[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5974160,"mediaKeyId","5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a","parentId",5854794,"title","Hammond affirms removal order for nonconforming basement unit and waives late fee for new restaurant license","audioSeconds",139,"startMs",883000,"endMs",1022000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a&start=883&end=1022","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a/thumbnail_883000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5974160/Hammond-City/Lake-County/Indiana/Hammond-affirms-removal-order-for-nonconforming-basement-unit-and-waives-late-fee-for-new-restaurant-license","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974160-c65684f45a777177c7e8f3fc6a6cbd82/orig.mp4?Expires=1772835237&Signature=k7bVNhXEjWXm0hk8qZ4Ma~XbAX-GIQ496XUSjCowGBWGE3ZCyIgNsRlIS4PfvQAC0qQXjls1FzK25GrWjeGLNUVhHWis-vqakO-buYRGR699CdH8pq-ODz8H819lQEQX2pCj5E6CWGgvKPv3WIZyXSfMI~MuhmbCHHg5tB4ntLeeGBVS9krwg6uDnLJXIHfVg~Ffmv3W4dByAvzRId6U-gXuqLSOaVsj0GqMMo9hFoA5TYFIaL0Y8bu~a-a3O5ySy824tSIq6dPsDd0GUA6A1FCf1QjUHKqW3SKis0mCIGAwlT7FM36v~BSXPq0jUVKm5og~NJAXPMtfPCwEIPI-qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hammond, Indiana","date","2025-09-25T14:27:18Z","article","The City of Hammond board affirmed an order concerning a nonconforming basement apartment at 7531 Madison after inspections showed the unit was being removed and a permit had been pulled to begin the removal process, city inspections staff said.

Chris, an inspections staff member, told the board: “We inspected the property at 7531 Madison back in 07/29/2025. The property contains a nonconforming basement apartment ... They have pulled a permit to start the removal process. So, basically, we're just asking the board to affirm the order.” The board asked that the property owner keep communications open with the inspections office; no firm completion date was specified.

The board also considered a late business-license matter for Fiesta Mexican Restaurant at 1522 Indianapolis Boulevard. The owner, Carlos Barragan, told the board he had missed payment deadlines and that the application had been submitted in March 2025 but did not reach staff until Sept. 4. City staff explained a late fee applied; the board voted to waive the late fee. A staff member told the owner he could remain until the meeting’s end to receive a copy of the action and pay the fee if he wished.

Finally, the board set a rehearing date of Oct. 2, 2025, for a late rental registration matter at 4603 Sheffield and confirmed there were no public commenters present to speak.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hammond Board of Works Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board affirmed a removal process for a nonconforming basement apartment at 7531 Madison after inspections; the board also waived a late business-license fee for Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and set a rehearing date for a late rental registration request.","taxTitle","Hammond City, Lake County, Indiana","taxId",4586,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974164,"Board approves generator-maintenance agreement, contract amendment for occupational health and special-purchase resolution for street sweepers",662,188000,850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a&start=188&end=850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a/thumbnail_188000.jpg","/articles/5974164/Hammond-City/Lake-County/Indiana/Board-approves-generator-maintenance-agreement-contract-amendment-for-occupational-health-and-special-purchase-resolution-for-street-sweepers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974164-e60236d972a5efe659078c458260e94a/orig.mp4?Expires=1772835237&Signature=osO~OsDS0QKFO-fLZAFtFeqQiPDZp-cqiA5Jfu~cXS~yuXPcsA~i4pfz0Go1KNkXPkkzWl~C8hNJOCdo4qiTNbQhDEBLSao4JvJ3-Qt0XcFgQNegTLdpY6fgrKQ7zu1RmCbYQxPK4AuPYBj4knPo-NlaeXWkGIwcaAkmpkYWtHQNRBvlwPcCL~qNNgAq2kAEJjjc26fvkvGwf2p9Ru~LKGhiESCRMLy9MgDjcMjRzD-tZQd1HXoUHNfJ4XGeh0bgsKtm7jyJkxqU9nQlG3uDwiAZ8HHn6~sZ7I3KGzjNVrLncF7J7oVmDSYgS1UU9~l9T4fr9YMVQ~UhjTA5cxV4jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Hammond board approved three procurement items: an agreement for backup generator maintenance at Hammond City Hall, a contract amendment adding services to Powers Occupational Health, and a resolution authorizing a special purchase of Elgin Pelican street sweepers.

Engineering staff presented the generator-maintenance agreement for Hammond City Hall and told the board the cost is approximately $900 annually; the vendor performs citywide generator services and had been reviewed and approved by staff. The board approved the maintenance agreement by motion and voice vote.

The controller's office presented a contract amendment with Powers Occupational Health to add an additional service; the board approved the amendment by motion and voice vote.

Public works requested a special-purchase resolution to acquire Elgin Pelican street sweepers. Staff said the vendor has a substantial inventory of replacement parts and is offering a trade-in allowance, which the staff characterized as producing substantial savings; the board approved the resolution by motion and voice vote.

No debate or dissents were recorded on these items during the meeting. Staff indicated Dean (engineering) had reviewed and approved applicable contracts and that the purchases were recommended in the city's best interest given parts availability and vendor trade-in terms.

","The board authorized a generator maintenance contract for Hammond City Hall (approximately $900 annually), approved a contract amendment adding services to Powers Occupational Health, and authorized a special purchase resolution to acquire Elgin Pelican street sweepers citing parts availability and vendor trade-in savings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974170,"Hammond approves multiple lane and street closures for track grounding, utility work and events",377,110000,487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a&start=110&end=487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a/thumbnail_110000.jpg","/articles/5974170/Hammond-City/Lake-County/Indiana/Hammond-approves-multiple-lane-and-street-closures-for-track-grounding-utility-work-and-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974170-f202842a3d05d300f178ed077ada5855/orig.mp4?Expires=1772835237&Signature=ZyDMbvfBt3dSIgp4Og0jrN-ePwd1mq2z5zyAP~FR1VxqHEhfKhbHptqZAdfggevIz~uRSBMpkH14oSyKpY2-zgyEA7jPW1yK0Eg6OHkLjYJ4U8nM-KsY8d6QHFFhtIrNX19yI4TCgdKcasJK79RvQ5xDdtk3o6HcNZHQpFFW5VYFQK~VlfCZD42v7VIJB8qJiqfL6NFrCUMwpU42R4~s18x9pR9GvwKFyRDr2UfHQhFpd8C2AD2Ub6xEQfWVRPIrIYNT2I9xrTQuZGfXudiue10bmwk7V9cqlHdhzVga5cTSFYErP8WjSz0eM7~Q-RvxeH1ZQoTrLm9qEMPTuqfEvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hammond board approved several right-of-way and street-closure requests covering rail grounding work, utility repairs and special events.

The board approved a request from Dean Button for lane shifts on Fifth Street and a closure on Sheffield between Old Marble Street and Chicago Street to allow grounding work; the Sheffield closure was approved for Oct. 2–3, 2025 and the Fifth Street lane shift for Oct. 7, 2025. A representative from Passion, which will perform the work, confirmed signage and said the shorter closure will be for one day. “The second one's for 1 day. Next Thursday,” the Passion representative said.

Separately, a contractor for utility and roadway work on Hohman Avenue (Milestone) requested closures beginning Oct. 1 through Oct. 6, 2025, to close lanes and intersections for utility work; engineering staff said the corridor is under construction and that the requested closures are for utility work and should be complete within the requested timeframe, barring weather delays. Staff confirmed the engineering department and Dean had reviewed and approved the schedule.

The board also approved a request to close streets for the 2025 Ammon holiday parade (coordinated with the Hammond Police Department) and authorized the Ammon Optimist Club to block an alley on Kennedy Avenue on Oct. 4, 2025, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. for a fundraiser.

Each traffic and right-of-way permit was presented by engineering staff or the event coordinator and approved by motion and voice vote. Where applicable, staff confirmed conditions such as signage and police coordination.

","The board approved lane shifts and street closures for rail grounding work on Fifth Street, utility work and lane closures on Hohman Avenue, a holiday parade and an Ammon Optimist Club alley closure; engineering and public works reviewed the plans and staff confirmed approvals and signage requirements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974175,"Hammond board approves police and fire personnel changes, police chief notified of sergeant resignation",195,34000,229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a&start=34&end=229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a/thumbnail_34000.jpg","/articles/5974175/Hammond-City/Lake-County/Indiana/Hammond-board-approves-police-and-fire-personnel-changes-police-chief-notified-of-sergeant-resignation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974175-c3b73aa2a11a24e74bfaef6ffd57d25b/orig.mp4?Expires=1772835237&Signature=TEPA7FlxgeXCLG0q5uFoz2EYjedVjGfsF8y6XWPjH03NvKpb-BZSFDYOIAZvWcr49ksBTbAdeRVbY4nz~OswCL3SEM5X3Gy9zneNEMa4Gv6YTNGqYZAuUK884uDZ69aZiZ5vAh9ovZ2ELgcxArdCuW00oVEfksQq0-eYExnaCkQoYxxxPp~s4qW4LNomTafI~l8IKkuENN3Ztx268NOnwcqcX6~z3f66oBLJWhqhgLIT8eJXCSldYAYda8o-Nq9qER2kTU4oH1UCWWNuDyJaLQiscmGFxozmCRvia4a6zbavyyxe46M9Dp95Pj3zPZ7b-hPua~ORSGE1DJcya~1okA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Hammond board approved the resignation of Sergeant Michael Elkman, retroactive to Sept. 4, 2025, and accepted the retirement petition of Lieutenant Roger Cardwell, whose retirement is effective close of business on Nov. 19, 2025. The board also approved several retroactive appointments to the Hammond Fire Department after receiving a request from Bernard Grazolia.

The board received correspondence from William Short, chief of police, requesting acceptance of the resignation and the retirement petition. The resignation of Sergeant Michael Elkman was approved by motion and voice vote. The retirement of Lieutenant Roger Cardwell, identified in the correspondence as having 42 years of service, was also approved.

In related personnel business, the board approved appointments to the Hammond Fire Department submitted by Bernard Grazolia. The board approved the appointment of Christopher Barrera retroactive to Dec. 6, 2024, and appointments retroactive to Dec. 5, 2024, for Viet V, Ian Mysack, Rachel Treadway, Julian Rutherford, Orlando Martinez and Ryan Banstra.

Each personnel item was presented as correspondence and approved by motion and voice vote. No public discussion or objections were recorded in the meeting minutes for these items.

","The board approved the resignation of a police sergeant and the retirement petition of a lieutenant, and confirmed multiple retroactive appointments to the Hammond Fire Department.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974179,"Hammond board sets two status dates as owner seeks buyer for Holman Avenue building",361,326000,687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a&start=326&end=687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5854794-7fdff238e6c2534f41d44948a722e26a/thumbnail_326000.jpg","/articles/5974179/Hammond-City/Lake-County/Indiana/Hammond-board-sets-two-status-dates-as-owner-seeks-buyer-for-Holman-Avenue-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974179-9bed7749bf9430bc42f0d1a8382825b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1772835237&Signature=c0goNRAT650pUZWVVg694fGFUBQAL7a3lSP-SG0-U0YchlECZL41l4N3DqUDGNQu2cewhsEKDSHjfuEIxVR98tmIII5~WlurotkIQfIq22s6w1VU~FxNKCsLivTQDgJbJIfUEFJGmuCFejfBP9SaBcNP~NeAZRFgz1-LT0QEP-TBXGMY3Fg~NlNjDuCg9c24m9qHtRDzzwAAAzDLoYzChGutpiWZpz6tdlwayKkPCk6VyzSmaqSqCDnEYQE4brvP~s3dqSdzV6MexM2~I3u5DCAGgGh-fBwCsLFccZUOu-DAIhzDPg5luY6zW5qj-e3lgqhB64ykrM-PprY6OQTxiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Hammond board set an internal status review for Oct. 9 and scheduled a planning-status update for Oct. 23 after the owner of the property at 5217 Holman said he has listed the building for sale and is exploring parking options to enable redevelopment. The owner told the board he recently listed the building on commercial sites such as LoopNet and Crexi and has shown photos of progress on demolitions and panel removal.

The decision came after an extended discussion about on-site safety panels and the building’s redevelopment prospects. The board said the panels — left in place during demolition for safety while a utility (NIPSCO) matter is resolved — are acceptable for now but the broader redevelopment question remains. Board members emphasized the property remains on a demolition list and that an environmental report has cited “significant concerns regarding mold and water in the basement.”

“...we haven't heard from you all regarding a plan for redevelopment through the planning department or otherwise. So we'd like to set this over for 2 weeks for a status,” a board member said when asking the owner to return with a plan. The owner described marketing efforts and repeated that prospective buyers have declined because of limited parking: “...they say, if you get parking, like, 3 blocks away, who's gonna wanna come in January…? The only recourse we had is to find a buyer that's doing just an office building, because then the parking is not required.” (Property owner)

Board members and staff discussed possible short-term options: contacting adjacent lot owners, exploring a gated lot behind the building for a lease or sublease, and identifying an empty lot north of the site whose owner could be contacted. The board also reminded the owner that any purchaser must be made aware of the demolition order on the property.

Formal action: the board approved a motion to set an internal status update on the panels for Oct. 9 and a planning-status hearing for Oct. 23. The motion was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board said it would accept a longer interval if owners needed it, but expressed a deadline-oriented posture: “we've been more than patient with this situation…at some point, we have to draw the line in the sand and say that we need something.” The owner told the board he will continue to explore parking and other options and will return on Oct. 23 if he has further progress.

Background: The board noted the property remains listed for demolition and that prior environmental findings raised concerns about mold and water intrusion in the basement. The Oct. 9 internal status will focus on the remaining safety panels; Oct. 23 will be a planning-focused update on redevelopment progress and potential parking solutions.

","The Hammond board set an internal status review for Oct. 9 on safety panels and a planning-status hearing for Oct. 23 as the building owner said he has listed the 5217 Holman property for sale and continues to seek parking options to enable redevelopment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hammond affirms removal order for nonconforming basement unit and waives late fee for new restaurant license

Board approves generator-maintenance agreement, contract amendment for occupational health and special-purchase resolution for street sweepers

Hammond approves multiple lane and street closures for track grounding, utility work and events

Hammond board approves police and fire personnel changes, police chief notified of sergeant resignation

Hammond board sets two status dates as owner seeks buyer for Holman Avenue building