‘Hot Dog Lady’ wins OK to relocate in Merrillville
By Michelle L. Quinn Post-Tribune correspondent May 22, 2012 9:58PM
Updated: July 2, 2012 10:10AM
MERRILLVILLE — The Crown Point “Hot Dog Lady’s” new home is official.
Madalyn Beasley and Lee Mansch, owner of Ace Hardware at 9325 Broadway, during a Merrillville Town Council meeting Tuesday received a vote of 6-0, with Councilman Rich Hardaway absent, allowing her to set up a cart in front of Ace. Beasley plans to be up and running with her hot dogs at the new location June 1.
Beasley said while she enjoyed her place on the Square, it was time for a change.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Beasley said her hours would be from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Also at the meeting, the council voted 6-0 to enter into an agreement with the Lake County Economic Development Corp. to get Community Block Development Grant funds. The council tasked Public Works Director Bruce Spires to look into the requirements for the town to become a Title 1 community.
“Communities with 35,000 or more people automatically get (CDBG) funding,” Spires said. “If you have under 35,000, the town works through the Lake County Economic Development Department, which then goes to (U.S. Housing and Urban Development) for the money.”
Sixteen communities either have or soon will set up the same three-year partnership with the county, he said.
The town used to receive $75,000 every year, Spires said, but asked the county to give it $150,000 every other year for CDBG-sanctioned projects such as paving roads, storm sewers and ADA-accessible sidewalks.
In other business, the town approved a new $75,000 line item from the Cumulative Capital Development budget for the Parks Department to buy and install new playground equipment for at least two parks. Parks Superintendent Caryn Wilson said Pruzin Park is already under renovation, with Rosenbaum and possibly Stefek Park next in line.
“We have to make sure our areas are safe,” Council President Shawn Pettitt said.
