Michael Jackson center in Gary stalled?

GARY, Ind., July 10 (UPI) -- A group led by Michael Jackson's father says plans are proceeding for a tourism destination in the late King of Pop's hometown of Gary, Ind.

Illinois businessman Odie Anderson told the Chicago Tribune that Joe Jackson and his partners were in the process of finalizing a roster of contractors that will eventually build the $300 million Jackson Family Center complex.

"The plans are moving along," Anderson said.

Jackson died suddenly June 25, 2009 and his family last year announced the Jackson Family Center project.

The complex is slated for 300 acres of city-owned land and is to include a museum, performing arts center and Jackson's boyhood house, which would have to be picked up and moved a few blocks. The developers are also considering co-locating a casino on the property, the Tribune said Sunday.

The project, however, is apparently not being carried out with the cooperation or financial support of Jackson's estate, which is separate from Joe Jackson's group and holds the critical rights to Michael Jackson's likeness.