As a newly repatriated Gary resident, I have been searching for ways to improve the quality of life in my hometown and surrounding communities. One of the solutions I have determined merits serious consideration is the possibility of consolidating Gary and Merrillville.
If done properly, there are several reasons why this quasi-reunification could possibly assist both communities in meeting pressing respective needs.
First, there is nearly total consensus that some of Gary's natural and institutional resources are critical components to the vitalization of Northwest Indiana. These resources include, but are not limited to, Gary's airport, the city's rail and bus systems, the Gary fire and police departments and the Steel City's undeniably robust shoreline.
Obviously, Merrillville could benefit from the pending expansion and development of these important and rare community jewels. This is especially true in light of Merrillville's current fiscal difficulties which are in part, being exacerbated by state-imposed mandatory tax caps.
Furthermore, since Merrillville's status as a town might currently bar it from seeking relief from Indiana's Distressed Unit Appeals Board and there seems to be inadequate local support for a county option income tax, its consolidation with Gary could prove fiscally helpful if reunification occurred expeditiously.
Add to these factors other existing institutional relationships between Gary and Merrillville and the fiscal benefits which accompany larger communities, such as census and educational related funding equations, and both municipalities could achieve mutual benefits from such a partnership.
However, Merrillville also brings a lot to the table in terms of resources that can assist Gary at a critical time in the city's history. For example, Merrillville already possesses business and retail infrastructure which Gary desperately needs. This infrastructure includes thousands of hotel rooms, abundant food establishments, another major hospital, vibrant apartment complexes and housing stock and one of the busiest corridors of commerce in America. The fact is nearly all of these business establishments already depend heavily upon support from Gary consumers and provide jobs for a substantial number of Gary residents. Therefore, such a proposed transition is unlikely to be disruptive from the standpoint of these businesses.
Moreover, the fiscal benefits are not the only positives which could derive from the quasi-reunification of Gary and Merrillville. The truth is such a partnership could tremendously boost the concentration of political power of citizens within both communities as it relates to Lake County and Indiana.
Essentially, the two communities would move from respective populations of around 33,000 for Merrillville and 100,000 for Gary to a combined population of nearly 140,000 persons. This impact would be felt immediately and reverse population losses occurring, to some extent, in both communities.
Finally, perhaps an ancillary but very important result of a municipal marriage between Gary and Merrillville would be the potential healing of rifts which peaked during a less evolved period in our area's social history. While there have been significant demographic shifts in both communities and improved relations, neither community has achieved and sustained the pinnacle of their respective civic ambitions. Perhaps a coming together in an equitable and conscientious manner can even heal social wounds that have lasted for far too long.
John Key is a Gary native and corporate executive working to revitalize Gary and Northwest Indiana. He relocated to Indiana after living and working in various places throughout the country. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.
John Key is a Gary native and corporate executive working to revitalize Gary and Northwest Indiana. He relocated to Indiana after living and working in various places throughout the country. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.
