Board forwards favorable recommendation for independent‑living home at 4002 Pennsylvania

The City of Gary’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to City Council for a special‑use permit that would allow Senior Tiny Village to operate an independent‑living residence at 4002 Pennsylvania.

Chaita Bryant, who identified herself as the owner and representative of Senior Tiny Village, told the board the project aims to provide a “home feel” for older residents who want to remain in a residential setting rather than in large institutional buildings. “We want to make sure that our seniors know that they’re loved, they haven't forgotten about,” Bryant said, describing plans for gardening and shared activities. In this particular unit Bryant said she intends to start with three residents and that the house has three bedrooms; staff and Bryant indicated the unit will have someone on site 24 hours though residents are expected to be independent.

Staff report and conditions: Planning staff reported the petitioner completed required inspections, permits and publications and met the seven special‑use requirements. Staff recommended a favorable recommendation with conditions that include obtaining a rental registration and complying with state requirements for independent‑living operations (the transcript refers to state requirements but does not cite a specific statute). The staff also noted parking standards were met and that occupancy is limited by the number of bedrooms.

Board action and next steps: After public comment was closed (no public speakers), a motion to forward a favorable recommendation with staff conditions passed by a 4–0 roll call vote. The board’s action moves the petition to the City Council’s three‑reading process. Staff said the petitioner will receive an email from the city attorney with next steps.

What the record does and does not show: The meeting record documents the board’s conditions (rental registration, adherence to state independent‑living requirements, and building/design compliance) and the three‑bedroom occupancy limit. The transcript does not give the precise language of the rental‑registration requirement, the specific state code citation, nor the final operating plan that will be required at council review.