Redevelopment plans eyed for sections of Gary

GARY, Ind. (AP) - Officials in Gary are working on proposals they hope will spur redevelop in sections of the long-troubled northwestern Indiana city.

Possible options include trying to encourage the creation of a medical campus around the city's Methodist Hospital, transit-oriented development around the downtown and projects along the Grand Calumet River through the city, The (Munster) Times reported (http://bit.ly/1R5oQK6 ).

Grant money could be available to spur some of the ideas. The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is helping with transit-oriented developments, said Taghi Arshami, a principal with the planning company Arsh Group of Merrillville.

Resident Norman Roby said during a public meeting this month on the Livable Center Plan 2025 proposal that he's seen the city dream big before.

"Give the people something tangible," Roby said. "We need something now."

Gary's population has dropped by more than half in the past four decades to an estimated 78,000 in 2014. The city has struggled with high crime and high unemployment rates and is riddled with abandoned buildings.

Resident Russell Cundiff suggested the city should consider designating some of the large parcels of vacant land for agricultural purposes.

The neighborhood study and planning was funded by a $150,000 grant from the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission.

Arshami said a final draft of the proposal will be presented to the city's Plan Commission for review sometime in late December or January.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com