As part of the Action Agenda process, the contributed ideas were compiled to guide municipalities. Municipal and community leaders used this critical feedback to identify priority action items for each of their communities, resulting in the Next Chapter Action Agenda.
Action Agenda for Goshen
Vibrant Employment District
Goshen will continue efforts to build out an attractive and accessible downtown business district. We will encourage the inclusion of aesthetic elements and other amenities such as: alternative transportation access, green spaces, landscaping, lighting, bicycle racks, trails, sidewalks, and wayfinding signage.
Small Business Development
Goshen will position downtown as the hub for small businesses. We will develop, support, and promote small business entrepreneurship networks and provide training and resources for growing or emerging small businesses. We recognize the impact they have on the local economy and often spend more of their money locally, having a multiplier effect on income, wealth, and jobs.
Mixed-use Downtown
Goshen will adopt mixed-use, infill development, and streetscaping measures. We will provide incentives for the residential and commercial development of second story properties to assist with an increased downtown retailer footprint.
Goshen Theater
Goshen will support ongoing efforts to restore and activate the Historic Goshen Theater Building. When and where possible we will also protect, preserve, develop, and promote existing architectural, cultural, historical, and entertainment properties in the downtown.
Bicycle Friendly Community
Goshen will leverage opportunities to add and support safe bicycle routes and trails which are consistent with the comprehensive bicycle transportation plan. We will include bicycle lanes in the construction or modification of roadways and add paths which connect existing routes. We will provide enough bicycle racks accessible to the public, wayfinding signage, safe routes for major destinations, and offer our residents educational resources on cycling safety practices. We will prioritize child-safe routes which promote biking and walking to schools.
Elkhart River and Goshen Millrace
Goshen will develop a plan to help preserve and support the Elkhart River and Goshen Millrace as residential, commercial, recreational and environmental community assets. We will promote low-impact recreational use on land not suitable for development and plan riverfront development which respects and enhances these waterways as community resources. When possible, we will purchase land along the river system and its development rights to steer new development away from undeveloped space such as farmland, wetlands and forests and ensure new development is made near an existing structural footprint.
Shanklin Park Pool
Goshen will re-envision the design and construction of the Shanklin Park Pool. For more than 50 years Shanklin Park Pool has served the community of Goshen and more broadly Elkhart County. It’s one of the few amenities well known by most people throughout the county. Its unique and picturesque location can be enjoyed by everyone, eliminating social and economic barriers. We are proud of this community asset and consensus from residents and community leaders is to start fundraising as soon as possible to see this project through.
Power House Park
Goshen will explore and develop a plan to activate the greenspace adjacent to Power House and Millrace Canal for public recreation use and special events.
Goshen Parks Master Plan
The Goshen Parks Department will conduct a Parks Master Plan with support and input from the community. The plan will evaluate the feasibility of park expansions, green space, and trail connections. The plan will consider redevelopment, new development, and ways to strengthen underserved areas with park/pathway to access existing amenities.
Blueway Connections
Goshen will explore blueway recreational opportunities. We will evaluate current and future needs for waterway access points, boardwalks, water activities, and rentals as part of a growing blueway connection. Activities may include canoeing, paddle boarding, and kayaking which take advantage of our natural assets.
Goshen Arts & Culture District
Goshen will continue to support, promote and activate its Arts and Culture District. We will develop a “makerspace” for public access to tools, resources, and educational classes related to the art of making. We will partner with local artists to curate hands-on experiences that appeal to both locals and visitors and locate a space within downtown to reconfigure as a collective “creatives’ storefront”, where local artists can sell their work.
Festivals & Events
Goshen will explore/support the addition of a new music festival and other events. We will work with local musicians, venues and organizations to create a music festival that will showcase and elevate the diverse musician base present in our community. We will promote and support other well-loved events such as the growing Multi-Cultural festival, Arts on the Millrace, and First Friday’s.
