The City of East Chicago and SEH of Indiana will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 5 at the East Chicago Marina, 3301 Aldis Ave., to gather public opinion on the proposed Lakefront Revitalization Initiative.
This revitalization effort in East Chicago was initiated with the help of a grant from the Regional Development Authority. The $7 million grant was used, in part, to leverage private sector investment for the North Harbor projects.
“Many things have changed in East Chicago, and with a rebuilding of Cline Avenue, we need to be sure that our previous investments can be maintained and repaired to accommodate economic development and job opportunities for our residents and the region,” Mayor Anthony Copeland said. “We are just getting started.”
Maria Becerra, the city’s redevelopment director, explain that “The second phase will include lakefront marina engineering and construction, industrial and port infrastructure redevelopment and redesign of the “ground route” to promote private sector investment. We have a great team in place to make these projects happen and many more.”
Mayor Copeland indicated that the redevelopment process will be open and inclusive and will leverage additionally significant community projects. “Our larger employers continue to invest and grow in our community and we need to capitalize on that now. That is why we have carefully moved forward in our efforts,” he said.
Mayor Copeland is encouraging the public to participate by attending the public meeting at 6:30 Tuesday evening, March 5, at the East Chicago Marina. The SEH team will be available to address questions, with an open viewing of exhibits at 6:15 p.m. preceding the public meeting.
All interested parties are invited to come learn about and weigh in on the proposed project. This public meeting will give an overview of the proposed project consisting of the Sub-Area Plan and Phase 1 Construction, presentation of process, schedule, preliminary guiding principles, opportunities and constraints, and conceptual alternatives for the Lakefront/Phase 1 Construction area.
Following the presentation there will be time allotted for questions and comments from the general public. Comment cards and a computer-based survey will also be available.
For information, questions or special requests regarding this meeting, contact: Executive Director Maria C. Becerra, City of East Chicago Department of Redevelopment, 400 E. Chicago Ave., East Chicago, Indiana 46312, (219) 391-8513, ext. 251.
Please Wait…