Michigan City mayor wants to continue positive momentum

"The road to success is always under construction, but by no means are we done. Michigan City still has much to do and much to accomplish," Meer said.

Other projects underway are the development of AmeriPlex at U.S. 20 and Cleveland Avenue and a rebranding effort titled "Create Play Repeat."

The ongoing construction of the new Franciscan Alliance hospital at U.S. 421 and Interstate 94 and improvements to that interchange featuring Michigan City in block letters with a blue wave representing the lake on the overpass, are examples of the city's aggressive strategic revitalization plan over the past 10 years, he said.

Meer also challenged others to rethink the quality of the schools here and praised schools Superintendent Barbara Eason-Watkins for her work since coming from Chicago in 2010.

"We're second to none in Northwest Indiana and I think folks have to start realizing it," said Meer, adding the senior class of 2017 was the first to receive up to $5,000 a year in scholarships under a program funded by casino revenue.

Other achievements cited by Meer included the conversion of Pine, Washington and Ninth streets from one- to two-way travel to make traveling to the lakefront and throughout the north end easier, and the 2016 transformation of the once-abandoned six-story Warren Building into 44 units for artists to live, create and display their works.

He also talked briefly about Gov. Eric Holcomb signing legislation in May to provide state funding for the upgrades to the South Shore commuter line aimed at reducing travel times to and from Chicago.

The multimillion dollar project hinges on approval of federal money that would pay half the cost.

Meer said he has not, and will never, be a mayor who leaves completed studies on a shelf to collect dust.

"This administration has taken pride in identifying goals and doing our due diligence as we work toward those goals, and then carrying through and executing a plan to make those goals a reality," he said.