EAST CHICAGO YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR EAST CHICAGO NEWS AND EVENTS life CELEBRATING 125 YEARS >>> 1893 – 2018 “We are a strong city with an even stronger resolve to provide for our future” We began this year – our 125th – the way we began our first: a city in the midst of rapid transformation. In this issue of East Chicago Life, we are sharing our goals – our vision for an even more vibrant city. The changes you see – from the res- toration of Block Stadium, two new recreation centers and continuous miles of new roads – are the result of our dedicated team of profession- als who meet every challenge. QUALITY OF LIFE Four fire engines, 50 police cars UPCOMING PROJECTS and 10 public works trucks are A $14 million multiyear project will keeping our city safe and clean. A make Indianapolis Boulevard more CUATROUATRO changeover to Superior Ambulance functional and attractive. Another has increased advanced life support $13 million has been earmarked to services by 50 percent. improve intersections along Colum- bus Drive and reconstruct Guthrie BEAUTIFICATION Street, improvements that will pave An army of dedicated workers are the way for a $38 million, 208-unit keeping our streets clean. More than senior living complex. 800 trees will be planted this year. Happy Birthday East Chicago! Our first off-road bike path is in the works; a second is planned alongside Roxana Marsh. JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF DELICIOUS FOOD, Our lakefront has been reclaimed for public use and enjoyment with new ANTHONY COPELAND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND SPIRITS! investment at Jeorse Park. Mayor City of East Chicago INFO: facebook.com/ECTVNEWS or [email protected] EASTCHICAGO.COM APRIL 2018 PARKS & RECREATION NEW COMMUNITY CENTERS GEARING UP FOR SUMMER GRAND OPENINGS Construction crews are put- ting the finishing touches on a brand new Heritage Hall, which is planned for a grand reopening in May. The heavily utilized com- munity center – at 4506 Tod Avenue – was razed last year to make way for a The greenhouse’s lush foliage and beautiful sculptures (left) offer a glimpse of beauty on display new building with a larger for the city’s annual flower show. The aquaponic gardens (top right) provide a bounty of greens, footprint and expanded herbs and other seasonal produce. Greenhouse Supervisor Hilda Aleman (above) packages free greens for the city’s residents. [Steve Segura photos] recreational offerings. The other new facility — AQUAPONIC GARDENS PRODUCING BOUNTY the former Pennsylvania Center at Broadway and OF FREE, HEALTHY PRODUCE FOR RESIDENTS Guthrie — will open this summer with a new name Pastor Marty Henderson is a big fan FREE PRODUCE and enhanced amenities. of the aquaponic gardens at Wash- East Chicago’s aquaponic gardens ington Park – taking part in the provide 40-50 pounds of produce “We created a redevelop- weekly harvest of what the urban ment plan based on an as- a week. Residents can pick up free farm has to offer. sessment of need,” City En- greens and other seasonal items gineer William Allen said. “This is the best-tasting produce after 10 a.m. on Thursdays. “It would have cost more I have ever eaten,” said Hender- to bring Heritage Hall and son, who tends to a parish garden SENIOR FLOWER SHOW Pennsylvania Center up to in Gary. “I eat mostly salads now, Senior citizens can check out the our standards than it would thanks to the garden, which has spectacular blooms from 11 a.m. to cost to rebuild them.” l helped me shed 62 pounds.” 3 p.m. May 9 at our annual flower Parks and Recreation Director Mayra show. Registration is required. The YOUTH PROGRAMS Acosta said it is a treat to see Mayor greenhouse will be open to the Copeland’s vision come to life. public May 10-11 for viewing. Our community centers The city has invested $500,000 to provide free recreational GREENHOUSE CUISINE activities, educational restore the 85-year-old greenhouses programs and sporting and launch a program of sustainable Join us the first and third events from 2:30 to 7 p.m. produce based on a model developed Wednesday of the month as Chef Monday through Friday by Ball State University. Rich Rodriguez teaches how to cook during the spring. Greenhouse Supervisor Hilda Ale- healthy meals using aquaponic produce and herbs. Classes are $15 INFO: This free drop-in man said the garden provides 40-50 program is offered for pounds of produce a week. per session or $55 for four classes. children 5-18. Registration “Through the city’s investment and Registration is required. forms are available at your our hard work, we are providing INFO: For reservations or more local community center or at fresh produce for our residents all information on these and other the park office. year round,” Aleman said.” l events, please call (219) 391-8474. PAGE 2 | APRIL 2018 EASTCHICAGO.COM Table 1 year violent crime property crime total crime 2007 223 2059 2282 2008 300 1894 2194 2009 249 1840 2089 2010 210 1970 2180 2011 255 1943 2198 2012 223 1851 2074 2013 204 1337 1541 2014 219 1210 1429 2015 250 1127 1377 PUBLIC2016 SAFETY 189 1060 1249 2017 187 974 1161 total crime 2400 2,282 2017 TOTAL CRIME Police utilized every tool in their 2025 crime-fighting arsenal to keep East Chicago residents safe in 2017. Here’s a look at total criminal 1650 activity over the last 10 years. 