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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 <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong> 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
85001_GVCC_Mag.qxd 1/13/06 9:10 AM Page 7 ive it. ve, a be so, ted ining be lic ity on, ent ns, ter ied ld. a ces ng, ke n’t ey, ldn.” U s is R 06 That “big picture” today initially targets four specific areas: downtown, the Sturdy Road LaPorte Avenue “triangle” on east Lincolnway, North Calumet (specifically the former County Seat Plaza), and the Vale Park Road extension. But what began as, perhaps, a problem-solving mission has evolved into a real strategic envisioning process that has energized the community toward more exciting ideas. The goals now are not just to fix what needs fixing, but to create a whole new environment that encompasses the entire community and helps create a unified, dynamic image for the city. Take, for example, how the thought processes evolved when officials examined the problems on East Lincolnway. “It started out as a road and traffic issue at the triangle where LaPorte and Sturdy roads converge with East Lincolnway,” Jorgensen explains. “But some students from Ball State brought in sketches of what it could look like, and we suddenly realized there was a great opportunity here to do something special, to create a real statement.” Thus was born the Eastgate project, not just new traffic lights and road widening, but the creation of a “gateway” into the city that takes advantage of the proximity to Valparaiso University. This plan explores the creation of a student village with restaurants and retail stores, a University townhouse community, a retirement community, other free-standing retail concepts and a “roundabout” (see sidebar) to enhance traffic flow. www.connecttovalpo.com Similar visionary thinking is taking place regarding downtown and north of the city on Calumet Avenue. For example, in addition to a new downtown streetscape that includes charming sidewalk paving and new streetlights, way-finding signage and pedestrian-friendly amenities, plans are in the works for a possible in-city transit system. Additionally, the South Shore has identified Valparaiso as a key location in its West Lake Corridor project, an eventuality that would dramatically increase the city’s appeal. “Imagine if the South Shore built a station down where the train used to stop, near the Franklin House,” Mayor Costas says. “Think of the cluster of development that would spur just in that corner of the city.” The North Calumet corridor will also be reinvented, adhering to an overall plan that “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.” -Stu Summers will enhance and unify it with the entire Valparaiso community. Baird pointed out how the planning process there helped shape the Commission’s thinking on the Vale Park Road extension. “First of all, we’re not going to please all the people all the time. Frankly, there are some folks who want the city to stay as it is. Our perspective is that it’s important to listen to citizens,” he says. “The Vale Park Road extension evolved from merely a road through a neighborhood to a beautiful parkway because of the concerns and involvement of people who live there and who had ideas that greatly enhanced the project.” “This is redevelopment at its best,” Mayor Costas says. “Symbiotic working relationships (see sidebar); great people with great ideas; unity and a sense of purpose; and a focus on getting things done. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the evolution of this city.” For more information on redevelopment visit www.connecttovalpo.com Getting It Together: How Does This City Get So Many People On The Same Page? Community redevelopment is a daunting challenge, requiring not only vision and commitment, but also a collaborative spirit that, let’s face it, isn’t always easy to attain or maintain. But observe what is happening here – through two administrations, by the way – and you have to be impressed. Jim Jorgensen, a local attorney who chaired a comprehensive city planning process, credits former Mayor David Butterfield with setting the tone. “Dave was a consummate partnership builder, there’s no better way to say it. Then (current mayor) Jon Costas just took that and expanded on it.” Mayor Costas generally kept the Redevelopment Commission team intact because he respected the members and understood that this type of planning long outlives most administrations. “We have to look at solving problems for thirty to fifty years, not ten to fifteen,” he said. “I won’t dictate what needs to be done. We focus on getting things accomplished and don’t let artificial things like politics get in the way.” “I think we have such a unique and wonderful community, and the people that participate in this planning believe that too,” says Mike Baird, President of the Redevelopment Commission. “I sincerely believe that everyone is interested only in what is best for the community. It doesn’t mean we don’t disagree, but our perspective is always what we can do to provide the widest possible positive impact for the most citizens.” Deb Butterfield, President of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation believes that frequent and open communications with constituencies is the primary reason for successful collaboration, “Our (Chamber) members have to feel that they have a voice in what is happening in their community. So, we act as a catalyst to bring issues to them. We are not redevelopment experts, but we recognize the need to keep our eye on the ball and to involve the entire community.” 7
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Winter-2006

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