A 13-year resident of the Miller Beach neighborhood of Gary is asking the city to vacate a little-used strip of road so he can extend his property.
The request by Douglas E. Finck, of the 8500 block of Locust Avenue, was considered by the Gary Common Council’s Planning Committee, with members appearing inclined to grant it after learning that Finck is considered to be a good neighbor who maintains surrounding vacant properties and built a playground that is used by many children.
Finck wants a portion of Sullivan Street between Locust and Indian Boundary avenues vacated. He said it is not used by area traffic and having it become part of his property not only boosts the value of what he owns, but also what he pays in property taxes.
Tamara Young-King, a board member of the Gary Public Transportation Corp., who is one of Finck’s neighbors, told the committee of the play lot Finck erected and has been dubbed the Enchanted Forest.
“Our kids play there safely,” Young-King said. “He has helped make our area really, really nice. He has made an investment in our city.”
Gary Zoning Board of Appeals officials said of 41 area property owners contacted by the city, eight said they supported Finck’s request while the others had no opinion.
Gary Sanitary District and American Water Co. officials expressed no opposition, while the Northern Indiana Public Service Co., which has utility lines in the area, also offered its support.
The rezoning measure that would be required for the road to be vacated has been recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and would need approval by the full Common Council..
Such a vote could come when the council meets on Dec. 20.
“Any time someone takes on an extra parcel (of land) to help maintain it, we (city officials) appreciate it,” said Ragen Hatcher, planning committee chairwoman.
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
