Gary council approves PUD rezoning for former Beckman School over neighborhood objections

The Gary Common Council voted 5-4 on April 15 to approve CPO 2025-17, a planned unit development (PUD) rezoning for the former Beckman School site at 23rd and Grant, despite months of public opposition from neighbors who said the plan could allow industrial uses that would harm residential character.

The ordinance, amended by substitution on the council floor, passed after a roll-call vote that recorded yes from Councilwoman Brown, Councilwoman Cwell, Councilman Washington, Councilman Wessington and Councilman Williams; Councilman Hallebertton, Councilwoman Ivy, Councilman Toiver and President Leam voted no.

Supporters on the council said the final text incorporates changes requested by planning staff and committee members to add restrictions on allowed uses and oversight provisions. Attorney Molina, presenting the ordinance, said the developer agreed to the committee'requested changes and that the version before the council was the final form.

Opponents used the public-comment period to press the council to reject the rezoning. Gary resident Gary Lee cited PUD language in the proposed document that, he said, "could allow the boundaries of the 23rd and Grant PUD to expand beyond the Beckman School property," and warned that unchecked expansion would move ``the clock backward, not forward'' for the neighborhood. Dorian Kerry of Gary Advocates for Responsible Development urged the council to deny CPO 2025-17 and to support a city planning department process for broader public review.

Other residents described concerns about spot zoning, truck traffic and property values. Multiple speakers referenced an estimate of 42 truck bays in the proposal and said they had received insufficient answers at committee about hours and volume of truck activity. "This is a residential area; it should not be rezoned for the benefit of somebody that doesn't live in Gary," Robert Bugs told the council.

Council members who opposed the measure argued that the PUD still had unresolved impacts for neighbors. Those who voted to adopt it said the amendment tightened language and added teeth to limit certain industrial activities while allowing the property to be reused.

The petitioner was present but declined extended remarks when the council invited additional comment after the public testimony. The ordinance passed 5-4 and will be enforced under the city's zoning code and any conditions added in the adopted text.

Questions raised during public comment and committee hearings that remain on the record include how many trucks will use the site, the timing of any heavy vehicle operations, and whether the PUD language leaves room for future boundary additions. The council's vote marks the final local legislative approval; implementation details and any required permits will proceed through the planning department and enforcement processes.