I love hearing news like this. From walking and driving through downtown I have always seen the potential for downtown to become something more spectacular. With the recent donation by the Hard Rock Casino Gary will also receive an additional $3 million in funds from state funding to remove blight.
Eddie Melton has stated, “It’s clear to everyone the entire city of Gary has a significant population of abandoned buildings that mar the landscape and pose serious threats to public safety,” Melton said. There are currently about 6,000 abandoned buildings within the city that need to be razed. “Demolishing these structures is not only a necessity but a moral imperative.” (Chicago Tribune)
The funds raised will go towards the downtown metro area, which has the historic abandoned Medoist church within walking distance of city hall. Time will only tell if this building will be razed or revitalized to a tourist attraction.