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Gary, Indiana

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This article is about the city in Indiana, USA, for other uses of "Gary", see Gary (disambiguation). For the person, see Gary Indiana.

City of Gary, Indiana
File:Gary city hall.jpg
Flag of City of Gary, Indiana
Flag
Official seal of City of Gary, Indiana
Seal
Nickname(s): 
City in Motion, City of the Century, GI, Magic city of Steel, The Steel City
Location in the state of Indiana, USA
Location in the state of Indiana, USA
CountyLake
Founded1906
Government
 • MayorRudolph Clay
Elevation
Formatting error: invalid input when rounding m (577 ft – 600+ ft)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total102,746
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Websitehttp://www.gary.in.us/

Gary is the largest city in Lake County, Indiana, USA. The city is located in the southeastern portion of Chicago metropolitan area and is approximately 25 miles from downtown Chicago. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 102,746 and is the largest Indiana city that is not a county seat. It borders Lake Michigan and is known for its large steel mills.

History

The city was founded in 1906 by the United States Steel Corporation as the home for its new plant. The city was named after the chairman of U.S. Steel, Elbert H. Gary.

Among U.S. cities of 100,000 or more, Gary has the highest percentage of African-American residents (as of the 2000 U.S. census). Gary had one of the nation's first African-American mayors, Richard G. Hatcher, and hosted the ground-breaking 1972 National Black Political Convention. At the same time, Gary suffered from many affluent and middle-class residents leaving Gary and relocating to the surrounding towns and cities.

Gary's fortunes have risen and fallen with those of the steel industry. In the 1960s, like many other American urban centers, Gary entered a downward spiral of decline. Gary's decline was brought on by the growing competitiveness in the steel industry, thus US Steel had to have layoffs. This had the effect of increasing crime and dependence on drugs. US Steel continues to be a major steel producer, but with only a fraction of its former level of employment. While Gary has failed to re-establish its manufacturing base since its population peak, two casinos opened along the Gary lakeshore in the 1990s. Today, Gary faces numerous difficulties, including unemployment, major economic problems, and a high rate of crime, though the city has made some progress in addressing these issues since the 1990s.

Meredith Willson's 1957 Broadway musical The Music Man featured the song, "Gary, Indiana," describing the alleged alma mater of lead character Professor Harold Hill ("Gary Conservatory, Class of '05!"). The joke in Hill's claim, of course, is that the city of Gary wasn't founded until '06. Wilson's musical, set in 1912, was later made into two movies.

Recent events

File:Gary centennial.gif
Gary celebrated its centennial in 2006

Three-term Democratic mayor Scott King resigned from office in March, 2006, citing a desire to return to private law practice, and the financial rewards involved therein.[1] Then-deputy mayor and former Calumet Township Trustee Dozier T. Allen Jr. became acting mayor, pending a formal election by local Democratic party officials. On April 4, 2006, local officials chose former Lake County Commissioner and King rival Rudolph Clay to fill the remaining 21 months of King's term.

After celebrating its 100th year in 2006, the city of Gary finally shows evidence of rebound from years of economic depression. Many buildings that have been left vacant for years are now finally planned for demolition and development.[2] Many new homes have been built through the HOPE VI grant from HUD. [3]

The Gary/Chicago International Airport has recently secured nearly 100 million dollars in grants and private donations. The FAA approved GYY's master plan which includes the expansion of runways, land acquistition for a larger terminal, an integrated transportation center, and provision for a third runway. The first part of the plan requires that the EJ&E line, which runs at the end of the runway, be relocated.

After many years at the top of the list, Gary was rated the tenth most dangerous city in the United States according to Morgan Quitno's 2006 analysis of crime rates. While hardly enviable, this is indicative of the progress Gary has made in reducing crime since the 1990s.[4] The city recorded 51 homicides in 2006, a 13.5% decrease from the previous year.[5]

Dallas based HomeVestors of America released their "Top 10 Markets for Real Estate Investing" list on 9 December, 2006. Gary earned the number one position on this list, which represents activity of investors who purchase homes below market and then sell. [6]

Despite recent good news, the city of Gary continues to lose residents and jobs.

