The Community Development Division recently completed work to improve a key “gateway” or well-traveled roadway into the City from the south. The Bicentennial Marker, installed in 1994 near the intersection of Airport Expressway and Bluffton Road, was recently refurbished with new lighting and tiles. Then, last month, dead and diseased pine trees were removed, as well as overgrown vegetation in the right-of-way. Finally, 51 trees and 37 new shrubs were planted and the area was re-seeded and received fresh mulch.

The improvements to this well-traveled gateway help provide a welcoming entrance into the community for visitors. This work is part of Mayor Tom Henry’s Front Door Fort Wayne plan, which is an initiative to improve the aesthetics of the City’s key corridors. Other recent improvements include the railroad underpass on Jefferson Boulevard near Lindenwood, the greenspace enhancements at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Pettit Avenue, and the mural installation along the underpass at Clay and Main streets.