Hammond Redevelopment Commission approves Sportsplex contracts, site remediation, home sales and several leases

Hammond Redevelopment Commission members on March 4, 2025, approved a package of construction contracts for the Hammond Sportsplex renovation, authorized environmental work at the former Memorial Park site at 1301 Highland Street, referred a proposal to staff for purchase of two small city-owned parcels, and approved multiple real-estate purchase and lease agreements.

The action on the Sportsplex awarded divisions of work to multiple contractors and authorized staff to execute the contracts. Dean Button, the city engineer, told commissioners the commission should award ‘‘to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder,’’ and asked that staff be allowed to sign the final agreements once documentation is complete. The commission voted 5–0 to award roofing to EC Babila; athletic flooring to ProStart Services Inc.; fire protection to Valley Fire Protection Systems LLC; plumbing to Gatlin Plumbing & Heating Inc.; electrical to Sweeny Electric Company Inc.; structural steel to AMG Services Inc.; and cast-in-place concrete to Larsen Danielson Company Inc. Button said the renovation timeline runs through early November and that exterior lighting work would be undertaken later in the project.

Commissioners also approved a demolition authorization related to the Sportsplex project and motioned to permit staff execution of the demolition contract with National Wrecking Company. Commissioners discussed the contract amount; two figures were mentioned during the meeting (about $292,000 and $294,000), but the commission record at the meeting did not establish a single definitive amount, so the precise contract sum is not specified in the minutes.

On site cleanup, the commission approved a proposal from Environ Forensics LLC for soil delineation and remediation at 1301 Highland Street, the former Memorial Park site. Staff described the site as slated for future development that includes 28 parcels for single-family homes, a senior living facility and approximately eight duplexes; the remediation step was presented as necessary to make the parcels build-ready. The motion passed 5–0.

Regarding real-estate offers and sales, the commission recorded receipt of an intake form from Jose Flores Rangel expressing interest in 826 Willow Court and referred that intake to staff. The board also received one response to a request for proposals for property commonly identified as 5341 Seoul Avenue and 609 Cane Street: Rafael Garcia, who owns nearby property at 5334 Seoul Avenue, submitted an offer. Staff said the offer was "$10,000 combined" with earnest money, and commissioners voted 5–0 to refer the response to staff for follow-up.

The commission approved a purchase agreement with CRG Group LLC for four redevelopment-owned parcels in Millennium Estates (626, 632, 638 and 644 Millennium Court). Developer Chris Rhodes, who was present, described the product and build schedule and said the homes are approximately 1,900 to 2,000 square feet. Rhodes said, ‘‘Everybody’s happy. We build the other ones right by the other people that have owned it for two years,’’ and commissioners voted 5–0 to approve the sale.

On property conveyance and leases, the commission adopted Resolution No. 2025-03 to accept conveyance of 5529 Seoul Avenue from the City of Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety; the motion carried 5–0. The board also approved a new 12-month lease for Substation No. 9 at 435 Fayette Street with South Shore Arts at $100 per month (annual $1,200) and approved a 12-month renewal lease with Windy City Pizza Kitchen LLC (the sole tenant at a city redevelopment-owned building) at $2,000 per month; both lease motions passed 5–0. Staff noted Windy City Pizza pays on time and is a longstanding tenant.

The commission approved a register of claims dated Jan. 7, 2025, through Feb. 27, 2025 (claims R66630 through R66889 inclusive), by a 5–0 vote.

Ann Taylor, redevelopment staff, reported upcoming community events including Mayor’s Night Out in the Second District at Hammond Academy of Science and Technology on May 12 and the disabilities awards breakfast on March 20; she asked commissioners to contact staff for details.

Public comment was opened and closed with no substantive remarks recorded. The commission adjourned after the actions above.

Votes at a glance: - Refer RFP response for 5341 Seoul Ave and 609 Cane St to staff; motion by Commissioner Myricks, second by Commissioner Tomage; roll call 5 yes; outcome: referred to staff. - Approve Environ Forensics LLC proposal for soil delineation/remediation at 1301 Highland St; motion by Commissioner Myricks, second by Commissioner Kubacki; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Approve Sawyer Plumbing (backflow installation) at 6208 Kennedy Ave; motion by Commissioner Kobaki, second by Commissioner Shelton; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Approve CRG Group LLC purchase agreement for parcels in Millennium Estates (626, 632, 638, 644 Millennium Ct); motion by Commissioner Shelton, second by Commissioner Kubacki; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Award Sportsplex renovation bid package divisions to listed contractors and authorize staff execution; motion by Commissioner Myricks, second by Commissioner Tomage; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Authorize execution of demolition agreement related to Sportsplex with National Wrecking Company (amount not specified in the record); motion by Commissioner Myricks, second by Commissioner Tomage; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Adopt Resolution No. 2025-03 accepting conveyance of 5529 Seoul Ave; motion by Commissioner Shelton, second by Commissioner Kubacki; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Approve lease for 435 Fayette St with South Shore Arts ($100/month); motion by Commissioner Kubacki, second by Commissioner Shelton; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Approve 12-month lease renewal with Windy City Pizza Kitchen LLC ($2,000/month); motion by Commissioner Myricks, second by Commissioner Tomage; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved. - Approve claims R66630–R66889 (01/07/2025–02/27/2025); motion by Commissioner Tomage, second by Commissioner Myricks; roll call 5 yes; outcome: approved.

The commission gave staff authority to finalize and sign agreements where noted; several items proceed to implementation steps handled by staff and the city attorney.