[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,75,87,99,111],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6161291,"mediaKeyId","5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b","parentId",5442336,"title","Resident urges improvements to neighborhood park and local water access","audioSeconds",100,"startMs",3360000,"endMs",3460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b&start=3360&end=3460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b/thumbnail_3360000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6161291/Indiana/Resident-urges-improvements-to-neighborhood-park-and-local-water-access","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161291-23d542c954a211a7cbd461bc528062fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1769973060&Signature=DOzy1sL39~OHvNhhxWFroKEvYmBAfSVj~xEkW5CMg2K08X0jqzx8v4UkAVfaVIGm6-uvyaSZfI4WKoBy4TEXB81snjfLRJ1gL0iQ46MZ89lN-WzbCHv2Gea8ofVFogsCmtXlnPDtm5oHfrKv9~Xrb4quJmfZI3V1d98-PFPpKs6nrHUuuRihGfdAlAfb7G~j6j-paGsoYQsUrGntWA3ck0C8bgRofDPbHUwHJrgbjSA3UdEjmj2qau397w3d9KrC5RAVq5ThVJ7Yxmubu3-RXv6kXELhu5txvEKLoi96Z-~pHU44MwgkP535t4g9aaXci1HMRkFgCHennrRob4qksg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gary City, IN","date","2025-07-02T00:00:00Z","article","A resident who identified herself to the council as attending to raise neighborhood concerns said on July 1 that a local park at Quartham and Buchanan requires maintenance, describing damaged playground equipment and standing water where children play.

“There's a swing set with the seat at the side, upside down,” the resident said, and described seeing children playing where “water bubbling over and the children playing in the water with their swimwear.” She noted that while the Garrett Ferguson Corporation has arranged buses to take residents to Marquette Beach, the city should invest in neighborhood water access and better-maintained local parks so children can enjoy recreation closer to home.

The comment was made during the meeting’s public-comment period and did not result in a formal directive or motion on the council floor. Council members thanked the speaker; no timeline or staff assignment to address the park’s conditions was announced during the meeting.

The resident’s remarks focused on neighborhood-level maintenance and access to recreational water activities; they were recorded in the public-comment minutes and may be referred to Parks or Public Works staff for follow-up outside the council meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Gary City General Common Council 2025-07-02","oneSentenceSummary","A resident told the council that a neighborhood playground at Quartham and Buchanan needs repairs — citing a damaged swing and standing water where children play — and urged the city to provide more nearby water-activity options rather than relying on buses to Marquette Beach.","taxTitle","Gary City, Lake County, Indiana","taxId",3530,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":76,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":77,"_40":78,"_42":79,"_44":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6161296,"Council confirms multiple appointments to advisory commissions and boards",436,236000,672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b&start=236&end=672","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b/thumbnail_236000.jpg","/articles/6161296/Indiana/Council-confirms-multiple-appointments-to-advisory-commissions-and-boards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161296-1f93658a7264169d76415bafba5a9898/orig.mp4?Expires=1769973060&Signature=cEcmg2hmEBDvfRm-2aWg5RvtrFr9ODqoiuYOznISBYbzKFfYvKVLLAnnEWvGYrUpW4s6e2W9tENyygNSRTUAmNqXIDIrU1ynl-St0n6wA6ahJIZrj8qXDOed3ZXqd-HzYuHkV6cWAcRHEbPieGMiAWDLFeQnVbHmmQcQy3lsalqyfZ0jJnf~0POSCTkzeNfPbHjY9hflxbWZR9M2XAWoZjrN-ZXGf~9B5nZIXZxL1CdAZ8oA1Oml86YgJJWi4PoWVLbrrZFD0EsNkU~UchqCTrvK2cFniueIAydnY7MOcyPOw7v8h5j3yEoQHoUl89qhvkBKim8H7jZgbo88I4-DyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gary Common Council on July 1 confirmed a slate of appointments to local advisory commissions and boards, recording several unanimous 9-0 votes and one 8-1 vote for a police commission appointment.

Council members completed a series of motions to appoint community members to the city’s advisory bodies. The council approved, by roll call, appointments including Beryl Fitzpatrick to the Advisory Commission on the Social Status of Black Males; Bruce Curry (as a designee of Steven); Cortell Atkins; Aaron King; Gayon Fields; Deionne Fields; James Wallace (as a designee); Lieutenant Richard Allen to an advisory commission for Latinx social status; Charles Smith as the Republican appointment to the Fire Civil Service Commission; and Oliver Gilliam as the Democratic appointment to the Police Commission.

Most appointment votes were recorded as 9 to 0. The appointment of Oliver Gilliam to the Police Commission was recorded as 8 yes and 1 “extension” (the transcript used the term “extension” in roll-call results); the clerk read the votes into the record at the meeting.

Several council members offered brief remarks of congratulations and thanked members of boards and commissions for their willingness to serve. The appointments were made by motion and roll call; the clerks read the vote tallies into the record after each motion.

