 Fourth of July Holiday Closings
Report On The Economic Impacts Of The SouthShore Line Station On Downtown
Michigan City Now Available Online
Cooling Centers Open Again
Parade Grand Marshal Announced
Michigan City Receives $2.8 Million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Grant Funds
Do You Have Special Medical
Needs? Let The Fire Dept. Know!
Australian Avian Adventure Exhibit Opens June 1
Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation 2009 Grant Cycle Underway
2009 Human Rights Scholarship Essay Contest
New Boat Launch Facility for Michigan City
Michigan City Named Tree City USA By The Arbor Day Foundation
Mayor's State of the City Address Available Online
Are You In Compliance With New City Trash Regulations?
Rental Property Smoke Detector Enforcement
Mayor Oberlie Seeks Volunteers For Boards & Commissions
Michigan City Noted As Top City For Affordability
History of Michigan City Featured Photos
New Senior Center News and Events Monthly
Coffee with Mayor Oberlie
In observance of the 4th of July Holiday, all City offices and services will be closed Friday, July 3, 2009.
The Refuse Department will be working a regular schedule on Friday, July 3rd. The Michigan City Transit Bus service will be closed on Saturday, July 4th and will resume a regular schedule on Monday, July 6, 2009.Mayor Chuck Oberlie wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday.
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The consultants' report on the Economic Impacts of the SouthShore Lline Station on Downtown Michigan City is now available online. To obtain this report (PDF file 18.0 MB), click here.
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With extreme hot and humid weather conditions in our area, Mayor Chuck Oberlie announced that several cooling centers will be open again this summer.
“The Senior Center is open to people of all ages,” Mayor Oberlie said, “and anyone who needs immediate relief from the heat can go there or to City Hall. We are concerned about the safety of our citizens, and we’ve taken steps to make cool areas available to them during these extreme weather conditions.”
Mayor Oberlie urges residents to continue checking on the elderly to make sure they are healthy, hydrated and cooled. “Call or visit your elderly family and neighbors to make sure they are able to get cool. Drinking lots of water during high heat index days helps keep the body hydrated,” Mayor Oberlie said.
“Public health officials recommend that people spend at least part of the day in an air-conditioned environment. If they don’t have air conditioning or can’t get to an air-conditioned location, they should take a cool shower or bath during the day,” John Jones, Emergency Management Director said. “Health officials say that even a brief spell in air conditioning allows the body to recover from the cumulative effects of high heat indexes such as we’ve been having.”
The Senior Center is open until 4p.m. daily; City Hall is open 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily.
For more safety tips on dealing with very hot weather, please click here!
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Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie made the following announcement with respect to the Summer Festival Parade scheduled for Sunday, July 5th:
“I am pleased to announce today that the 2009 Summer Festival Parade Grand Marshal will be Mike Pease, Chairman of the Drum & Bugle Corps Events that are at the heart of our annual Summer Festival series of events. Mike first became Chairman of the Drum & Bugle Corps Show in 1998 and he has served in exemplary fashion in that capacity for twelve years.
Mike and his wife Robin have traveled to many places across the United States and Canada to witness Drum & Bugle Corps perform. We are fortunate to have his expertise here in Michigan City to manage all of the logistics needed to create the pageantry of our annual Drum & Bugle Corps Show. He has been rewarded for his effort by receiving the Drum Corp International Show of the Year Award in both 1999 and 2006.
Mike has also been successful in arranging for visiting Drum Corps to participate in the Summer Festival Parade. Most notably for this year, eight of the nine Drum Corps that are coming to Michigan City are expected to march in the parade.
Drum Corps that visit Michigan City every summer help bring tens of thousands of dollars into our local Michigan City economy. But, more importantly for parents around the world, they know that their kids will be safe and in the good hands of Mike Pease during their stay in Michigan City.
We applaud Mike for his dedication to youth around the world and his dedication to helping Michigan City. And we are honored to help Mike complete his journey from marching as a baritone bugler with the Maple City Cadets of LaPorte from 1969 through 1971 to now leading the parade as our Grand Marshal.”
After the announcement yesterday by Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie of Mike Pease as Summer Festival Parade Grand Marshal, Mayor Oberlie followed that with the announcement today of Courtney Brinckman as the Parade Marshal to assist with those duties.
“The strength and mental fortitude demonstrated by Courtney Brinckman in overcoming her serious injury has been an example and inspiration to all of us in Michigan City. I am pleased to announce today that Courtney has accepted my invitation to assist Mike Pease as a Parade Marshal in the 2009 Summer Festival Parade.”
