Revitalization Plan Adopted for Goshen Downtown River District | Local News

GOSHEN – An expansive blueprint on how best to redevelop the four-block area of ​​downtown Goshen known as the Downtown River District was officially adopted by the Goshen Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday.

At the meeting, committee members approved the adoption of a downtown River District revitalization plan submitted by Elkhart-based consulting firm Jones Petrie Rafinski. The company was hired by the commission in September 2020 to develop the plan at a cost of $ 75,000.

According to Becky Hutsell, director of city redevelopment, the plan encompasses about four city blocks and includes the area west of Third Street, north of Lincoln Avenue, south of Pike Street and east of the river. .

Hutsell noted that there are three vacant lots located in the target area that she says are ready for redevelopment, one of which includes the former Elkhart County Jail property.

In addition to the former prison site, there is also an area of ​​vacant land located on West Lincoln Avenue near the river, as well as the site of a former dry cleaner located west of Pleasant Avenue and Pike Street.

With their hiring in September, JPR was tasked with developing a comprehensive vision for the future development of the four-block area by helping to identify catalytic projects, explore what the city market can support, and more.

“In summary, this is a comprehensive planning document that will help guide the four blocks,” Hutsell said of the plan. “We ask the commission to adopt this plan. It does not commit us to any specific project. It does not commit any funding, strictly speaking, for the moment. But, it will allow us to identify upcoming projects that push us in the right direction for this area. “

Commission Member Tom Stump, who also sits on Elkhart County Council, noted following Hutsell’s summary that some of his colleagues in the Elkhart County government recently mentioned that they were were taken aback by the wording of the plan, especially since much of the land in the Downtown River District belongs to the county.

In response, Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman, who was a member of the planning committee that helped guide the development of the new plan, explained that county leaders have been included in discussions regarding the formation of the plan since. the start of talks in mid-2020.

“Last year when this process began, Commissioners (Mike) Yoder and (Suzanne) Weirick knew we were looking at this,” Stutsman told the panel. “And we, in fact, before we even published the RFP, we asked them if the county wanted to be part of the RFP for their property. The answer was yes. They said, “Should we pay? And we said, ‘No, we’re going to pay for this plan. We just want to look at this property as it is also in the city center. … We worked hard to include the county from the start.

For his part, commissioner Vince Turner reiterated Hutsell’s point that the plan is just that – a plan – and in fact does not require any kind of development commitment from the city or town. County.

“I think what Becky pointed out is pretty important to keep in mind,” Turner said. “This is a model plan. To my mind, it’s like the Ball State study from years ago, and other studies that we’ve seen for the mile and other sections of downtown, or other sections of the city. city. It’s a recommendation that we have, it’s a model, so we can mix and match. And certainly nothing will happen right now given the cost of some of these things. But at least it gives us a benchmark to work from. “

In the end, a majority of the committee members agreed, and a motion was passed 4-1 to approve the passage of JPR’s downtown River District revitalization plan.

Turner commissioners Andrea Johnson, Brian Garber and Brett Weddell voted for the plan. Stump was the only ‘No’ vote.

THE REVITALIZATION PLAN

According to the River District Planning Committee, the new plan identifies eight principles, 11 recommendations and several capital improvement projects aimed at enhancing and celebrating the character of downtown Goshen and connecting downtown and the Elkhart River.

“The principles are the statements of intent for the preferred character of the River District,” the plan notes. “Recommendations are ideas that aim to physically transform and implement these principles. Some recommendations are items that can be immediately implemented in the short term while others are long term goals or means to develop.

A breakdown of the eight principles outlined in the plan includes: an integrated mix of uses both horizontally and vertically; diversity of users and residents; high-quality design of public and private spaces that illustrate the creation of places; pedestrian, urban and connected developments; provide abundant access to waterways, trails and open spaces; safe and attractive connections to the city center and adjacent neighborhoods; environmental sustainability through the use of green infrastructure and by enhancing the Elkhart River; and establish a cultural connection.

Here is a breakdown of the 11 recommendations set out in the plan: leverage riparian investments; establish footpaths and crosswalks; create exceptional access to waterways; facilitate strategic housing choices; orientation and connectivity to the city center; prepare appropriate planning regulations; strengthen the network of solidarity streets; provide attractive green spaces; set standards for green infrastructure and environmentally friendly solutions; enable and encourage the creation of fun and creative places; and identify and launch the first catalyst redevelopment projects.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

As for the multiple capital projects described in the plan, they are divided into three phases, phase 1 representing the first three years following the implementation of the plan, phase 2 representing years 4 to 10 and phase 3 representing years 10-20. The breakdown of suggested capital projects includes:

PHASE 1

• Lincoln Avenue Improvements: Improving Streetscape Conditions – $ 1.4 million

• Maple City Green Lane Extension: Extend the Maple City Green Lane through Lincoln Avenue and connect to Pike Street – $ 800,000

• Second Street Improvements: Improving Streetscape Conditions – $ 1.4 million

• Lincoln Avenue Shopping Center: develop a shopping area along Lincoln Avenue – Cost to be determined

• Route search: Extend the brand of downtown Goshen to the river district and incorporate route search – Cost to be determined

• Mixed-use development of third street: Develop mixed-use buildings with parking – Cost to be determined

PHASE 2

• New Street Improvements: Improvements to the existing roadway to widen the road, replace existing sidewalks and incorporate new parallel parking – $ 950,000

• New Street Town Home Community: Develop a residential townhouse complex – Cost to be determined

• Second Street Residential Complex: Develop a three story high density residential building with underground parking – Cost to be determined

• Clinton Street Improvements: Improve Streetscape Conditions – $ 950,000

• Single-family infill housing program: add two single-family residential units; one along New Street and one along Second Street – $ 500,000

• Third Street Improvements: Improve Streetscape Conditions – $ 700,000

• Mixed-use development of the second street: mixed-use development with parking – Cost to be determined

• Pike Street Improvements: Improve Streetscape Conditions – $ 500,000

• Commercial development of Pike Street: commercial complex with parking – Cost to be determined

PHASE 3

• Facilities for the elderly: working with investors to develop residential units specially designed for the elderly – Cost to be determined

• Arts and culture: program the possibility of employing local artisans to populate the neighborhood with works of art – Cost to be determined