Geography

Gary is located at 41°34′51″N 87°20′44″W / 41.58083°N 87.34556°W / 41.58083; -87.34556Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (41.580786, -87.345449).Template:GR According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 148.3 km² (57.2 mi²). 130.1 km² (50.2 mi²) of it is land and 18.2 km² (7.0 mi²) of it (12.25%) is water. The city sits on the southern end of the former lake bed of the prehistoric Lake Chicago, and the current Lake Michigan. Most of the city's soil nearly one foot below the surface is pure sand. The sand beneath Gary, and on its beaches, is of such high quality that in years past it was mined for the manufacture of glass.

Gary is more or less "T" shaped, with its northern border on Lake Michigan, one of the United States's five "Great Lakes." At the Northwesternmost section Gary borders Hammond and East Chicago. As one moves from West to East across the top of Gary's aforementioned "T" shape, the city changes from being decidedly urban to being a bit more suburban, culminating in what is called the city's "Miller" or "Miller Beach" section, at its northeastermost point, which borders Lake Station and Portage. The city's southernmost section borders Hobart and Merrillville.

Weather

The weather of Gary is greatly regulated by its proximity to Lake Michigan, as it sits at the lake's southernmost point. Weather varies yearly. Tornadoes strike annually, though the city has generally avoided major damage. Earthquakes have occurred in the past, but are very small and uncommon.

Climate

Gary, like Chicago, has a variable climate. In July and August, the warmest months, high temperatures average 84 °F (29 °C) and peak just above 100 °F (38 °C) and low temperatures average 63 °F (17 °C). In January and February, the coldest months, high temperatures average around 29 °F (-2 °C) and low temperatures average 13 °F (-11 °C), with at least a few days of temperatures dipping below 0 °F (-18 °C).

Precipitation

In summer months Gary is quite humid, and fog is not uncommon. The city's yearly precipitation averages about 40 inches which is a combination of both rain and snow. Summer is the rainiest season, with rainfall of short duration and very loud, drawn-out thunderstorms. Winters vary but are predominantly snowy with regular blizzards. Snowfall in Gary can average 24 to 36 inches per winter, but sometimes large blizzards hit because of "lake effect snow," a phenomenon wherein large amounts of water evaporated from the lake deposits onto the shoreline areas inordinate amounts of snow during the winter.

Culture

Gary was founded on a sandy land on the southern edge of Lake Michigan. The city became a haven for eastern European immigrants and later southern black migrants. Gary was a primarilly white city until the late 1960's when African Americans became the majority. Gary developed a huge amount of culture from both groups.

The eastern Europeans of Gary brought their culture with them. Gary developed a culture much like any other northern city. Gary often became hot in the summer and residents would take trams to Miller Beach and the dunes in order to cool off. Gary developed a great stock of churches, thanks to the European immigrants. The United Methodist Church in downtown Gary was once one of the most powerful churches in the Midwest. Their political power brought about great positive change in Gary and in the state of Indiana. Gary was a unionized city and is home to a Masonic Temple and several union halls.

As African American's moved to Gary, they brought their culture along with them. Today Gary has a culture much like any other black urban community.

Demographics

City of Gary
Population by year [1]
1900 NA
1910 15,802
1920 55,378
1930 100,666
1940 111,719
1950 133,911
1960 178,320
1970 175,415
1980 144,953
1990 116,646
2000 102,746
2005 99,246

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 102,746 people, 38,244 households, and 25,623 families residing in the city. The population density was 789.8/km² (2,045.5/mi²). There were 43,630 housing units at an average density of 335.4/km² (868.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.03% African American, 11.92% White, 0.21% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.97% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. 4.93% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 38,244 households out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.2% were married couples living together, 30.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,195, and the median income for a family was $32,205. Males had a median income of $34,992 versus $24,432 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,383. About 22.2% of families and 25.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.9% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.

Neighborhoods

Aetna is located on Gary's far east side along the Dunes Highway. Aetna was developed in the 1930's and is home to an impressive collection of art deco architecture. The neighborhood experienced decline in the 1960's and today is plagued by crime and blight. Many of the neighborhood's homes were demolished or are abandoned. The eastern edge of Aetna is marked by wilderness and borders Miller Beach and the Indiana Dunes.