To show our continued support for Courtney, we are honored to have her serve as a Parade Marshal. Many who have never met Courtney have kept her in their thoughts and prayers and, as a community, we feel very much part of her extended family.”
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Mayor Charles Oberlie and Community Development Director, Judith Pinkston, announced that the City of Michigan City has been awarded $2.8 Million of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grant funds by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the Department of Housing and Urban Development created the Neighborhood Stabilzation Program (NSP) to mitigate the negative impacts of vacant and abandoned houses on neighborhoods of greatest need. NSP is a component of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
Mayor Chuck Oberlie said, “On behalf of Michigan City, I extend our thanks to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority staff for recognizing the merits of our grant application and I thank our own Judy Pinkston for preparing a detailed plan of action that will positively impact the many residents of our Westside neighborhoods. I look forward to working with Westside residents as we begin the task of removing blighted structures and then helping to create new housing on the Westside.”
The Westside of the City is the targeted neighborhood for all of the NSP funds. The Westside Project area is bordered by Wabash Street to the east, Sheridan to the west, W.4th Street to the north and Ferry Street to the south. This area is experiencing the highest rates of foreclosure, subprime mortgages and risk of home abandonment. In addition, studies have shown that this area has the most substandard and unsafe housing in the City. The proposed activities funded by the NSP grant will attempt to slow down the decline of the neighborhood by removing blighted structures and stabilizing the neighborhood.
The City will partner with Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity; the Michigan City Housing Authority, and Housing Opportunities, Inc. as well as the City’s Code Inspection Department. Proposed projects include demolition of approximately 30 blighted structures that have been identified as unsafe premises estimated cost $500,000; redevelopment of a vacant structure owned by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless to create a combination learning center and apartment estimated cost $100,000; and approximately $2.2 million will be used for the redevelopment of foreclosed vacant properties generating 16 new homes either through new construction and/or rehabilitation of those vacant homes.
The timeframe for the projects varies, however, the City expects that some demolitions could occur as early as this fall with some of the remaining projects expected to be bid during 2010. The result of these funds being expended in the Westside should be significant. The livability and safety of the neighborhood should improve since removal of blighted structures helps reduce criminal activities around these houses and also ensures that the blighted unsafe structures do not become tempting to children in the neighborhood. According to Judith Pinkston, Community Development Director, “The removal of blighted structures will make the whole neighborhood look better and less desolate. In addition, the building of new homes and rehabilitation of vacant homes in the target area will help restore a sense of pride in the Westside. This effort should have a positive impact not only on the visual and aesthetics, but is a positive step to assist Westside residents who have tried to maintain their properties only to have an adjacent vacant property continue to worsen with graffiti and neglect.”
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The Michigan City Fire Department is in the process of gathering information on adults and children in the community who have special medical needs. Mayor Chuck Oberlie and Fire Chief Dave Lamb urge families who use medical care aids such as cardiac monitors, ventilation devices, feeding tubes, wheel chairs, or any other such devices for sustaining the life and health of a family member, to complete this form. Please click here to view and print the form. It then needs to be forwarded to the Fire Department. This form should also be used for community members who are non-ambulatory and would require assistance in leaving their homes in an evacuation situation.
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The Michigan City Washington Park Zoo announces it’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to open the Australian Avian Adventure Exhibit on Monday, June 1st at 10:00am. Mayor Charles Oberlie will be on hand to cut the ribbon and release birds into the exhibit.
This 40’ x 60’ rectangular exhibit is a walk-about experience where visitors can walk through the aviary and purchase a $1.00 seed stick to feed to the birds. Birds have free range throughout the exhibit area and the circular shape of the flight area allows the birds to fly in generous loops within the exhibit.
Washington Park Zoo hours are 10am-5pm, 7 days a week with the gates closing and last admission at 4:00pm. Entrance fees for adults are $5.50 (12 & up), $4.50 for children ages 3-11, and $4.50 for seniors ages 62 and up. Children ages 2 and under are free. Please visit www.washingtonparkzoo.com or www.michigancityparks.com for more exciting news from the Washington Park Zoo or call us at 219-873-1510.
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The Board of Directors of the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation would like to announce that Grant Application packets are available for the 2009 Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation Grant Cycle. Applications may be picked up at City Hall in Mayor Chuck Oberlie’s Office, the City Attorney’s Office, or on the informational round desk all located in City Hall at 100 E. Michigan Boulevard in Michigan City, Indiana. Click here to download a printable application.
All Grant Applications must be post-marked by August 7, 2009 or hand-delivered to the Attorney’s Office no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on August 7, 2009.
