May City Talk Now

May 2021

Valpo Invests in Business Grant - Sign up to learn more!

To further support its small business community, the City of Valparaiso has launched a $300,000 grant program, the Valpo Invests in Business (VIB) grant. Funds may be used for payroll costs, inventory, rent or mortgage, property taxes or insurance, utilities, equipment lease or to support remote work. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to qualifying small businesses. The City worked to create this program by securing a grant through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) with additional support from the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. Guidelines and application materials are still being determined – sign up to receive alerts as they become available.

Valparaiso Market Returns June 1

The Valparaiso Market, dedicated to connecting local producers to the community, will return to the William E. Urschel Pavilion Tuesday, June 1. The summer outdoor market is open every Tuesday and Saturday June 1 through October 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visit the Valparaiso Market weekly to shop for fresh local produce, handmade products, and beautiful plants and flowers. Pick up fresh produce to liven up your favorite recipes or grab lunch on the go from one of the food vendors.

Valpo Awarded $1 Million Community Crossing Grant

The City was recently awarded $1 million in Community Crossing grant funds from the Indiana Department of Transportation. The grant will fund improvements including:

Morgan Boulevard, from Lincolnway to Calumet Avenue (0.5 miles)
Calumet Avenue, from Morgan Boulevard to Bullseye Lake Road (1.8 miles)
Roosevelt Road, from LaPorte Avenue to Calumet Avenue (1.8 miles)

This collective project extends more than 4.1 centerline miles and will provide resurfacing on roadways Valparaiso motorists use daily, including the five-way roundabout where Calumet Ave meets Roosevelt and Vale Park roads. Additionally, the project will replace concrete curb and sidewalk in many locations, install ADA (American with Disabilities Act) curb ramps, adjust manholes and inlets to grade and install permanent pavement markings. Work will begin late this summer and is planned to be completed by end of 2021. Learn more.

Home Team Valpo Spring Clean Up Success

Home Team Valpo, the new nonprofit organization created to assist qualifying homeowners in maintaining their homes, hosted a Spring Clean Up May 15. With over 120 volunteers, Home Team Valpo was able to assist six homeowners with outdoor maintenance needs and complete work at Creekside Trails and Creekside Golf Range. Sign up to volunteer at future events or for home assistance by visiting the Home Team Valpo website.

Memorial Day Observance May 28

This Memorial Day weekend the City of Valparaiso, the Valpo Parks Department and Valpo Parks Foundation will remember those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice. The Memorial Day Observance will be held at the Service Memorial at Foundation Meadows on Friday, May 28th at 8:00 a.m. We encourage families, friends, and individuals to continue the tradition as the ceremony includes posting the colors of the United States of America and words of recognition.

Valparaiso Fire Supports Gary Department

The Valparaiso Fire Department (VFD) was pleased to donate a 1996 fire engine to the City of Gary to replace one that Gary lost to a crash recently. With the recent addition of two new trucks in Valparaiso, VFD was able to enhance Gary's fleet, adding safety to the community. The two departments met to hand off the keys in April.

Reminder - Neighborhood Grant Applications Due July 31

The City of Valparaiso is now accepting applications for its annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. Introduced in 2018, the grants give residents an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of their own neighborhoods. Grants are available for qualified neighborhood-based projects, in increments up to $15,000 per neighborhood with a July 31 deadline to apply. New this year, multiple neighborhoods may join together to submit one application for up to $30,000. Visit our website for more information on the grant guidelines and watch this 25-minute webinar for an overview of the program and how to submit a successful application.

Neighborhood Watch

Neighbors of the Whitcomb Neighborhood on Valpo’s east side broke ground on an exciting project that includes replacing roadway and water main, and adding curbs, gutters and sidewalks where none existed. The neighbors initiated the request for the Eisenhower project, and the City worked to submit it for a Community Crossing grant (and won!) with additional city funding.

Mayor Murphy kicked off the City’s first neighborhood walk of the season in Lakepointe Gardens. The walk was a great opportunity for members of the Lakepointe HOA to discuss neighborhood grant ideas with members of our city team.

Neighbors and members of the Banta Center celebrated its recent re-opening. The Banta Center welcomes adults 50 and older for activities, enrichment, hot lunch and interaction with others. Watch this Moment with the Mayor to learn more.

Have a neighborhood story you want to share? Contact us to be featured next month!