Gary Blight Elimination Program Kicks Off

The first two projects in the $12 million Gary Blight Elimination Program are underway.

The $12 million Gary Blight Elimination Program got underway Monday with the start of demolition yesterday at 1700-1704 Broadway in Gary, the former site of Lovell’s barbershop. It is the first of two structures that will be taken down by Gary-based C. Lee Construction Services under the program’s initial contract. Work at the second site, a former ambulance repair shop at 700 and 716-22 E. 5th Avenue, will begin after the first project is complete.

“We are eager to get to work in Gary to lay the foundation for future economic growth,” said Sherri Ziller, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, which is co-funding the program with the City. “Both of these locations are within the downtown Gary Transit Development District established by the RDA. Once they are cleaned up, we will work with the City to direct TDD funds to incentivize new development.”

The Blight Elimination Program was created by Gary Mayor Eddie Melton during his time as a State Senator in Indianapolis. Under this collaborative partnership between Gary and the RDA, the RDA is providing $6 million in matching funds and managing the program to create fresh opportunities for business and residential development in downtown Gary.