The Gary Redevelopment Commission moved forward on a mix of neighborhood and downtown initiatives, including a measure to expand the city’s sidelot program and taking steps tied to the future of the Genesis Center.
The sidelot program allows homeowners to acquire adjacent vacant lots for maintenance or expansion, part of an ongoing effort to stabilize neighborhoods.
At its March 25 meeting, the commission also authorized nearly $20,000 in security upgrades at the Genesis Center and a property at 839 Broadway, as both sites await redevelopment decisions. Officials are expected to revisit the Genesis Center as soon as April 8, when proposals tied to its future could come before the commission.
The commission also approved architectural services for a new workforce development hub at 529 Washington St., funded through a federal grant, and hired AECOM, a global architectural, engineering and design company, to create a 3D redevelopment plan aimed at attracting investment to downtown.
Separately, the Gary Common Council waived the normal rules to pass a resolution to authorize AECOM and Powers & Sons Construction Co. to move forward with plans for the Lake County Convention Center.
Also, the council’s Ways & Means Committee will meet on April 14 to discuss an ordinance, which would authorize a state grant for Gary’s problem-solving court program. These specialized, court-supervised programs designed for individuals with underlying issues like drug abuse or mental illness, focusing on rehabilitation over traditional incarceration. Certified programs include drug, mental health, veterans and reentry courts.
Dates: Tuesday, April 7 and April 21
Location: Gary Public Library
Time: 6 p.m. CST
Contact: (219) 881-1315
Biweekly on the first and third Tuesdays
Date: Tuesday, April 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Public Safety Building
Dates: Tuesday, April 10 and April 28
Location: Hudson-Campbell Sports and Fitness Center, 455 Massachusetts St.
Time: 10 a.m. CST
Contact: (219) 886-7099 ext. 36900
Second and fourth Tuesdays
Board of Public Works and Safety
Dates: Wednesday, April 1; April 8; April 15; April 22; and April 29
Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway, Cleo Wesson Lounge (2nd floor)
Time: 2 p.m. CST
Contact: (219) 881-1310
Weekly on Wednesdays
Date: Thursday, April 9
Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway
Time: 3 p.m. CST
Contact: (219) 881-1300
Monthly on the second Thursday
Dates: Wednesday, April 8 and April 22
Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway
Time: 4 p.m. CST
Contact: (219) 886-1531
Second and fourth Wednesdays
Date: Thursday, April 16
Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway
Time: 3 p.m. CST
Contact: (219) 886-1531
Monthly – third Thursday
Date: Thursday, April 16
Location: Gary Housing Authority Central Office, 2nd floor, 578 Broadway
Time: 6 p.m. CST
Contact: (219) 881-6400
Monthly – third Thursday
Gary Sanitary District/Stormwater Management Meeting
Date: Friday, April 3 and April 17
Location: 3600 W. Third Ave.
Time: Noon
Contact: (219) 944-0595, ext. 1816
(Monthly first– third Friday)
