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Hammond affirms demolition orders for multiple unsafe buildings, continues four cases
Summary
At a public hearing Aug. 7, Hammond City inspectors asked the city to affirm demolition orders for multiple properties found unsafe under the Indiana Unsafe Building Act (36-7-9); the panel affirmed orders for several structures and continued four cases to later dates for further work or inspections.
At a public hearing on Aug. 7, 2025, Hammond City inspectors presented photographs and service records and the city moved to affirm demolition orders for several properties the inspections department says meet the definition of an unsafe building under the Indiana Unsafe Building Act, Ind. Code § 36-7-9.
The inspections department representative told the panel that properties on 4243 Dearborn Avenue, 4420 Henry Avenue, 7224 Lindbergh Avenue, 1131 Lyons Street, 1024 Reece Avenue, and the large vacant building at 2–6 Ruth Street were in neglected or fire‑damaged condition, had been vacant or unsecured for years and had generated neighbor complaints. The representative said certified, regular mail and publication had been used for service and requested that the demolition orders be affirmed. The panel moved to affirm each order and members vocalized their support with “aye” when asked; the motions were carried as presented.
The panel continued four matters to give owners, attorneys or interested parties time to address outstanding issues or complete inspections. The commercial garage at 6102–04 Kennedy Avenue was continued to Oct. 2, 2025; 3 Locust Street (a residential property that suffered a fire) was continued to Aug. 21, 2025 after the owner’s bank representative requested more time; 642 Spruce Street was continued to Sept. 4, 2025; and 1728 Stanton Avenue (handled by an estate after the owner’s death) was continued to Oct. 2, 2025.
Owners and representatives who spoke included Gregory McIntyre, who identified himself as the owner of 7224 Lindbergh Avenue and said he was attempting to work with his insurer to obtain checks in a form that would permit rebuilding. Derek Harvey, representing a tax‑sale purchaser for 1131 Lyons Street, requested additional time for his client to assess storm damage and noted the purchaser would not hold title or possession until a later tax‑sale process. R and D Company LLC representatives (who identified themselves as owners Ron and Dan) said they were close to securing financing to rehabilitate 1024 Reece Avenue.
The inspections representative reminded owners that affirming an order keeps the process moving and that inspection or coordination with city staff could still occur to identify paths to repair prior to demolition bidding. For the large vacant property on State Line and Ruth Street (owned by Garmond Investments LLC), staff emphasized concerns about facade and balcony deterioration and past problems with squatters.
Several properties had been the subject of prior hearings or ongoing coordination: the status of 7235–41 Calumet Avenue remains tied to execution of covenants and inspection scheduling and was set for a status check on Sept. 11, 2025. At least one property (6333 Garfield) previously scheduled for demolition received municipal notice that visible exterior repairs prompted the city to rescind the demolition order once inspectors verify completion of outstanding items.
The city cited Ind. Code § 36-7-9 (the Indiana Unsafe Building Act) as the authority for the demolition proceedings and recorded service steps and photographic evidence in the hearing record.
The items affirmed and the continuances keep enforcement timelines active while allowing owners or purchasers an opportunity to cure or document progress before physical demolition occurs.
