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8 comments:
Dave with regards to #1...I agree completely. Ideally I would like to see an Indoor/Outdoor waterpark with all the trimmings, but If it can only be indoor let's not make it your everyday YMCA pool. It should be a very large facility (a large pool) with several slides and other water activities.
Thanks Joe. I'm not against having an outdoor water park as well. My primary concern is that outdoor features are only viable for three or four months a year. The remaining 8-9 months the attraction appears in a state of hybernation, conveying an image of a "city asleep" rather than a vibrant growing community. I believe outdoor rides could be added eventually, once the resort has become established. I also feel land must be reserved for room to grow. As currently proposed (far north side) the attraction might become landlocked unless options are secured (by the developer of course) for future expansion.
Dave:
I didn't get to attend the input sessions due to work commitments. I am curious, though, about one suggestion that arose but which doesn't seem to have been discussed much.
The extension of Calhoun Street to State Street was suggested. This proposal raises the not too pleasant thought of "eminent domain" - a concept which has been used by the City in the past relying on the foundation of declaring an area a "blighted area" rather than the classic foundation of "public use."
Many remember the taking of the properties where the expansion of the Grand Wayne was built and now a portion of the Harrison Square project will sit. It did not fall under public use because the properties were taken from private property owners "A" to provide to private property owners "B". I believe the City used the concept of "blighted" in order to condemn it and transfer ownership.
If you look at the North River area using Google, the extension of Calhoun Street would cut through Headwaters Park - a thought with which those who worked so hard to create the Park would probably not be fond - and traverse through some private properties.
Was this idea abandoned? Or did it just not generate much interest?
Great work on the posts and suggestions. The wood appearance of buildings would also tie in with the Old Fort.
Charlotte-
Let me clarify that my support for the new roads was specifically for the east-west corridor to Lawton Park. Unfortunately I wasn't present during the conversations about the Calhoun St extension to State. I agree with you that this would be problematic and believe eminent domain should be avoided at all costs (see #6 here).
I am aware that discussions included straightening the bend on State Street through Eastbrook/Westbrook. I cannot see how eminent domain would be avoided should this proceed. I do have a problem with that in particular.
I could be wrong, but I don't believe the discussion included extending Calhoun south through Headwaters Park.
Charlotte & Dave,
The north/south road in the plan isn't actually Calhoun, it's a new road for the purpose of this project. And it will not cross the river and extend south so that should allay your concerns about the park.
Regarding State Street, my understanding is that was already in the works before the North River project ever began, and it is going to happen, regardless of how NR proceeds.
Thanks for confirming that the new road would not extend through Headwaters.
Dave - I'm in agreement with you regarding the common theme to the area.
However, I would reccommend an old-style, European theme for the design of the area. The development could feature cobble stone streets (using stamped concrete) and street lights reminiscent of the old gas-run lights downtown FW used to have.
The area could take on the "feel" of a European village, tucked away in FW Indiana. Store fronts and building facades would mirror this theme and give visitors a unique experience as they explored the corridors.
Whatever is decided on for a "theme" for the North River, I hope it is one that will inspire and encourage creativity for all who come to enjoy it.
Hi, I'm a newcomer, and I think this idea looks great. I was wondering, though - any chance that the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo would jump on the chance to have a downtown aquarium? They also have an aquarium, and I would hate to draw business away from them. Plus, they probably already have people with extensive knowledge on running an aquarium.
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