Fort Wayne council deadlocks on Superior Street urban trail; project to be reconsidered

An ordinance to approve a $1,647,838.80 construction contract for the Superior Street Urban Trail (Clinton to Lafayette) failed to receive a due-pass recommendation and will be reconsidered at the council's next regular session.

Redevelopment Director Alec Johnson told the council the project would complete a segment of the riverfront urban trail on the north side of Superior Street between Clinton and Lafayette and said the design follows Fort Wayne's Downtown Design Guidelines. Johnson said the trail is intended to “be safe for all users and allows people to travel safely at different speeds with different modes of transportation,” and that the city expects to fund the work with a mix of general LIT (local income tax) and riverfront LIT funds.

The measure divided the council. Supporters described the trail as a downtown connectivity and economic‑development investment that will link Promenade Park to other riverfront destinations. Councilwoman Chambers, a member of the downtown design committee, said the area is now a neighborhood and argued completing the trail “puts the bow on downtown” and improves access for residents and visitors. Councilman Paddock said accessibility features and durability justify higher costs and said completing the trail could encourage private investment.

Opponents questioned whether the project is the best use of $1.65 million amid expected future revenue reductions from state legislative changes. Councilman Tom Freistroffer said much of the city still lacks basic sidewalks and called the Superior Street segment “an expensive sidewalk” that would better serve neighborhoods if the money were redirected. Councilman Nathan Hartman cited similar fiscal concerns and said his district needs more basic sidewalks than downtown enhancements.

Staff and supporters noted tradeoffs that raise cost: the planned trail requires relocation of utility infrastructure, special brick pavers, and coordination among multiple adjacent property owners; Johnson said those factors make this section about 30–40% more expensive than an enhanced downtown sidewalk in other locations. Johnson also noted the project skips one block because of the county jail property and that that block would be addressed once redevelopment is planned for the jail site.

The measure received extensive debate. In a committee vote the chair reported the recommendation did not carry. At the full council roll call the final tally was recorded as 1 yes, 4 no and 1 abstention; the council recorded a request to reconsider the ordinance at the next regular session.

The project contractor named in the ordinance packet is Milat Contracting (low bid). The ordinance text and staff presentation list the total contract amount and identify funding from general LIT reimbursements and riverfront LIT. The council did not adopt the contract at this session; the item will return for reconsideration.

Votes and procedural notes - Committee recommendation: did not receive a due‑pass recommendation (committee vote recorded earlier in the meeting as 2–3–1). - Full council: recorded final tally 1 yes, 4 no, 1 abstention; the council granted a request to reconsider the item at the next regular session (three weeks).

Why it matters The Superior Street corridor links existing riverfront improvements and private investments near Promenade Park and Headwaters Park. The council debate highlighted a broader tension in Fort Wayne policy between downtown amenity investments designed to attract private development and calls to prioritize basic sidewalks and services elsewhere in the city as revenues face potential reductions.

What’s next The measure will be placed on the next regular council agenda for reconsideration, per a member’s request. Staff said construction in adjacent blocks is underway in phases and that the city will need to coordinate with property owners if the project proceeds.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are drawn from remarks during the S250608 discussion.