WEDA Place Making: October 2015

WEDA Place Making Goals

1) Develop a name for the Westside District that is consistently used, has brand recognition, and helps create a sense of identity.

2) Create a strong sense of place that helps to bring unity and identity to an area that contains a variety of structures and businesses and attracts new business and employees.

3) Develop concepts and locations for gateway, signage, and branding elements as a way to clearly identify boundaries and differentiate the Westside Development District.

4) Involve stakeholders in the process to create a sense of ownership and excitement with the Place Making Plan.

5) Understand the future impact of the interstate and develop a strong artery plan that creates connections, rather than barriers, within the District and connects the District to other key areas in Bloomington.

6) Make the most of TIF funds through strategic initiatives that encourage economic growth and development.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Public Meeting Announcement

Monroe County Redevelopment Commission

Bloomington, Indiana – The Monroe County Redevelopment Commission invites the public to participate in the Place Making project for the West Side Economic Development Area. The Westside Economic Development Area (WEDA) was established as a Tax Increment Finance District in 1993 to spur employment in the area, and includes the GE plant, Cook headquarters, and the Ivy Tech main Bloomington Campus, among other employers and businesses. The goal of the Place Making project is to create a sense of community in the district, to recognize the investments already made within the district, to attract new employers to the area, and to highlight the quality businesses, training, research and innovation occurring within its boundaries.

The public is invited to participate in a public meeting on Monday, November 2^nd from 5:30 to 7 pm. This meeting will be held at the Indiana Center for Life Sciences, located at 501 N. Profile Parkway, Bloomington Indiana 47404. This will be an engaging session to solicit feedback and opinions on key features of the area, branding options, and opportunities to create a sense of community. Activities will include real time audience polling, open feedback sessions, and interactive mapping. The public can also participate and receive more information by visiting http://wedaplacemaking.blogspot.com/,

“The WEDA serves as Monroe County’s hub for economic activity and employment, and increasingly as a destination for recreation, as well,” Redevelopment Commissioner Efrat Feferman explains. “The place making project is an important step towards further defining and strengthening the broader vision for the area. We hope residents and employers alike can participate in this process.”