Hey Locals,

This week, we’re taking a look at Google’s plan to fill local wetlands and what that means for our environment and economy. We also update you on conversations about homelessness Downtown – a topic getting more attention from City Council in coming weeks. Plus: neighborhood infrastructure investments and Glenbrook Mall’s new ownership.

This month, our newsletter is brought to you by AARP Indiana. Did you know they have a local team in Fort Wayne, hosting events and engaging the community on issues we care about at The Local, like transportation, civic engagement, healthy living and more? Visit their website for details!

Don’t forget, this month, we’re partnering with The Fairfield to host a Local Trivia Night on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Reserve free tickets today to join us, and test your knowledge of Fort Fun while competing to win some amazing prizes!

We also have a special food deal with The Fairfield this month! In September, all paid subscribers to The Local get $2 off a shareable Duck Fry Plate (regularly valued at $10.50), which comes with three house-made dipping sauces. (Hint: Join us for trivia, and redeem your deal then!)

Now, let's get started!

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

Google wants to fill some local wetlands.

Citizens have until Sept. 11 to submit comments.

What’s happening?

Global tech giant Google is progressing in its plans to build a $2 billion, 12-building, 700+ acre data center campus at 6015 Adams Center Rd. This comes with some compromises – at least for the local environment and water system. 

Last week, Google sought approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to build on about 2.5 acres of wetlands in Southeast Allen County, including some "protected." Citizens have until Sept. 11 to submit comments about Google’s proposal to IDEM’s Project Manager Evan White at EVWhite@IDEM.IN.Gov or 317-671-6698. With enough comments, IDEM will host a public hearing. 

So… how might Google's plan impact local water systems, how does it relate to what’s happening nationally, and why does it matter to you? 

We break it down in this week’s Thursday newsletter for paid subscribers only.

• City Council says Mayor Sharon Tucker “delivered” on a promise to invest in neighborhood infrastructure. Last fall, Tucker promised to make neighborhood projects the lion’s share of the city’s local income tax (LIT) supplemental distribution from the state this year (an undetermined amount left over at the end of each fiscal year). Council President Russ Jehl announced that Tucker fulfilled this promise, allocating the majority of $12.591 million in funding to neighborhood street and sidewalk projects, alley improvements, new playground equipment, lighting improvements, trails and more. Tucker’s administration also allocated $1.185 million to the FWPD’s Hope and Recovery Team (HART), which assists with addiction and homelessness, and its Victim Assistance program – enough to fund both for two years.
• Addressing Downtown homelessness is likely going to be a central talking point at the Sept. 9 City Council meeting. Last week, two council reps, Jehl (R-2) and Dr. Scott Myers (R-4) asked City Attorney Malak Heiny to review approaches to homelessness taken by national leaders, President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Both have taken a tough stance on encampments, but Trump has prioritized criminalization and institutionalization versus “housing first,” whereas Newsom has focused on housing reforms to increase supply.) Earlier this year, Fort Wayne hired its first manager of Homeless Services to create a comprehensive strategy that involves establishing the city’s first no-barrier day center. The JG* reports that Councilmen Jehl and Myers appear “impatient” with the city’s efforts.
• Mayor Tucker’s administration launched a microgrant program to fund groups working to address youth gun violence. Last week, City Council allocated some of the city’s COVID relief dollars (ARPA) to these microgrants of up to $10,000 for groups and individuals. Applications open 8 a.m. Sept. 3. According to the national publication The Trace, “gun homicide and shooting rates in Fort Wayne have remained steady” despite post-pandemic declines across the Midwest. So far in 2025, Fort Wayne has had 59 shootings, and 16 victims were under age 18. 
• Glenbrook Square Mall changed hands for the second time in five years. On Aug. 30, Hull Property Group out of Georgia acquired the mall as their third in Indiana (along with Muncie and Richmond). They plan to work with local leaders on redeveloping Glenbrook, where three shootings took place between 2023-2024. Glenbrook opened in 1966 and was previously owned by Spinosa Real Estate Group, which purchased it in 2022.
• “Tiger King” Joe Exotic filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court last week against the local Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Noble County. The suit is regarding the sanctuary’s methods of caring for its big cats, specifically spaying and neutering them, which Exotic claims violates the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In 2021, authorities seized nearly 70 big cats from Exotic’s Oklahoma park, four of which ended up at Black Pine. Black Pine cannot comment on pending litigation, but said it is “committed to providing refuge for captive-raised exotic animals for the rest of their lives and to educate people about responsible animal care and conservation.”
• City Council approved spending to maintain and improve the city’s right-of-way across its six districts and its railroad overpasses. Along with ADA ramps, median work, and removing greenery that affects right-of-way infrastructure, the work entails adding safety lighting to railroad underpasses. City Right of Way Manager, Nick Jarell, says the next phase of the plan for overpasses is addressing overgrowth atop them.
• A man wrongfully accused of being part of a viral beating at Pike’s Pub earlier this year is suing his accuser. WANE 15 detailed the case, in which the wrongfully accused, Kent Adamonis, is seeking $10,125 in damages from the woman who "identified him" in the viral attack video. Six other men involved in the incident have a pretrial hearing Sept. 26.

