The Hammond City Redevelopment Commission on April 15 determined that a proposed two‑unit commercial building at 3514‑160 Ninth Street is in compliance with the Gateways Redevelopment Area plan, subject to final technical review and approvals from other bodies.

Jim Weiser, attorney for the project, and Andrea Ragona, the project manager, presented plans for the Briarie Shopping Center outlot that would replace an existing bank with an 11,800‑square‑foot building. "We're not sure what the other tenant is gonna be yet, but it's going to be a really good looking project," Weiser said, and he confirmed one tenant would be a Dollar Tree occupying approximately 10,000 square feet and a second 1,800‑square‑foot unit.

City staff noted elements still under review: cross‑access and cross‑parking easements, drive‑through functionality, parking adequacy and whether variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals will be required. Staff recommended the commission determine the project is in compliance with the Gateways Redevelopment Area plan subject to: 1) final technical review by city departments; 2) Planning Commission approval of the one‑lot minor subdivision and the development plan for property zoned C‑2 (Shopping Center District); and 3) receipt of any necessary variances from the BZA.

Staff materials presented an economic summary provided in the meeting: a $2.5 million investment and an estimated 30 jobs, and the site plan shows 15 on‑site parking spaces plus cross‑parking and cross‑access easements to adjacent lots. The developers said some parking and access will rely on easements and that the proposed building puts parking to the front because of site constraints.

After discussion and a motion to accept staff recommendations with the listed conditions, the commission approved the conditional compliance determination by roll call, 5-0. Staff and developers said technical review and possible additional permitting will continue with the Planning Commission and BZA as needed.