Redevelopment commission approves $10,000 conditional forgivable loan for Hammond police officer's first home purchase

The Hammond Redevelopment Commission voted 5-0 to approve a conditional forgivable loan of $10,000 to applicant Samuel Valdez to support his purchase of 7009 California Avenue. Commissioners discussed the application by phone with Valdez, who joined the meeting by Zoom, and staff confirmed he had been recommended to the program by office staff. Commissioners thanked Valdez for his service; staff noted he is a Hammond police officer and that the loan was for a first-time homebuyer purchase. Commissioner Myricks made the motion, which Commissioner Tomage seconded, and the commission approved the loan by roll call 5-0. The approval is a program loan administered by city staff (documenting and executing loan conditions will be done by staff); no further stipulations were stated on the record besides standard program requirements. Valdez was congratulated by the commission and told he could sign off from the virtual meeting after the vote.