Project Description
The City of Fort Wayne's Department of Neighborhoods is working closely with residents, businesses, organizations, and stakeholders in the East Central Neighborhood to develop a new ten-year strategic framework plan for project and program investment in the community.
The expected outcome of this work is a 10-year neighborhood plan that provides a shared vision and direction for the neighborhoods, providing strategies for investing in growth, building community, and improving the quality of life for neighborhood residents, businesses, and organizations.
You may ask why a neighborhood plan is important. The neighborhood planning process offers local stakeholders the opportunity to come together and shape the future of your neighborhood.
Neighborhood plans do a lot for a community, including
- (1) engaging residents and businesses in identifying a future vision for the area and providing strategies and recommendations for achieving that vision,
- (2) providing detailed recommendations for the neighborhood to ensure neighborhoods grow as envisioned by the plan, and
- (3) provide a level of analysis, detail, and guidance on issues affecting local areas that a "comprehensive" citywide plan cannot.
The last East Central plan was developed in 2005. In nearly 20 years the neighborhood has seen a lot of change, and updating the plan to reflect the East Central neighborhood today is important for future growth and development.
In short, everyone! This plan involves anyone who lives, works, worships, and participates in the East Central Neighborhood planning area, and we want to ensure your voice is included.
Direct involvement from the neighborhood's stakeholders and residents is central to developing a neighborhood plan. To ensure that the neighborhood planning process goes smoothly, a team of steering committee members, made up of residents, business owners and organizations in the East Central Neighborhood planning area, meet regularly to provide feedback and guidance in the plan development process.
East Central Forward Plan
The following principles serve as the foundation of East Central Forward, guiding all strategies, actions, and recommendations within the plan. Rooted in the community's values and priorities, these principles reflect a shared vision for a stronger, connected, and resilient neighborhood. They respond to present-day challenges and long-term opportunities, aiming for a neighborhood where residents feel safe, supported, and proud to call East Central home.
We believe that all residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. East Central Forward prioritizes strategies that increase public safety, encourage community involvement, and create inviting public spaces. By fostering a greater sense of trust, connection, and visibility, we aim to enhance safety and peace of mind throughout East Central.
East Central’s past is a source of strength and identity. This plan supports efforts to celebrate the neighborhood’s cultural heritage, honor those who have shaped it, and preserve historic places and stories. By elevating community memory, we build pride in East Central for future generations.
A walkable neighborhood is a livable neighborhood. East Central Forward emphasizes the importance of safe, connected, and accessible pedestrian infrastructure. The plan prioritizes sidewalk improvements near schools, parks, and activity centers to promote healthy lifestyles and improve mobility for people of all ages and abilities.
Stable, quality housing is the heart of a strong neighborhood. East Central Forward promotes housing that is safe, affordable, and well-maintained. The plan supports investment in existing homes, responsible infill development, and policies that help residents remain in their homes and build long-term stability.
Access to recreation and wellness resources is essential to community well-being. East Central Forward advocates for the enhancement of parks, trails, and community spaces as hubs for physical activity, connection, and health services. The plan sees a future where every resident has access to safe, vibrant places to play, gather, and thrive.
Neighborhood Engagement
Effective neighborhood planning relies on genuine and widespread community participation. East Central Forward was developed through extensive engagement with diverse community stakeholders, including residents, local businesses, faith-based and non-profit organizations, foundations, and other community institutions. The engagement strategy utilized a combination of in-person meetings, workshops, door-to-door outreach, and online participation opportunities conducted from 2023 to 2025. Additionally, a neighborhood planning committee guided the overall process, composed of East Central residents and organizational representatives.
Plan Recommendations
Recommentdations from this plan are organized into five topic areas: Safe Community, History and Heritage, Improved Housing, Quality Place and Thriving Community. Within each category is a vision statement that reflects the input received during the planning process and is used to guide the plan recommendations. While the plan includes some major projects that could have a transformative impact on the neighborhood, several small-scale projects are encouraged to help support major projects and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Safe Community
Vision Statement: East Central is a resilient neighborhood where residents feel safe, connected and proud. Through community-driven strategies, investment in public spaces, and strong relationships, East Central Forward fosters a vibrant, welcoming environment for all.
GOAL 1: East Central residents actively contribute to and take pride in a safe, clean, and beautiful neighborhood.
Strategy 1.1: Empower residents to enhance the cleanliness and appearance of East Central through community-led cleanup initiatives.
Strategy 1.2: Improve safety and security in East Central by implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Strategies.
History and Heritage
Vision Statement: East Central is a neighborhood rooted in legacy, where the stories of past generations shape its spirit today. East Central Forward envisions a future that honors Black and immigrant contributions, preserves historic places and stories, and celebrates heritage as a source of pride, identity, and community connection.
GOAL 2: East Central’s history and heritage are a source of community pride and are actively celebrated
Strategy 2.1: Engage the East Central community in identifying, preserving, and celebrating its history and historic resources.
Strategy 2.2: Tell the story of East Central's history and heritage through compelling public art and signage that enhances the neighborhood's identity and sense of place.
