Economic Development/Community Development

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Across the City there are literally dozens of projects in the works that are directly related to Economic Development and Community Development.  In this section of our web site, we will try to keep the most current information posted as related to each of the projects from the ground breaking through their completion.  Just click on any of the following links to find out the latest developments for each of the projects:

• Bike Trail
• Center Street Housing Development
• Commercial Development - New Businesses
• Community Center Revitalization
• Demolition
• Lakefront Development
• New York Avenue Housing Development
• Parking Improvement Projects
• Senior Citizen - Empty Nester Housing Development
• Infrastructure Improvement Projects
• Standard Avenue and Front Street Reconstruction Project

Revised 12/13/11

Bike Trail Project

As part of the city's RDA grant, the bike trail connecting the present George Lake Path to our proposed new bike trail to the lakefront has been completed with the exception of the bridge installation. The bridge over Indianapolis Boulevard connecting the Hammond and Whiting paths is being constructed and should be completed in May 2012. Segments of the Whiting Bike Trail which needed to be altered to accommodate the new baseball field construction are finished. In the Spring of 2012, final corrections to the trail landscaping will be made and the project will be completed.

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Center Street Housing Development

There a few lots available for construction. The project has gained momentum even in light of the prevailing economic conditions of the housing market and financial institutions. Tax implications in the neighboring state of Illinois has also played a role in the demand for quality affordable housing near to Chicago and the lakefront. Whiting's lakefront development beginning strongly in 2011 to finish early 2013, also has played a role in this neighborhood creation.

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Commercial Development - New Businesses

The redevelopment commission sold 1510 119th Street after renovating the exterior of the building prior to the sale. A new restaurant venture called Skeeter's Diner is work in progress. The work should be completed by the end of the first quarter and the diner will be an added business to the downtown area. We envision the new restaurant to be open sometime in June.

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Community Center Revitalization

The revitalization program continues in fervor. Thus far the roof tiles have been replaced with historic accuracy. The windows have been replaced also with historic accuracy. The benefits of all the work accomplished has been reflected in energy savings and the restoration of the historic character of the Community Center. Much of the work accomplished was facilitated through grants from the DNR and Congressman's Visclosky's office.

The next project under grant, is the replacement of the flooring in the lobby area.

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Demolition

Demolition is slated for 1658 and 1713 Center Street in the third quarter. These demolitions will be paid for through  CDBG funds from the county.

Demolition will begin the second quarter of 2011 of the former Harris Bank Building owned by the city to accommodate the construction of a parking complex to address some of the parking needs along the boulevard business district. The parking scheme will also address a better traffic flow at the Atchison Ave. and Indianapolis Blvd. intersection.

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Lakefront Development

The Whiting Lakefront project is advancing. The RDA has approved a $19.45 Million grant to fund the lakefront components related to public access to the lake. The balance of the project scope will be funded by TIF bonds through the Redevelopment Commission and funds from federal grants and private contributions. The full scope of the project which should begin in March 2012 focusing on the boardwalk, fishing pier, bike path, and other amenities. The Lakefront Project should take about two years for total completion. Activities in the park for 2012 should be accommodated. Improvements to the Whihala Beach launch area are also within the scope of the Lakefront Project and should begin in the Spring also.

The focus of the project is to transform Whiting Lakefront Park into a destination point for all to enjoy.  Included in the plan is a new 2-tiered boardwalk along the shoreline, which will connect the Whiting trail system to the Hammond trail system and then up into Chicago.  Also included is the creation of a new nature area, renovation of all existing facilities and a new gazebo event center on the shoreline, with the Chicago skyline serving as its backdrop.  New parking facilities, renovation and expansion of the existing pathways and Whihala Beach boat harbor renovations are also planned.  A new Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Museum is also included as part of the overall project. You can view the plan and related information by clicking on the links below:

• Mayor Joe's PowerPoint presentation
• Final Lakefront Plan

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New York Avenue Housing Development

Construction has been completed on the new homes along New York Avenue east side and they were all purchased. Construction will begin shortly on two new homes along the west side of the 1900 block of New York Ave. in the empty lots owned by the Redevelopment Commission.

These will be good starter homes or an opportunity to downsize from a larger home to a more reasonable new home with fewer maintenance issues. Whatever the needs may be, the commission is willing to work with future buyers with various plans. These homes can be purchased upon completion or purchased during construction. The two new starts also can be purchased in the same way or through arrangements with the builder to build as a home of their own design subject to commission approval.

If you are interested in looking at the plans, you can come to City Hall and see Bob Kark, or call the builder directly, Bob Hennessey 219 663 2960. If you have any questions call Bob Kark at 219 659 7700.

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Parking Improvement Projects

The city is completing the construction of an additional municipal parking lot to be located in the 1500 block of 119th Street. This lot will be located along the south side of the 1500 block. Finishing touches and landscaping are being addressed.

Additional parking to the rear of 1409, 1413, and 1417 119th Street in a mini parking were constructed. This project when completed added an additional 13 spaces to the city parking inventory.

The next parking improvement project will take place at the former location of the Harris Bank at the corner of Atchison Ave. and Indianapolis Blvd. The bank will be razed and a new parking lot will be generated. Also plans to improve parking and traffic flow along Atchison Ave. will be addressed.

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Senior Citizen - Empty Nester Housing Development

The construction of senior housing at the site across from Oil City Stadium is on hold at the present time. A collaboration with the City of Hammond is under way addressing the needs of both communities with a potential better solution at a different location along Indianapolis Blvd. If all goes well, construction may begin in the spring of 2013.

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Infrastructure Improvement Projects

This summer we will continue with our five year plan to repair our streets and alleys. The neighborhoods involved in this year's program will be notified before work begins.
 

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Standard Avenue and Front Street Reconstruction Project

Standard Ave. is completed with the exception of the installation of Street lighting and and landscaping which began this past fall as Phase II of the project. This project is partially funded through the cooperation of Representative Visclosky's office via INDOT. Phase II has been completed with the final closeout of the project in Spring of 2012 with the final check of the landscaping.
 

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