Vacant to Vibrant: Gary Hosts Green Infrastructure Community Forum

(Gary, Ind.)- The City of Gary’s Vacant to Vibrant community kick-off forum to discuss Gary’s green revitalization efforts will take place Thursday, February 28, 2013 at the Aquatorium, 6918 Oak Avenue in Gary from 5-7pm.

The community kick-off forum will introduce green infrastructure projects taking place in Gary and announce different ways citizens can become involved. Green infrastructure uses natural landscapes to manage stormwater, reduce flooding and create healthier urban environments. Forum topics will include:

• Vacant to Vibrant: Repurposing Lands Using Green Infrastructure
• Marquette Park Lagoon Storm Water Management Project
• Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Efforts
• Sheraton Hotel Demolition End-Use Strategies
• Rain Barrel and Green Infrastructure Training Workshop Opportunities

“We are extremely excited to share our green efforts with citizens and encourage public participation with the planning and implementation of these green infrastructure projects,” said Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “There will be a series of training workshops, community forums and demonstration projects provided by the City of Gary and our partners.”

Gary is also an active participant in the Urban Waters Federal Partnership Initiative and aims to reduce the number of combined sewer overflows, which discharge untreated waste water into the Grand Calumet and Little Calumet rivers during heavy rainfall.

Communities that repurpose built environment into green infrastructure will see a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits, also known as a ‘triple bottom line’ approach. At a time when infrastructure is in need of replacement or repair and resources are limited, affordable solutions that meet multiple objectives at once are vital.

For more information, contact Lauren Riga, Director of Green Urbanism and Environmental Affairs at (219) 882-3000.

The City of Gary is Committed to Clean Water…It’s Life Essential!