Strategy 2.3: Establish a strong visual identity for East Central by enhancing neighborhood gateways that clearly define its boundaries and celebrate its unique character.
Improved Housing
Vision Statement: East Central envisions a neighborhood where every resident has access to safe, high-quality, and affordable housing that supports long-term stability. East Central Forward recognizes that housing is not just shelter, but the foundation for dignity, community, and generational opportunity.
GOAL 3: East Central offers residents a range of safe, high-quality, and affordable housing options that meet diverse needs and preferences
Strategy 3.1: Enhance East Central's housing stock through maintenance, improvement, and preservation efforts.
Strategy 3.2: Increase housing availability and diversity in East Central through strategic infill development.
Strategy 3.3: Expand homeownership opportunities in East Central.
Quality Place
Vision Statement: East Central envisions a future centered on walkability, connectivity, and recreation where safe streets, modern sidewalks, and vibrant public spaces support a healthy, active community. By addressing high-traffic corridors and enhancing trails and public transportation, East Central Forward aims to reconnect the neighborhood internally and to the broader city.
GOAL 4: East Central residents have access to safe, reliable, and connected infrastructure
Strategy 4.1: Encourage connectivity and expansion of the city Trail Network in the East Central Neighborhood.
Strategy 4.2: Support safe access to public transit within the East Central Neighborhood.
Strategy 4.3: Improve pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout the neighborhood.
Strategy 4.4: Improve physical linkages between East Central and Downtown Fort Wayne to enhance connectivity for residents and businesses.
GOAL 5: East Central residents enjoy equitable access to and actively utilize high-quality parks, public spaces, and recreational facilities that foster community and enhance quality of life.
GOAL 5: East Central residents enjoy equitable access to and actively utilize high-quality parks, public spaces, and recreational facilities that foster community and enhance quality of life.
GOAL 5: East Central residents enjoy equitable access to and actively utilize high-quality parks, public spaces, and recreational facilities that foster community and enhance quality of life.
GOAL 6: Development in East Central reflects the community’s vision for its future.
Strategy 6.1: Encourage the alignment and modification of zoning district designations that support desired development and reflect the community's vision for East Central.
Thriving Community
Vision Statement: East Central is a connected and resilient neighborhood where residents are empowered to engage, contribute, and thrive. Through strong partnerships, support for small businesses, and a focus on health and sustainability in the neighborhood, East Central Forward builds a foundation for civic engagement and a shared, forward-looking purpose.
GOAL 7: East Central residents are well connected to social events, community partners, and neighbors
Strategy 7.1: Increase community awareness and participation in East Central activities and events.
Strategy 7.2: Foster small business growth and development in East Central by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the City of Fort Wayne Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) program.
Strategy 7.3: Strengthen the partnership between East Central and Indiana Tech to enhance community development.
GOAL 8: East Central fosters a healthy and sustainable community for residents to live, work, and play
Strategy 8.1: Improve physical and mental health outcomes for East Central residents.
Strategy 8.2: Work with local agencies to develop physical and mental health services in the East Central.
Strategy 8.3: Enhance access to resources and support for unsheltered residents in East Central through collaborative partnerships.
Strategy 8.4: Enhance environmental sustainability and resilience in East Central.
Implementing the Plan
Implementation Framework
Successful neighborhood planning does not end with adoption; it begins with action. Implementation is the critical phase where ideas, priorities, and strategies are translated into visible improvements and community impact. The East Central Forward plan is designed as a vision for the future and a working document that guides ongoing decision-making, investment, and collaboration.
Implementation Strategy
While East Central Forward outlines a long-term vision, its success depends on identifying and executing high-impact, short-term actions. These catalytic or momentum-building projects serve as visible demonstrations of progress, building trust within the community.
Investing in East Central
Images below show investments made in the East Central Neighborhood since the Summer of 2024. These projects are recommendations in the East Central Forward Neighborhood Plan and result from community input since the planning process began.
Nearly $200,000 in new sidewalks are being constructed on both Lewis Street and Hugh Street, improving residents' connectivity to Hanna Homestead Park and the Jennings Recreation Center. This project is supported through Mayor Sharon Tucker and 5th District Councilman Geoff Paddock.
Nearly $500,000 in new sidewalks are being constructed on Maumee Avenue and Anthony Boulevard near the Indiana Tech campus. In addition, several hundred feet of new curbs, sidewalks, and ADA ramps were added on Berry Street, Harmar Street, and East Wayne near the site of four new innovative homes being constructed in the neighborhood. This project is supported through Mayor Sharon Tucker and Indiana Tech.
Four new housing units were added to the neighborhood in a partnership between Community Development and Royal Development. The houses on the northern side of the East Central Neighborhood include four innovative models, including Fort Wayne's first shipping container home on East Berry Street. These lots have been vacant for several years and will bring new families to the neighborhood.
Share Your Input
Crucial to a good plan is the voices of the community. The East Central Forward plan is seeking input through a variety of outreach opportunities, including the following:
Interactive Map
English Survey
Spanish Survey
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
Phone | 260-427-8311 |
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In writing | Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne IN 46802 |