Gary approves measures related to development of Buffington Harbor

Two measures designed to advance possible development of the Majestic Star casino site in Gary into a shipping port have been approved by city officials.

The Gary Redevelopment Commission voted 5-0 in favor of approving a contract with Weaver Consultants Group for geological investigations, environmental assessments and other development assistance related to a particular parcel in the Buffington Harbor area. Weaver previously was awarded a contract to advise on how to handle environmental cleanup of the parcel, which contains about 155,000 cubic yards of contaminants that would need to be removed if significant development is to be allowed around 6200 Industrial Hwy.

Joseph Van Dyk, commission executive director, said the new measure is an update of the old contract, extending its terms through the end of 2019. “It increases the amount of work they (Weaver) will be able to do for us,” he said.

The commission also unanimously approved a licensing agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Co., which operates and maintains the railroad tracks that pass through the area. Under consideration is a bridge for Buffington Har- bor Drive traffic over the tracks to facilitate passage of automobiles and trucks without interference from freight trains.

“This agreement sets the details between the city and the railroad for the project,” said Chris Murphy of the American Structurepoint firm that is advising Gary. The project is being paid for through grants provided by the federal Commerce Department and the Regional Development Authority.

The commission also accepted transfer of a property at 4014 Fillmore St., as Wells Fargo Home Mortgage did not want the property and even gave Gary about $10,000 to use toward demolishing the structure there; took control of seven properties controlled by the Lake County Commission and scattered around Gary that are directly adjacent to properties the redevelopment commission already controls; approved a professional services contract that will pay Lakeshore Title & Escrow Co. for real estate title work, $95 per title, with an annual maximum of $5,000; and retained the Gary-based law firm of Tolbert & Tolbert LLC, which will charge the commission between $190 and $220 per hour to assist the commission’s attorney, Gilbert King Jr.