Latest news with #Huddlestun
Chicago Tribune
07-08-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Hobart council approves supportive housing apartments
Plans by CoAction to build supportive housing as well as office space for its staff can go forward. Tentative plans are to begin construction in 2026, pending funding of the project which will be known later this year, CoAction chief housing officer Jordan Stanfill said. The Hobart City Council gave unanimous approval on Wednesday to petitioners Stanfill and attorney Todd Leeth. The petitioners sought a rezone in an established PUD or planned unit development to a new planned unit development on 21 acres located on the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and U.S. 30. Leeth said the property, located in a wetlands area, does offer significant challenges. But the planned 111-unit apartment complex would be built between lakes avoiding the wetland. CoAction was founded in 1965 with a mission to help people be self-sufficient and to advocate for people who need to be supported and represented, according to the CoAction website. In Northwest Indiana, CoAction plans and carries out a variety of programs that serve the unique needs of low-income families and disabled individuals in Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties. The first phase of the project would be to build 36 apartments which would include office space for CoAction staff members. A second and third floor with apartments would follow, Stanfill said. Stanfill, at a previous Plan Commission meeting, said the apartments are for those individuals with no place to go and may include those who had been sleeping outside in tents. 'It (the planned housing) is for those in a housing crisis,' Stanfill said. Leeth said the project had one remonstrator, a property owner in the area, but CoAction reached out to her and she was fine with their plans. There were no remonstrators at the meetings but city officials, including Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun, said they had only positive things to say about the organization after visiting their facilities in other communities. 'Welcome to Hobart,' Huddlestun said. In other business, Huddlestun said that there have been many unexpected delays with the contractors going forward with renovations on the Bright Spot restaurant in downtown Hobart. 'It's like Pandora's Box or like a box of chocolate; you never know what you're going to get,' he said.. Work should begin in coming weeks, Huddlestun said. The city has written a letter to officials in New Chicago with regards to renegotiating its ambulance services. Huddlestun said Hobart residents now pay around $1,000 per call for ambulance services while New Chicago residents pay $100 per call. 'We are asking to make the rate more equitable,' he said. The ambulance service agreement with New Chicago ends at the end of the year. The city recently swore in four new firefighters, all with EMT certifications.
Chicago Tribune
05-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Hobart starts Wisconsin Street improvement project Monday
Summertime and driving around Hobart might not be easy with a planned road closure for a portion of one of the city's main arteries. Mayor Josh Huddlestun at the Hobart City Council meeting on Wednesday said plans are to start the Wisconsin Street road improvement project on Monday. That means closing a portion of Wisconsin Street from Lake Shore Drive at the north, ending at 10th Street to the south. The work is expected to be completed by sometime in the fall, he said. Work will include reconstruction of the road, replacement of sidewalks and storm sewers and the addition of a trail crossing speed table. The cost of the project is being paid for through a 50/50 Community Crossings Match Grant. Total cost of the project is $1.892 million with the state paying half and the city the other half, said Hobart City Engineer Alex Metz. Work on the Wisconsin Street Bridge has been pushed back, Huddlestun said, noting that he would have liked to have both projects in tandem. The Wisconsin Street Bridge project is being completed through Lake County and will mean the closure of the bridge for 12 months once the work begins, Metz said. No date has been set for the Wisconsin Street Bridge project which will include replacing the bridge and reconstructing new guardrails, handrails and lights. Metz said the project has not been let out for bids and depending on the resolution of some utility issues, could begin later this year or early next spring. In other business, City Councilwoman Lisa Winstead, D-4th, asked about the status of a request to be brought before the Hobart Plan Commission on Thursday. The request, for rezoning from R-3 to M-1, would allow for a possible data center to be built on 400 acres south of 61st Avenue, east of Colorado and north of 69th Avenue. 'I'm assuming the request is for a data center as in the other area. That's a hot topic,' Huddlestun said. Huddlestun said the public hearing will have to be delayed until Aug. 7 because the petitioner, Wylie Capital, had failed to file a notice in the local newspaper. If the rezoning is approved for M-1 or light manufacturing, the petitioner could build a data center or anything allowable in that zone, Huddlestun said. Some of those options include warehouses, printing and publishing, offices, and plumbing. 'It doesn't allow for heavy manufacturing or junk yards,' Huddlestun said. Zoning approval from the Plan Commission and City Council has already been given for a data center to be built on an 168-acre parcel on 61st Avenue, roughly half a mile from the roadway's intersection with Colorado Street. Huddlestun said that the proposed project still needs to go before city officials with site plans provided by the petitioner. 'We haven't seen anything yet,' he said. That data center, proposed by Hobart Devco, LLC, will consist of six buildings and an 11-acre detention pond. Plans also include a raised landscape berm and fence to screen the complex from the nearby road. Opponents of the city of Hobart's proposed industrial development on hundreds of acres of farmland south of 61st Avenue have continued to oppose any rezoning to light manufacturing or M-1. The Facebook group calls itself No Rezone.
