last night.
QUOTE Dear Friends, Many of you are aware of the exciting plans that have been put forth for the redevelopment of Michigan City's North End. Please see links below to access these plans online. 1) The Elston Grove Streetscape Project This was a project to set guidelines for new streetscape infrastructure in our historic district of Elston Grove. Neighbors worked with consultant JJR, Chicago in a series of visioning sessions to set guidelines on decorative lighting, gateway features, pocket parks, bikepaths, historic signage and other features. Implementation is set to happen in the next year. 2) The Lohan Anderson Reuse plan for the Trail Creek Corridor and Memorial Hospital Property The result again of input from Michigan City citizens, business people, and city leaders working with renowned architects, Lohan Anderson, Chicago to propose a reuse plan for our Trail Creek. The result will be an attractive downtown waterfront amenity for Michigan CIty residents and visitors to enjoy. BOTH OF THE ABOVE PLANS CAN BE ACCESSED @: http://www.emichigancity.com/cityhall/depa...nning/index.htm 3) The Andrews University North End Plan. The 28 Andrews University students under Professor Andrew Von Maur held a series of public meetings where residents, business people, public officials, and architects and urban designs with national reputations put forth ideas. The ideas were captured and enhanced by the students in a comprehensive plan. The result is a phenomenal document. Currently it is in draft form. The final Andrew’s University presentation will take place on Thursday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Michigan City Council Chambers. THIS PLAN CAN BE ACCESSED AT: http://www.andrewsurbandesign.org/ Let's get the word out. In these plans, are the makings of a World Class City. |
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