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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: