Gary’s downtown was once the crown jewel of Northwest Indiana. It once sported all the necessities one expects in a downtown: entertainment, shops and stores — the whole nine yards. Now, through a partnership with the Notre Dame School of Architecture, city officials are hopeful for a return to glory. The city and the University […]
Eddie Melton
Posted inEconomic Development
Gary Partners with Hard Rock Casino for Lake County Convention Center Bid
The city of Gary is joining forces with Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in an ambitious bid to become the future home of the Lake County Convention Center. This high-profile partnership was approved by Gary’s Board of Works on Sept. 20 and is part of the city’s efforts to revitalize the area and create new […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety
‘Enough Is Enough’: Gary Leaders and Family Call for Action After Mother of Six Is Killed by a Stray Bullet
Charlotte Tidwell spoke softly, clutching a tissue as she recounted her daughter’s final moments. “My daughter turned that corner on Grant Street and made a left to head to Portage so she could go home and cook. She didn’t make it back,” she whispered. Tidwell was surrounded by family members and friends who gathered at […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Delegates Make Their Mark at the Democratic National Convention
As state Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, finally stepped off the bus Monday evening after a tedious three-hour ride through Chicago traffic and ironclad security, the towering facade of the United Center came into view, adorned with Democratic National Convention banners. “After we got in, I felt the energy,” Smith said. “There’s an exuberant feeling […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety
Kidnapping at Michael Jackson’s Childhood Home Alarms Neighbors, Provokes Spirited Response From Gary Officials
A Gary man is in custody after being charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged kidnapping of a 16-year-old girl and her father as they visited the childhood home of Michael Jackson. “It’s a crazy feeling because nothing like that has happened in this area,” said Lathaniel Staten, who has lived on the block […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Local Government
Residents Reflect as Norton Elementary’s Demolition Clears Path for Redevelopment
Foster Bell estimates he’s lived across from Horace S. Norton Elementary School for close to 40 years. Often, the 80-year-old would sit outside watching the trees that obscured the school where all eight of his children went. The tree he enjoyed looking at the most had beautiful flowers, with leaves that hung down like string […]
Posted inEnvironmental Justice
Environmental Advocates Gain ‘A Seat at the Table’ at Gary City Hall
Gary community members from different walks of life have joined forces with city leaders to tackle a pervasive problem that affects them all: climate change. Mayor Eddie Melton’s administration recently began recruiting residents to join a new environmentally focused advisory council, headed by local sustainability and community leaders, to help the city address critical challenges […]
Posted inEconomic Development
Gary Partners with Notre Dame to Create Downtown Revitalization Plan
Gary officials, including Mayor Eddie Melton, announced a partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture to develop a transformative master plan for revitalizing downtown Gary. Speaking at an empty lot near the Genesis Towers, Melton outlined his vision for downtown, featuring a new train station to replace the Adam Benjamin Metro Center […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary and Lake County Politicians Urge Peace After Trump Assassination Attempt
Lake County and Gary political leaders and candidates from both major political parties are reacting with calls for unity in the wake of Saturday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Still reeling from the shocking event, which took place during Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, politicians are addressing the intense political climate as each […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings, Public Services
Packed Forum Teaches Gary Residents How to Report Issues to City Departments
Sandra Starling sat patiently with her hand raised, hoping to question Mayor Eddie Melton directly about issues in her neighborhood. Although she wasn’t called, she accomplished part of her mission simply by attending. “Belief in Gary brought me out tonight,” Starling said. Starling, a retired 30-year veteran of the Gary Community School Corporation, has continued […]