Ambridge is located on Gary's near west side along 5th Avenue. Ambridge was developed for workers are the near by steel plant in the 1910's and 1920's. The neighborhood is home to a huge stock of prairie style and art deco homes. The Gary Masonic Temple is located in the neighborhood along with the Ambassador Apartment building. Once one of Gary's proudest and most affluent neighborhood's, the area has experienced severe decline since the early 1970's. Many of the homes and apartment buildings stand vacant or destroyed. Today Ambridge is one of the most violent and run down parts of the city. Located just south of Interstate 90, the neighborhood can be seen while passing Buchanan Avenue.

Black Oak is located on the far southwest side of Gary. Black Oak is home to Gary's small white community. The neighborhood developed in the 1950's is now largely vacant and destroyed. The neighborhood comprised of track homes is now in shambles. Blocks have few if any homes still left on them as the forest and prairie are beginning to grow back. The few who still live here are impoverished an uneducated. Many of the streets in Black Oak have not been paved for several years and a number have simply become dirt paths.

Brunswick is located on Gary's far west side along 7th Avenue. Brunswick is a mix of track homes and more modern homes. A refuge for those escaping the declining inner city, Brunswick became home to middle class black families. As industry continued to decline, so did the neighborhood. Today the neighborhood is plagued with many of the same problems other parts of the city are facing. Brunswick once proud and safe has declined greatly. Most residents are impoverished and crime is becoming a much larger issue. Many homes stand vacant or in ruins. The neighborhood is located just south of Interstate 90 and can be seen from the expressway.

Downtown is located at the intersection of 5th and Broadway. Downtown is the heart of Gary and is home to a number of large buildings. Interstate 90 divides downtown Gary from the United States Steel Plant. Downtown Gary was developed in the 1920's and houses several pieces of impressive architecture. Downtown Gary declined along with the rest of the city beginning in the late 1950's. By the 1970's the downtown was nearly vacant and has remained so up to today. A number of schemes were devised in the 1970's in order to save downtown but none were successful. A Sheraton Hotel was built along with a new convention center and an arena. Today the Sheraton stands vacant and the convention center seeing little to no business. Downtown Gary includes the civic center where the city hall and the court house are located. Broadway Avenue was once a major retail street in the city but today every storefront is currently vacant. A new office building and a new baseball stadium have opened up in downtown in the last couple years but the future is still bleak.

Glen Park is located on Gary's far south side along Broadway Avenue. The neighborhood was largely developed in the 1950's for white families leaving the inner city but wanting to stay in the city. By the 1970's most white families had moved out to the southern suburbs and Glen Park became a primarilly African American community. A mix of bungalows and track homes Glen Park is a modest neighborhood in Gary. Although not as severe as other parts of the city, Glen Park does have an issue with blight an abandonment. A number of homes and storefronts sit vacant and awaiting demolition.

Ivanhoe is located on Gary's far west side along west 9th Avenue. Ivanhoe was developed in the early 1970's and appealed to middle class African Americans escaping the blight and crime in the inner city. Ivanhoe sadly was not spared in the decline of Gary. Many of the once proudly owned homes sit vacant and in ruins. The average income of the neighborhood has dropped below 35,000 dollars signaling economic decline.

Marshalltown is located on Gary's southeast side along Central Avenue. The neighborhood was developed in the 1970's and is comprised of track homes. Set up like a subdivision, the neighborhood is not actually connected to any other developed part of Gary. Today the neighborhood is safe and well kept. Few if any of the neighborhoods homes are empty or run down. Although not a rich or spectacular neighborhood, it is safe and clean.

Midtown is located in the south central part of Gary along Broadway Avenue. Once the center of entertainment and retail in Gary, Midtown is now just another sad reminder of the state the city is in. Midtown once home to a number of theaters and department stores is now home to a number of cheap fast food restaurants. Streets both east and west of Broadway are completely empty, all homes demolished. A number of vacant apartment blocks and homes do dot the prairie around Broadway, but nearly all are vacant. Midtown is located just south of downtown Gary.

