85001_GVCC_Mag.qxd 1/13/06 9:10 AM Page 4 4 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong> ww
85001_GVCC_Mag.qxd 1/13/06 9:10 AM Page 5 Balancing Growth and Creating a Unified Dynamic Image for the City This article is the first in a series in which Valparaiso Magazine will examine the role redevelopment plays in the growth of a community. In upcoming issues we will more thoroughly explore specific redevelopment projects, examine the human side of the story and what happens when your business is targeted for relocation, and envision what Valpo might look like in 25 years. “Build it and they will come,” goes the old adage, and it doesn’t take a particularly astute observer of the city of Valparaiso to understand the veracity of that statement. Here is a community that exudes charm, that teems with friendly people, that is ideally located, that has a wonderful school system, that possesses a vibrant collegiate culture, that is clean and safe and dynamic, that . . . well the list goes on and on. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that those things that keep people Redevelopment Commission President Mike Baird reviews concepts for Eastgate with interested parties. here also attract others looking for the same values and amenities. That’s how communities grow and, quite simply, a healthy city is a growing city – but only if growth is planned and controlled. “Managing growth is complex. It takes a clear vision, innovation, and collaboration,” says Chamber and VEDC President Deb Butterfield. “You need great ideas, but you also have to be realistic about what it takes to implement change. Every time we need to expand a road because of increased traffic flow, we have to call NIPSCO to move poles and utilities. You don’t want to do that more than once.” Today systemic and logical growth hinges on two concepts: development and redevelopment. The former focuses on moving the boundaries of a community outward and converting green fields to business or industrial centers. The latter involves using resources already in place to redesign, redefine and reenergize existing sites to create new opportunities. Each plays a vital and viable role, and the challenge is striking the balance between these two separate, but related, engines of progress. Redevelopment was initially created as a remedy for urban deterioration. It provides ideas and resources for renewing areas devastated by the loss of industries and commercial businesses. It is a way to reclaim abandoned buildings and brownfields left in the wake of business relocations and/or urban sprawl that takes vital retail shoppers out of downtown areas to malls often located on the outskirts of town. Redevelopment identifies specific projects and then creates resources to revitalize the sites, create jobs, attract new businesses, and revitalize the business climate. Funds are raised through the sale of bonds or tax increment financing (TIF) which diverts tax revenues from increased assessed valuation to the redevelopment agency. Local redevelopment agencies also have the power of eminent domain to “condemn” property if necessary to facilitate renewal. “Redevelopment is very significant because it shows that we highly value what we currently have in place and that we are willing to reinvest and take care of it,” says Mayor Jon Costas. “The worst thing you can do to a city is to let existing residential and commercial areas deteriorate.” He points out that redevelopment is a broadly encompassing concept that spans the spectrum from “simple” infrastructure improvements to visionary strategic planning that literally changes the environment and character of a city. “We have to think about the impact of our ideas for the long term. We have to imagine a city even better than the one we live in today and then make it happen,” he says. “Short term thinking just won’t work.” “(Redevelopment) keeps the heart and soul of the city intact. It’s a less expensive way to serve the city’s needs through existing infrastructure,” explains Stu Summers, Executive Director of the Valparaiso 06 www.connecttovalpo.com 5
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