Community and Economic Development Digest
January 14, 2010 | Northwest Indiana Edition
As your trusted advisor, it is our goal to provide you with the information you need to help you prepare for today and tomorrow's challenges. That's why SEH has developed Community and Economic Development Digest-a compilation of top stories geared to keep you aware of the happenings in the industry. We hope you find Community and Economic Development Digest as a valuable tool for staying up-to-date on various programs and issues that can have an impact on the entire Northwest Indiana region.
Sincerely,
SEH leads the way in transportation projects in Northwest Indiana.
Two major transportation projects continue moving forward in Northwest Indiana, one in Lake County and the other in LaPorte County.
GARY, IN | Early this year SEH completed a review of the Gary/Chicago Airport, which included specific recommendations to expedite the expansion of the main runway.
LAPORTE COUNTY, IN | In LaPorte County, SEH serves as the economic development coordinator and has been on point for the $50 million dollar investment in a logistics center project at the Kingsbury Industrial Park. SEH coordinated the development of the infrastructure budget which included funds from the State of Indiana - $3 million, CSX Transportation - $3 million, and LaPorte County Major Moves Funds - $6 million.
Town of Porter receives $1.8 million from RDA for "Gateway to the Indiana Dunes."
PORTER, IN | The Town of Porter, with the help of SEH - Indiana, has secured a $1.816 million dollar grant through the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority for the Indiana 49 "Gateway to the Indiana Dunes" Project. Projects include: The Indiana 49 Lakeshore Gateway Sub-Area Plan "Gateway to the Indiana Dunes", Indiana 49 Reconstruction Project - IN 49 Bridge at U.S. 20 (engineering, design and construction), "Gateway to the Indiana Dunes" Alternative Transportation Study, The Dunes Kankakee Trail (engineering and design), the Dunes Kankakee Trail Intersection at IN 49 and U.S. 20 (construction), and the Indiana 49 Engineer's Feasibility Study.
Another project for the Town of Porter involved SEH - Indiana working closely with the Indiana Department of Transportation on a quick turn-around project, which entailed developing bridge enhancements to the Indiana 49 bridge over U.S. 20.
Brickyard beautification will better a burgeoning community.
PORTER, IN | SEH - Indiana assisted the Town of Porter Redevelopment Commission in developing a concept plan for the former Brickyard property. The overall development pattern of The Brickyard will be an expansion of the existing downtown grid: Lincoln and Franklin Streets connect directly with existing streets while Rankin Street will align with a vacated right-of-way. Housing in the new neighborhood will face small, walkable blocks with garages facing alleys in back. On-street parking and sidewalks throughout will provide a comfortable walking environment for residents, neighbors, and guests.
A small park in the center of the site will provide the primary neighborhood gathering space, while a linear open space following the railroad will provide a connection to the existing lake and open space at the west end of the site. A trail through the linear open space and along the lake at the west end will provide a connection between The Brickyard, downtown area, and the local and regional trail networks while sidewalks along Beam Street, Sexton Avenue, and throughout the interior of the neighborhood will provide good connections to adjacent uses including the school and municipal buildings to the north.
Located at the northwest corner of The Brickyard, the new fire station will have convenient access to Beam Street and good proximity to existing municipal facilities across the street. Next to the highway, it will also be highly visible and will provide a nice buffer between residential development and the highway. On an adjacent parcel to the south, facing the central pocket park, in a traditional town planning style, there is a site for future expansion of municipal facilities in a prominent location with similar access and visibility.
Porter County Plan Commission seeking DNR dollars for study.
PORTER COUNTY, IN | SEH - Indiana assisted the Porter County Plan Commission in submitting a grant application to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Lake Michigan Coastal Program for the Dunes Kankakee Trail Engineer's Feasibility.
Watersheds, wetlands, and drainage! Oh my!
PORTER COUNTY, IN | SEH - Indiana was recently selected by Porter County to develop a county-wide drainage plan. Additionally, SEH - Indiana is in works with the county to submit a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant application. More to follow in the next newsletter.
LEED Certified buildings are clean, innovative and environmentally friendly, but are they performing better than their non-LEED counterparts?
The new USGBC directive underscores the importance of building performance and not just design.
La Porte County economic development alliance becoming a reality.
LA PORTE, IN | City and county officials hammered out more details of a new potential county-wide economic develop alliance as the date nears when the County Commission will vote whether or not to contract with it.
SEH Community and Economic Development Services
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