Enterprise Zone Issues

Results of the process described in Section III are described in this section.  It is organized in terms of the task force topics.  Under each task force is its mission or the focus of the work followed by the vision as determined by task force members.  Thereafter vision topics are stated as indicated by the Roman numerals followed by the problem to be overcome and the goals to be achieved in doing so.  They are followed by a list of actions in relative order of importance.  Therefore, the first action is much more important than the last action, according to task force participants.

Mission

Health and Services to People focused their work on the following issues:
 

• Health care
• Drug and alcohol prevention, education, awareness and treatment
• Child care
• Leadership development

Vision

Our vision for the future of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is that all people will have affordable, accessible health care that provides for an increase in health and wellness in the community; and that the overall well-being of the community is enhanced and protected through innovative and responsive medical, social, and human service programs.

I.  Health Care

Problem Statement

There are insufficient affordable, accessible health services for people of all ages and incomes.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to improve the accessibility and affordability of health care services for people of all ages.
 

1. Establish central health care services advocacy and case management system in LaPorte County. 
2. Establish a "Blue Ribbon Committee" to study the LaPorte County Health Department, Welfare Department, hospitals, and other governmental department relative to health care issues and services.
3. Contact governmental agencies dealing with health care (Choice, Maternal and Child Health, etc.) to interest them in establishing programs in LaPorte County.
4. Contact providers of "Healthy Lifestyle" and other local wellness programs to interest them in establishing programs in LaPorte County.
5. Provide assistance with transportation to access medical care.
6. Reduce emergency room visits by establishing wellness clinics and by expansion of medical care alternatives.

Problem Statement

The incidence of drug and alcohol abuse among residents of LaPorte County is high.

Goals and Actions

Our goal for the future is to reduce drug and alcohol abuse of LaPorte County.
 

1. The Urban Enterprise Association Board in collaboration with the school system, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and other social services advocate increased financial and leadership support for privately sponsored health programs and conduct and sponsor at least two seminars annually on drug and alcohol abuse issues.
2. Increase availability of affordable, accessible and long term drug/alcohol treatment programs.
3. Increase civil and criminal penalties for drug and alcohol abuse.
4. Better control of alcohol use at events held on city property.

Problem Statement

There are not enough affordable developmental care centers or spaces available in existing child care centers.  Some parents are not aware of existing child care programs, parenting programs or lack effective parenting skills.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that all families and potential parents will be able to receive affordable, accessible, prenatal and early childhood developmental programs, health care and childcare.  All parents will be fully aware of effective parenting skills to enable children to enter school healthy and ready to learn.
 

1. High Schools establish parental education and health services leadership programs at night.
2. The Urban Enterprise Association Board and the Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the school system, local businesses and social service providers will sponsor and conduct parental education programs.
3. The Urban Enterprise Association Board and the Chamber of Commerce will collaborate with the school system, local business and social service agencies to implement the concept of the "Success by Six" program and coordinate United Way programs.

Mission

Public Safety and Security Task Force focused their work on developing a communitywide strategic plan for the following issues: 
 

• Communitywide public safety 
• Juvenile safety, crime prevention, and corrections
• Traffic safety
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Fire protection

Vision

Our Vision for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is a safe and secure community where all citizens feel free to take full advantage of the City's life and resources day and night.

I.  Public Safety in Neighborhoods and Downtown

Problem Statement

Citizens, especially senior citizens, feel a decreasing sense of security and increasing personal danger throughout the City.  Many individuals and homeowners are not aware of crime prevention techniques to increase their own safety.  Communication, cooperation and respect between the neighborhood leaders, citizens, and the police should be improved.  The Police Department is not able to plan for flexible staffing in the summer when there is a need for increased protection and safety support.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to create a secure City based on active cooperation between citizens, neighborhood and business leaders and police throughout the City.
 

