Local nonprofit leader and resident urge council help on building repairs and traffic safety

At the public-expression portion of the Nov. 25 meeting, two speakers highlighted neighborhood needs.

Tina, who identified herself as owner of Tina’s Power Ministry, said her organization purchased a building in East Chicago to expand services for women experiencing homelessness but has been blocked from opening by code violations. She listed repair costs she said are required before the facility can be used: an $80,000 structural issue, a $17,000 plumbing repair and $20,000 in electrical work. Tina said code-enforcement notices and a coal-products violation had prevented her from using the space and that she had been unable to secure grants because of the outstanding violations. “We need help in opening up this facility so we can service women and provide our services,” she told the council.

John Goldie, who said he lives on Perry, described chronic traffic backups on Indianapolis Boulevard caused in part by railroad crossings. Goldie suggested routing heavy truck traffic around the corridor via a bypass using the railroad/150th street alignment; he proposed installing signage and said the bypass could reduce backups even if it is longer in distance.

Council members acknowledged both speakers and thanked volunteers who supported recent community events. The council did not take immediate action on the requests but council members asked staff to follow up where appropriate.