Fort Wayne moving forward to address food desert
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The city of Fort Wayne said Thursday that it is making progress to address a food desert on the city’s southeast side. The city has reached an agreement with Parkview Regional Medical Center and Affiliates (PMRC) to develop a full-service grocery store, with construction beginning as early as February.
The project, known as Pontiac Street Market, will be built at 918. E Pontiac Street.
PMRC will serve as the community partner and provide financial support through its Community Health Improvement program, the city said. Parkview’s vendor partner, Maryland-based Sodexo, will manage store operations.
“Parkview understands that access to high-quality, healthy food is foundational for health,” PMRC President John Bowen said in a news release. “Supporting the City on this project allows Parkview to expand its work to increase access to nourishing food and provide resources that will help pave the way to a healthier community.”
The city’s redevelopment commission and city council still need to approve various aspects of the project. They are expected to consider those requests at their respective meetings later this month.
The city says if all approvals are awarded, construction could begin in February with the store opening next fall.