1. Facilitate organization, training and support of city-wide neighborhood organization program and foster communication and cooperation between neighborhoods on all aspects of community life and activity.
2. Establish programs that provide for increased police presence in neighborhoods including bike and foot patrols. 
3. Establish a comprehensive public education program on safety and crime prevention.  Support and increase Crime Watch Programs in the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone neighborhoods.
4. Improve closer cooperative relation between police, citizens and neighborhood.
5. Support citizen-based Court-Watch program. Utilize participation of senior citizens.
6. Initiate a City sponsored program marking all residences with house numbers.  Tie program to other services such as mail delivery.
7. Seek approaches to crime prevention that address the whole problem, including parents, schools, business, and churches.
8. Increase police manpower during summer population increase.

Problem Statement

There has been an increase in juvenile and young adult crime.  Crime in schools is eroding the quality of the public education system and is a threat to the school and neighborhood area populations.  The lax court system, lack of facilities, and lack of parent involvement dealing with juveniles has created a significant community problem.  Programs to deter crime are not planned with adequate neighborhood involvement and have a major impact on that neighborhood.

Goals and Actions

Our Goal is to focus the full community resources on reducing juvenile crime by working with youth and parents.

1. Establish programs that deal with whole youth issues as they relate to all of the community's resources such as schools, churches, business, government and parents. Explore and consider programs such as:
• New volunteer urban Peace Corps type programs, and;
• Providing "at-risk" professionals at every school.
2. Create programs to educate youth on future roles as responsible parents and citizens.
3. Include parenting education in schools and courts.
4. Develop programs for latch-key children and after school activities for high school youth.
5. Develop awareness programs for school administrators and teachers on community values.
6. Create cooperative business programs to challenge youth with opportunities and incentives to join work force.
7. Create business sponsored Adopt-a-school type programs.
8. Reduce crime by building on successful program like D.A.R.E. and extending them through the high school level.

Problem Statement

The growing use of drugs, including alcohol, is seriously affecting the health and well-being of significant numbers of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone citizens.  The result is increased problems for individuals, burdens on public services, problems for businesses and job performance and threats to public safety, especially from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.  Drugs and alcohol contribute to the growing crime in our community.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to stop the proliferation of drug use in our community and create a proactive effort to overcome the deleterious effects of drugs especially on the youth.

1. Initiate a communitywide program funded to comprehensively attack drug problems including:

1.  Education
2.  Treatment
3.  Enforcement

 Involvement

1. Promote healthier lifestyles and alternatives.
2. Strengthen DUI laws and their enforcement. 

Problem Statement

The Plan for fire and rescue capacity should be improved and updated to meet the changing and growing needs of the Urban Enterprise Zone.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone to develop and support a model fire and rescue service for the whole area as it grows and changes.
 

1. Develop education program aimed at Urban Enterprise Zone residents on fire prevention and safety evacuation plans.
2. Develop the County's Arson Team program, training and staffing citywide and assure continuity of personnel.
3. Develop comprehensive emergency services plan for serving the Urban Enterprise Zone in the future, especially new and growing areas of the community.
4. Plan for capacity that ensure an equal level of service to all areas for the City.  Boaters and marine actives must be included.

Mission

Leisure Recreation and Culture Task Force focused their work on the following issues:
 

• Leisure recreation and parks 
• Active recreation for adults
• Active recreation for youth
• Importance of history
• Cultural activities

Vision

Our vision for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is a community that provides a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities for all residents regardless of age or ability that are sensitive to the environment, recognize our rich history and support and encourage visitor enjoyment.

I.  Leisure Recreation and Parks

Problem Statement

There is currently inadequate information on the availability of existing resources.  Public access to waterways is limited and therefore the use of waterways and their facilities are under-utilized by residents and visitors.  Existing park and playground equipment is not adequately maintained or improved.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that every citizen and visitor of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone know about all available park, recreation and cultural resources in the community.  That every citizen has access to our recreational and cultural resources and that our recreational and cultural resources are maintained, enhanced and expanded.

