Gary, Indiana, receives $3M demolition grant

The Gary Housing Authority (GHA) in Gary, Indiana, will soon be able to demolish housing units at two of its developments on the city’s west side after receiving a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Washington.

HUD Secretary Ben Carson announced that Gary Housing has been awarded a Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security grant in the amount of $3,212,125. Joseph P. Galvan, HUD Midwest regional administrator, was in Gary today to attend a press conference at Gary City Hall announcing the grant and to deliver the ceremonial check.

“These funds will be used to address emergency, safety and security needs impacting the residents of Gary and HUD assisted communities,” Galvan says. “The grant is highly competitive in nature. Gary should feel pleased.”

The grant will facilitate demolition of the Delaney housing development and Concord Village West. GHA officials are planning for demolition to start mid-summer.

“Over the past six years, through federal Hardest Hit funds, state funding, county local income tax dollars, private partnerships and our in-house demolition, we have been able to demolish 700 to 1,000 abandoned structures,” Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson says. “The National Guard demolished 20 properties last year.

“We have 4,000 to 5,000 more structures to demolish, but this is evidence of the power of collaboration and a great day for our city and the Gary Housing Authority,” Freeman-Wilson continues. “I congratulate Director Marsh and the GHA family for their hard work to continue revitalization in Gary and thank our partners, federal officials and all involved in making this grant a reality.”