Plan Implementation
With the passage and adoption of the East Central Forward Neighborhood Plan in June 2025, the City is actively working with the East Central Forward Neighborhood Planning Committee.
This page will be dedicated to providing the community with regular updates on projects as they are implemented/completed. As each of the projects is implemented, projects and programs will be identified by one of the following statuses:
- Complete - Action has been taken to complete a project/program as described by the Plan.
- In Progress - Active work is underway to achieve the outcomes outlined for each project/program. This status includes any planning and design stages for physical or built projects. Portions of the project/program could have been completed while other elements are still pending.
- Ongoing - These are projects that are always happening, in the background, thanks to partnerships between neighborhoods, the City, and local organizations. These opportunities don't necessarily have static start or completion dates, but rather have the ability to participate throughout.
- Not Started - Let's be honest: projects take time and money. This status indicates that the work is not currently active or underway. It doesn't mean that it's not a priority or that we aren't working on it; it just means that other projects are currently the focus.
How Are Projects Prioritized?
The City of Fort Wayne's Community Development division is guiding implementation in partnership with many community stakeholders and other public entities. This includes the East Central Neighborhood.
Prioritization is guided by several factors, including organizational capacity, funding, community needs, and coordination with other ongoing efforts. The East Central Forward Neighborhood Plan also provides a recommended general time frame for when action on certain projects and programs is anticipated.
Project Status
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 One
East Central residents actively contribute to and take pride in a safe, clean, and beautiful neighborhood.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 1 | 1 | Partner with Indiana Tech and Neighborhood Code Compliance to organize regular community cleanup events throughout the year. | Ongoing |
| 1 | 2 | Collaborate with the Solid Waste Department to host community dumpster days annually. | Ongoing |
| 1 | 3 | Implement a mattress disposal program with the Solid Waste Department. | Not Started |
| 1 | 4 | Develop a CPTED Strategy for the intersection of Hanna and Lewis to address specific safety issues. | Not Started |
| 1 | 5 | Develop and implement a strategy to improve and maintain vacant lots to reduce crime and improve neighborhood aesthetics. | Not Started |
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 Two
East Central’s history and heritage are a source of community pride and are actively celebrated.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 2 | 1 | Work with the Allen County Public Library to develop a digital and oral history archive for the East Central Neighborhood. | Not Started |
| 2 | 2 | Work with the Historic Preservation Commission to complete a historic resources inventory to identify and nominate structures and areas eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and Local Historic designation. | Not Started |
| 2 | 3 | Work with the Historic Preservation Commission and the Fort Wayne Committee of the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Program to designate structures and sites as National Register of Historic Places and/or Local Historic Districts and install heritage markers. | In Progress |
| 2 | 4 | Collaborate with Public Works and the Public Art Commission to transform traffic control boxes into vibrant displays of public art that communicate the rich history and cultural heritage of the East Central Neighborhood. | Not Started |
| 2 | 5 | Collaborate with the Public Art Commission to create public art installations that serve as landmarks and tell the stories of significant people, events, and places in East Central’s history. | In Progress |
| 2 | 6 | Partner with the Foellinger Foundation to install distinctive lighting and signage at the Clay and Berry Street gateway, reflecting East Central’s brand. | In Progress |
| 2 | 7 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the Coombs Street gateway with new lighting and sidewalks, creating a welcoming entrance to the neighborhood. | Not Started |
| 2 | 8 | Collaborate with the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission to install a mural on the retaining walls near Coombs and Liberty streets that showcases East Central’s history, culture, and identity. | In Progress |
| 2 | 9 | Work with Public Works to install new railroad overpass signage and lighting on Hanna Street (northbound), clearly marking the entry into East Central. | Not Started |
| 2 | 10 | Install consistent medallion signage with East Central Neighborhood logo and name along primary corridors, reinforcing the neighborhood’s identity. | In Progress |
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 Three
East Central offers residents a range of safe, high-quality, and affordable housing options that meet diverse needs and preferences.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 3 | 1 | Work with the City of Fort Wayne Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services to develop a curb appeal matching grant program specifically for East Central homeowners. | Not Started |
| 3 | 2 | Develop a proactive system to collaborate with neighborhood code enforcement to identify and address properties in need of inspection and ensure timely follow-up on code violations. | Ongoing |
| 3 | 3 | Collaborate with the City of Fort Wayne Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services to develop incentives for infill development. | In Progress |
| 3 | 4 | Utilize the 2025 East Central Housing Market Potential Study and partner with neighborhood property owners (Indiana Tech, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services) to identify areas for infill housing & ensure new infill meets the demands for the East Central community. | Not Started |
| 3 | 5 | Partner with local organizations to provide resources and programs to promote and support homeownership. | Not Started |
| 3 | 6 | Collaborate with City of Fort Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority to connect potential homebuyers with fair housing education. | Not Started |
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.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 4 | 1 | Collaborate with Public Works to install new lighting on Hanna Street to improve pedestrian safety. | In Progress |
| 4 | 2 | Upon trail completion, work with Public Works to install branded wayfinding signs to and on the Hanna Street Trail. | In Progress |
| 4 | 3 | Collaborate with Public Works to review sidewalk connectivity to the Hanna Street Trail to ensure safe and accessible sidewalk connections. | In Progress |
| 4 | 4 | Encourage additional trail development along Berry Street to connect the Hanna Street Trail to downtown and the Rivergreenway. | Not Started |
| 4 | 5 | Collaborate with Citilink and Public Works on the installation of new bus shelters at high-use Citilink stops. | Not Started |
| 4 | 6 | Promote and support community efforts for increased funding to sustain and grow public transit service. | Ongoing |
