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Agenda

Discover the comprehensive plan to expand and improve Whiting Park, connect Lake George Trail to the lakeshore, and enhance recreational access while minimizing private development near the shoreline.

ericmanning
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Agenda

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Agenda • Background Information • Planning Process • Project Scope • Timetable • Financing Plan • Benefits • Questions & Answers (45 minutes) • Plan Commission Public Hearing on Plan

  2. The Marquette Plan • Recreational access along the lakeshore • New trails as close to the lakeshore as possible • Minimizing private development within 200 feet of the shoreline

  3. The Marquette Plan - Whiting • Expand Whiting Park • Improve park access • Connect Lake George Trail to lakeshore • Improve shoreline access and natural areas • Focus on mixed-use development

  4. Complexity • Multi-Agency Partnership • City of Whiting (several agencies) • City of Hammond (several agencies) • Lake County Parks Department • Federal Government - Congressman Visclosky • BP • Regional Development Authority (RDA) • School City of Whiting • Calumet College of St. Joseph

  5. Complexity • Multi-Agency Approval Needed • Local Boards and Commissions • Department of Natural Resources • Army Corps of Engineers • IDEM • Indiana Brownfield Program • 3 Separate Railroads • Multiple Project Coordination • Hammond-Whiting Water Project (saved $500K)

  6. The Planning Process

  7. The Planning Process • Plan Commission to consider adopting Lakefront Master Plan tonight • Plan then sent to the City Council for consideration • City to make presentation to the RDA • Plan Commission to finalize update of the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan • All work funded by an RDA Grant

  8. Charrette Workshop • Held July 10 – 12th 2008 at Calumet College • Mini planning process condensed into a weekend • Over 70 attendees attended at least two of the three days

  9. Charrette Workshop Challenges • 100’s of great ideas presented • Phasing Plan created to allow each idea to be considered in Future Phases of Plan • As funding becomes available, we will continue to add amenities and features • Our largest challenge was to draw the line in the sand to determine which ideas were included in the final plan

  10. Goals • Provide for connectivity for pedestrians, bicycles, watercraft and automobile • Link to the regional multi-use trail network • Improve upon natural habitat opportunities along the shoreline • Improve human connection to the lakefront through better access and amenities • Preserve the park’s history and value to the community

  11. Goals • Improve upon the park as an economic asset and attractor • Provide for year-around recreational opportunities • Expand opportunities for additional residential and commercial development • Improve connection between the park and 119th St. • Separate passive recreation with active (competitive) recreation

  12. Long-Range Master Plan

  13. Preliminary Phase • Utility Infrastructure • Water, Sewer, Gas, Power • Bike Trail – George Lake to Front Street • Public Works Facility relocation • Baseball Field relocation • Property Acquisition – ROW • Engineering, Design & Permitting

  14. Preliminary Phase – Bike Trail POCKET PARK & TRAIL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY HAMMOND TRAIL BRIDGE WHITING TRAIL PARK OPPORTUNITY

  15. Preliminary Phase - Bike Trail

  16. Phase I Plan

  17. Phase 1 Highlights • Replace existing rubble shoreline • New 2-tiered Boardwalk-Promenade with 4 lookout points along shore • Improve Whihala boat launch & harbor • New City Museum – Multi-use facility • Improve 119th & Front Street intersection • Improve Park Road - Turnaround loop • Close 117th Street to vehicles – “Quiet Zone”

  18. Phase 1 Highlights • Additional walking paths and connections • Rehabilitate existing park pathways • Improve Front & 117th gateways • Remove W-R Boat Club harbor • New concession & restroom facility • Improve Pavilion area & concert seating • Renovate Gun Club building • New parking areas

  19. Phase 1 Highlights • Standard Diamonds improvements • Playground expansion & improvements • Improve 117th and Oliver intersection • Major landscaping, lighting, signage and communications service improvements • Lakefront Gazebo – entertainment venue • 200’ permanent fishing pier • Extend Front Street trail to Park

  20. Promenade & Gazebo

  21. Gazebo

  22. View Towards Chicago Skyline

  23. Phase II Plan

  24. Phase 2 Highlights • Eastside lake fill restoration project – natural beach and dune habitat area • Enhance gathering places along lakeshore • Formal Garden near the new Gazebo • Activity Centers – Bean Bags, Bocce Ball, Picnic Shelters, etc. • Whihala Boat Launch parking enhancements • Pavilion enhancements

  25. Picnic Shelters

  26. Future Phases of the Plan

  27. Future Phase Highlights • Not included in current Financing Plan • Expanded Playgrounds - Splash Pad • Extend Park Road to the south side of Park • Pedestrian Bridge • Additional Park Buildings • Ice Rink • Boat Harbor Memorial Park • Marina???

  28. Year-around Activities

  29. Timetable • Preliminary Phase – underway • Phase 1 – Spring 2010 through 2011 • Phase 2 – Spring 2010 through 2012? • Future Phase – As funds become available

  30. Financing Plan • Largest Project in City’s History • Final Project Scope to be determined by financing (RDA grant) • Total Scope as presented = $45 MILLION • No residential property tax funding needed • Budget dilemma: • Property tax budget under extreme pressure • Can’t pass up the opportunity to leverage grant money to make these improvements

  31. Why is this Project Important? • Stimulates investment and new tax base • Greatly enhances our Quality of Life • Significant Regional Importance • Positive Impact to Property Values • Environmental Restoration • Sets the Table for Future “Clean” BP Development Opportunities

  32. Financing Plan • Project Funding Sources • $3,475,000 Federal Grants • $2,600,000 RDA Bike Trail & Planning Grant • $2,350,000 BP Foundation Grant • $1,000,000 Miscellaneous Grants • $1,000,000 TIF Reserves • $??? RDA Implementation Grant • $??? TIF Bonds

  33. Intangible Benefits • Increase in Fees are expected to offset additional operational costs • Minimal impact to the City’s Budget • Debt service or Operations • “Quiet Zone” improvements – “Priceless” • Enhanced Retail Business Climate • Secondary Development Opportunities

  34. Secondary Development • Residential Growth • New Condominiums • 117th Street • Senior Condos • Existing Housing Inventory investment • Commercial Growth • Season Opportunities • Hotel? • BP Opportunities

  35. Mixed-use and Townhomes

  36. Closing • Why Did We Delay the Plan Release? • Very Complex Project • I needed to be confident that: • The scope was realistic and doable • The Funding Plan was solid • That we maximized our grant opportunities • That we didn’t hinder the BP OCC Project • We needed to get it right, the first time • We are now ready to pull the trigger • Thank American Structurepoint – Staff - Boards

  37. Q&A • Questions and Answers?

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