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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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 119 th St. Separate passive recreation with active (competitive) recreation

Long-Range Master Plan

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

HAMMOND TRAILBRIDGEWHITING TRAIL PARK OPPORTUNITY POCKET PARK & TRAIL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Preliminary Phase – Bike Trail

Preliminary Phase - Bike Trail

Phase I Plan

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 119 th & Front Street intersection Improve Park Road - Turnaround loop Close 117 th Street to vehicles – “Quiet Zone”

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

Phase 1 Highlights Standard Diamonds improvements Playground expansion & improvements Improve 117 th 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

Promenade & Gazebo

Gazebo

View Towards Chicago Skyline

Phase II Plan

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

Picnic Shelters

Future Phases of the Plan

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???

Year-around Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mixed-use and Townhomes

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

Q&A Questions and Answers?