The city of Gary is beginning the next phase of its effort to eliminate blight in the Aetna neighborhood.
Mayor Eddie Melton, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan and other officials announced the plans at a recent press conference. Following the announcement, volunteer crews began the demolition process. City officials estimate it will take two weeks to demolish over 20 blighted structures in the area.
“This initiative isn't just about tearing down buildings—it's about building up our community,” Melton said in a press release. “By eliminating these hazardous structures, we're creating safer neighborhoods today and laying the foundation for new homes tomorrow.”
Melton said additional targeted demolitions will take place in Midtown and Emerson later this year.
“When you tear down blight, it’s not just the demolition and moving the trucks,” Mrvan said. “What you are doing is creating a new tomorrow for affordable housing, for community parks for business attraction.”
Melton thanked the construction companies and agencies volunteering their services for the demolition effort, including Rieth-Riley Construction, Hasse Construction, Actin, RMD Construction, Superior Construction and the Lake County Highway Department.
“This gets a little emotional for me because this is where I grew up,” Jim Wiseman of Rieth-Riley Construction said.
Wiseman said he is fortunate that his company shares his vision of a better tomorrow for Gary.
“When I say a better tomorrow, it’s all about the children,” Wiseman said. “Children are our future, and we’re giving back to them, our residents, our people and all Northwest Indiana. Gary was, is, and always will be the economic force of Northwest Indiana.”
The initiative continues the city's efforts from the previous year. In 2024, the city demolished 35 blighted structures in the Aetna neighborhood and 49 property owners improved or fully renovated their properties.
Before demolishing structures, the Department of Redevelopment conducts a review process as required by Indiana's Unsafe Building Law. The department identifies unsafe properties, notifies owners and assesses each structure's condition. In 2025, the city identified the most dangerous structures and scheduled them for demolition.
City officials believe demolition will serve as a catalyst for neighborhood stabilization in Aetna.
“Aetna is perfectly positioned for growth,” Chris Harris, executive director of redevelopment, said. “Within a five-minute drive, residents have access to amenities like the Gary SouthShore RailCats stadium, the South Shore Train line, Miller Beach business district, the Indiana Dunes National Park and Marquette Park. It’s the ideal place for new build construction of family homes.”
