The Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety on June 26 affirmed demolition orders for several unsafe structures and set follow-up status dates to track owner rehabilitation or city abatement.

The action covered multiple properties, including the former Popeyes at 6740 Indianapolis Boulevard. Chief of Inspections Bill Kearney told the board that notice had been given "via certified mail, regular mail, publication, and posting on the premises" and that the properties "qualify as an unsafe building under the act" based on inspection evidence. The board voted to affirm the demolition order for the former Popeyes and set a status review for Aug. 7, 2025.

Why this matters: demolition orders and rehab agreements affect neighborhood safety, city demolition-liens funds and the timeline for returning blighted lots to productive use.

The board discussed the Popeyes site at length after counsel and staff reported interactions with the franchise. A staff member said a rebuilding contract valued at "upwards of $800,000" had been discussed between franchisee, franchisor and insurers. Another staff member recommended affirming the order but monitoring the owner’s progress with a short status deadline to allow the company time to proceed with repairs; the board followed that approach.

Other actions in the demolition docket included:
- 4913 Pine (garage): inspectors reported vacancy and a damaged roof; the board affirmed the demolition order.
- 3928 Torrance (garage only): inspectors reported self-demolition work and permits; the board dismissed the demolition order because permits were issued and the property owner was completing work.
- 6918 Van Buren (garage only): owner Richard Delgado said he intends to demolish the garage himself and estimated about a week to arrange financing; the board set a two-week status check for July 10, 2025 rather than re-entering and recording a demolition order.
- 4126 Toll (rear house): inspectors found a basement unit with ceiling height under 7 feet and no fire separation; the board affirmed the removal order after the owner’s management company said it was already removing the unit.
- 4626 Johnson Avenue: the board approved rescinding and releasing a prior demolition order after the new owner paid liens and announced plans to build; staff said lien proceeds will return to the city demolition fund.

The board also handled several rehab- and lien-related matters. It approved an agreement with DBR Construction LLC tied to outstanding demolition liens on a group of tax-sale properties, conditioned on completion of new construction by the buyer. The board approved assigning an existing rehab bond on a purchased property (1570 Seventh Street) to the new owner, with paperwork required before extension approval.

Board procedure and next steps: the board repeatedly distinguished between entering demolition orders (city can bid and abate) and leaving time for owners or responsible parties to obtain permits, complete work or present rehab plans. Several matters were set for status hearings on July 10, July 17 or Aug. 7, 2025 to monitor progress. Staff said the inspections department will proceed to bid demolition only if owners do not meet posted deadlines.

The board closed the demolition docket after the actions and moved on to other agenda items.