If Fort Wayne were to gain approval for a riverboat casino, where would be the best location?
Some have suggested the North River area near the Old Fort. I’ve heard whispers that the Dimension Ford property adjacent to Swinney Park has possibilities. Fort Wayne Observed posted a reader’s suggestion that New Haven would be a good fit.
While we’re at it, let me throw this hat into the ring:
Create a reservoir on the St. Mary’s River near the I469/US27 interchange.
Benefits:
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Creates an Entertainment Corridor – Gateway to Fort Wayne from Decatur (riverboat casino, collection of indoor and outdoor water parks, hotels, restaurants and outlet mall)
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Undeveloped farm land/underdeveloped side of town
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Plenty of parking – I’m not convinced downtown parking is a problem. However many residents have expressed this as a concern.
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A catalyst project for the South/Southeast side of Fort Wayne. Influx of private capital and investment
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Job creation on the south side of town – Steuben County suggested that 800 new jobs would be created with their casino move
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River Greenway connection – walk and bike from Swinney and Foster Parks (or Decatur for the more adventurous)
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Riverboat cruises to and from the Downtown North River area via the navigable waters of the St. Mary’s
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Increased I469 Loop Development (hotels/restaurants) - another reason to promote the “Fort to Port” US 24 highway project
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Proximity to Fort Wayne International Airport – 6.6 mi (about 13 minutes).
Any other ideas?
This would give some people from Adams and Jay County a reason to come to Fort Wayne again. We used to come up to movies at Southtown and there used to be a Target store. There’s a church right there at Hessen Cassel but I doubt if a casino would bother many there.
And, of course, as it’s outside the city people could smoke… at least as it stands now.
[...] the piece to generate thoughtful discussion about development on the south side of Fort Wayne and Allen County, not to express my support for riverboat gambling here. Notwithstanding recent [...]