Hammond Redevelopment Commission approves Sportsplex contracts and multiple change orders, OKs loans and property actions

Hammond Redevelopment Commission members on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, voted unanimously to approve construction contracts and multiple change orders tied to the Hammond Sportsplex renovation and other redevelopment projects, approved two forgivable homebuyer loans, authorized several real-estate actions and extended grant-funded support for a homeless shelter.

The commission’s actions advance the Sportsplex renovation — including awarding two trade contracts and approving three change orders — and finalize smaller but immediate moves: two conditional forgivable loans for homebuyers, a change order for underground detention work at the Crossroads YMCA and an extension to use grant funds for Intermission’s shelter operations.

City Engineer Dean Button said the Crossroads YMCA underground detention change order was needed because a sign and unexpected concrete rubble interfered with the pipeline and detention work. “We had to have it removed and then put back, because it was in the way of the pipeline that connects to the underground detention,” Button said. The commission approved a $25,338 change order with Woodruff & Sons for five items tied to that underground detention work, including sign relocation, casting adjustments, removal and disposal of concrete rubble and an upsized pipe.

On the Hammond Sportsplex renovation and expansion project, the commission approved staff recommendations to award bid package 02 — general trades and mechanical — to Larson Danielson Construction Company Inc. (general trades) and Gatlin Plumbing and Heating Incorporated (mechanical), and authorized the executive director to execute the contracts. Commissioners also approved change orders related to the Sportsplex: Change Order No. 1 with Grimmer Construction Inc., $81,458.88, to relocate approximately 240 feet of an existing water main found beneath the planned east building footer, and Change Order No. 2 with Grimmer Construction Inc., $24,950, to remove manhole/inspection access points that would have interfered with the relocated sand-volleyball/play area. City staff said the Sportsplex change orders are funded from the project allocation and do not exceed the project budget.

Two applicants received conditional forgivable-loan approvals under the commission’s homebuyer assistance program. The commission approved a forgivable loan of $6,644 for Alexandria Turk to purchase 7115 McCook Avenue and a forgivable loan of $10,000 for Kevin Foster for a property listed as 1017 Fifth Street. Both motions were approved by roll call with five yes votes.

Economic-development staff presented a one-year contract to continue a small-business consulting and training program that the city introduced about six years ago. Staff said the program has “assisted over 75 small businesses to become stronger and leaner,” and that participating businesses can qualify for up to $3,000 in a marketing grant upon program completion. The commission voted 5–0 to approve the contract.

The commission also approved a First Amendment to a development agreement with Raimundo A. Garcia (and associated entities) to extend the developer’s deadline to open a downtown restaurant space; staff said the amended agreement sets an opening deadline on or before July 1. The commission approved a purchase agreement to sell real estate commonly known as 931 Michigan Street to the adjacent landowner; and authorized staff to advertise a request for proposals for four redevelopment-owned parcels at 537 Hoffman Street, 816 Summer Street, 5513 Sol Avenue and 5517 Sol Avenue.

Community-development staff and representatives from Intermission requested and received approval to amend an agreement to extend the use of ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) funds that support Intermission’s shelter operations and short-term repairs to the city-owned shelter building. “So, these funds have been allotted to us through that grant,” Community Development staff member Nancy Hoprich said, describing how the money will be used for operations and interior repairs while Intermission seeks additional private matching funds.

The commission approved the register of claims dated Feb. 24, 2025 through March 14, 2025 (claim numbers R66873 through R66963) by a 5–0 roll-call vote. Several agenda items were moved or discussed with minimal debate and passed unanimously.

Public comment included a first-time attendee who asked about the process to submit a letter of interest for land or projects; staff directed the attendee to leave contact information with economic-development staff. Commission meeting announcements included upcoming local events and a new marketing website for redevelopment-owned residential lots.

Votes at a glance: the meeting included multiple formal motions; each motion below was approved by roll call unless otherwise noted.

- Approve minutes for Feb. 4, 2025 (amended) and Feb. 18, 2025 — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve homebound conditional forgivable loan for Alexandria Turk, $6,644, property 7115 McCook Avenue — outcome: approved, 5 yes; mover: Commissioner Myrick; second: Commissioner Tomich.

- Approve homebound conditional forgivable loan for Kevin Foster, $10,000, property 1017 Fifth Street — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve Crossroads YMCA underground detention Change Order No. 1 with Woodruff & Sons, $25,338 — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve award and authorize executive director to sign contracts for Hammond Sportsplex renovation expansion Bid Package 02: Larson Danielson Construction Company Inc. (general trades) and Gatlin Plumbing & Heating Incorporated (mechanical) — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve Hammond Sportsplex Renovation & Expansion Change Order No. 1 with Grimmer Construction Inc., $81,458.88 (water main relocation) — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve Hammond Sportsplex Renovation & Expansion Change Order No. 2 with Grimmer Construction Inc., $24,950 (remove access ports/manholes affecting play area) — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve contract for business consulting strategies and small-business training (annual program; up to $3,000 marketing grants for participants) — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve First Amendment to Development Agreement with Raimundo A. Garcia and related entities (extend opening date to on or before July 1) — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve purchase agreement for sale of real estate commonly known as 931 Michigan Street to adjacent landowner — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Authorize advertisement of request for proposals for sale of real estate at 537 Hoffman St., 816 Summer St., 5513 Sol Ave., and 5517 Sol Ave. — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve amendment to an agreement for Intermission (extension to use ESG funds for shelter operations and repairs) — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

- Approve register of claims dated 02/24/2025–03/14/2025, claim numbers R66873–R66963 — outcome: approved, 5 yes.

The commission adjourned after routine reports and public comment. Staff members present said the approved Sportsplex work and YMCA detention repairs are expected to proceed under the awarded contracts and approved change orders; staff emphasized the water-main relocation at the Sportsplex was required to place footings as designed and that the detention work addresses unanticipated site conditions. The commission did not identify any additional follow-up votes at this meeting.