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Gary Redevelopment Commission approves multiple contracts, awards Madison Street properties to Broadway CDC and tables appraisal funding
Summary
At its July 8 meeting the City of Gary Redevelopment Commission approved a package of resolutions awarding contracts for building repairs and renovations, authorized a property transfer to Broadway Area CDC for a senior-housing project, approved an animal-care facility contract and tabled action on appraisal-contract funding pending invoice details.
The City of Gary Redevelopment Commission on July 8 approved a slate of resolutions to fund repairs, renovations and development projects across Gary while tabling a funding resolution for appraisal services until staff produce exact invoice totals.
The commission voted to approve resolution 7715, a site-access agreement allowing D D And K Soul Food And Salads to use 3661 Broadway for an outdoor event with setup days July 10–12; resolution 7716, which extends the city—s contract with Republic Services for refuse collection to Dec. 31, 2026 to support refuse from additional demolition work; and resolution 7717, awarding a contract to Office Interiors to renovate the 3rd floor of City Hall (HR and law offices) to replace flooring and blinds. Director Harris told the commission that three quotes were obtained for the City Hall work and the lowest bidder was selected.
The commission also approved resolution 7718, a $41,540 award to Circle Wire for HVAC repairs and a new air-handling unit at 1085 Broadway, a property the city acquired from the Gary Economic Development Corporation. Director Harris said mechanical equipment at the building was vandalized and staff will confirm whether insurance can cover part of the cost. Resolution 7719 authorized up to $6,800 for roof repairs at the Hudson Campbell Fitness Center to protect ongoing renovations tied to relocating the Gary Health Department; the move-in was described as expected around Aug. 1.
On a larger property action, the body approved resolution 7720 to transfer multiple Madison Street properties at no cost to Broadway Area CDC under Indiana Code 36-7-14-22.2, a transfer aimed at creating senior apartments. Portia Goffin, executive director of Broadway Area CDC, told the commission the development will deliver two 3–4 story buildings with roughly 60–70 subsidized one- and two-bedroom units for households with incomes the project expects to serve in the $15,300 to $60,000 range. Goffin gave a projected development cost of about $24,000,000 ($13,000,000 new construction; $11,000,000 rehabilitation). The commission approved the transfer by roll call.
The commission awarded a construction contract for a new animal care facility to Powers & Sons (resolution 7723). Project staff described a two-sided facility with office/quarantine/reception on one side and kennels on the other, sized to support a minimum of about 40 dogs plus cats. Staff said the total project value is approximately $2,792,140; the construction award reported in meeting materials was $1,766,185.31 and part of the project will be funded with ARPA, police and community development dollars. Commissioners pressed the contractor's bid commitments on local hiring and apprenticeship opportunities; staff said the bid package included local-hire and apprenticeship language and promised to distribute the bid documents.
The commission voted to table resolution 7722, which would have allocated additional funding for three appraisal firms (Valuation Services, Vail/Bill Appraisals, Nelson Appraisals) while covering past-due invoices. Commissioners asked staff to return with exact past-due figures and a clearer total before any expenditure authorization. The commission also authorized staff to prepare RFPs for several scattered-site properties and heard director comments about upcoming downtown events and landscaping work.
The meeting concluded with commissioner comments about climate control and workspace conditions, and a motion to adjourn.
What passed: resolutions 7715, 7716, 7717, 7718, 7719, 7720, 7721, 7723 and the RFP-preparation motion were approved by roll call; resolution 7722 (appraisal funding) was tabled pending further details.
Sources and attribution: Quotes and details in this report are taken from the Redevelopment Commission meeting transcript and on‑the‑record presentations. Key on‑record speakers in the meeting included Director Harris; Portia Goffin, executive director of Broadway Area CDC; project manager Keisha Bell; project presenter Miss Sharp; and attorney Steven Jenkins.
Next steps: staff will report back with invoice details for the appraisals item, confirm any insurance coverage for the HVAC repairs at 1085 Broadway and circulate the Powers & Sons bid package showing local-hire/apprenticeship commitments.
