The Gary Common Council made one of its most controversial decisions of the year last month, as the body narrowly approved a zoning change for the former Beckman School from residential to planned unit development in a 5-4 vote. Last month, the council interviewed candidates for appointments to the Redevelopment Commission, Transportation Board, School Board, […]
Gary Common Council
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy
Council Approves Rezoning of Former Beckman School for Industrial Use
Gary City Hall was filled with residents Tuesday evening, as Common Council members voted to approve a controversial new construction project that would rezone the area of the former Beckman Middle School. A new industrial complex proposed by two Illinois property developers is slated to be built on the shuttered Beckman School site, much to […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings
April 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
The Gary Common Council is now complete with nine members, following Myles Tolliver’s Democratic caucus win for the at-large seat vacated by Marian Ivey who now represents the 4th District. April will be another busy month for the Council as it will be making appointments to boards and commissions. The Council will look to fill […]
Posted inCommunity, Redevelopment
New $30M YMCA Coming to Gary’s Tolleston Neighborhood
Gary officials have unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art, 91,000-square-foot YMCA in the Tolleston neighborhood that they hope will serve as a community hub. The $30 million project, one of the largest recent investments in the city, will provide fitness programs, health care services, and educational resources for the youth. On Friday morning, residents filled the […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Meetings
March 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
As the second half of Indiana’s legislative session picks up steam, the Gary Common Council is weighing the creation of a new legislative committee to track bills moving through the Statehouse that could soon become law and impact the city. The political landscape has shifted locally, too. Council member Marian Ivey has stepped into the […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Gary Leaders Push Back as State Bills Threaten City’s Finances
With state lawmakers pushing a wave of bills that could reshape Gary’s finance and governance, city leaders are working to stay ahead. The Gary Common Council is considering a new committee to track legislation, keep local officials and residents informed, and strengthen the city’s ability to advocate for its interests at the state level. The […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings
February 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
February is shaping up to be an important month for Gary, with key public meetings set to address major changes. The Common Council will see a shakeup as a Democratic caucus selects a new 4th District representative, following Council President Tai Adkins’ move to Calumet Township Trustee — with a council vote to name a […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Wire Fraud Scandal Sparks Race for Calumet Township Trustee Seat
A week after Kimberly Robinson stepped down as Calumet Township trustee following her guilty plea to wire fraud, the race to fill her seat is already drawing a growing pool of candidates. The contest for the position, which oversees township assistance funds, could spark further political upheaval in Gary as two sitting Common Council members […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
January 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
As the new year begins, a critical meeting on Jan. 7 will shape the leadership of Gary’s Common Council for the year ahead. During the reorganization meeting, members will vote on positions within the council, including president, vice president and parliamentarian, as well as various committee assignments. These decisions set the tone for council priorities […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary’s 2025 Budget Season Kicks Off: How Will the City Spend Its Money?
Gary’s budget season kicks into high gear on Monday with a week full of daily meetings and presentations as city departments, including the mayor’s office, go before the Common Council with their budget proposals for the 2025 fiscal year beginning in January. Throughout the week, residents have a rare opportunity to see firsthand how their […]
