Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Wednesday touted the accomplishments of his administration from home plate at the Gary Steel Yard in his first public state of the city address.
Prince reinforced the reimagine theme that has run through his messaging since taking over the mayor’s office in January 2020. His first state of the city address was delivered virtually due to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
“I see it every day. I see attitudes changing. I see despair replaced with hope. I see people taking pride in their community,” Prince said.
He touted efforts to focus on expanded code enforcement, investment in public safety, doing all that can be done to support existing businesses while attracting new ones, and supporting residents through job creation and other programs.
Prince highlighted an opportunity presented by Great Lakes Industrial Environmental, who approached him looking for Gary residents to hire. The conversation evolved into the company volunteering to bring its heavy equipment in to clean up a portion of Glen Park at no cost to the city.
The Gary International Airport continues to grow, he said. UPS began operation in 2020 moving more than 50,000 pounds of cargo through the airport daily and generating more than 60 new jobs for local residents. The airport’s modern U.S. Customs and Border protection facility has drawn nearly 200 international flights from 26 countries.
Boeing recently renewed its lease for an additional term. The airport has received a $3.5 million FAA grant to rehabilitate the runway, work that will employ more than 60 local contractors.
Economic development efforts are not isolated to the airport and also include a partnership with Djuric Trucking, which is relocating from Hammond to Gary and intends to be a large employer and taxpayer, Prince said.
The city is working on ways to diminish blight and return vacant properties to the tax rolls. Partnerships with organizations like the Gary Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity among others have seen more than 40 properties demolished with 15 more scheduled for demolition in October.
A Facade Improvement Rebate Program has fostered improvements along Lake Street and efforts to establish the Miller Transit Development Districts. The administration is partnering with the city council to identify jewel parks in each district for redevelopment.
The mayor also touted the effort to host city-sponsored quality-of-life events including the return of the Fourth of July Parade, the City Block Party and Wind Down Wednesdays, to show community pride for those living in the city and those who may want to invest here.
Prince said the city is also looking to create more opportunities for families to be active together, which includes the $1.3 million phase three of the Gary Green Link Marquette Trail project.
Prince also touted a proposed spending plan for the $40.1 million in the first disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Funds will be used for revenue replacement, front line worker premium pay, public safety pay and sewer infrastructure, along with funding for a variety of programs designed to help residents and businesses.
Other accomplishments in the past 20 months include legislation to develop commerce within 1,000 feet of the lakefront, increased revenues from parking at the beaches. A 72 percent increase in permitting through the Gary Building Department and the sale of land for profit. So far 44 Gary residents have been hired by the city and positions are available now at the Gary Sanitary District. The city has hired 20 new firefighters and four EMTs.
“The challenges our city faces will not change overnight and they will not be changed by one person alone. It will continue to require all of us working together to bring about the change we all want to see,” Prince said.
“I look forward to taking those steps together with each and every one of you,” he said.
Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