In early 2010, the MCCEC plans to award $750,000 in grant monies that will benefit our Community. Organizations that provide services to the Citizens of Michigan City and qualify as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible for funding from the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation.
We look forward to reviewing the many programs that will assist and aid the Citizens of Michigan City. If you have any questions about the Application process, please call our voice-mail system at 219-873-1408, x382. A representative from the Enrichment Corporation Board will be in contact with you.
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Michigan City is a community filled with remarkable individuals who have selflessly given their time, talent and energy to the community. Since 1982, the Michigan City Human Rights Commission has recognized those individuals with its Annual Humanitarian of the Year Award (HOYA).
The Human Rights Commission sponsors an annual essay contest, open to any 2009 graduating senior from Michigan City. This contest allows students to write on past Humanitarian of the Year Award Recipients and how their contributions to Michigan City made it a better community. For complete details and the application packet, click here.
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Mayor Chuck Oberlie issued the following statement today:
“With great thanks to the leadership team of NIPSCO and the determination of the Port Authority Board of Commissioners, their Attorney Jeffrey Katz and Harbormaster Tim Frame, I am extremely proud and gratified to be able to announce today that Michigan City will be the home of one of the finest public boat launch facilities in our region.
The City of Michigan City and NIPSCO have entered into an agreement allowing the City, through the Port Authority, to develop and build a new, world class public boat launch facility on NIPSCO property that abuts Trail Creek and will be accessed directly from Wabash Street. Working with Abonmarche Consultants, we have created an architectural rendering of this magnificent new facility, illustrating the location of the new facility along with our vision of six boat launch ramps, vehicle and trailer parking areas, restrooms, fish cleaning station and transient day slips.
From the very beginning of this process, NIPSCO representatives were extremely receptive and deserve special commendation for their insight and suggestions that enabled this agreement to reach fruition. Special recognition must also go to our City Team assigned this daunting task: our Port Authority Board members, Atty. Katz and Tim Frame. For their diligence and sustained efforts over the past many months were essential as the project was explored and the details of the agreement were prepared and then finalized.
NIPSCO representative, Mike Charbonneau said, “We are pleased to partner with the city on a project which will enhance the beautiful Michigan City lakeshore property and enable the city to move forward with its vision for the development of this tremendous resource. It has been a privilege to work in partnership with Mayor Oberlie and his team to make this vision a reality.”
Port Authority Board President Jim Jaksa said, “The agreement announced today transforms how the public will be able to easily enjoy a world class boating experience on Lake Michigan for generations to come. The location is crucial in solving numerous existing problems. This new location will eliminate upstream congestion, allow boaters to avoid the height restrictions created by the AMTRACK swing bridge, and provide easy access to Lake Michigan without having to navigate through the winding roadways and parking lots of Washington Park.
It has been a long two years in the making. But the cooperation between all involved, unwavering support from the mayor and the ‘we can do this’ attitude championed by all has prevailed and led to this great agreement.”
Mayor Oberlie noted, “Now that we have the agreement in hand, we will more aggressively pursue grant funding to assist in financing the anticipated $6 million project. We also have the regulatory approval and permitting process to navigate.
Additionally, while allowing free access to anyone wishing to place or remove a boat from the water, the agreement does not provide for swimmer’s access to the lake, fires, overnight stays or other such activities.”
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Mayor Chuck Oberlie announced that Michigan City has once again been named as a Tree City USA. It is the ninth year Michigan City has received this national recognition.
“I would like to thank the Tree Board, the City Team and the citizens of our community,” said Mayor Oberlie, “for their contributions that resulted in Michigan City being honored with the Tree City USA designation again this year.”
“Michigan City has met the standards for achieving Tree City status since 2001,” said Mayor Oberlie. “These standards include having a tree board, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Michigan City’s Tree Board is comprised of concerned volunteer citizens charged by ordinance with developing and administering a comprehensive tree management program. They have developed an urban forest management program which protects, maintains and replaces trees on city property. The Tree Board has worked to regulate those who cut and prune trees in our community, and to compile a tree inventory, including size, species and condition of area trees, as well as a comprehensive tree maintenance plan,” Oberlie said. “Members of the Tree Board are William Bolton, Dave Morlan, Michael Wulff, Kathy Ceperich, Jeffrey Meyer, Rebecca Pelath, and Patricia Boy. I would like to commend them for their efforts in protecting our community’s trees and for their vision for the future of our urban forest.”
“A community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks,” said John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest.”
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Mayor Oberlie's 2009 State of the City Address is now available online.
Click here to view.
