Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Gary will use a $6 million U.S. Housing and Urban Development loan to build a new $3.25 million fire station at 51st Avenue and Delaware Street, the former site of Pittman Square Elementary. In addition, plans call for the renovation and reopening of Station 10 at 3310 Virginia St., and improvements at the Hudson-Campbell Fitness Center.
The Redevelopment Commission agreed Tuesday to assume the 20-year loan debt with backing from tax increment finance money. Arlene Colvin, director of Community Development, said the city is still responsible for paying back the loan. Colvin said Station 10 at 3310 Virginia St. was closed by flooding. She said an architect is reviewing plans for its renovation.
The Glen Park area has been without a fire station since 2012 when the red brick Station 5 at 4101 Washington St. closed after asbestos was discovered inside.
The fire department initially leased a nearby Merrillville location on 57th Avenue and then moved to the Calumet Township trustee’s multi-purpose center at 1900 W. 41st Ave. where it’s still based. Firefighters have complained about problems hearing calls when the multi-purpose room is in use.
Last year, the school board approved a memorandum of understanding that conveyed property where Pittman Square Elementary once stood at 303 E. 51st Ave. to the city for $1.
thanks Dan
