GARY – The Gary City Council voted unanimously last week supporting a resolution that would allow the city to use Senate Enrolled Act 448 to provide additional property tax exemptions for technology-based businesses to develop in the city.

            Mayor Rudy Clay supported the resolution and is working with the Northwest Indiana Forum to develop the necessary infrastructure.

            “Action by the city council in support of using SEA 448 as an economic development tool signals a new day for Gary,” said Ben Clement, economic development and marketing administrator for the Gary-East Chicago-Hammond Empowerment Zone.

            SEA 448 was authored by state Sen. Ed Charbonneau in 2009 as a way to boost economic development.

            “Knowing the importance of technology in today’s economy, it was necessary that Gary capitalize on the available tools to draw business to their city,” said Don Koliboski, director of economic development for the Northwest Indiana Forum.

            Merrillville and Hobart have already passed similar resolutions.