Bike routes
In one of our blogs a few months ago, we reported on a story of a possible bicycle route that was proposed by the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization to change a section of Lincoln from four lanes to three lanes to accommodate bicycles. This idea must have been well received by Major Weinzapfel who announced last Wednesday that 20-plus miles of bikeways will be added to Evansville streets and roads by 2010. By then, he said, bicycle riders will be able to go from Howell Park on the West Side to the Warrick County line using on-street bikeways. By accommodating bicycle riders, this plan enhances the quality of life for many residents by encouraging fitness and exercise. Likewise, it enhances the image of Evansville. This shows that Major Weinzapfel is truly looking out for the better of Evansville and we wish him continued success. To read the full article from The Press & Courier, go to http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/22/bike-routes-the-issue-city-plans-20-plus-miles/. 

Planning for arena
Planning for an arena in downtown Evansville is not an easy task. This story shows that many factors come in play and that thorough due diligence is needed from the very start. In order to put together a potential financing package to fund the arena, many steps have to be taken. The latest move came last week, when the Evansville Redevelopment Commission introduced a resolution to expand the boundaries of the so-called Downtown Redevelopment Area to include all potential sites for the proposed facility. Properties located within the redevelopment area are subject to Tax Increment Financing, where property tax proceeds generated by increases in assessed value can be used to help finance development projects, such as a new arena. This proposal is aimed primarily at new commercial construction in the targeted area. To read the full article from The Press & Courier, go to
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/22/planning-for-arena/.