1. Prepare financial feasibility study for Trail Creek dredging.
2. Increase information on the availability of recreation and cultural resources as well as supplement existing sources of information to prepare an inventory of sites, buildings, equipment, patronage trends, and operating characteristics and compare availability to national standards.
3. Prepare and implement a playground development and maintenance plan and through neighborhood associations and institutions organize volunteers to supplement city and school system playground maintenance.
4. Acquire land and construct trails connecting existing and future parks.
5. Continue to monitor and respond to waterway problems as they develop with local waterways.
6. Fund the zoo to implement existing development plan.
7. Improve recreation department surveillance and police protection in beach area.
8. Establish and staff a City Public Information Office at Marquette Mall.

Problem Statement

There are not enough recreational opportunities for adults who work long or non-traditional hours.  There should be a wider variety of recreational and active sport activities for adults at affordable prices.

Goals and Actions

That adults working long hours, shift work, and non-traditional work hours are able to enjoy active recreational opportunities at an affordable price.
 

1. Expand recreation and cultural program offerings and hours of operation.
2. Promote recreation and cultural facilities and programs.

Problem Statement

There are not enough recreational opportunities for youth in all areas of the city.  Recreational opportunities are not easily accessible by public transportation for all youth.  After school recreational opportunities should be offered in neighborhood schools.  There should be more parental involvement in children's activities.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that all children wishing to participate in recreation activities have the opportunity to take part in leisure or organized activities at a site convenient to their home or school, and that parents are actively involved in their children's after school and leisure activities.
 

1. Increase supply of recreation facilities and fields using Michigan City Area School facilities.
2. Increase school funding to provide transportation after normal operating hours for students to encourage participation in recreational and sports activities and encourage YMCA to provide transportation from school to facility for active day care.

Problem Statement

The City's historical building and records of community achievement are not adequately recognized and protected.  The tourist potential of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone as a destination point for historical interests has not been fully explored

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone residents will recognize the importance of our heritage and historical buildings and preserve and enhance these qualities.
 

1. Conduct a market feasibility analysis of providing a heritage trolley utilizing the former South Shore Railroad Station as a prerequisite to implementation.
2. Increase city and state funding for existing historic building preservation and furnishings.
3. Preserve more of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone historic resources.

Problem Statement

Residents do not take full advantage of the arts and cultural resources in the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that every resident has awareness of existing arts and cultural resources.  These resources should be maintained, enhanced and increased over the next 10 years.
 

• Schools and/or Recreation department sponsored day trips to Chicago and other cultural resources.
• Promote local cultural resources through local media.

Mission

Public Facilities and Infrastructure Task Force focused their work on the following issues:

• Public Facilities
• Roads
• Public Utilities
• Handicapped accessibility of public building
• Trail Creek

Vision

Our vision for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is a community that is accessible to all citizens regardless of age or ability; that has safe, attractive and well maintained roads; and up-to date infrastructure that meets the needs of the residents.

I.  Public Facilities

Problem Statement

Public buildings and facilities should set high standards for appearance and have adequate parking, ramps, sidewalks, making them easily accessible by all citizens.  Many neighborhoods do not have recreation centers that can be used for meetings, activities and recreation.  Many vacant lots in the city are "owned" by the city because of non-payment of taxes, and they are not well maintained. 

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to create a sense of welcome in all city facilities and to provide for centers of neighborhood activity and civic pride.
 

1. Achieve effective use of publicly owned buildings such as the Central School making them available in each neighborhoods for meetings, activities and recreation.
2. Survey all public buildings to determine that they are well landscaped and maintained and that parking, ramps, etc., are adequate and develop a program to correct deficiencies.
3. Develop a program to beautify public owned vacant lots and to maintain their improved appearance.
4. Review abandoned public buildings and have a plan for their reuse or disposal.

Problem Statement

Some streets, sidewalks and curbs are poorly maintained or aligned thereby compromising vehicle and pedestrian safety.  Public rights of way (trees, lawns, alleys) are poorly maintained and unsightly.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to ensure that all roadways, sidewalks and public rights of way are well maintained, allow for efficient and safe vehicular flow and provide an attractive appearance.
 

