The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on June 3 voted 5–0 to find that two proposed retail buildings at the former Walmart parcel on 160 Fifth Street comply with the Woodmar redevelopment subarea goals, with staff conditions.

Attorney Scott Gainey spoke for the developer (listed as Black Rock Capital LLC in meeting materials) and described a plan that would break up the large Walmart parking expanse, add new retail buildings and create space to relocate some tenants displaced by nearby projects.

Gainey said the developer is planning “a stand alone 2,500 square foot building at the Northeast corner of the property, that is initially contemplated for a coffee shop” and “a larger building, 14,000 square foot … for a single user or for up to 5 retail restaurant users.” He told the commission the project contemplates roughly $1,600,000 in capital improvements on the new lots and that the overall redevelopment (including the separate redevelopment of the Walmart building by another petitioner) could create an estimated 80 to 130 construction jobs and about 33 permanent full‑time jobs in the new retail spaces.

City planning staff recommended the compliance determination “subject to 1 the finalization of construction plans, 2 the completion of the Planning Commission approval of the subdivision, 3 any approvals … by the Board of Zoning Appeals, and 4 any technical corrections to the project's plans and specifications.” Planner Brian Poland summarized the history of the Woodmar subarea plan, noting the 2005 Woodmar plan and the Hammond Central redevelopment area incorporation.

Commissioners approved the staff‑conditioned determination by motion and roll call. The approval does not authorize construction; it confirms that the proposal conforms to redevelopment plan objectives and allows the petitioner to proceed with the required planning and zoning steps.

Next steps: the petitioner must finalize construction drawings, obtain subdivision approval from the Planning Commission, seek any necessary variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals, and resolve technical corrections before building permits can be issued.