Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson is touting the benefits of a partnership between the city and a Chicago-based firm to clear large tracts of land for development that will provide economic benefits.
The firm, Maia Co., is connected to Tur Partners, run by former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. That political tie has caused some Gary residents to express fear that this is part of an effort by Chicago officials to take over Gary or make money at Indiana’s expense.
But Freeman-Wilson said that is the wrong way to view this particular project, which has been low-profile since being approved last summer by the Gary Redevelopment Commission. She said she expects the partnership to advise Gary on how to work with real estate developers who are looking for sites for various projects by putting together plots that are separately owned into large parcels that could be suitable for large-scale businesses.
Freeman-Wilson said outside assistance is needed since the city’s efforts to put together large parcels are hampered by the costs of land acquisition. She cited as an example a typical city block that could have 50 parcels, with perhaps 10 individuals or companies having an ownership stake in each parcel, and each one has to be dealt with for the city to gain control.
“To lift heavy things, we have to have help,” the mayor said. “We don’t have the money to personally clear all that land.”
She said Maia Co. can handle the acquisition process more efficiently, particularly if it takes advantage of new state laws that permit plots to be seized more quickly from owners who are delinquent on their property tax payments.
“Clearing (land) titles would ensure that we could more efficiently court developers” to come to Gary, the mayor said. “That would be to the benefit of the city.”
So far, Maia Co. Director Michael Reinhold has been spending one day per week in Gary in office space provided by the Redevelopment Commission. Company officials declined to comment about recent actions, other than to say “things are going to start happening very soon,” said spokeswoman Meredith Shiner.
Gary Redevelopment Commission officials said the agreement with Maia Co. stipulates local people be hired to oversee efforts from a Gary office.
Bo Kemp, Gary’s economic development coordinator, said he is not concerned about the lack of visible activity.
“We’re in the predevelopment stage, and these are things we don’t necessarily see,” he said. “There are things that have to be done before we get to see the wrecking ball start to clear parcels of land.”
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
