(La Porte, IN) - A former attorney for the City of La Porte who recently passed away is being given some of the credit for the redevelopment of New Porte Landing.

 

During Monday night’s La Porte City Council meeting, officials said the years of legal work by Don Baugher helped open the door for reuse of the former industrial property along Pine Lake Avenue.

 

One possibility being discussed is adding Baugher’s name to a plaque containing the names of others who helped with the demolition and environmental clean-up of land once home to thousands of manufacturing jobs.  “We’re going to try and work on something to recognize Don’s contributions,” said City Attorney Nick Otis.

 

Baugher was city attorney under mayors Dennis Smith, Kathy Chroback, Leigh Morris and Blair Milo.  He passed away at age 76 on January 1.

 

The clean-up started in the 1990’s with demolition of blighted structures and the over 100 foot tall smokestack at the old Allis Chalmers property.  Allis Chalmers shut its doors in La Porte during the early 1980's.