Rock the Block is Coming to Little Chute in 2018

In the Spring of 2018, the Village of Little Chute will be working with the Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity to hold a Rock the Block event in Little Chute.  While planning is currently underway, now is the time to reach out to the Rock the Block organizers if you would like to participate.  For information on the event, please read below and note the contact information listed below.  We look forward to collectively improving our community in 2018 and thank the Habitat for Humanity team for choosing Little Chute!

What is Rock the Block? 

An event: 

o    Targeting a neighborhood for a concentrated period of time 

o    Exterior home repair projects for low income homeowners and projects to improve/beautify the neighborhood 

o    As part of this event we have replaced siding, roofing, leveled porches, painted, replaced windows and removed trees, to name a few.

o    Collaborations involving residents, municipalities, local businesses, volunteers, other non-profits and more come together to: 

§  Assist low income residents 

§  Transform neighborhoods 

§  Increase neighborhood pride 

§  Improve quality of life 

Resident Involvement 

·                     Homeowners pay for exterior improvements through non-interest deferred loans – up to $3,000 

·                     Homeowners' are required to assist in repairs as they are able. 

·                     Residents play a key role in determining what’s needed to improve quality of life where they live 

·                     Through home repairs, residents see increased home equity and have more long-term security. This permanent housing stabilizes the neighborhood and this stability helps break the cycle of poverty 

·                     Engaged residents help create safer more cohesive neighborhoods; look out for one another and have more “eyes on the street” 

Please contact Sarah Wylie, Rock the Block Outreach Coordinator, with any questions and to learn how to apply at 920-268-8561 or email at rocktheblock@foxcitieshabitat.org.

Downtown Visioning Workshop Results

In late April a public visioning workshop was held at Village Hall used to identify areas of need in the downtown. The workshop was developed using experiences that East Central staff has had in other communities whereby a very visual and creative set of questions and exercises is used to draw out thoughts, ideas, and concerns from the general public and place them in a context that will help further planning efforts for the downtown. 

The overall goal of the workshop was to seek resident and user input/feedback which will be used to create a new, more detailed “master plan” for the downtown and Main Street corridor.

Approximately a total of 24 individuals ranging from downtown business owners and residents participated during the session. The event was structured as an “open house” style meeting with 6 different workstations each focusing on a different topics that directly or indirectly related to the downtown.The data is arranged by individual exercise with a description and analysis provided for each one. As summarized in the results, a number of areas of need were identified using maps and worksheets. The results will be presented to the Village Board and Plan Commission and pieces will be used in the Downtown Master Plan that is currently being drafted. To view the results click here.

New Logo Unveiled

Originally what started as an effort to have  marketing materials drafted and printed turned into a six month effort and lesson in marketing for staff and the Village Board.  Back in December, 2016, Administrator Fenlon began meeting with marketing professionals to discuss a mock-up of marketing materials for economic development and other purposes.  As those discussions progressed, it became apparent that brand standards and defined identity were needed in order to move forward.  After preliminary discussions with the Village Board and the consultant, it was decided that with that effort, staff and the board would look at the current logo and options moving forward.  Over the course of the past six months, we have held a listening session or open house on the topic, solicited feedback through an interactive survey and discussed the matter at no less than 4 Regular Board meetings.  

Ultimately, last month, the Village Board of Trustees voted to move forward with the logo and text you see below.  In the time since, staff and the consultant have developed the appropriate brand standards and types of logos that will be used moving forward by the Village.  One of the benefits of the logo below is that it maximizes production efficiency by keeping to just two colors.  Additionally, it captures the font and some similarity to the previous logo.  Lastly, the established was added as a homage to the Village's history, which is not only something to be proud of, but something we should celebrate externally to guests, visitors and future residents and business owners!

So what is next?  We will slowly begin rolling out the new logo mainly through electronic formats, letterhead and other mediums in the coming months.  Essentially, wherever we can update areas that are free in 2017 is where we will focus the update.  As we acquire new vehicles or design new signs for facilities and amenities, this logo, the standards and future branding will surely follow.  Since its mentioned, and I am sure you are wondering, we plan to use a tagline of "Welcome to the Village" since "Village of" is no longer in the actual logo.  While the details and efforts on that branding front have not been finalized, we wanted to be sure you were aware of that key point as we round out a well reasoned and designed branding effort.  

If you participated in the effort, provided feedback at meetings or took the survey, we thank you.  We'd also like to extend our thanks to Jenny Vanden Heuvel, resident and owner of JVH Design for her assistance on this project.  If you have comments, questions or concerns on this effort or any others, please do not hesitate to contact the Village Administrator at 920-423-3850 or at james@littlechutewi.org.    

Village Monthly Reports

Are you aware that the Village posts a monthly report? No? Each month the Village posts a monthly report highlighting departmental accomplishments for the month prior, priorities for the current month, and metrics on various service or resident related items. Take a look at last months report and catch up on the latest Village news! Don't wait. Click HERE to view our monthly reports for 2017!!

Downtown Visioning Workshop

Please join us for an evening of brainstorming. Village staff and the Little Chute Business Association is looking for suggestions to enhance the overall look and feel of downtown. Bring a friend or family member, all are encouraged to attend this visioning session. We hope to see you there!

 

Plans to Revitalize Downtown Little Chute

Over the years, Little Chute has had a tremendous amount of growth. As gathered from a community-wide survey, the downtown has consistently been ranked by residents as a top priority. Furthermore, Little Chute plans to revitalize the downtown by revamping its existing Old World European architectural design. The Revitalization Plan will focus on three primary areas: economic growth, multi-family opportunities, and improved transportation flow for businesses.

If you would like to be part of any of these efforts or have an interest in developing in downtown Little Chute, please read the article below.