Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

EAST CHICAGO | Marktown residents are seeking answers from East Chicago on why a revitalization plan crafted five years ago for the community wasn't carried out.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Juan Laureano poses for a portrait at his home in the Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago. Laureano has purchased and renovated two homes in the neighborhood.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Miguel Suarez poses for a portrait outside his home in the Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago. Suarez, 28, grew up in the house.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Miguel Suarez poses for a portrait outside his home in the Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago. Suarez, 28, grew up in the house.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

BP can be seen from Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Houses in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

A mural showing the history of the Pullman neighborhood in Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

A flag is draped in a home that is being restored in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Diana Velez delivers mail in Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

An abandoned building in Marktown in East Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Houses in Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

Houses in Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago.

Marktown residents want answers on revitalization plan

A home in Marktown neighborhood in East Chicago.

Marktown residents vow to fight BP plans

EAST CHICAGO | A petition is circulating in the Marktown neighborhood speaking out against BP's interest in buying property in the area east of the Whiting Refinery from willing sellers.

BP shows interest in buying Marktown properties

EAST CHICAGO | BP is exploring the potential of buying property in the Marktown neighborhood, a company spokesman has confirmed.

BP shows interest in buying Marktown properties

Houses in historic Marktown.

BP shows interest in buying Marktown properties

Marktown resident Miguel Suarez walks through the neighborhood in East Chicago on Tuesday. Suarez has lived in Marktown for 25 years.

BP shows interest in buying Marktown properties

Kim Rodriguez stands in front of her home in Marktown. Rodriguez's family has owned the house for four generations and she grew up in the home. "I love Marktown. I was born and raised here. I don't know anywhere else," Rodriguez said.