Plans - Assessments - Reports

MAIN STREET GROUP

The Main Street Group is a coalition of local leaders and residents dedicated to downtown New Castle’s growth, economic renewal, and historic preservation.

• Mission: Stimulating economic vitality and community pride while preserving New Castle's historic heritage.
• Downtown Action Plan: Supported by $24,000 in City Council riverboat funding, the city partnered with consulting firm Vandewalle & Associates to construct a targeted Downtown Action Plan.
• Key Objective: Identify priority actions and infrastructure improvements to complement the Jennings Project and encourage future private development throughout downtown.

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BIKE / PEDESTRIAN PLAN

A community advisory committee is leading the creation of a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian routing network to serve the City of New Castle.

• Community Connectivity: Establishing safe, continuous pathways connecting local parks, schools, neighborhoods, and commercial centers.
• Transportation Enhancement: Expanding accessible, non-motorized travel options for residents and visitors.
• Long-Term Impact: Promoting healthy living, active recreation, and safer pedestrian infrastructure across the city.

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COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW (CSO) PROJECT

To satisfy Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requirements and protect local waterways, the City of New Castle is constructing a major storm sewer expansion on the city's north end.

• Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP): A 15-year state agreement focused on reducing and eliminating sewage overflows into the Big Blue River and its tributaries during heavy rainfall.
• Project Scope & Phases:

◦ Phase 1: Construction begins west of N. 12th Street and proceeds east through easements, Woodward Ave, N. 18th Street, and Spring Street to N. 26th Street.

◦ Phase 2: Following Phase 1, construction moves to the corridor from Cherry Street to 11th Street.

• Environmental Impact: Diverts stormwater away from the combined sewer infrastructure, preventing system overloads and ensuring cleaner, healthier local water systems.
• Construction Expectations & Restoration: Construction is expected to take over a year. While temporary disruptions—including noise, dust, heavy equipment traffic, and rough road conditions—are unavoidable, the city is committed to minimizing impacts. All affected streets and residential yards will be fully restored upon completion.

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HOUSING ASSESSMENT

The City of New Castle commissioned MKM Architecture & Design to conduct a comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis to guide future residential growth and development.

• Analysis & Projections: Evaluating New Castle’s current housing stock alongside demographic trends to accurately project future community housing demands.
• Strategic Growth: Advising city leadership on housing development strategies, infill opportunities, and revitalization efforts.
• Community Livability: Establishing actionable recommendations to expand housing diversity, improve affordability, and enhance overall quality of life across all neighborhoods.

 MKM Housing & Livability Study

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BLIGHT ELIMINATION PROGRAM (BEP)

In partnership with the Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP), the City of New Castle secured grant funding through the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to safely remove blighted properties across the city and surrounding county.

• Targeted Clearance: Removing severely unsafe, dilapidated structures to protect public health and safety in local neighborhoods.
• Property Restoration: Transitioning cleared vacant lots back into productive community uses, greenspaces, or future infill developments.
• Neighborhood Revitalization: Stabilizing surrounding property values, reducing safety hazards, and enhancing overall neighborhood pride and curb appeal.

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HOUSING REPORTS

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