Gary Council Approves New Comprehensive Plan for City Growth

URGENT UPDATE: The Gary Common Council has just approved a groundbreaking resolution for a new city comprehensive plan, marking a pivotal step toward the revitalization of Gary, Indiana. The unanimous vote took place during a meeting on October 10, 2024, with all council members present except for Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd.

This comprehensive plan, which updates a document from 2019, is designed to promote economic growth, sustainability, and public welfare throughout the city. City Attorney Marco Molina emphasized the importance of this plan, 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 plan’s creation involved significant public participation, including two public hearings held on August 21 and September 18. The community’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, according to Tom Cera, President of the Gary Plan Commission, who remarked, “The process itself received a lot of positive feedback, and I think that matters.”

This 118-page document outlines ambitious goals aligned with Mayor Eddie Melton’s vision, focusing on stabilizing and growing the city’s population and tax base while improving public safety and environmental practices. It also aims to eliminate blight, revise zoning codes, and make major infrastructure improvements.

The resolution comes at a critical time for Gary, with the city positioned to become a regional hub for opportunity, particularly for women and minority-owned businesses. The plan states, “With a strong foundation already in place, the city is poised to capitalize on new economic investments and catalytic infrastructure improvements.”

During public comments, resident Carolyn McCrady expressed her enthusiasm for the comprehensive plan, calling it “amazing for our city.” However, she urged caution regarding specific developments, particularly in B3 zoning, which allows for trucking facilities. McCrady referenced concerns about a recent ordinance that would allow a development at the shuttered Alfred Beckman Middle School, fearing increased truck traffic in residential areas.

Despite these concerns, the council believes the comprehensive plan is essential for the city’s future. Mayor Melton stated, “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.”

With the plan now approved, attention turns to its implementation. Residents and city officials alike are eager to see how these new policies will transform Gary’s landscape and economy in the months and years to come.

Stay tuned for further updates on how this comprehensive plan will impact the city and its residents.