GARY -- Mayor Rudy Clay says he has no immediate plans for a house in the 2300 block of Jackson Street sought by the city from the Lake County Commissioners this month.
The property, found at 2315 Jackson St., sits across from the boyhood home of the late pop star Michael Jackson. The commissioners agreed to give Gary the parcel's tax sale certificate in a 3-0 vote Wednesday.
Clay said he wants to establish that block as a historic preservation district, and he said that process will be easier if Gary owns the property there. He also said property owners in the block are trying to sell their homes for more than three times what they're worth.
"They have jacked those prices up astronomical," Clay said. "We didn't want this house to get into that category."
Lake County property records show the parcel is owned by Symeon & Halcy Colquitt. Its total value is set at $21,700, records show, and $4,514 in taxes are due. The owners couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
In a letter to the commissioners, Clay said the property will be used "to further our efforts in assembling land for redevelopment in the Michael Jackson area." He also said the project is "geared toward marketing economic development."
"Right now, we don't have any plans for that house," Clay told the Post-Tribune on Wednesday afternoon.
Commissioner Frances DuPey said during Wednesday's meeting that Gary intends to give the property to the Jackson Family.
"Is it in the best interest of the county to give to private enterprises that should be able to pay for it?" DuPey said.
Gary entered into a real estate agreement with members of Jackson's family earlier this month. Joseph Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, and Simon Sahouri, president of the Jackson Family Foundation, said they want to build a $300 million entertainment complex honoring the Jacksons in Glen Park.
Meanwhile, the city is bracing for thousands of anticipated visitors at the Jackson family home for a candlelight vigil June 25 honoring the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death.
Staff writer Andy Grimm contributed to this report.