Business View Civil & Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 11

99 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 a significant impact on that segment of our population.” At around 16,000 residents and counting, New Haven is slated to see its population increase by as much as 50 percent over the next decade. According to Mayor Steven McMichael, the challenge will come with preserving New Haven’s small-town heritage alongside the demand to accommodate the growing city. “We’d like to maintain that small-town value system that reminds people they always have a home in New Haven, but also grow to a point that we can offer more amenities and spread New Haven’s story to the masses,” McMichael shares. “We think we can strike that balance.” To date, New Haven has seen its city council invest heartily in its downtown, as well as new housing and infrastructure to really develop the I-469 corridor with new sites for commercial and industrial use. “We’re working with Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), looking at getting our main street designation,” says Vongphachanh. “The majority of our shops downtown are locally owned, but one retailer that’s really exploded during the pandemic is the family-run, women’s clothing boutique, Lane 201.” “They truly are a standout retailer in terms of e-commerce and high growth potential for this region,” adds Ellen Cutter, Vice President of Economic Development at Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “We also have Continental Diamond Tool, which makes cutting and grinding blades and instruments. That’s a company that grew up in New Haven and they’ve expanded more on the I-469 corridor. And then we have a business out of Chicago that makes high-end popcorn seasoning – Dell Cove Spices & More. But if you really want to get a flavor for Broadway Street, look up Niche Market on Facebook. They’re a great example of the creativity and energy that you’re seeing in the small businesses in NEW HAVEN, INDI ANA