[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...;ArticleID=2726

Some Residents Want Miller Region To Break From Gary

The Associated Press

MILLER -- Some residents of the city's Miller section along Lake Michigan think the area should consider breaking away.

"Let's see what we can do as far as the Miller community itself," said Kate Mitchell, who has lived there for 30 years.

Miller residents have considered a move to disannex from Gary before but have never taken action. But the concept has become a "regular topic of interest" among its residents. High taxes and crime are among the reasons given, and a recent effort by Griffith to disannex from Calumet Township has fueled the fire.

Last week, Miller resident Nat McKnight set up a voice mail and began distributing fliers to get a public discussion going. The Miller Community Citizens Corp. plans to take up the topic, president George Rogge said.

"I don't want to stifle anything," Rogge said.

McKnight, who owns GP Development which is based on the city's west side, said he and others have been looking into it from a legal aspect.

"We've got to be cautious," McKnight said. "The cure may be worse than the ailment."

According to state law, 51 percent of the area in question must sign a disannexation petition, which would then be filed with the city's Board of Public Works and Safety. Remonstrance hearings would be held, according to the law, and the Board of Works would rule on the petition.