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 property is described in meeting materials as roughly five acres commonly referred to as Memorial Park and the planned development was described as a state-of-the-art senior living facility and duplexes. The motion to approve the amendment was made by Commissioner Tomich and seconded by Commissioner Kubacki; the motion passed 5-0.

United Neighborhoods Inc. was recertified as a CHODO (Community Housing Development Organization) for the period noted in the packet. Staff presented documentation of board composition, staff resumes, outside audits and operating agreements covering prior years. Staff asked the commission to approve operating-agreement amounts presented in the packet, listed in the staff presentation as $25,900 for 2022 and $28,624.85 for 2023. The commission voted to approve the recertification and the operating agreements as presented.

The commission adopted Resolution No. 2025-01 to publish notice of intent to sell 1149-11 State Street to an abutting landowner, under the procedure described during the meeting and referencing Indiana Code section 36-7-14-22.6. Staff said the statute allows a streamlined notice-and-publication process for small parcels with an assessed value under the statutory threshold when an abutting owner expresses interest. The resolution authorizes notice; a sale would proceed later by purchase agreement if no third party offers to purchase the parcel.

Commissioners ratified an annual authorization allowing attorney Dave W. Westland and the law firm of Westland and Bennett to execute closing statements, deeds, and related documents on behalf of the redevelopment commission. Staff said the title company requires the annual resolution so the attorney can handle closings without the commission’s physical attendance.

The commission approved maintenance agreements with Bud Mechanical Systems for HVAC equipment at two redevelopment-owned buildings, 5209 Homan Avenue and 5233 Homan Avenue. Staff noted Bud Mechanical has provided local service to redevelopment properties in prior years.

The register of claims was approved as presented, covering claim numbers R66243 through R66632 dated from Dec. 22, 2024, through Jan. 7, 2025. The motion to approve the claims passed on a 5-0 roll call.

In reports, Anne Taylor reviewed upcoming community events, including a Disabilities Commission retreat on Jan. 15 and the Martin Luther King celebration and walk on Jan. 20. The meeting closed after a brief public-comment period and recognition of Scott Miller from the mayor’s office. The commission adjourned following a unanimous voice vote.

Votes at a glance: all motions below passed by roll call vote unless noted. - Election of 2025 officers: retain Tony Hawkridge as president; Greg Marks as vice president; Tiffany Mosley Shelton as secretary. Motion by Commissioner Myricks; second by Dawn; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Homebound municipal loan approval for applicant to purchase 6627 Alabama Avenue (up to $10,000): motion by Commissioner Myricks; second by Commissioner Kubacki; outcome: approved, 5-0. - First amendment to Agreement to Purchase Real Estate (Gorman & Company LLC / City of Hammond — Memorial Park property): extends due-diligence/financing deadlines by one year; motion by Commissioner Tomich; second by Commissioner Kubacki; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Recertification of United Neighborhoods Inc. as CHODO and approval of operating agreements (amounts presented in packet: $25,900 for 2022; $28,624.85 for 2023): motion by Mr. Myers; second by Commissioner Tomage; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Resolution No. 2025-01: notice of intent to sell 1149-11 State Street to an abutting landowner under Indiana Code 36-7-14-22.6: motion by Commissioner Kubacki; second by Commissioner Tomage; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Ratification of resolution authorizing Dave W. Westland and Westland and Bennett to execute closing documents on behalf of the commission: motion by Commissioner Myricks; second by Commissioner Tomage; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Approval of Bud Mechanical Systems maintenance agreements for HVAC at 5209 and 5233 Homan Avenue: motion by Commissioner Mosley Shelton; second by Commissioner Myricks; outcome: approved, 5-0. - Register of claims (claims R66243 through R66632; 12/22/2024–01/07/2025): motion by Commissioner Tolman; second by Commissioner Kubacki; outcome: approved, 5-0.

The meeting record shows no contested votes or extended debates on these items; matters were described by staff and moved to roll-call votes. Several items noted dependencies or next steps (for example, the Resolution No. 2025-01 notice precedes a potential purchase agreement if no competing bidder responds).