Gary demolishing dozens of 'unsafe' homes in 'Blight Blitz' in effort to spur development

The city of Gary is kicking off its third annual "Blight Blitz."

Demolition crews were busy Monday morning clearing what the city calls unsafe homes.

City leaders say by tearing down the dilapidated homes, they're creating safer neighborhoods and sparking room for growth.

Nearly 60 homes are scheduled for demolition over the course of the current blitz.

Volunteer contractors are heading up the operation in five neighborhoods: Downtown, Emerson, Glen Park, Midtown and Westside.

"This demolition blitz is doing more than removing eyesores; it is resetting the foundation of our neighborhoods," Mayor Eddie D. Melton said. "By clearing these blighted lots, we are removing safety hazards and signaling to residents and investors alike that Gary is ready for new growth. We are incredibly grateful to Jim Wiseman and all our volunteer partners who step up year after year to invest in our city's future."

"This is what it's about is a better tomorrow for our kids. All these folks behind me share that vision," said Jim Weisman, with Rieth-Riley Construction.

Some Gary residents say they've been waiting for this.

"It's about time, about time for them to come down, trying to clean the city up," resident Ty Borom said.

"I'm like, hallelujah," resident Sandra Jackson-Brooks said.

Gary is among the American Rust Belt cities that saw a decline in population and wealth with the shift in the steel industry to automation and increased offshore competition.

But for the first time in 50 years, the city reports the population has grown, crime is down and billions of dollars of investment are coming to the city.

"No neighbor, no business wants to live or operate next to an abandoned building. We are answering the call of the residents of northwest Indiana," said U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, who represents Indiana's 1st District.

Jackson-Brooks recalled the heyday of Gary.

"Gary was up and popping; it was booming, baby," Jackson-Brooks said.

For now, she says she is glad for the abandoned homes to go, so she can keep a watchful eye out for neighbors and kids on the block. She also has an eye on the future.

The building up may take 10-20 years, but city leaders say this is a step forward for the city of Gary.