FAQs

FAQs

1

Q: I have seen other lots in Miller Beach that are narrow with houses on them. What gives? 

A: There are seven different residential zoning districts in Miller Beach including R1, R2, R3, ... to R7. Each has unique/different zoning laws. R1 is a specific zoning district where a vacant lot must be 59 feet wide minimum in order to build.

-You might be interested to know, contrary to Mr. Cook's (zoning board member) statement at the BZA hearing: "A lot is a lot!"  each zoning district has its own unique ordinances. A lot, is not treated the same in every specific zoning district. So I ask you a burning question. How does someone on the board of zoning make such an ignorant and unlawful statement? He and his peers show a disgraceful absence of ability when it comes to executing their duty.  Regrettably, folks who have lived here a long time often say, It's Gary, that's the way it's always been. Nevertheless, it doesn't have to stay this way. 

2

Q: That lot looks larger than 40 feet wide, what am I missing?
A: There are two separate lots, side by side, owned by different individuals. The lot, 6619-23, is only 40 feet wide. The other lot is not and will not be for sale. 

3

Q: Why all the signs?  Who cares if someone builds here?

A:  Zoning laws help to maintain the quality of life for all residents. If your nextdoor neighbor, for example, was able to get around the law to build too close to your house, and it made you very uncomfortable, you might not want that person permitted to side step the law. You bought that house for a reason. You didn’t buy the house thinking the zoning laws could be changed easily. The neighbors close to this lot do NOT want any building on this lot. There are many, many concerns beyond the quality of life issues, including but not limited to environmental issues. 

4

Q: Is this some type of personal vendetta?

A: No!  We knew Gene and were always friendly with him. When we discovered what he was doing we were shocked. We contacted him several times. He did not communicate with us. This was very disappointing. We never thought he would behave in a disrespectful and unethical manner - a manner that looks very illegal. 

5

Q:  Did you want to buy that property?  or  Why didn’t you buy that property?

A:  Frankly, we did want to buy the property. It only makes sense as we live right next to it. Unfortunately, the seller & Gene Ayers listed it at a very high price. The price was not in line with comparable properties in the neighborhood, especially non-buildable lots. It didn’t make sense financially to buy the lot at such an inflated price. If the seller chose to sell it at a fair market value, we would have bought it. 

6

Q:  I heard some talk about bullying. What does bullying have to do with this? 

A:  Unfortunately, instead of communicating with us in a civil manner, Gene Ayers chose to deal with this situation, instead, by attempting to intimidate and harass us and other neighbors.  He apparently collaborated with a lawyer who made intimidating phone calls to neighbors who live next to this property, in an effort to scare them. The person would not identify himself by name but had no trouble stating he was a lawyer and then went on to harass. We traced the caller’s phone number, and he is a lawyer. The harassment went even further with Gene Ayers and his lawyer sending a letter spouting false claims about us, and moreover, that he was going to sue us. Bullying was the path Gene chose instead of a civil conversation. Evidently he didn’t like neighbors learning of his unethical behavior, when we were simply expressing the truth. We did nothing illegal. 

7

Q:  What is happening with this situation now? 

A:  The new owner is trying to get a variance (an exception to the law given by the city of Gary, to build on it).  We have supplied the city of Gary with legal documentation detailing the zoning law that clarifies 6619-23 as unbuildable. We have voiced our opposition to any variance being granted in this case. We will attend the variance hearing Thursday, June 13, at 3pm, Gary City Hall 2nd Floor to, again, voice our opposition. 

Please attend to support this cause!

We have received support from neighbors living close to this property and others throughout Miller Beach. We need all the support we can get. If you would like to stand by us, let us know by sending a text or email:

 626-378-3800 creditesl@gmail.com