Hey Locals,

It's been a heavy weekend in Fort Wayne, as the community responds to a viral video showing what's been called a "hate crime" attack on a Black man at a Waynedale pub. More on what we know so far and a petition seeking justice in Briefs.

Is homelessness increasing Downtown? In Above the Fold, we're answering a reader's question about a topic that's becoming central to conversations about the future of Downtown Fort Wayne – both the organization and the area.

On a lighter note, we also update you on plans for a new coffee shop and deli coming to Utopian's space on The Landing later this year and share a home tour this weekend you won't want to miss.

New deal: In June, we're partnering with Carmeli's Dough at Union Street Market to bring all paid subscribers to The Local a FREE doughnut, made fresh daily. Did you know we give our paid members a freebie every month at a local business to cover the cost of membership? See what a paid membership is all about with this 30-day trial, and you can get that deal!

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

Is homelessness increasing Downtown?

And what’s happening to address challenges both facing (and resulting from) unhoused residents?

What's happening?

As Downtown has (re)developed in recent decades, one organization that’s been part of its growth is Downtown Fort Wayne (DFW). This summer, it’s gearing up for its 10-year reauthorization process in July, which requires approval from at least 60% of property owners who pay into its services. As the deadline approaches, a perception of increasing homelessness Downtown is top-of-mind for some stakeholders considering the future of both the organization and the area.

• For a quick refresher: DFW is a nonprofit formed by City Council about 30 years ago to keep Downtown clean, green and active with events, like Lunch on the Square. Every 10 years, property owners and Council must re-approve the organization, which is seeking to expand its boundaries by 40% this year to include Wells Street and Broadway (as Riverfront and Electric Works develop).
• One key issue: on the minds of some Downtown property owners is a perception of increasing homelessness Downtown. A reader reached out to us, saying that since the pandemic, they and other property owners have noticed more people loitering, and in some cases, damaging property or causing disturbances. They want to know: Is homelessness increasing Downtown, and what’s happening to address solutions for unsheltered people, stakeholders and the general public?

To be clear: the challenges facing unhoused individuals and resulting from their presence are nuanced, complex, and not unique to Fort Wayne. In the coming weeks, we plan to explore more information and interviews related to the topic and root causes.

We break down what we know so far regarding our reader's question in our premium newsletter.

• A petition against Pike’s Pub in Waynedale has more than 3,100 signatures after a viral video shows white men representing a notorious motorcycle gang attacking a Black man and using racial slurs on Friday night. Advocates behind the petition say the pub has known connections to an “outlaw motorcycle gang,” known as the Outlaws. It also identifies the Black man in the video as James Simmons. The victim (who remains unnamed in news reports*) was said to be in fair condition Saturday, but "did not want to give police information about the people who caused his injuries." Mayor Sharon Tucker issued a statement, but since the pub is outside city limits she said the Allen County Sheriff’s Department responded to the incident. The sheriff's department tells WANE 15 the case has been assigned to a detective and “is very early in the investigation." The petition circulating online is addressed to Fort Wayne City Council, Allen County commissioners, the sheriff’s department, and the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission. It demands a review of the bar’s license, as well as greater public communication and accountability in the investigation. Last night, WANE published a witness account of the attack, contradicting previous claims the bar's owner had made to reporters about the Black man not paying his tab.
• Be Better Hospitality announced plans for a classic New York City-style Jewish deli and coffee shop in the former Utopian space on The Landing. The new venture, called Bittersweet, will serve stacked sandwiches on house-made bread 10 a.m.-4 p.m., as well as coffee and pastries. It’s expected to open late-summer. Utopian Cafe will remain open until June 14.

Plus: Residents resist road widening, the return of the FWPD's traffic unit and more. We cover it all in our premium newsletter.

New Deal with Carmeli's Dough!

This month, all paid subscribers get a FREE doughnut, made fresh daily.

What's happening?

Last month, Guy Carmeli, the owner of Pasta Di Guy at Union Street Market at Electric Works, opened a new bakery (and fresh-made doughnut shop) near his pasta stall called Carmeli’s Dough. This month, we’re partnering with them to bring all paid subscribers to The Local a FREE doughnut. We also sat down with Carmeli to learn more about his new venture.

Here are a few quick things to know:

• Carmeli got his start making handmade bread, but this is his first venture into doughnuts. About six years ago, he sold bread at his local farmers market in Florida before starting Pasta Di Guy. Now that his pasta business has grown, he and his wife (who is from Fort Wayne) are launching their new bakery here. 
• The doughnuts are light, airy and the perfect amount of sweet. Carmeli says there are four standard flavors: glazed, strawberry, chocolate and cinnamon sugar, as well as a special flavor that rotates weekly. (We sampled his Oreo doughnuts, which were delicious!) “The doughnuts are fried without oil, which makes them a little healthier, lighter and very tasty,” Carmeli says.
• Carmeli's personal favorites (and top sellers so far) are his focaccia breads and cinnamon rolls. Along with doughnuts, Carmeli’s offers a variety of artisan breads, including focaccia (classic, sundried tomato and rosemary garlic). He also offers buns and hoagies – including some flavored (and colored) with beets and turmeric. His made-from-scratch, glazed cinnamon rolls are “extra extra delicious,” too, he says.
• You might soon find his bread at local restaurants and businesses. Carmeli hopes to make his bakery 70 percent wholesale, supplying bread to Fort Wayne area businesses and restaurants. “In general, across the U.S., access to small local bakeries is in demand,” he says. “So for local restaurants, my goal is to give them more unique, high-quality products to offer to their customers.”

Fun Fact: June 6 is National Doughnut Day, and Carmeli’s is planning a special BOGO deal to celebrate. Watch their social media for details!

• Tour: five outstanding mid-century homes in Fort Wayne as part of Indiana Modern’s annual Back to the Future tour on June 7, noon-5 p.m. The self-guided tour is about two-hours long with details and tickets available here. ($22 advance or $25 day-of.) You can also attend a free lecture the night before at Concordia Theological Seminary about architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen.
• Shop: the Historic West Central Neighborhood Yard Sales June 6-8, where residents will be selling home goods, clothes, antiques, new-in-box items, and more.
• Experience: the Electric Riverfront on June 6, 5:30-11 p.m., at Promenade Park, including live music by Los Electro, DJs, dance battles, a silent disco and more.

What else? We share more things to do in our premium newsletter.

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Let us know at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com.

Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett