Michael is good for Gary

Work could begin next year on a $300 million museum and arts center dedicated to Michael Jackson in his hometown of Gary, Ind.

The singer last visited Gary in 2003 to talk about the project, but no progress was made on it before his death last year.

City officials this week announced the donation of 300 acres of land for the project.

“This is a happy day for me because this is something that my family and Michael have always wanted,” said his father, Joe Jackson.

The money to build the Jackson Family Museum and Hotel and the Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center and Theaters will come from investors and donations.

Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said the project would bring some 750,000 visitors a year to the city, generating $100 million to $150 million in income.

The new brood

On the celebrity baby beat, Kevin Costner and his wife have welcomed their third child, a girl named Grace Avery.

And Sheryl Crow announced the adoption of a second son. Levi James, who was born April 30, joins 3-year-old Wyatt.

No cup of kindness?

A London judge Friday rejected a nanny’s claims she was mistreated by Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, Heather Mills.

Sara Trumble said she was relegated to domestic chores and forced to work long hours without extra pay.

Mills said the relationship turned sour when she refused to give Trumble, 26, money for breast enhancement surgery.

The birthday bunch

Singer Laurie Anderson is 63. Saxophonist Kenny G is 54. Actor Ron Livingston is 43. Singer Brian McKnight is 41. Actor-singer Mark Wahlberg is 39. Actor Chad Allen. Actress Navi Rawat (“Numb3rs”) is 33. Bassist Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) is 31.