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Murder, arson and hundreds of police calls: Old schools are active crime scenes in this city

Gary, Indiana faces increasing crime and blight in over 28 abandoned, boarded-up school buildings as of 2024, including sites of murder and arson.
The abandonment results from long-term population decline, economic downturn after steel mill closures, declining school enrollment, and financial struggles in the Gary Community School Corporation .
The Gary Housing Authority owns six former schools and has spent hundreds of thousands on assessments to chart future use, but securing buildings remains costly and challenging.
From 2019 to 2024, police responded to 1,833 calls at these properties, a 590% rise in calls from 2022 to 2024, with issues ranging from trespassing to homicide and excessive extra patrol requests.
Local leaders, including Mayor Melton and GHA Executive Director Bonds, recognize the problem's complexity and pursue funding, partnerships, and community-focused redevelopment though timelines remain uncertain.

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Murder, arson and hundreds of police calls: Old schools are active crime scenes in this city

More than 28 abandoned and boarded up schools in one Midwest city contribute to urban blight — and in some cases have served as the scenes of the worst possible crimes.

2 days ago·Tucson, United States

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