New deal + event with The Fairfield!

Plus, why you should golf indoors this fall.

What’s happening?

This month, we’re partnering with The Fairfield entertainment center at 1510 Fairfield Ave. to host a Local Trivia Night where you can compete to win some pretty amazing prize packages, all while testing your knowledge of Fort Fun! RSVP to join us Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. 

Paid subscribers to The Local can also redeem $2 off a delicious (and shareable) Duck Fry Board (valued at $10.50), which comes with three housemade dipping sauces.

Did you know… The Fairfield is a full-service entertainment venue that offers four floors of fun within walking distance of Downtown and Electric Works? 

• Local owners Nathan Newport and David Beer recently renovated the historic building, which opened to the public in February.
• The space includes: a swanky speakeasy basement (The Barrel Room) with two private karaoke rooms, a family-friendly duckpin bowling bar and restaurant on the first floor (Pinhouse Social), an all-skill-levels golf-simulator and bar on the second floor (Urban Golf) and a third-floor ballroom for events. 

SPONSORED

Try golfing indoors this fall!

As the weather gets cooler in Fort Wayne, Newport says local golfers are already booking up suites at The Fairfield's Urban Golf, which offers eight bays (one private) of golf simulators to play 85 courses year-round, plus kids' games.

Here are three quick things to know:

• Book ahead of time: While walk-ins are welcome at Urban Golf, October is “busy season,” Newport says, so he recommends booking ahead of time online to secure a suite, which comes with food and beverage service.
• Don’t be intimidated. If you’re new to golf, or just want to play for fun, Urban Golf welcomes all ages and skill levels, from kids and newcomers to seasoned pros. There’s even a professional golf instructor for private lessons, and you can BYO clubs or borrow. 
• Don’t like golf? There’s still plenty to do. Urban Golf (and the Fairfield, in general) are great options for groups with diverse interests – whether it’s family, friends or colleagues. The golf simulators offer kids' games, and there’s plenty of lounge seating. There’s also another first-floor bar and restaurant with duckpin bowling just below, so everyone can find something to enjoy.

See for yourself at our event on Sept. 24!

• Shop: Fort Wayne gear as part of Visit Fort Wayne’s Be a Tourist in Your Hometown event on Sept. 7, starting at 11 a.m. The Visitor’s Center sells Fort Wayne-themed t-shirts, swag, art and more made by local residents. It’s giving subscribers to The Local a special 20% off discount online and in-store that day (code: “thelocal”). While you’re there, pick up a passport for Be a Tourist (or print one at home), and enjoy free admission at 23 attractions, including the Botanical Conservatory, Science Central and more!  
• Score: vintage and antique home goods and other finds at Mercantile on Main’s Estate Sale, Sept. 4-7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 1753 W. Main St. Deals escalate from 25% off to 75% off as the weekend progresses.
• Brunch: at a new downtown breakfast spot, Eggster Café, which opened inside Cottage Flowers last Friday. The cafe is located near the YLNI Farmers Market at 236 E. Wayne St. and specializes in breakfast burritos, mini pancakes and coffee drinks.
• Explore: homes as part of the 43rd annual West Central Home & Garden Tour Sept. 6-7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., in West Central Neighborhood Downtown. The event features a free trolley, live music and free ArtsFest with vendors and food trucks. (Tickets to tour homes are $18 online or $20 day-of.)
• Celebrate: one year of the local artist-run exhibition space, Kinhouse Gallery, with a free Birthday Party and Exhibition Opening on Sept 6, 3-5 p.m. at 1601 Oakland Street. The gallery will feature contemporary art by 13 artists across the U.S. and Canada, as well as kids’ activities, cake, punch and more.
• Stroll: Jefferson Pointe’s End of Summer Bash on Sept. 6, 3-11 p.m., featuring family-friendly fun including live DJs, face painting, bounce houses and more, as well as food trucks and an evening movie under the stars.
• Listen: to free Musical Mornings by the Fort Wayne Phil’s “The Resonators” at Crescendo Coffee & More on Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Celebrate Fall: at the Roanoke Fall Festival on Sept. 7.
• Check out: Broadway’s First Fridays! on Sept. 5.
• Cheers: to the Brewed IN the Fort Craft Beer Fest on Sept. 6.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett