Officials from the City of Gary announced the start of the next phase of an ongoing effort to eliminate blight in the Aetna neighborhood.
Mayor Eddie Melton was joined by U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Lake County Commissioner Kyle W. Allen, Sr., Gary Common Council Councilman-at-Large Kenneth Whisenton, and Jim Wiseman of Rieth-Riley Construction for a press conference detailing the initiative that started with demolition in 2024. Following the remarks, volunteer crews began another demolition process. City officials estimate it will take 2-3 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," said Mayor Eddie Melton. "By eliminating these hazardous structures, we're creating safer neighborhoods today and laying the foundation for new homes tomorrow. And we're just getting started. Gary's revival continues with more targeted demolitions coming to Midtown and Emerson this year."
“When you tear down blight, it’s not just the demolition and moving the trucks. What you are doing is creating a new tomorrow for affordable housing, for community parks, for business attraction,” stated Congressman Frank Mrvan. “As a member of Congress representing Gary, Indiana, I commit fully and wholeheartedly to continue to bring resources back to Northwest Indiana so that we can have more great days like this.”
Mayor Melton recognized and thanked the construction companies and agencies volunteering their services for the demolition effort, including Rieth-Riley Construction, Hasse Construction, Actin Inc., RMD Construction, Superior Construction, and the Lake County Highway Department.
“This gets a little emotional for me because this is where I grew up,” said Jim Wiseman of Rieth-Riley Construction. “I’m very fortunate that my company, Rieth-Riley shares my vision of a better tomorrow for Gary. When I say a better tomorrow, it’s all about the children. 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 progress in neighborhood stabilization and builds on successful 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. In 2025, the city will complete the demolition of over 20 additional structures within the next 2-3 weeks.
The city is taking a balanced approach that holds property owners accountable and encourages development. Before demolishing any structure, the Department of Redevelopment conducts a rigorous review process as required by Indiana's Unsafe Building Law. This includes identifying unsafe properties, notifying owners, and assessing each structure's condition. In 2025, while many property owners committed to renovating their buildings, 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," said Chris Harris, Executive Director of Redevelopment. "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.”
During the first week of demolition, multiple city departments are providing additional support to the Aetna neighborhood. The Gary Fire Department is implementing the Red Cross smoke alarm program, while the Police Department is providing enhanced patrol presence and drone documentation. The Health Department is conducting rodent abatement, and Public Works crews are addressing infrastructure needs including road patching and sign installation. Meanwhile, the Environmental, Park, and General Services departments are collaborating on cleanup efforts, debris removal, and public space improvements throughout the area.
"We’ve made a strategic decision to concentrate resources from multiple city departments in Aetna," said Michael Suggs, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Gary. "Rather than spreading our efforts thinly across the city, we are piloting this targeted approach. Our goal is to make a noticeable, meaningful impact in the community, so residents can see and feel a transformation. We also get the benefit of listening to and hearing feedback directly from constituents. If we see an impact, we will work to replicate this model in other neighborhoods."
