For many years the citizens of Michigan City talked of the unlimited development possibilities in the city’s “North End” and all the “missed opportunities.” By today’s standards the area was not pedestrian friendly, not viewer friendly, and lacked a unifying vision. Many studies and plans have been prepared, only to collect dust, yet the conversations on development continue. The area can become the neighborhood of choice for new residents and for people working at the two large employment centers anchoring the area (Lighthouse Place and Blue Chip.) It can attract people who either want to live near the waters of Trail Creek and Lake Michigan or in the urban core of the city; close to the library, museums and extensive existing services.

These new residents would live within walking distance of practically anything one would ever need. A spirit of liveliness and numerous open-spaces, which could be filled with public art created by resident artists, will attract new commercial activity.

As a result of a recent collaboration between the chamber of commerce and the city government, more than a hundred citizens have become energized under the MCNEAT (Michigan City north end advocacy team) initiative. Working in teams on what they call the six zones of opportunity, these volunteers have undertaken clean-up efforts, identified liabilities and opportunities and sought advice on developing new city policies. If implemented, these policies would bring about positive changes in landscaping, building standards, traffic patterns and land use.

The charrette brought in a fresh approach to the gathering of ideas, visualization of what can occur and recommendation of new policies. Unlike previous planning efforts, great public participation was a result due to the MCNEAT efforts. Their continued involvement will assure the successful implementation of the ideas brought forth through this charrette.