Gary Council Unanimously Approves Urgent Comprehensive Plan Update

UPDATE: In a decisive move, the Gary Common Council has unanimously approved a crucial resolution for a new city comprehensive plan during a meeting on October 3, 2024. This plan is designed to redefine Gary’s future, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and public welfare, following extensive public engagement.

The comprehensive plan, which updates a previous document from 2019, aims to set policies for land use and development across the city. This significant update reflects the latest actions taken to bolster Gary’s development over the past year. Notably, Councilwoman Mary Brown was absent from the vote but the remaining members affirmed their commitment to the city’s vision.

City Attorney Marco Molina emphasized the comprehensive plan’s importance, stating, “The comprehensive plan is designed to look for future developments in the city, to address current plan use development and to set policies for land use across the city.” The Gary Plan Commission conducted two public hearings on August 21 and September 18, gathering vital feedback from residents to shape the plan.

The partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative has provided essential insights to reinvigorate Gary’s downtown core. Plan Commission President Tom Cera praised the collaborative efforts, saying, “The process itself received a lot of positive feedback, and I think that matters.”

Spanning approximately 118 pages, the comprehensive plan outlines specific goals aligned with Mayor Eddie Melton’s priorities, which include stabilizing and growing the local economy while enhancing quality of life for residents. Key initiatives include reducing blight, increasing the population and tax base, improving public safety, and undertaking major infrastructure improvements.

The plan asserts, “Gary is at a pivotal moment — positioned to become a regional hub of opportunity, particularly for women and minority-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators.” It reflects a robust foundation to capitalize on new economic investments and infrastructure improvements, fostering a more inclusive and self-sustaining economy.

During public comments, resident Carolyn McCrady expressed her support, calling the comprehensive plan “amazing for our city” but also urged caution regarding certain developments, particularly in B3 zoning areas which may attract trucking facilities. This concern highlights ongoing debates about balancing development with community needs.

Earlier this year, the council approved an ordinance allowing the rezoning of the shuttered Alfred Beckman Middle School for planned unit development, which has stirred controversy among residents worried about increased truck traffic in residential areas. Although Mayor Melton initially pocket vetoed the ordinance, the council later overrode it, reflecting the complex dynamics at play.

In a previous statement, Melton reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration with the council, stating, “While the Gary Common Council and I may occasionally have differing perspectives, I remain steadfast in my dedication to collaborating with them in service to our residents.”

As the city of Gary moves forward with this ambitious plan, residents and stakeholders alike will be watching closely for the tangible effects on their community. The developments signal a new chapter for Gary, emphasizing the importance of collective action and community involvement in shaping a prosperous future. Stay tuned for more updates on how this comprehensive plan unfolds and impacts the city’s trajectory.