Working tirelessly to improve the infrastructure and accessibility of Northwest Indiana, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) has partnered with local groups to replace the Gary Metro Station.
The current station is a key stop for the South Shore Line.
In 2014, the South Shore adopted a strategic plan to enhance the track system, add a second track, and create space for additional routes and travelers.
Replacing the Gary Station is also part of a much larger initiative to increase dollars flowing into the community by several economic development groups. By bringing the station, and others like it, up to current standards, the Northwest Indiana RDA knows that visitors, businesses, and philanthropy will follow.
“We have the opportunity to generate more revenue much faster when we invest in the highly visible core of the city,” one government official said during a September community meeting. “People are going to frequently travel, and they are going to want to live near points of easy access.”
The reconstruction station lies in the middle of downtown Gary, and all parties are hoping to capitalize on the revitalization of Gary by replacing the 40-year-old station.
“Deputy Mayor Trent McCain from the city of Gary has been participating in this work for the last several years,” said Aaron Kowalski from MKSK, RDA’s urban planning partner. “We meet quarterly, and we're really here to provide guidance, listen, and work with the community.”
Current Gary economic goals include increasing affordable housing, retail and commercial opportunities, as well as developing the lakefront and airport. Located in the heart of this work, the new Gary station is a key factor in this development.
“We understand the city’s most recent comprehensive plan and goals,” Kowalski said. “This location is positioned to be a key part of that process. We've thought through the structure and how this transit development district could support opportunities for infrastructure today and in the future.”
Aligning with the city of Gary as a true partner, the city has worked with RDA and its partners every step of the way.
“The Gary station reconstruction is publicly funded,” Kowalski said. “Projects like this are always a conversation between the city of Gary and the RDA. The city of Gary is working with the RDA as a development partner.”
Part of the RDA’s $2.7 million plan, the Gary Metro Station has the potential to bring millions of dollars to Gary and the Region.
“This provides an additional opportunity for revenue that doesn't raise taxes, and it does not decrease the amount of money that the city departments such as the police and schools get,” Kowalski said.
To learn more about the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and the Gary Station, please visit in.gov/rda.
