November 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • Community Conversation on COVID
  • COVID-19 Resources
  • Traffic Calming Speed Humps
  • Home Team Valpo Kickoff
  • Neighborhood Grant Updates
  • Tree Planting Success
  • Stormwater Reminder
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • Calendar and Helpful Links
Join us for a Community Conversation on COVID Nov. 23 at 4:00 p.m.
The City of Valparaiso is hosting a Community Conversation on COVID-19 on Monday, November 23 at 4:00 p.m. on Facebook Live at Valparaiso Now. Tune in to hear updates on COVID, state and county responses and what the City is doing as COVID numbers continue to rise in our community and nationwide. Mayor Murphy wants to hear thoughts from the community as we work together to get through this challenging time.
COVID Resources and Reminders
In recognition of the accelerated spread of COVID-19 nationwide and locally, the City of Valparaiso is amplifying its message of prevention and supporting restrictions outlined by the Porter County Health Department (PCHD), including enforcement of masking and social distancing mandates. Some quick updates and links that may be of interest include:
Speed Humps Installed to Calm Traffic
The City's Engineering Department is always working to increase traffic safety for both motorists and pedestrians. The City recently installed four trial speed humps in locations that were strategically selected based on traffic volume, safety considerations and the availability of resources. Speed humps are a traffic calming tool designed with a sloped approach and a flat top which makes it possible for snowplows and emergency vehicles to navigate over them. Pictured here is the speed hump on Eisenhower Avenue. Additional humps can be found on Country Club Road and Bedford Road.
Home Team Valpo Kickoff Success!
The City is helping to launch a new nonprofit organization created to assist qualifying homeowners in maintaining their homes. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Porter County, Home Team Valpo is city-inspired and volunteer-driven. The goal of Home Team Valpo is to lift up individuals and neighborhoods, improving quality of life, one home at a time. On October 24, Home Team Valpo hosted its first Clean Up Day. Watch this Moment With The Mayor to learn more about this successful kickoff event supporting three households and the Banta Center.
Neighborhood Grants Keeping Us Connected
Throughout the year, Neighborhood Grants have continued to make a positive impact in our city. These grants have kept neighbors engaged with the city and each other, and have offered an opportunity to celebrate success amid the pandemic. Pictured here is the latest project, a new bus shelter on Union Street in the College Hill neighborhood. Check out the Neighborhood Watch section below to learn more about recent projects. View our Neighborhood Grant Catalog to see all projects completed since 2018. Stay tuned for updates on the 2021 grant guidelines.
October Neighborhood Tree Plantings
In celebration of a belated Arbor Day, Valparaiso Public Works (VPW) partnered with neighborhood groups to host two tree planting events in October. In Central Neighborhood, 25 volunteers came together to plant about 20 trees and in Banta Neighborhood about a dozen volunteers helped to plant nearly 30 trees. Pictured here is the Pancini family who helped to organize the Central tree planting. The City of Valparaiso is proud to recognize and celebrate its Tree City USA designation for 17 years and counting. To learn more about hosting a tree planting in your neighborhood, contact Certified Arborist Matt McBain at VPW.
Household Guide to Preventing Stormwater Pollution
When rainfall runs across roads, parking lots and lawns, it can pick up pollutants before it enters local waterways. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one of the leading sources of contamination to our rivers and lakes is polluted stormwater runoff. The key to preventing stormwater runoff from threatening our water resources is for each of us to recognize the problem and how our actions can have an impact. View this brochure to learn more about what you can do at home to be a good stormwater neighbor. Visit the City’s website at valpo.us/MS4 for more information, or contact Mingyan Zhou, the City’s MS4 program Coordinator at 462-1161 or at mzhou@valpo.us.
Neighborhood Watch
The Jessee-Pifer Neighborhood received a 2019 Neighborhood Grant to go towards park improvements. With the help of Valpo Parks, they've add new fencing, signage, shelter gutters and a newly paved court striped to include basketball, pickleball, 4-square and hopscotch.
Kingsridge received a 2020 Neighborhood Grant to go towards park improvements. Check out their new welcome sign and little library off of Victoria Drive.
College Hill received a 2019 Neighborhood Grant to go towards toddler playground equipment at Will Park. Thanks to Valpo Parks for teaming up on this project set to be completed by December.
Mistwood received a 2020 Neighborhood Grant to go towards benches along its neighborhood pathway. The first bench was installed in October and is a dedicated memorial bench for the Miller family.
Last month, the Community Engagement Department teamed up with City Attorney Patrick Lyp to host an HOA Academy to cover the basics of homeowners associations. View the presentation and materials to learn more.