Hammond Redevelopment Commission retains officers, extends Memorial Park sale deadline and approves routine contracts and grants

The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday re-elected its 2025 leadership slate, approved a one-year extension to a purchase agreement for a Memorial Park property, recertified United Neighborhoods Inc. as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHODO), and approved routine maintenance contracts, a property-sale notice and a set of claims.

Those actions were taken during the commission’s organizational meeting Tuesday evening at City Hall. Commissioners voted unanimously on each item brought forward; most measures drew short staff summaries and no extended debate.

The meeting opened with a motion by Commissioner Myricks to elect a slate of officers and to close nominations. The commission voted to retain Tony Hawkridge as president, Greg Marks as vice president and Tiffany Mosley Shelton as secretary. “Yes” votes from the five commissioners carried the motion.

Commissioners approved a homeownership assistance loan request for a single applicant identified in the meeting materials as eligible to receive up to $10,000 to purchase 6627 Alabama Avenue. The motion to approve that loan was made by Commissioner Myricks and seconded by Commissioner Kubacki; the roll call vote was five in favor.

The commission approved a first amendment to the agreement to purchase real estate between Gorman and Company LLC and the City of Hammond Department of Redevelopment. Staff said the amendment extends several due-diligence and financing deadlines by one year to allow additional time for financing and other conditions to be completed; the…