Pink building controversy continues • FWPD's Flock cameras test audio • Seasonal favorites + a new dessert shop!
Hey Locals,
It was fun meeting some of you at Bravas Fest and Eco Fest this weekend! We're looking forward to more events and opportunities to connect in the future.
In today's newsletter: You might have seen a historic building Downtown was recently painted pink. Now, neighbors say there’s more to the story. Details in this week’s Above the Fold.
In Briefs, we share updates on new audio features for the FWPD’s flock cameras. Plus, the city shares organizations that support its new homeless services center Downtown, and Fort Wayne’s population growth is making headlines.
In our To Do List, summer is officially here with the return of seasonal favorites, like the Deck and the Auburn Garrett Drive-In. There's a new local dessert shop to check out, too!
Don’t forget: In May, we’re partnering with Bravas to bring all paid subscribers to The Local a free order of patatas with any burger purchase for dine-in.
Learn how to claim your offer here.
Now let's get started.
NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.
Pink building controversy continues.
We set the record straight.
What's happening?
If you’ve driven through Downtown along Broadway lately, you might have noticed the historic Baltes Mansion was painted pink. Although the 1887 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is not within one of Fort Wayne’s historic districts, so its owners, a Women’s Care Center, can legally make changes.
- Last week, ARCH Historic Preservation posted about the paint on social media, noting that May is (ironically) Historic Preservation Month, and paint will damage this building’s rare sandstone exterior. WANE 15 interviewed the Women’s Care Center about this, where spokespeople claimed they only painted parts of the building that “had already been painted” and “worked closely” with the Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) during the renovation process.
- The problem? That’s not true, says West Central Neighborhood President Joel Sauer. “The HPC told them: Please don’t paint this building; it’s not intended to be painted.”
So… what really happened? What is a Women’s Care Center anyway? And why does this matter?
We break it down in Thursday’s Above the Fold newsletter for paid subscribers only.
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- The Fort Wayne Police Department launched a 90-day pilot program testing a new audio system for its controversial Flock Safety cameras. Flock’s Raven audio system is designed to detect sounds linked to emergencies, like gunshots, breaking glass, screaming, car crashes, and more. It seeks to improve police response times by alerting officers of incidents within 60 seconds and reporting incidents that may otherwise go unreported. FWPD Sgt. Chris Felton tells WANE 15: “Cities that have had this audio program for a couple of years now have found about a 30-35% decrease in gunfire incidents and just violent crime, in general.” Officials say Flock's censors do not record conversations and only activate when key sounds are detected. However, as we previously reported, Flock’s systems have faced scrutiny for their security.
- The City of Fort Wayne shared statements from nine organizations Downtown that support its new homeless services center. Supporters include: Alive Community Outreach, First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Penny Drip, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and more. Downtown investor Chuck Surack also voiced plans to support the project financially. In recent weeks, the 24/7, low-barrier homeless services center has made headlines for its proposed location near the Rescue Mission at 333 E. Washington Blvd., where some fear it may compound challenges for Downtown’s “business district.” (Read more in our previous report.) Downtown Fort Wayne asked the city to slow the process, and City Council member Russ Jehl (R-2) suggested hiring a consultant to identify an ideal location. In related news: WANE 15 followed up on two key parts of the discussion, including concerns about how the new shelter might house sex offenders, and Indiana’s new public camping law that takes effect July 1, banning homeless encampments on public property with fines and criminalization.
- Fort Wayne is the fastest-growing large city in the Midwest, according to new U.S. Census Data. Since 2020, the city has gained 11,285 residents for a 4.3% increase, making it the 26th fastest growing large city in the U.S. In a statement, Mayor Sharon Tucker attributes the growth to the city’s quality of life and its “outstanding residents, neighborhoods, and businesses that make Fort Wayne special.” During a recent visit to Fort Wayne, Gov. Mike Braun also commended the city.
- Gov. Mike Braun spoke in Fort Wayne last week about talent retention rates, artificial intelligence, childcare, property tax reform and more. The 30-minute talk at the Clyde Theatre attracted about 200 attendees as part of the Indiana Business Journal’s Innovate Indiana series. Braun pledged to measure his time in state government by “how many of our own kids are we getting back to their communities, minimally to the state, to do what they want to do in their next chapter.” He also spoke favorably of AI and childcare support for employees, and he defended his controversial property tax legislation (SEA 1), but admitted it might need to be “tweaked” to better support local governments and public schools.
- More than a week after the May 5 primary, Allen County’s election results are finalized and indicate enduring support for pro-Trump policies in the Republican party. In two key local races, pro-Trump candidates narrowly bested more moderate challengers: Paul Moss won the Republican nomination for Allen County Commissioner in District 3 by 65 votes over Ewelina Conolly, and Liz Brown retained her State Senate District 15 nomination by 14 votes over challenger Darren Vogt. Across the state, Republicans ousted six senators with nearly a century of General Assembly experience who defied Trump’s redistricting commands in favor of Trump-endorsed candidates. This could result in renewed discussion of redistricting, the Indiana Capital Chronicle reports. Allen County officials say the new vote centers overall improved convenience for voters and increased turnout, but also created delays in processing ballot data. They are working to improve response times for the November midterms.
What else? A new local book and art exhibit. We share additional, even brief(er) briefs for paid subscribers only!
- Indulge: at 3 Daughters Cookies & Ice Cream, a new local dessert shop that recently opened at 6101 W. Jefferson Blvd. near Mitchell's Southwest. We recommend their signature Cookie Sundae, or any of their 40 ice cream flavors (with vegan options)!
- Watch: a movie at the Auburn Garrett Drive-In, now open and showing Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu and The Devil Wears Prada 2. ($10)
- Learn: about Allen County’s role in the nation’s history at Allen County America 250 on May 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the ACPL’s Main Branch. The event honors the nation’s 250th birthday this July 4, with clips from the film The American Revolution by Ken Burns, as well as information on county contributions, celebrations and remembrances.
- Meet: someone new at a DJ Coffee Club at Davey’s Delicious Bagels on May 23 at 11 a.m., featuring a sober dance party and wellness social. Tickets include unlimited iced and hot coffee, music by J. Tubbs and more. (Tickets start at $17.)
- Dine: at The Deck at Hall's Gas House, now officially open for the season, and offering a new crab-cake sandwich and cucumber-flavored “Back-Porch Rita.”
What else? A local comedian returns to Fort Wayne and a Memorial Day celebration. We share additional things To Do for paid subscribers only!
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-Your Editor, Kara Hackett
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