Hammond’s Board of Public Works and Safety on May 29 conditionally approved a series of weekly downtown “cruise night” street closures on Fayette Street, with the condition that police confirm access plans with the manager of the newly opened bank building and provide traffic oversight during initial events.

Organizer Aubrey Zelenka told the board the event worked well last year and that closures are proposed for multiple Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m., with barricades placed early to control traffic flow. She said staff will be stationed at entry points and that participants will be allowed controlled access to parking lots when needed. “We have employees at each end of the street,” Zelenka said, describing moveable barricades and staff who will guide traffic and allow tenants to access lots.

Why it matters: downtown cruise nights attract hundreds of participants and the new traffic configuration on Homan and additional downtown activity have increased concern about access and safety for residents and businesses. Board members said they want an approved operational plan and police coordination to prevent resident complaints and ensure safe traffic flow.

Board staff and a council member asked that police contact Anastasia, the bank building manager, to confirm access for new downtown residents and tenants; the board said it will require communication between police and building management as a condition of the approval. Lieutenant Sparks or Sergeant George were identified as the police contacts who will coordinate with the organizer.

Zelenka said the event will put signage out on event days, station employees to manage entrances, and open barricades at 9 p.m. to restore normal traffic. Police staff asked the organizer to post event notices (311 or similar) to encourage extra patrols, and the board suggested using a digital sign to advise drivers of the closure.

The board approved the closure motion conditionally and asked for continued coordination with police and property management. The board cautioned that if unanticipated problems arise it may revoke or revisit the approval.