Music flowed through the hallway at Indiana University Northwest’s Savannah Center as residents walked in with folders in hand and questions on their minds. As the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy Drumline played classic hits to introduce the evening’s speakers, Gary welcomed a program with a clear objective: to bridge the housing gap in the Black […]
Housing
Posted inEconomic Development, Housing, Politics & Policy, Redevelopment
Melton Outlines ‘Next Chapter’ for Gary in His Third State of the City Address
In his first State of the City address, delivered shortly after taking office, Mayor Eddie Melton laid out a vision for Gary’s future. A year later, he highlighted major development wins, including a $60 million FedEx distribution center, as the city competed for the Lake County Convention Center. On Tuesday, in his third address, Melton […]
Posted inCommunity, Housing
Brothers’ Keepers Looks to the Future With New $3 Million Facility
Sunlight spilled across the Brothers’ Keeper shelter on Broadway on Monday as community members packed into the building for an announcement that could redefine how the city serves homeless men and veterans. The gathering centered on plans for a new Brothers’ Keeper facility, a project leaders said will expand services and create a more stable […]
Posted inCommunity, Extreme Weather, Housing
Gary Warming Centers Serve Residents as Bitter Cold and Snow Grip the City
As Northwest Indiana remains locked in a stretch of bitter winter weather, Gary warming centers are continuing to serve residents seeking relief from dangerous cold and snow that are expected to linger through the weekend. The National Weather Service says temperatures in Gary are expected to remain dangerously low through the weekend, with overnight lows […]
Posted inHousing, Politics & Policy, Redevelopment
Aetna Sees Hope as Gary Shifts From Demolition to Homebuilding
Community members strolled down the sidewalk on East 10th Avenue last week to a home that represented a stepping stone in the city’s redevelopment efforts. A breeze of hope blew through the small crowd of people gathered outside the new house at 5544 E 10th Ave. “Today is such a joyous day. It’s been a […]
Posted inHousing, Politics & Policy
Calumet Township Unveils Assistance Partnerships as SNAP and WIC Cuts Loom
On Thursday, Calumet Township Trustee Tai Adkins brought together community leaders for a fall symposium designed to announce expanded eligibility and rental assistance standards, a new charity tracker system, and a partnership with WorkOne, the region’s workforce development agency, and Indiana Career Connect, the state’s job-matching platform. Panels focused on housing, food access, and workforce […]
Posted inCommunity, Housing
‘Bringing Life Back’: Lewis Family Breaks Ground at Former Colonial Gardens Site
Tyrone Jackson stood among the crowd of workers and residents at the old Colonial Gardens site, which is slated to become a new subdivision by next year. “That’s actually the house that I was raised in right there,” he said, pointing to one of the still-standing structures on the property. “When the community went down, […]
Posted inCommunity, Housing
Miller Beach Short-Term Rentals Spark Concern Across Gary
On a quiet stretch of North Union Street in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood, Jason and Tanya Platt see a retirement dream. The Chicago-based couple, a pastor and his wife, hope to move in full-time eventually. But until then, they want to rent out their beachside home as a short-term rental. Their request, which was recently […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Housing
Gary Nurse Helps Bring New Life to Former Colonial Gardens Site
Leah Lewis stepped carefully over a crack in the pavement as she pointed to the remains of a crumbling home — one of several still standing on the old Colonial Gardens site. “We need to knock that one down next,” she said, motioning toward a house about 800 feet away. Six years ago, when the […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Housing, Politics & Policy, Redevelopment
A Walkable, Mixed-Use Future : Inside the Plan to Rebuild Gary’s Downtown
What began as an opportunity last summer for Gary residents to share their hopes and conceptions for a reimagined downtown has become an in-depth master plan produced by the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture in partnership with the city. After weeks of talking with neighbors and months of behind-the-scenes preparations, the final blueprint […]