EAST CHICAGO | The city of East Chicago is moving ahead with plans to revitalize the North Harbor section with spectacular proposals for new housing, economic development and an attractive school district bringing people back to the city.

City spokesman Damian Rico, along with John Miles, CEO of the Indianapolis-based advertising and public relations firm MB2, discussed the development with the Times Editorial Advisory Board on Tuesday. The North Harbor Revitalization Initiative will be unveiled to the community today in what is described as a Revitalization Kickoff Event.

Rico and Miles said they intend to erase the image of a crime-filled city, and they particularly want to rid Guthrie Street of the name tag, "one of the most dangerous streets" in the country.

Officials said there will be a police substation in the heart of the community to emphasize safety to residents and visitors.

They encourage people to dream and imagine the Harbor with beautiful new townhouses, single-family homes, a bevy of small boutiques, shops and restaurants and parks where small children can play.

Rico, along with Will Woodley, project manager for Chicago-based TC Builders Inc., which is overseeing the project, said it will take five to seven years to complete the first phase at Broadway and Main streets and includes a diversified economy and sustainable development.

Woodley said the development also will include strong schools and safe streets, promoting walkability as well as public transportation.

The project will be paid for through a combination of state and federal dollars, as well as private donations.

Main and Broadway - the core of Indiana Harbor - will be a cornerstone of the mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood destination that connects other neighborhoods and connects to Lake Michigan.

The business district down Main Street already is receiving a much-needed makeover. Streetscape plans include new sidewalks, trees and street furniture that will be combined with new townhomes, retail space and rehabbed storefronts.

City officials said they already have completed the 3500 and 3600 blocks of Main and will start the 3700 block and 3800 block in the spring. Workers already have completed Broadway and Main Street to Pulaski and in the spring will begin working on Broadway to Fir Street.

The streets have been reconstructed with decorative lighting, park benches, planters and brick-stamped crosswalks.

Along Main and Broadway new retail and housing is going up now and some foundations have been put in. There will be new athletic fields, playground equipment and concert stages at Nunez and Callahan parks.

Nunez Park will be expanded with a park campus connecting Lincoln Elementary to Roberto Clemente Community Center, making it accessible to the school and community.