1. Establish a sidewalk and curb and gutter financing plan using property owner assessment and city resources.
2. Develop an aggressive program of right-of-way maintenance to maintain, improve and enhance city owned right-of-way including tree lawns and alleys.
3. Establish a comprehensive building address numbering system by 1993.
4. Establish and identify a major crosstown arterial road system in 1992.
5. Construct sidewalks, curbs, and gutters where they do not exist by 1997.
6. Improve the timing of traffic lights and evaluate left turn lanes and stop signs along the arterial street system.

Problem Statement

Not all areas of the community have water, sanitary sewers and storm sewers.  Sewer and water should be extended to industrial sites to encourage economic development.  Flooding occurs following significant rainfall in many areas.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that all areas of the community have equal access and supply of public utilities and services.
 

1. The Department of Water and Sanitation must prepare a plan to provide water, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers to all areas of the community.  This plan must include construction schedules and sources of funding, including probably user fees, and when the plan is completed it will be published.
2. Combine water and sanitation departments and relocate them to City Hall to save expenses and make them more convenient to the public.
3. Encourage LaPorte and Michigan City cable television systems to extend facilities to suburban areas (communication).

Problem Statement

Although there have been several studies to determine the best uses for Trail Creek and its adjoining lands no plan has been formally adopted.

Goals and Actions

Determine the most desirable uses for Trail Creek and its adjoining land and complete a plan to develop those areas.
 

1. Publish the Trail Creek Improvement Committee's plan to accomplish the goal of development of the Trail Creek area as a part of the Horizon 2000 plan.

Problem Statement

Handicapped residents are denied access to some public buildings.

Goals and Actions

That all residents regardless of ability are able to enjoy full and easy access to all public buildings.

1. Prepare a handicapped access funding program utilizing local, state, and federal sources to assist public and private organizations in meeting their individual requirements for access under Federal regulations.  The Chamber of Commerce should conduct a workshop on this issue to provide "training" as to what those federal standards are.
2. Provide access for the handicapped to all public buildings to comply with new federal regulations by 1995 at the latest.

Mission

The Environmental Quality Task Force focused their work on the following issues:
 

• Air quality
• Water quality on lakefront and all lake tributaries
• Solid waste disposal
• Reforestation
• Land Pollution

Vision

Our vision for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is that we will protect and enhance the natural environment by protecting our natural resources and responsible management practices of air, water and waste disposal quality standards.

I.  Environmental Quality

Problem Statement

Those groups addressing environmental quality issues work too independently and do not coordinate.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that we will enhance and protect the environmental quality of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone as a unique and valuable resource.
 

1. Support the Trail Creek Improvement Plan.

Problem Statement

The air quality of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is impacted by pollutants from residential burning, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and other sources.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to improve the air quality by identifying sources of pollution and develop coordinated efforts toward encouraging and enforcing current regulations and developing public awareness.
 

1. Identify major sources of air pollution.
2. Enhance the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone image, by impacting standards and quality of air in surrounding cities and counties (external clean up including proactive permit monitoring).
3. Amend/standardize non-burning policies in Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone.
4. Encourage compliance and enforcement of existing air quality regulations.
5. Ensure city vehicles meet state and federal standards.
6. Determine the adequacy of current air quality administrative agencies and review through investigation existing records and monitoring methods.
7. Influence a vehicle emissions testing program for the city and county.

Problem Statement

The water quality in the Michigan City Area lakefront and river tributaries is a valuable and fragile resource for recreation and development and contributes significantly to the quality of life in the community.  This resource is not protected and maintained to its highest quality. 

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to have the highest quality of water for recreation and aquatic production in the area by eliminating debris, pollutants and sediment build up in the creeks. 
 

1. Clean-up current sediments in all lake tributaries and prevent future sediment build-up.
2. Work with local, state, and federal agencies to characterize sediments in all lake tributaries and identify sources of pollution.
3. Develop soil conservation and management regulations.
4. Monitor sources of pollution after they are identified and encourage enforcement and compliance with regulations.
5. Provide better aquatic reproduction.

