Multiple residents told the Gary Common Council on June 3 they oppose a proposed development called the Legacy Project, which petitioners said would include commercial services, daycare and elderly care in a largely single-family neighborhood.

Greg Fleming, who said he lives on Wake Street in the Third District, presented a petition asking the council to ensure the Legacy Project not be built in his block. Nearby resident Arlene Campbell likewise described the proposed project as out of character for the neighborhood and asked council members to consider alternative locations.

Howard Park funding question: In public comment Gabriel (last name not specified during record) said the park recently received improvements but that a contractor paid by the city left debris and that at least $600,000 had been allocated for Howard Park improvements. He said he filed a Freedom of Information Act request in March and that he was told the FOIA remained on the lawyer’s desk two weeks ago; he asked the council to account for the funds.

Why it matters: Residents said they value the residential character and peace of their block and asked the council to consider neighborhood impacts before approving commercial or institutional uses. The Howard Park commenter requested transparency about park expenditures and outcomes.

Council response and next steps: Council members accepted the petitions and public remarks during public comment. No committee action or vote on the Legacy Project or Howard Park expenditures occurred during the meeting. Attorney Molina later recommended referring other zoning items to committee when petitioners were unprepared; the council scheduled committee hearings for related zoning matters.