05-04-2006 $1,000,000 For Commercial Corridor Improvements

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• The Portage Avenue Steering Committee targeted two intersections,Portage and Navarre as well as Portage and Allen/Humboldt, and completed improvements have improved intersection safety, created a more pedestrian friendly environment, increased area beautification & green space, and provided traffic calming. • Streetscape improvements at Portage Avenue and King Street were also completed. This project included creating a tree lawn and reducing the number of approaches (which increases pedestrian and vehicular safety). • There are plans in place to make landscaping improvements along Portage at the St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church parking lot at Pierce Street. • In addition, there are plans to enhance the corridor through acquisition/rehabilitation/ demolition of properties. Additional Programs & Accomplishments • In 2005 the steering committee developed a marketing brochure and logo for the corridor, in order to promote Portage Avenue as a place to do business. Miami St Matching Facade Grant Program • 23 grants with a total of$215,987 in investment • $118,930 in private investment • $97,057 in public investment Streetscape Enhancement Projects • The streetscape project is creating an attractive, pedestrian friendly environment with new sidewalks, decorative crosswalks, curbs, trees, and ornamental lighting. The Indiana Avenue to Altgeld Street section is completed. • The Calvert Street to Ewing Avenue section of Miami Street was repaved in 2005. • Miami Street plans to continue with Phase IV of the streetscape project, running from Broadway Street to Indiana Avenue, in 2006. • The corridor has constructed a gateway sign and treatment at the southern end of corridor and has refurbished the railroad viaduct and created a small park to welcome visitors to the northern end. Additional Programs & Accomplishments • The Miami Street Corridor hosts the annual Fall Festival the first Sunday of October. • The Miami Village Association has developed business promoting materials, including brochures, a corridor logo, and gateway signs. Association membership has now reached a record-high of 42. South Gateway Acquisition,Demolition, and Redevelopment • Five properties have been purchased, including: 913-919, 1001, 1019, and 1101 South Michigan Street. • By acquiring these properties, three vacant buildings were demolished; one local historic landmark has been secured— 1019 S. Michigan; and one development opportunity has been created—913-919, 1001 S. Michigan - more -