The Gary City Planning and Development Committee considered a special-use permit for 4900 West Fifth Avenue to be used as an auto dealership, petitioner Amani Musleh said. Attorney Molina told the committee the site has been used as an auto dealership and that the Board of Zoning Appeals gave a favorable recommendation, 4–0, on May 8.

Council members asked broader questions about whether the corridor is becoming saturated with auto dealerships. President Latham asked how the city would know if it is oversaturated. A planning staff member said Gary is operating under the current comprehensive plan and zoning rules but that a new zoning code expected before the end of the year would tighten where dealerships can locate and could include enforceable limits such as “maximum cars per square foot of asphalt.” The staff member said a market study — for example one using credit-card sales data from a national vendor — could identify oversaturation but would be an additional effort.

Councilwoman Ivy asked that the corrected parcel number be provided by Tuesday; she also requested proof that property taxes are current. Committee members also sought clarity about proposed services. Attorney Molina and the petitioner confirmed the petition, as filed, was for selling cars; council members asked whether repairs or car washes were included. The petitioner clarified he would sell cars and do limited maintenance on vehicles in his inventory (cleaning, oil changes) but that commercial repair and car-wash operations were not part of the petition as submitted.

No formal council vote was recorded at the review. Staff was directed to supply the corrected parcel information, proof of current property taxes, and dated exterior photographs for the council packet ahead of the next meeting.