Hey Locals,

This week, we're exploring a reader question on railroad overpasses and how you can get involved in local transportation planning, including bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

We also talk about Chuck Surack's latest projects and a new bakery coming to Union Street Market food hall.

Don't forget: this month, we're partnering with Sunrise Mart to bring all paid subscribers to The Local $5 off your next grocery shopping trip. 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 discount!

Now, let's get started!

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

Reader question: Will Fort Wayne get more railroad underpasses and overpasses?

What's happening?

In January, the City of Fort Wayne announced a long-awaited $29M railroad overpass project coming to Airport Expressway. The project was made possible by a federal funding grant of $23.2M, as part of a $1.1 billion investment in 1,000 rail crossings nationwide, aimed at improving safety and quality of life, as well as reducing travel times – particularly for emergency vehicles. (An estimated 20% non-federal match will come from the city and Norfolk Southern to complete the project. Allen County also received $400K* to study a railroad overpass strategy for Scott Road.)

• Considering this: A reader asked: How is it decided which crossings get railroad grade separations (overpasses or underpasses), and is there a way for citizens to advocate for certain crossings to be addressed? 
• In particular: They wanted to know whether grade separations were planned for two crossings on Anthony Boulevard: One near Wayne Trace and another near the Maumee River. They said these crossings have trains blocking traffic "daily for hours, sometimes" and "affecting two hospitals." So has the city considered overpasses/underpasses there, and how much funding would it take?
• To answer: We spoke with City Engineer Patrick Zaharako in Public Works, as well as Dan Avery, Executive Director of the Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC), which happens to be hosting an open house this week to review its Draft Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and corresponding Draft Air Quality Conformity Documents, as well as its 2045 Long Range Plan and Ped-Bike Plan.
• In fact: the 2045 Transportation Plan mentions the Anthony Boulevard crossing near Wayne Trace.

Learn more in our full Q&A, and attend the NIRCC's Open House on March 12, 4-6 p.m., at the Omni Room (Room #045) of Citizens Square to review the transportation plans.

• Owner of Pasta di Guy at Union Street Market is opening a new bakery to sell fresh-made donuts, as well as unique bread to residents and businesses. We caught up with Owner Guy Carmeli, who gave us insight into his new venture, Carmeli’s Dough, set to open in late-April or early-May in the former Grabill Amish Bakery spot near his pasta eatery at Electric Works. Carmeli says his passion for bread predates Pasta di Guy, when he was selling it at his local farmers market in Florida, where he resides (though he has family in Fort Wayne). Carmeli says the new bakery will utilize his training at Le Cordon Bleu in London and offer unique flavors of bread, including colorful varieties baked with beets and turmeric. He hopes to fill a gap in the Fort Wayne market by selling fresh bread to restaurants and businesses, in addition to direct-to-consumer purchases. “In general, across the U.S., access to small, local bakeries selling fresh bread is in demand,” he says. “For local restaurants and bars, my goal is to give them more unique and high-quality products to offer their patrons.” Stay tuned for updates!
• Surack Enterprises is purchasing the historic Bell Mansion Downtown and taking it to "a whole new level," current owners say. On Friday, Angie Sturm, owner of the historic 1893 mansion, posted on Facebook: "When we took on this journey, the building had been sitting empty for two years, and we poured our hearts into bringing it back to life. In turn, it has given us life, and for that, we will always be deeply thankful.... As The Bell Mansion transitions to new ownership, you can trust that Surak Enterprises Founders, Chuck and Lisa Surack, are dedicated to preserving its rich history and timeless charm for years to come. Sturm says her team has also purchased a new location for events in Fort Wayne, and details are TBA: "Something truly special is on the horizon."

Plus: Another project by Surack, an AI camp coming to town and more. We cover it all in our premium newsletter.

• Gear up: for St. Paddy's Day weekend with a full lineup of music and events at JK O'Donnell's and Deer Park Irish Pub. We're looking forward to The Debutants live at JK's on March 17, 7-10 p.m., at The Pitch patio. The Ragtag Bunch is also fun, offering traditional Irish songs!
• Dress up: for Get Green Fest on March 15, a family-friendly St. Patrick's festival by the Ft. Wayne Professional Firefighters. One festivity on our list is the annual river greening (starting at 11 a.m. at the Main Street/Carole Lombard Memorial Bridge), which mimics the famous Chicago River Greening, turning the St. Marys green using eco-friendly vegetable dye.
• Watch: the I&M Falcon Cam on YouTube and I&M’s website. The falcon cam couple Moxie and Jamie have nested atop the I&M Center Downtown since 2013 and hatched more than 30 chicks. "Each year the community gets to name the chicks, and the chicks receive leg bands that help track their migration once they leave the nest," WANE 15 reports.

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

Support The Local!

Our independent news publication is run by just two locals, Kara and Mike. We are 99% funded by our paid members, and we'd like to keep it that way. If you've enjoyed reading our newsletter so far and have found value in the service we provide, we'd love to have you become a paid subscriber. Help us keep going by upgrading today, and receive our premium newsletter and perks!

Got a story tip or idea?

Let us know at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com.

Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett