GARY, Ind. (AP) _ New U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro is scheduled to visit northwestern Indiana to check on what's happening with the Gary's revitalization efforts, including the demolition of a former Sheraton Hotel.
The demolition is part of the “Strong Cities, Strong Communities'' initiative announced by President Barack Obama in January. Gary and six other cities were selected for the federal program designed to spark economic growth and development.
The Gary mayor's office says Castro is visiting the city on Wednesday. He took office last month and was ceremonially sworn in Monday by Vice President Joe Biden. Castro is the former mayor of San Antonio.
Demolition of the 12-story hotel in downtown Gary is a priority for local officials since it has been vacant for nearly 30 years.
