New home for Lafayette festivals?

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - It may take years, possibly decades, but there could be a new long-term home for events like the Taste of Tippecanoe or Dancing in the Streets.

The Area Plan Commission of Tippecanoe County approved a neighborhood plan for Lafayette's Historic Centennial neighborhood. The neighborhood is bounded by the Wabash River and Union, Ferry and 9th streets.

Area planners and neighbors have worked for two years to create the plan. Passage of the plan does not have any immediate effect on the neighborhood. But it does give a vision for where the neighborhood should go for the next 50 years and beyond.

One of the biggest dreams is the creation of a park and event space for an area bounded by 3rd and North streets and railroad tracks. It would also have a pedestrian bridge to West Lafayette. The area is currently parking lots.

"We already have a lively downtown," said APC Assistant Director Ryan O'Gara. "Adding features such as a downtown-type park, will just accentuate that experience and that does spur economic development and greater interest in an urban setting."

The plan will now head to the Lafayette City Commissioners to seek their approval.