The transcript contains some transcription irregularities in names and roles; the council’s official minutes and appointment letters are the controlling records for exact designees, contact information and term dates. The council did not attach additional conditions to these appointments during the July 1 meeting.","The Gary Common Council voted unanimously to appoint several residents to advisory commissions and boards, including the Advisory Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the fire civil service commission and the police commission; votes were recorded as 9-0 or 8-1 where noted for individual appointments.",{"_32":88,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":89,"_40":90,"_42":91,"_44":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6161301,"Gary council honors retiring educator and state representative Vernon G. Smith",455,974000,1429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b&start=974&end=1429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b/thumbnail_974000.jpg","/articles/6161301/Indiana/Gary-council-honors-retiring-educator-and-state-representative-Vernon-G-Smith","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161301-fc3e74f8d481345a92e136388d30edcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1769973060&Signature=gOappzhNAfJ8taXpoAP1pL7gVj~d-bUebRxRl4X9dp95J0PDpfr803KwG0fiiTdZ~U01x3PjiRLoNYGJKBYP-Bnd4W~MjD~Cl75xxWtC3PYfqzEvf-Il7ifYuKEc0n8sKvH8qmVCFjkf312I1iy4rrjUAsPVPCCfBRj~yy8AZuM1LmRlYhrT3coS4LzG5nEFG0C4LK6KERnNJRT54saTJcjgtIkCykV91FWbTfGwS6Dr-EkIDv9drXOxT5ISl9PjwQbpgRHiOKR6hhxAITqc5A938ILxZ~0iy~BqE-R-KjvLEycfs7gJRrzKSSUVCUmwrUgHP-mqp9MeB5tnGMBYng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gary Common Council presented an official citation on July 1 honoring Dr. Vernon G. Smith for a career spanning more than three decades at Indiana University Northwest and a lifetime of public service in Gary.

Council members and local officials described Smith’s roles in education and civic leadership before presenting the citation that recounted his work as a teacher and principal in Gary schools, his tenure at Indiana University Northwest and his service in the Indiana House of Representatives. The citation noted Smith’s retirement from Indiana University Northwest and traced his academic degrees and local ties.

“Doctor Vernon G. Smith is retiring from this post as professor of education, marking the close of a truly extraordinary chapter,” the citation read. Dr. Smith spoke at length after receiving the document, reflecting on his career, the mentorship he received, the challenges he faced in completing his doctorate and his gratitude to colleagues and community members.

Several council members spoke in tribute. Councilwoman Washington said Dr. Smith had been pivotal in creating committees on the social status of Black males statewide and recounted legislative efforts Smith led to secure funding for those initiatives. Council members also recalled Smith’s role in local educational policy and his decades of community involvement.

Smith responded with remarks about his upbringing, academic path and the people who supported him during his career. He thanked the council and residents for the recognition and said he was humbled by the honor.

The citation and public tributes were part of the council’s agenda; no formal votes were required to record the honor. The council took photos and continued with other business after Smith’s remarks.","The Gary Common Council read an official citation honoring Dr. Vernon G. Smith for his decades in education, public service and as a state representative; council members offered personal tributes during the July 1 meeting.",{"_32":100,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":101,"_40":102,"_42":103,"_44":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6161306,"Council approves special-use permits for two Fifth Avenue car lots, corrects property listings",224,3472000,3696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b&start=3472&end=3696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b/thumbnail_3472000.jpg","/articles/6161306/Indiana/Council-approves-special-use-permits-for-two-Fifth-Avenue-car-lots-corrects-property-listings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161306-b25f2c9d0443a8b3800285d194f121e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1769973060&Signature=fMIQB9rX5bBzQWgrK-OUbeilXpPjGAEfYKwrsgw5yrJWfMc0W7ul6vvqSc7uwFPhb8W7CJdJY4kqMeqZ04uGgEcfh1GJOgmApZQevAu-26X5guWSJZLBBzj6fERQJUW7-uVTp4VBRTvR0A0eK08zLWD-2wPGKlmqT7XnUs98X15ncr80hwcDGMD9gAKmOAql3CmvDoYoUyGnIWKijoaAHLP4uEVk96Hx~PREV8go1AW-ubCoCjHGevUilKDEf53Y-V0Ext4Qyg3Fim5mIHcpwV48R-5BW09TFR7fGra3UXAqwLOWna-1ffPsAxq6lSjk7~uRJrOGKFAi5AJZNadjZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gary Common Council on July 1 approved two ordinances granting special-use permits for auto-dealership operations on West Fifth Avenue, voting 9-0 on both measures after amendments to correct personnel and drafting errors.

Council members amended CPO 2025-34 to correct the property address from 3930 to 3980 West Fifth Avenue; the council then passed the amended ordinance on a 9-0 roll call. A separate ordinance, CPO 2025-38, for a special-use permit at 4900 West Fifth Avenue (petitioner Amani Musla) likewise received a 9-0 vote after an amendment corrected the zoning-code reference and a typographical error in the ordinance text.

