Gary council refuses gas station rezoning request

The Gary Common Council has voted against a proposal to rezone a property on 49th Avenue for a new gas station. The decision was unanimous, with all eight council members opposing the change. Residents expressed strong concerns during the public comment session. City Attorney Marco Molina explained that the area is currently zoned B-1, which allows limited retail. The request was to change it to B-5, which would permit a gas station and convenience store. The Gary Plan Commission had also not approved the zoning request prior to the council's vote. Many residents voiced their opposition, fearing that a gas station could be harmful to the community. Sandra Wilson, a local resident, expressed worries about safety for families and children. She highlighted risks such as gas leaks and potential criminal activity, asking the council if they would want a gas station near their own homes. Darnitha Crossley raised questions about the number of jobs the gas station would create and the pay rates for employees. She also echoed concerns about environmental hazards and noted that the petitioner, Prince Singh, owns other gas stations in the area, prompting her to wonder about the employment of local residents at those locations. Another resident, Carolyn McCrady, stated that the community does not want the gas station, referring to the poor condition of one of Singh's other stations. She criticized the idea of bringing a gas station to the neighborhood if it does not meet community standards.