The Hammond City Redevelopment Commission on April 15 authorized advertising a request for proposals to sell property commonly known as 826 Willow Court and approved multiple agreements related to small vacant parcels that abut existing properties.

Staff said the parcels are often too small to be buildable and are commonly sold to abutting owners as side yards to "clean up our books," in staff words. The commission authorized advertising an RFP for 826 Willow Court so the sale process may begin.

The commission also approved agreements to purchase or sell the following parcels after staff presentations and motions: property commonly known as 4736 Toll Avenue; 838 Carroll Street; 5341 Seoul Avenue and 6909 Kane Street (the latter two approved in a single $10,000 purchase agreement presented as serving an expanding business owner, "Mr. Garcia"); and 4730 Cameron Avenue. Each motion was approved by roll call, recorded as 5-0.

Commissioners and staff described these as routine dispositions intended to consolidate ownership of small, non-buildable lots and to facilitate maintenance and private use by adjoining owners. No public comment was recorded on these items at the meeting.