Hammond Redevelopment Commission approves sale of 4423 Johnson Avenue and fence removal at 435 Fayette Street

The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on Jan. 21 voted unanimously to move forward with selling a city-owned parcel at 4423 Johnson Avenue and to hire Hammond Fence Company to remove a deteriorated chain-link fence behind the building at 435 Fayette Street.

The commission’s action on the Johnson Avenue parcel approved a purchase agreement drafted by David Westland and signed by the property owner; staff described the buyer as an adjacent landowner seeking to extend their yard. The meeting record did not state a sale price. Staff presented the purchase agreement and asked for permission to proceed with the sale, and the commission approved the measure by roll call.

Commissioners also approved a contract with Hammond Fence Company to remove the chain-link fence behind 435 Fayette Street, a building described in the meeting as Substation No. 9. Staff said the fence had become an “eyesore” after nearby parking-lot and bank improvements; the contract covers fence removal, filling holes, and debris removal. The contract amount was discussed as $1,200 in the meeting, but staff asked for confirmation on the figure during the discussion.

Other routine business approved by the commission included approval of minutes dated Dec. 3, 2024, and Dec. 17, 2024, and approval of claims dated Dec. 18, 2024, through Jan. 21, 2025 (claim numbers R66565 through R66708). A public comment period was opened and closed with no speakers, and a staff member identified as Miss Taylor reported no items to present.

Votes at a glance • Approval of minutes (Dec. 3, 2024 and Dec. 17, 2024): Approved by roll call vote, 5-0. • Approval of purchase agreement to sell 4423 Johnson Avenue (move forward with sale to adjacent landowner): Approved by roll call vote, 5-0. Purchase agreement drafted by David Westland; sale price not specified in meeting record. • Approval of Hammond Fence Company contract for 435 Fayette Street (fence removal and site cleanup): Approved by roll call vote, 5-0. Contract amount discussed as $1,200; staff to confirm. • Approval of claims (Dec. 18, 2024–Jan. 21, 2025; R66565–R66708): Approved by roll call vote, 5-0. • Motion to adjourn: Approved by voice vote.

The meeting was called to order by the commission chair and recorded as having five commissioners present. No substantive public testimony or contested debate was recorded on the items brought forward. The commission adjourned following the approved motions.