Winter-2006

85001_GVCC_Mag.qxd 1/13/06 9:10 AM Page 6
What Goes Around
Comes Around
Anyone who has ever driven through
England was probably a bit bewildered the
first time he or she merged with traffic into
the very European invention known as the
roundabout. But one time around and
through certainly yielded the response,
“Gee, that was easy.”
When city officials examined alternatives
for dealing with traffic problems at the
“triangle” on East Lincolnway, the first
ideas were fairly traditional in nature.
Engineers from several companies
proposed sophisticated new traffic
light systems that would be
controlled by computer.
The ideas were not only
ho-hum, but also expensive,
and few believed they
would really
relieve the
congestion and
confusion in the
long run.
“Then a researcher
from England proposed a
roundabout,” explains Stu
Summers, Executive
Director of the Valparaiso
Redevelopment Commission.
A roundabout is a circular
intersection. Rather than having
two or more stoplight systems,
roundabouts bring together conflicting
and converging traffic streams and
allow the cars to safely merge, traverse,
and exit the roundabout. Drivers
approaching a roundabout must slow to
a speed that will allow them to interact
with other users. This makes them safer
and allows for a virtual continual flow of
traffic. In a study of eleven roundabouts
in the United States that replaced
conventional intersections, accidents
were reduced by as much as 51% and
injuries decreased by 73%.
“We loved the idea. It was more
effective, provided greater safety, and
was less expensive ($1.5 million versus
$4 million for a new signaling system),”
Summers points out. “But what was best
is that it was different.”
Different indeed, the new roundabout,
which is scheduled for construction this
year, will serve as the catalyst for a
complete revitalization of the Eastgate
area, making it the centerpiece of a
renewed destination.
6
Economic Redevelopment Commission.
“It’s often more environmentally friendly,
practical, and keeps the core of the
city healthy.”
While redevelopment has proven effective
in urban areas reeling from blight and flight,
cities without problems of this magnitude –
like Valparaiso – can use the concept not only
to preserve and renew important community
assets, but also to integrate these ideas into a
more comprehensive plan that includes
new development.
“It’s sometimes hard to separate where
development ends and redevelopment begins,
because the two are really attempting to
do the same thing: make our city a better
place,” says Mike Baird, Senior Vice President
of Mercantile Bank and President of the
Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission.
“Improvements in infrastructure that extend
to the east Lincolnway area, for example,
also enhance downtown, and vice versa. So,
it takes a collaborative, coordinated effort
from both the public and private sectors to
ensure success.”
“In some respects, redevelopment is easier
because we’re working with something that is
already in place. In other respects, it’s harder
because we’re working
with something already
in place,” says Jim
Jorgensen, local attorney
who served as
chairperson of an
implementation committee
for the city’s
Downtown Hyett
Palma Study, and
currently serves as
Chairman of the
Valparaiso Economic
Development
Corporation. “Just like
it’s sometimes easier to
rebuild a home than
to remodel it, we
have to balance our
efforts to the best
long-term interest of
the community.”
Whether redevelopment
is easier or harder,
it’s still critically important,
says Summers. He
points out that most
people can name several
cities that urban sprawl
has left in the dust. He
doesn’t want that to
EQUAL HOUSING
L E N D E R
happen in Valparaiso, and a comprehensive
redevelopment plan is the way to prevent it.
“By setting high standards, being creative,
being fiscally responsible and establishing a
process that gets the public involved, we can be
a model for the rest of the region.”
To that end, during the last 10 years or so,
the city has commissioned and/or conducted
several studies to generate discussion and brainstorming
on the best ideas for managing
Valpo’s growth. These studies continue to be
examined and revised by a coalition of public
and private sector participants including city
government, the Redevelopment Commission,
the Valparaiso Economic Development
Corporation, property owners, private citizens,
volunteers and, of course, the Greater
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
“A lot of different areas were being studied
on an individual basis,” says Butterfield.
“We (the Chamber) really pushed for a
comprehensive plan so that as resources
became available, or opportunities came along,
we would have a big picture and be able to take
advantage. From our perspective, you couldn’t
go halfway. It may take more upfront money,
but not looking at things in totality just wouldn’t
work and would cost more in the long run.”
“Success usually comes to
those who are too busy
to be looking for it.”
- HENRY DAVID THOREAU
At Mercantile Bank, we take your success
seriously. Whether your needs are
business or personal, you will enjoy a
personal relationship with financial
experts who understand your needs and
are empowered to respond effectively to
them. Mercantile is recognized for its
leading business lending and wealth
management services and works to
ensure the best solutions for your
personal banking needs as well.
As a member of the Harris group of
companies, Mercantile is proud to offer
enhanced service and world class products
in each of the communities it serves. To
learn more about our partnership with Harris
Bank, visit us at www.mercantileweb.com.
For Business Banking service, contact Dale
Clapp at (219) 852-3365. For Wealth
Management services, contact Rick
Schumacher at (219) 933-3810.
MEMBER
FDIC
Valpo Magazine Winter 2006
fou
Roa
Lin
form
Roa
pro
a re
ene
exci
fix
new
com
dyn
pro
pro
inv
the
con
exp
bro
and
opp
crea
just
the
take
Un
a st
stor
reti
reta
side
ww