Immersive Experiences
Goshen will develop immersive and experiential programs. We will partner with the local arts community to develop experiences which may be hands-on or immersive in nature, which showcase the dynamic multi-cultural community we have, such as pottery making, quilting, pretzel making, comedy shows, music improv, talent shows, live music, dancing or make-it-and-take-it activities.
Minimizing Railroad Impact
Goshen will develop a quiet zone along 9th Street to eliminate train horns at intersections, including new safety measures at crossings.
Neighborhood Vitality
Goshen will protect the integrity of current and emerging residential neighborhoods to ensure consistency with the design fabric of the area. It will work with developers to encourage lighting, sidewalks, and walkable connections to existing neighborhoods and accessibility to other area amenities through pedestrian safe pathways. To meet the growing demand for new housing development, Goshen will create public/private partnerships to create new housing opportunities.
Neighborhood Engagement and Diversity
Goshen will encourage neighbor-to-neighbor connections. We are a culturally diverse community that is growing. To promote the connectivity of people, Goshen will socialize, foster, and encourage neighborhoods to develop small events which promote community and intercultural engagement with activities such as BBQs, walking groups, and neighborhood watch groups.
Promote a Spirit of Volunteerism
Goshen will create, share, and celebrate volunteer opportunities. We will help promote Elkhart County’s Acts of Service volunteer hub and communicate the importance of giving back to the community by connecting with the community to recruit volunteers. Programs that also connect our youth with seniors will be encouraged.
Recycling
Goshen will continue to promote and encourage resident curbside recycling for its residents, and the use of the county’s only public collection site. We will continue to foster a community of recycling which includes ongoing education for individuals on items are allowable for recycling.
Net Zero by 2035
Goshen is committed to protecting, enhancing, preserving, and supporting natural environments by addressing issues of sustainable land use, resilient ecosystems, natural connectivity, flood resilience, and biodiversity as part of the City’s Net-Zero by 2035 climate action plan. Goshen will also invest in the ongoing educational development of city employees to further mitigate, implement, and adapt to climate change through new environmentally resilient, low impact, and low energy practices which support the plan.
Sustainable Energy
Goshen will conduct energy audits on city buildings and facilities in 2024. They will then Implement new steps to help reduce energy consumption, support emissions reductions, and invest in sustainable energy sources to offset and reduce existing consumption.
Minimizing Emissions
Goshen will address utility processes and reduce emissions at the wastewater treatment plant, and review solid waste management processes to innovate the collection process for the reduction of universal and green waste emissions. We will also reduce greenhouse emissions with the implementation of a sustainable transportation strategy featuring pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit solutions.
Green Infrastructure
Goshen will introduce and maintain green infrastructure for supporting systems such as roads, stormwater collection, erosion reductions, urban canopy coverage, and streetlights by adopting policies and standards which align with climate changes and are designed to enhance and take advantage of natural systems.
Implementing the Plan
This Action Agenda is a community-based plan at its core. Vibrant Communities, supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc, came together to fund and facilitate the development of the agenda for the communities of Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities will continue in its role in monitoring and supporting implementation activities.
In addition to their ongoing support, successful implementation will also depend on coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations representing the public, private, and civic sectors across the communities, including:
ORGANIZATIONS
Local organizations have been tasked with a great deal of responsibility in the Action Agenda implementation plan. Through new partnerships and strategic investments of time and resources, these organizations can help implement actions and expand the reach of their network.
PRIVATE BUSINESSES
The Action Agenda reveals a lot about the preferences of Elkhart County. The business community would do well in taking advantage of these preferences through strategic investments. Entrepreneurs may find niche opportunities within the recommendations.
INSTITUTIONS
Through their leadership and resources, local and regional institutions can play a key role in implementation. Their support will help to intensify the impact of each action and forge new relationships with other leaders and organizations.
With the power to shape policy, direct community resources, and represent the public, elected officials have an important role in implementation. The action items show clear evidence of thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the community – one leaders can stand behind with confidence.