1275 1,161 900 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 EC CRIME CONTINUES TO DROP East Chicago Police Chief Frank Smith credits the downward trend in crime to great police work by his officers and the watchfulness of residents. 1 “We believe in community policing.’ Smith said. “Our wins in this fight against crime are thanks to our dedicated officers as well as our residents, who know to call us when- ever something doesn’t look right.” A pair of ongoing initiatives: “Night Out CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY Against Crime” and Citizen’s Police Acade- my – an educational series where residents From prevention to intervention, East Chicago Citizen’s learn about policing from officers– have Police Academy gives residents a taste of law enforcement. engaged residents in meaningful ways. When Pastors Edward and Myrtle Townsend were accepted “Our community has stepped up and we in 2016, the husband-and-wife duo never imagined it would are grateful,” Smith said. be a life-changer. “The Citizen’s Police Academy taught us what to look for in our neighborhood that might mean “Having them partner with us has made something is amiss,” Edward said. it so we can be more proactive. The great news is: our crime rates have gone down For Myrtle, it was an opportunity to bond with like-minded six years in a row. Last year, crime was re- neighbors. “We had only been living in the city five years duced by 6 percent. Thank you to everyone when we took the class. We loved it so much, we’ve become who is working to help make East Chicago ambassadors who assist in every class.” the safest city in the region.” l INFO: For more information or to apply, call (219) 391-8318. SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING. Call the our anonymous tip hotline at (219) 391-8500. EASTCHICAGO.COM APRIL 2018 | PAGE 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EAST CHICAGO’S FIELD OF DREAMS In a few short weeks, Block Stadium will be primed and ready NEW KID ON THE BLOCK ... to field offers from baseball’s up-and-coming dream teams. The multi-million-dollar Since construction began on the home of the East Chicago investment includes new Central Cardinals in 2017, the vintage field has been trans- bullpens, field drainage, formed into a world-class venue. lockers, shower rooms, Public Works Director Keith Selvie, along with Planning and evergreen backdrop, accessible Economic Development Director Marino Solorio, developed seating, dugouts, bench a vision to maximize the field’s historic past while tapping seating, press box, back-stop, into 21st Century trappings like Wi-Fi and fiber optics. new scoreboard, pay box, concessions, grandstand roof, Selvie said what began as a modest project to refurbish the fencing, sloped picnic areas field built in 1942 within eyeshot of St. Catherine Hospital, and party decks at both wings. morphed into a multi-phase construction. “Already the field has been completely redone – from sod and irrigation to a new warning track, scoreboard and roof,” DID YOU KNOW? he said. “Phase II will include new locker rooms, additional Block Stadium is home to the space for concessions and dedicated VIP seating.” following teams: Solorio said the city is ready to begin marketing to league • East Chicago Central’s entrepreneurs who see the value in bringing America’s pas- Cardinals times back to its beginnings. • Calumet College of St. “None of this could have happened without Mayor Cope- Joseph’s Crimson Wave land,” Solorio said. “ He wants families to enjoy an afternoon • Post 369 American Legion’s at the ballfield right here in East Chicago.” l summer league PAGE 4 | APRIL 2018 EASTCHICAGO.COM CITY PROJECTS EAST CHICAGO WINS FIBER OPTIC RACE After years of phased construc- tion, the City of East Chicago WHERE ARE THE HOT SPOTS? has fulfilled the vision of Mayor FREE Looking for a place to use your computer, Anthony Copeland to invest in cell phone or tablet? East Chicago’s new improved technology and commu- fiber-optic network features Wi-Fi hotspots nications, while enhancing op- throughout the city including Main Street portunities for economic develop- Plaza and Jeorse Park Beach as well as the ment throughout the city.