Hamilton Spectator
02-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
A space to connect, share and belong: Seniors centre hopes to welcome more participants
After struggling through the isolation and financial challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre is striving to renew its presence and looking for greater community awareness and increased participation from seniors. President Elaine Hyde, treasurer Judy Griffith and secretary Edna Nelson appeared before Pincher Creek town council June 23 to speak about the centre's current state. The trio reflected on how much the space means to those who use it, while also highlighting its vulnerability in the face of dwindling resources. The centre, located in a town-owned facility, became a registered society in 1975 and is quietly approaching its 50th anniversary. It was hit hard by the pandemic closures, Griffith told council. 'During the Covid season, we were closed down for about a year. With no membership and with no events being put forward, we had no income. But the bills kept coming in,' she said. 'In 2024 when I took over, we had about $600 in the bank and we were struggling.' The team has made significant cutbacks to stabilize the centre's finances. They cancelled internet service, saving about $1,100 per year, and now take turns cleaning the centre themselves — reducing annual costs by another $1,200. Huddlestun membership is for anyone aged 50 and over. It currently stands at around 74, with dues set at $25 per year — a modest amount that brings in about $1,900 annually. While the fee is minimal, Griffith acknowledged that for some, it can still be a stretch. This year, two honorary memberships were extended — one to a widow and another to a senior experiencing financial difficulty. Griffith also shared plans for moving forward. 'We are looking at getting together with other seniors groups in maybe a one-hour radius, and doing some things with them,' she said. 'It will hopefully attract more people who want to come to the centre.' There are a lot of seniors in and around Pincher Creek, but many don't realize this space exists or that they're already old enough to join the group, Griffith said with a smile during the meeting. 'At $25, it's a cheap membership, but most people don't think they're a senior yet.' Fundraising has played a role in keeping the centre afloat. Last year's raffle and chicken dinner generated enough revenue to re-establish its term deposit. Now, the executive is planning four events per year — two in the spring and two in the fall and winter — to help cover operating costs. The society is also exploring grants for essential upgrades. 'We need better lighting,' Griffith said. 'We also need more chairs and other small improvements.' The centre currently offers a rotating schedule of activities: Fibre Friends meet every second and fourth Monday for knitting, crocheting and conversation; Tuesday is for coffee and connection; Wednesday brings a busy duplicate bridge crowd; and cribbage rounds out the week on Thursdays. Guest speakers, including local authors and the fire chief, and others are occasionally invited as well. Judy Lane, who helps with outreach and communications, described the centre as 'a gathering place' for seniors. But one of the group's biggest challenges, she said, is visibility. To tackle this, the group appeared before town council. It has also created brochures and is distributing them throughout the community. 'We know how important connection is,' Lane said. 'Sometimes people just need to know where to go.' Hyde echoed that sentiment in a followup conversation with Shootin' the Breeze. 'We just wanted to make the town more aware of what we do,' she said. 'When I moved here in 2016, I thought the place was closed. It wasn't until the spring trade show that I walked in and discovered a lovely group of people having coffee together.' She described the centre as a place of connection, where seniors can stay active, social and engaged. 'We love hearing people's stories — where they've travelled, what they've done. It's about staying connected, being part of something,' she said. Today, the group is stable but cautious. Hyde noted that some grant applications are already in progress, including upcoming opportunities through a local credit union. 'We just need a little help to improve the space and attract more people,' she said. The group is also exploring new programming ideas like jigsaw puzzle exchanges and more to attract seniors. Above all, the Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre wants to remind local residents that its doors are open — and that it's more than just a room with a coffee pot. 'We're a friendly, active group,' Hyde said. 'We welcome everybody that would like to come and participate in our activities with us.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lake County commissioners select Gary convention center bid
For Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, Wednesday was a 'historic and monumental day' for the city and Lake County. About two years after plans for a convention center were announced, the Lake County Board of Commissioners selected the proposal from Gary and Hard Rock Northern Indiana as the winning bid. 'This is not a project for or against any particular group,' said Commissioner Mike Repay, D-3rd. 'This is for Lake County, and hopefully, the future … ends up being quite bright. There is work to be done, though. This is a step in the right direction and a step towards eventually approving a development agreement.' According to state statute, commissioners had until May 31 to choose a proposal. As the selected bid, Gary and Hard Rock plan to build a 145,000-square-foot convention center and Hard Rock Hotel near the casino, according to Post-Tribune archives. The plan is for the property to also have space for two additional hotels, including one REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel, and two restaurants and retail spaces. Following the commissioners meeting Wednesday, Melton said he believes it's possible for construction to start this year, but he won't commit to that. 'We want to make sure that everything is done right,' he said. In 2023, as an Indiana state senator, Melton created Senate Bill 434, which established a fund for the Lake County Convention Center, the blighted property demolition fund and new train station funding in downtown Gary. Melton's original goal was for the convention center to be built in Gary, but other legislators blocked that language, he said. Melton believes Wednesday was a full-circle moment for him. 'Once we got past today, we knew it was going to be when the real work was going to start,' Melton said. 'So now we're ready to get to the real work.' Gary was one of two Northwest Indiana communities that submitted a proposal for the Lake County Convention Center. The city of Hobart, partnered with Garfield Public/Private LLC, also submitted a proposal. Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun congratulated the city of Gary and Hard Rock Northern Indiana in a statement following the proposal selection. Huddlestun told the Post-Tribune that he hopes the convention center delivers on what everyone hopes it can be. 'We felt our location (near U.S. 30 and Interstate 65) better served the region as a whole, but the decision was made, and we're going to support the Hard Rock and Gary on the convention center, and do whatever we can to help and partner together,' Huddlestun said. 'Our goals still remain shared, and our future is all connected. The city of Hobart remains committed to collaborating on mutual investments and progress that lifts all communities.' The two communities first presented proposals in early November 2024. Proposals were due to the commissioners on Oct. 16, 2024. Commissioners issued a request for proposals from potential developers in May 2024. County commissioners could have chosen not to accept either proposal. Commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-2nd, said Hard Rock will be required to run the convention center, and the casino submitted two letters from financial institutions agreeing to provide financing if matching funds are made. Tippy also said state, county or local income taxes from other Northwest Indiana communities will not be used for the convention center. Gary has the option to use their local taxes, Tippy said. Gary plans to put money from gaming taxes toward the convention center, and Hard Rock plans to give $1.5 million a year for 20 years toward the construction. State matching grants of $100 million will be made available as well. 'This is the first time, in my lifetime, that I've seen the state of Indiana set aside $100 million in this manner,' said Commissioner Kyle Allen, D-2nd. 'The project will be transformational.' If the convention center is successful, Allen believes there will be more projects like it throughout the region, he said. In a statement following the vote, President of Hard Rock Matt Schuffert called the proposal selection 'a tremendous moment for Lake County.' 'We are honored to be selected and grateful for everyone who stood with us throughout this bid process,' Schuffert said. 