Council approves multiple sidewalk, trail and development measures; 98-unit senior housing abatement approved

Fort Wayne’s Common Council approved a slate of construction contracts, utility and procurement measures and two economic‑development designations during the committee session on July 22, 2025. Several items were passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes; council members flagged only a small number of items for further attention.

Key outcomes at a glance - St. Joe River Drive sidewalk (S250709): Council approved a $853,772 construction contract with Hipskin Concrete Corporation to build approximately 2,160 feet of sidewalk, five stormwater inlets and 28 new lights on the south side of Saint Joe River Drive (near Anthony to Parnell). The project is funded with LIT and will begin in August with anticipated completion by November. Vote: passed (6–0).

- Hannah Street Trail and Trailhead (S250705 and S250706): The council approved two contracts for the Hannah Street trail segment and a trailhead (work order numbers shown in ordinance text), the combined total and contractor details are in the ordinance packets. Vote: passed (6–0).

- City utilities on‑call and condition assessment agreements (S250703, S250704, S250707): The council approved multiple on‑call construction and inspection service agreements and an amendment for condition assessment services; the water/sewer/storm utilities will use these on‑call contracts for system work in 2025. Vote: passed (6–0).

- Pierce 100‑foot ladder truck for Fire Department (S250701): The council approved purchase of one Pierce Enforcer 100‑foot tower ladder truck through McQueen Equipment / Pierce Manufacturing for $2,427,500; staff said lead time is approximately 48 months. Funding will be charged to the city master lease. Vote: passed (6–0).

- SDG Getz / Summit Real Estate (R250711): The council confirmed a resolution designating an Economic Revitalization Area under Indiana Code IC 6‑1.1‑12.1 for property commonly known as 6499 Welsh Road. The developer (SDG Getz, Summit Real Estate Development) plans a 98‑unit senior apartment community with clubhouse, walking trails and an internal road; the packet lists a total project investment of $24,821,426 and an estimated 10‑year abatement schedule with the first three years at 100% relief. The resolution passed with a unanimous committee recommendation and passed on the floor. Vote: passed (6–0).

- Coorsen Fire & Security expansion (R250713): The council approved a similar Economic Revitalization Area designation for property at 3505 Focus Drive and related West Ludwig Road addresses to permit a 17,000‑square‑foot office/warehouse addition for Coorsen Fire & Security. The packet lists an estimated project investment (same figure shown in packet) and projected job creation (10 new full‑time jobs and retention of 75). Committee recommendation and final passage carried with a recorded majority (committee vote recorded 5–1; final passage recorded 5–1).

- Appropriation for Weyndale Fire Station construction manager (A250708): Council appropriated funds from the CUMCAP Development Fund for a construction management contract for a proposed Fire Station Number 5 in Weyndale; the appropriation passed with a recorded majority (committee recorded 5–1 for do pass).

- Alley vacation (G250317): The council approved a petition to vacate a 10‑foot platted alley in Slaughterpurse Addition (petitioner: Craft Moving Services Inc.). The petition will include a blanket utility easement; reviewing agencies approved the petition. Vote: passed (6–0).

What council and staff said Redevelopment and public‑works staff described the sidewalk and trail projects as high‑priority infrastructure for pedestrian safety and economic activity. PJ Thuringer (Redevelopment Department) presented details for the St. Joe River Drive sidewalk project and said the design responds to neighborhood priorities; staff identified LIT as the funding source and a construction window of August–November. Fire Chief Eric Leahy presented the ladder truck request and explained the long lead time and rising apparatus costs.

Economic development staff (Andrea Robinson, Economic Development) presented the abatement requests for SDG Getz/Summit (senior housing) and Coorsen Fire & Security. The SDG Getz project packet lists a $24.8 million investment to build 98 senior units with rents noted in presentation materials at roughly $1,800–$2,200 per month for one‑ and two‑bedroom units; the developer told council the development faces grading and site‑preparation work, including some GeoPier foundation work and a road addition budgeted at roughly $400,000–$500,000.

Votes and procedural notes This session included both committee recommendations and final floor votes. Most construction and procurement contracts and the Coorsen and SDG Getz designations carried committee recommendations and passed on the floor. Where committee votes were not unanimous, the transcript notes the recorded committee tallies and the final floor outcomes.

Why it matters The actions fund several pedestrian safety projects that serve schools, business corridors and festival routes (the St. Joe River Drive sidewalk project was identified as high priority in the Northeast plan and will serve Concordia High, Holy Cross School and the North Anthony business corridor). The housing abatement for SDG Getz proposes 98 senior units in an area staff identified as difficult to develop; council discussion included site‑preparation costs and long‑term affordability questions.

Follow up and implementation - St. Joe River Drive sidewalk: construction to begin in August and finish by November, funded by LIT. - Pierce ladder truck: lead time estimated at 48 months; existing ladder 2014 model will become reserve; a 1996 truck to be sent to auction. - SDG Getz senior housing: developers and staff to coordinate on site grading, GeoPiers work and road construction; some costs for site work were estimated on the record.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are drawn from the meeting record for items listed above.