Miller Beach is located on Gary's far east side. The neighborhood was developed in the 1970's. The neighborhood is located north of Miller which was developed in the 1930's around the train station. Miller Beach is the most affluent neighborhood in the city and escaped the problems of crime and blight that effected other parts of the city. Miller Beach is a safe and secure upper middle class black neighborhood with well kept homes and clean streets. The neighborhood borders Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Tarrytown is located on Gary's southwest side along Chase Avenue. Escaping the blight and crime that consumed neighborhoods just east of it, Tarrytown is one of the safest and most affluent parts of the city. The neighborhood has an median family income of over 80,000 dollars a year. The homes built in the 1920's are large and imposing. The neighborhood was built for factory owners and other upper middle class residents. The neighborhood is located several miles south of the steel mills and is just north of City Park.

Tolleston is located on Gary's west side along west 11th Avenue. Tolleston is one of Gary's most violent and blighted neighborhoods. With an average income of less than 15,000 dollars a year and most residents living in extreme poverty. The neighborhood is littered with abandoned homes and storefronts. Less than 0.1 percent of the neighborhood is of white decent.

Westbrook is located on Gary's far west side. The neighborhood never really developed and most streets are vacant and lined with forest or prairie. A number of warehouses and trucking businesses are in the area due to its proximity to the Tollway and Cline Avenue.

Education

The city of Gary has had a checkered history when it comes to education. As a result, test scores have fallen well below the national average of late. In response, multiple charter schools have been founded throughout the city as an alternative to the public schools. Since that time student performance has improved and the Gary Community School Corporation has built new elementary schools.

Further information: [[:List of Schools in Gary]]

Primary/Secondary Education

There are three school districts serving the city as well as multiple charter schools located within the city.

Most public schools in Gary are administered by the Gary Community School Corporation. The other public schools within the city are administered by Lake Ridge Schools Corporation. Some Gary residents in the outskirts attend schools administered by the River Forest Community School Corporation.

Charters:

Continuing Education

Gary is home to two regional state college campuses:

Media

  • Newspapers -- Gary is served by two newspapers which are based outside the city. These papers provide regional topics, and cover events in Gary.
    • Post-Tribune, which was originally located in Gary. Offices and facilities for the Post-Tribune are based in Merrillville.
    • The Times, previously known as the Hammond Times. Offices and facilities for The Times are in nearby Munster.
  • Broadcast -- Gary is served by five local broadcasters plus gov access and numerous Chicago area radio and TV stations, and by other nearby stations in Illinois and Indiana.
    • W18AT (Channel 18) a repeater of WHME of South Bend, a LeSEA affiliate.
    • WPWR (Channel 50) is the Chicago My Network TV affiliate, but is licensed to Gary. Studios and transmitters are co-located with WFLD's in Chicago, and like WFLD, WPWR is owned by Fox Television Stations.
    • WYIN (Channel 56) is a PBS affiliate licensed to Gary. Their studios are in Merrillville.
    • WGVE (FM 88.7) is owned by the Gary Community School Corporation, and is used primarily as a teaching facility. Programming is maintained by students in the broadcast program at the Gary Career Center. WGVE also carries limited NPR programming.
    • WLTH (AM 1370) carries syndicated talk programming, and is owned by Pluria Marshall Jr.
    • WWCA (AM 1270) is presently a Relevant Radio owned-and-operated radio station, carrying programming from the Catholic-oriented Relevant Radio network.

Transportation

  • GPTC (Gary Public Transportation Corporation) a commuter bus system that offers service to numerous stops throughout the city and neighboring suburbs. GPTC also has express service to locations outside of the city including connections to Chicago transit. Front door pickup is available for disabled citizens at no extra cost.
  • GYY (Gary/Chicago International Airport) is operating as the "third airport" for the Chicago area. It is currently undergoing much federally funded expansion, and the administration is courting airlines aggressively. Boeing already bases their corporate fleets here. The National Guard is intending to base their Chicago area air operation there as well, which would add much needed security to the Airport, taking away some of the stigma of an airport in Gary. Flights are now being offered, seasonally, by SkyValue (a low cost, public charter airline).

Photos of Gary

Sports

The following sports teams are based in Gary:

Baseball

U.S. Steel Yard, Gary








Basketball

Genesis Convention Center, Gary








Notable people from Gary, Indiana

Entertainment

Sports

Academic, science and technology

Politics and law

Other fields

Notes

  1. ^ NWI Times
  2. ^ Gary, Indiana
  3. ^ Gary Hope VI
  4. ^ MSNBC
  5. ^ Post Tribune
  6. ^ Milwaukee

Template:Mapit-US-cityscale

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