'Together, we have the chance to create a world-class destination that generates economic opportunity, creates jobs, drives tourism and supports local businesses.' Throughout the convention center bid process, Gary and Hard Rock campaigned for the bid, encouraging citizens to voice their support for their proposal. Hard Rock also made an initial investment of $50,000 into television and digital advertisements. The 30-second commercials advertised the benefits of the Lake County Convention Center in Gary, featuring city sites and prominent community members, including Melton. 'Our focus is to educate people about the project and build excitement for the new local jobs and economic opportunities this will create,' Pat Kremer, spokesperson for Hard Rock, previously said in an email. 'No tax dollars were used for these ads and no new tax dollars will be needed for the project if the Gary location is selected.' In a Wednesday statement, President and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority Phil Taillon said the commissioners' decision was a pivotal moment for the region. 'The selection of Gary for a convention center site is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our visitor economy, and we're incredibly grateful for the Lake County Commissioners leadership through this process, and the state's investment into this project,' Taillon said. 'With this exciting decision, the South Shore CVA is ready to help lead the region into a new era of growth, tourism and economic development.' Lake County Councilman Ron Brewer, D-2nd, said in a statement that the bid acceptance is a win for Lake County as a whole. 'With the construction and all the trades involved, every community throughout the region is going to be touched. We need all hands on deck to get this done,' Brewer said. Randy Palmateer, business manager for the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, said in a text message Wednesday that he's excited about the commissioners' selection. Palmateer has gotten a verbal agreement from Hard Rock that a project labor agreement will be negotiated with the Building and Construction Trades Council. 'This will ensure local, highly trained and union workers I represent will be on this project,' Palmateer said. '(Due) to the hydrogen hub and other large projects not coming to fruition like we thought, this project is great news (and) gives us something to look forward to.' Lake County Council President Christine Cid, D-5th, said in a news release Wednesday that commissioners performed their due diligence before making a selection. She believes that if the project is completed, constriction of the convention center and supporting businesses 'will mean an influx of good-paying skilled trade jobs,' according to the news release. Cid also plans to watch how locating the convention center next to Hard Rock will affect revenues generated for Hammond and East Chicago by Lake County's other two casinos. Cid said revenues at Northwest Indiana casinos have dipped since the opening of Wind Creek Casino less than 10 miles across the Indiana-Illinois border, which were reflected in state gaming revenue reports in March and April. She also plans to be watchful of negative financial impact and is concerned about financial obligations of county taxpayers. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott and East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland have both previously said they didn't support a convention center in Gary. The Hammond council and McDermott all said they didn't support a Lake County Convention Center. Copeland wanted Hobart to get the bid, but his council supported Gary. Hard Rock has put Horseshoe Casino in Hammond at an economic disadvantage, with revenues 'steadily (decreasing)' in the last several years, according to Post-Tribune archives. Horseshoe has lost about $13 million each year since Hard Rock's opening, McDermott previously said. Copeland previously told the Post-Tribune that he's opposed to Gary's bid because East Chicago has lost about $10 million since Hard Rock was built. Schuffert previously said he respects both leaders for their work to protect their cities. Melton previously said in a statement that he worked with McDermott to identify opportunities for Hammond to benefit from Gary's proposal when drafting legislation. He said the county cannot prosper if Gary is excluded from growth. Following Wednesday's meeting, Melton said he's no longer worried about the negative reactions to a Gary bid. 'It's here, we got it,' Melton said. 'Whatever happened in the past is in the past. All of the naysayers and folks that didn't want us to have it, they've got to deal with it now, so we just have to move forward.'