| 4 | 7 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on East Lewis Street. | In Progress |
| 4 | 8 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on Monroe Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 9 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on Clay Street. | Not Started |
| 4 | 10 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on Madison Street. | In Progress |
| 4 | 11 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on Francis Street. | Not Started |
| 4 | 12 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on Coombs Street. | Not Started |
| 4 | 13 | Collaborate with Public Works to Install pedestrian-scale street lighting on Harmar Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 14 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on East Lewis Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 15 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on Hugh Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 16 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on Monroe Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 17 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on Brackenridge Street. | Not Started |
| 4 | 18 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on Francis Street. | Not Started |
| 4 | 19 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on Coombs Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 20 | Collaborate with Public Works to improve the existing neighborhood sidewalks and crosswalks on Harmar Street. | Complete |
| 4 | 21 | Ensure that lighting is adequate outside and within walking distance to both the Jennings Center and Hanna Homestead Park to improve safety. | In Progress |
| 4 | 22 | Collaborate with Public Works to install new concrete bump-outs on Lewis Street near Hanna Homestead Park and Jennings Center to improve safety. | In Progress |
| 4 | 23 | Collaborate with Public Works to develop a corridor improvement plan that includes traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, and streetscape improvements for E. Jefferson Boulevard and Maumee Avenue between Lafayette Street and Anthony Boulevard. | Not Started |
| 4 | 24 | Collaborate with Public Works to assess the condition of primary east/west corridors between East Central and Downtown Fort Wayne and prioritize upgrades that support connectivity. | Not Started |
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 | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 5 | 1 | Encourage accessibility improvements to the Jennings Center where possible. | Not Started |
| 5 | 2 | Develop and implement a fundraising strategy with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation to raise funds to develop and improve Hanna Homestead Park. | In Progress |
| 5 | 3 | Support the implementation of the Hanna Homestead Park Master Plan. | Not Started |
| 5 | 4 | Support Parks and Recreation efforts to expand all-day programming at area community centers and parks. | Not Started |
| 5 | 5 | Explore youth mentorship opportunities through a partnership with Big Brothers - Big Sisters. | Not Started |
| 5 | 6 | Promote bicycle and pedestrian safety by hosting an annual bike safety event programming on area trails. | Not Started |
| 5 | 7 | Partner with area faith-based organizations to develop new neighborhood programs such as youth development, community outreach, and senior support. | Not Started |
Goal 6
Development in East Central reflects the community’s vision for its future.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 6 | 1 | Consider the application of Multifamily Residential (R3) zoning designations along Hanna and Lewis Streets to encourage appropriate neighborhood-oriented commercial infill. | Not Started |
| 6 | 2 | Consider the application of Urban Corridor (UC) zoning designations along Maumee Avenue, East Washington, and East Wayne to encourage appropriate neighborhood-oriented commercial and residential infill. | Not Started |
| 6 | 3 | Consider the application of Multifamily Residential (R3) zoning designations North on Ohio and East Lewis Streets to encourage appropriate neighborhood-oriented residential infill. | Not Started |
| 6 | 4 | Consider the application of Limited Commercial (C2) between Brackenridge and Hayden, along South Hanna to match current adjacent zoning. | Not Started |
| 6 | 5 | Consider the application of Urban Corridor (UC) zoning designations between East Wayne and East Berry along Hanover to match curret and encourage appropriate future uses. | Not Started |
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, 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.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 7 | 1 | Create a collaborative network with faith-based organizations in East Central to coordinate and amplify the promotion of community activities and events. | Ongoing |
| 7 | 2 | Implement a consistent communication schedule through neighborhood association channels to promote Jennings Center programs, classes, and events to East Central residents. | Not Started |
| 7 | 3 | Provide tailored support to neighborhood businesses and entrepreneurs in navigating the SEED program application process and accessing relevant resources. | Not Started |
| 7 | 4 | Promote East Central businesses located in or near the Downtown Improvement District (east of Lafayette), and work to develop a relationship with the neighborhood. | In Progress |
| 7 | 5 | Collaborate with Indiana Tech’s communications programs to support neighborhood print and visual communication efforts. | Not Started |
| 7 | 6 | Partner with Indiana Tech to offer neighborhood-focused courses (e.g., leadership, communications) for residents. | Not Started |
Goal 8
East Central fosters a healthy and sustainable community for residents to live, work, and play.
| Goal | # | Project/Program | Status |
| 8 | 1 | Work with community health organizations to develop and implement a place-based health improvement plan for the 46803 Zip Code. | Not Started |
| 8 | 2 | Invite local health partners to participate in neighborhood events and attend neighborhood meetings. | Not Started |
| 8 | 3 | Work with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department to consider piloting mobile health programs and services at the Jennings Center. | Not Started |
| 8 | 4 | Communicate available resources for unsheltered residents, including information on shelters, food banks, healthcare, and other essential services, through neighborhood association communication channels. | Not Started |
| 8 | 5 | Develop a volunteer inspection and reporting program to encourage consistent maintenance of public spaces in East Central, including trash collection, regular cleaning, and lighting maintenance, with a focus on creating a welcoming environment for all. | Not Started |
| 8 | 6 | Invite the Fort Wayne Police Department Hope and Recovery Team (HART) and other relevant service providers to attend neighborhood events and meetings to promote services provided to residents. | Not Started |
| 8 | 7 | Work with the City of Fort Wayne’s Arborist to develop an annual tree planting program to increase the street tree canopy by at least 20% over the next ten years. | In Progress |
| 8 | 8 | Partner with the Tree Canopy Growth Fund (TCFG) to provide private property trees for residents for free. | Not Started |
| 8 | 9 | Work with the Indiana Tech Sustainability program to study heat-related health impacts on residents. | In Progress |