Problem Statement

Proper management of solid and hazardous waste disposal are critical to the overall environmental quality of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone. 

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to significantly reduce the quantity of solid waste disposed of in the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone through an aggressive education program on the impact of solid waste disposal and the benefits of reduction, reuse and recycling; and that all residents and businesses actively participate in an inclusive recycling program.
 

1. Do not accept waste from other states.
2. Make recycling convenient.
3. Involve neighborhoods in community clean-up "adopt-a-block" programs.
4. Removal of Waste, Inc. Site (Government Top 10 Super Fund Site).
5. No expansion of LaPorte County landfill.
6. Educate community of solid and hazardous waste issues including benefits of recycling, reduction and reuse in the most efficient and effective manner.
7. Develop collection program for hazardous household waste.
8. Meet county standards resulting from LaPorte County Solid Waste District plan.

Problem Statement

The City does not have a policy for reforestation or maintenance of a minimum green space.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone be an attractive area that recognizes the importance of preserving and maintaining the dunes, enhancing and increasing the urban forest and protecting open green space. 
 

1. Develop tree planting program for existing neighborhoods and street lawns.
2. Develop school curriculum to teach the importance of trees and vegetation in protect the quality of the environment.
3. Preserve dune grass.
4. Review existing codes to improve and more actively pursue administration and awareness programs.
5. Plan and implement an Arbor Day program.

Problem Statement

The environmental quality of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone is negatively impacted by waste from past and current dump sites. 

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to eliminate all dumping and to clean up old dumping grounds.
 

1. Monitor ground-water quality data at high risk dumping sites.
2. Develop awareness and enforcement of dumping controls.
3. Identify and clean-up all non-controlled old dumping grounds.
4. Mandate zero non-controlled dumping lots by 1994.

Mission

The Community Traditions and Civic Spirit Task Force focused their work on the following issues:
 

• Develop community spirit and pride
• Community involvement in civic activities
• Community image

Vision

Our vision is that the citizens of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone will work together as one community to set aside barriers and celebrate their hometown atmosphere and vibrant history through an active civic life.

I.  Community Spirit and Pride

Problem Statement

The Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone has lost a sense of community pride.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to increase community involvement in civic and neighborhood activities and to develop a renewed sense of community pride.
 

1. Coordinate an areawide campaign to improve the total physical appearance of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone.
2. Utilize neighborhood schools as a center of neighborhood pride and activity and develop and enhance community centers where schools are not available.
3. Identify negativism information and educate and communicate in positive ways.
4. Develop pride in neighborhoods by recognizing and celebrating achievements.
5. Renew sense of pride in Michigan City by developing, encouraging and promoting "Home Town" projects.
6. Establish a volunteer coordinator to welcome volunteers and make use of their valuable time through volunteer coordination.  Steps include: 
1. Produce an information guide
2. Create recruitment program
3. Reward volunteers

Problem Statement

The lack of positive civic involvement results in negative attitudes toward civic issues and projects.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is to increase civic pride and community involvement in civic projects and issues.
 

1. Establish a community leadership program that communicates and educates participants about civic issues and the processes of "getting things done".
2. Actively seek to involve "missing" people, those not traditionally involved and increase civic pride.
3. Recognize volunteer involvement.

Problem Statement

Residents of the communities surrounding the Urban Enterprise Zone have a negative perception of the costs and benefits of the zone.

Goals and Actions

Our goal is that every Michigan City resident will become an ambassador for Michigan City as the best "Home Town in Indiana".
 

1. Develop a pride campaign focusing on the positive attributes of the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone.
2. Open communication channels between neighborhoods, City Hall and business.
3. Organize a task force to find the causes of the disunity and identify ways to bring the races and neighborhoods closer together.
4. Promote our "cultural diversity" as an asset.

 Task forces recommended 204 specific actions.  These actions not only respond to the problems faced by residents and businesses located in the UEZ, their implementation would help achieve the objectives of the task forces.  Media coverage of the strategic planning process through local radio and newspaper coverage spread the results to persons who did not attend the meetings comprising the process.