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Setting out your weekly trash pickup may seem like a fairly simple mundane task. However, have you considered if you are actually doing so in accordance with recently updated city trash regulations? Are you using city trash containers --- or just placing bags along the curb? If you are using trash containers, great! But are they in compliance with city trash regulations? Are you remodeling a home or building a new one? If you are, what are you doing with the construction rubbish?
- According to the City Code, it shall be the duty of every person owning or leasing a residence or place of business in the City wherein garbage accumulates to maintain in a clean and odor free condition a cart provided by the City.
- The only container that may be used must be a cart that the City will supply.
- All garbage, trash or rubbish which accumulates shall be deposited in either a cart or dumpster. The lid to every cart and dumpster shall be kept on and closed at all times, other than when placing items in them.
- Plastic garbage bags with tight-fitting tie closures may be used, but shall be placed inside either a cart or dumpster.
- All carts must be put out for collection by 7:00 a.m. on the day scheduled for their collection with the arrows located on the carts pointing out toward the street or alley from which collection is made. All carts must have open access for the trash collectors to retrieve them.
- For street-side pickup, carts shall be set out no more than 24 hours prior to the usual time of collection and shall be removed within 24 hours after collection.
- At no time shall the cart be moved from its assigned address.
- The Refuse Department must be contacted at 873-1530 for special pick-up at the normal collection location of all large items that cannot fit within the cart.
- The two-wheeled cart Toters are to be used for trash only and they are not to be used for construction materials or compost.
If you're unfamiliar with city regulations on trash containers and construction waste, are curious about what it looks like to be in compliance and not in compliance with the recently revised city trash regulations, or have any questions about city trash regulations, compliancy, or trash pick-ups, click here to learn more.
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The City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Fire Department have begun the implementation of recently enacted Michigan City Ordinance #4020, which regulates smoke detectors for rental properties.
The Fire Department Administration would like to remind all owners of rental property in Michigan City that a two-step process has been enacted to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Michigan City. First of all, all residential rental units shall be equipped with smoke detectors. And secondly, a registration requirement has been enacted stating that owners of property which is used as residential rental dwelling units or contains a rental dwelling unit are required to register all such properties with the Michigan City Fire Department.
The passage of Ordinance #4020 included an initial 45-day registration period and owners who have not yet registered their properties should do so immediately. After this initial registration period following the passage of the Smoke Detectors for Rental Properties Ordinance earlier this year, owners shall be required to register all such properties on an annual basis, by January 31st of each year. Additionally, for new owners of rental property at any point throughout the year, registration is required within 30 days of becoming an owner of the real property to be used as residential rental property or rental dwelling units.
Rental property smoke detector registration forms can be obtained electronically over the internet at http://emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/fire/, or they can be obtained in person from the Fire Department Administrative Office at 2510 East Michigan Boulevard.
Anyone with questions regarding smoke detectors for rental properties can contact Kyle A. Kazmierczak, Division Chief of Inspections, at (219) 873-1453 or Jeff Santana, Assistant Inspector, at (219) 873-1440.
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Mayor Chuck Oberlie stated regarding Board and Commission appointments:
"I would like to remind the citizens of Michigan City that a "Board and Commission Form" has been created with a listing of local Boards and Commissions and a space for volunteers to summarize their interests. The form is available in City Hall at the Mayor's office. The form is also available on-line at www.emichigancity.com." Click here to access this form online.
Mayor Oberlie continued, "Serving on a City Board or Commission is a valuable manner in which to be involved in the community and utilizing one's skills to improve our hometown can bring one a sense of personal satisfaction as well. I wholeheartedly encourage citizens to volunteer for Board service."
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Michigan City has been identified by CityTownInfo.com as one of the state’s top cities for affordable property taxes.
Compared to other communities which are similar in size and diversity to Michigan City, our community is in the top 12% of communities regarding affordable property taxes, top 17% of affordable rent. Compared to all communities in the state, Michigan City rates in the top 14% of short commute times.
The website page dedicated to Michigan City, http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/indiana/michigan-city, lists many other demographic statistics, including politics, wealth, ancestry, commute and sprawl, housing, crime and climate.
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Learn more about the history of Michigan City and see some great
vintage photos from years gone by. Every two weeks, we'll feature
a new set of photos celebrating the heritage of our City. This
time we're featuring historical photos of Passenger Ships in the Michigan City Harbor.
Click here for the History of Michigan City Photo Scrapbook.
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Look for monthly updates each and every month to the Senior Center section of the site. With updated events, Senior Center Board minutes, electronic copies of Senior Center newsletters, and updates to the Calendar of Events, you'll be prepared for all the fun and exciting opportunities the Senior Center has to offer. Click here for more information.
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Tuesday, July 28 at 9:30AM located at the Senior Center.
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