Attorney Malina provided the council with the background on both requests, saying both properties had been used as auto dealerships and were brought into compliance after appearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 8, 2025. “When it was heard in front of the board of zoning appeals, they did find favorably, that a special use permit should be recommended,” Malina said. She also told the council that the board had not placed conditions on the approvals at that time.

Council members used the floor discussion to emphasize enforcement and site appearance. Councilman Oliver expressed skepticism about the long-term upkeep of Fifth Avenue lots and said the council should protect buyers, especially young buyers who may be less experienced with used-car purchases. Councilman Washington and others urged the zoning and planning bodies to place stricter preconditions so properties arrive before the council in cleaner, more compliant condition.

Council members asked petitioners and future auto-dealership applicants to maintain lots and signage. “If it’s an auto dealership, it needs to look like an auto dealership, not a junkyard,” Council President Latham said during floor remarks.

Procedural details: both items were amended by substitution on the council floor and passed with unanimous roll-call tallies of nine yes votes and no recorded no or abstain votes. Neither ordinance, as passed in the meeting, contained additional conditions added on the council floor; council members and staff said compliance monitoring would continue through the planning and code-enforcement process.

The ordinances were recorded as CPO 2025-34 (amended to show 3980 West Fifth Avenue) and CPO 2025-38 (4900 West Fifth Avenue, petitioner Amani Musla).","The Gary Common Council voted 9-0 to approve two special-use permits for auto-dealership operations at addresses on West Fifth Avenue, amending one ordinance to correct a numeric address and making a separate correction to a zoning-code reference in the other ordinance; council members urged ongoing compliance and better site upkeep.",{"_32":112,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":113,"_40":114,"_42":115,"_44":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6161311,"Residents urge action on emissions at Gary Works after public forum",220,3180000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b&start=3180&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442336-44ad280e211632761884c2e85ae78a9b/thumbnail_3180000.jpg","/articles/6161311/Indiana/Residents-urge-action-on-emissions-at-Gary-Works-after-public-forum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6161311-07f57fd96e52096f65738c3694f4886f/orig.mp4?Expires=1769973060&Signature=fVCC4tTXL7At3NRtJMydAE7sXrLRKa796tyEViS9TbBDrGbRqmaOAFSNiFKZq9HBRcfgvlNfdwdAZXY~CptuIbHb0HYqi9ylew6KSxxcRWm11T8bvvjJwgdISSfvJ5SboBZpTCrJkbpG9n0bzCWaxImYzaa3Daj7lVz9GqLkrU5pnjczzNJcpAdAbmvNLVoYmumbW-3rHAGx1NBUCQfuBqYX1udCr1V8BLxbb0dmQYK1VlbOMVsl~4ZhmSuRt82Yzk3cLH73C-kkV~qFz6uN8SLnwQbIY64Omyzu9Nh-2lkQ4i20P8KQ8si7YB0ICP1haPWCU-fyt~6p6u0IvMDW~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ray Carey, a First District resident and president of Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, told the Gary Common Council on July 1 that recent public outreach on air pollution showed the steel mill’s emissions remain a public-health concern.

“Gary Works blast furnaces routinely emit hazardous air pollutants such as lead and mercury,” Carey said during the public-comment period. “Gary Works is among the largest sources of particulate matter, nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide in this country.”

Carey said those pollutants “cause respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancers,” and thanked the council’s Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee for holding a public forum on the topic. He asked the city to press Gary Works’ new owners “to invest in cleaner iron making technology at Gary Works that will allow for the mill to provide jobs, clean air, and a sustainable economic future for our city.”

The remarks were delivered as part of public comment and did not prompt a formal council vote. Attorney Malina and Council members present acknowledged the advisory committee’s recent forum; no resolution or ordinance was introduced on the council floor during the meeting.

The Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee — referenced by speakers during the meeting — is the forum Carey credited with raising public awareness. He urged the body and city officials to consider a formal resolution supporting investment in cleaner technology at Gary Works.

Council members did not adopt any motion at the July 1 meeting directing staff to draft or sponsor a resolution; Carey’s request therefore remains a public ask rather than a formal city directive. The council’s next steps and whether the advisory committee will pursue a written recommendation were not specified during the meeting.

Public comment closed after the scheduled speakers, and the council proceeded with votes on ordinances and appointments later in the meeting.","A resident and local environmental group urged the Gary Common Council and its Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee to press Gary Works’ new owners to invest in cleaner iron-making technology, citing emissions of lead, mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide and health impacts for city residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges improvements to neighborhood park and local water access

Council confirms multiple appointments to advisory commissions and boards

Gary council honors retiring educator and state representative Vernon G. Smith

Council approves special-use permits for two Fifth Avenue car lots, corrects property listings

Residents urge action on emissions at Gary Works after public forum