Hammond Redevelopment Commission approves loans, construction change order and multiple property transactions

The Hammond City Redevelopment Commission on Aug. 19 approved a package of actions covering home-repair loans, a construction change order for the Hammond Sportsplex, and several property transactions and sales aimed at advancing redevelopment projects.

Commissioners voted unanimously on each item presented, including two conditional forgivable home loans for local buyers, a change order with Larson Danielson Construction Company, Inc., a property-use agreement for Hohman Avenue reconstruction staging, acceptance of a donated lot, two purchase agreements for redevelopment-owned parcels, and authorization to advertise a request-for-proposals for three remaining parcels in the Clarkfield/Clarkfields area.

Why it matters: The approvals move multiple redevelopment projects forward, release funds for homeowner assistance, and authorize construction and land transactions that city staff say are needed to finish infrastructure and facilitate infill housing and commercial redevelopment.

Votes at a glance

- Homebound conditional forgivable loans: Approved for two applicants. Motion by Commissioner Myricks; second by Commissioner Tomage. Applicants and awards: Carlos Gutierrez — $4,481 to purchase 7424 Colorado Avenue; Kendra Nolas — $10,000 to purchase 6718 Tennessee Avenue. Roll call: Tomage, Kubacki, Mosley Shelton, Myricks, Popridge — all voted yes. Outcome: approved.

- Larson Danielson Construction Co., Inc., Change Order No. 3 — Hammond Sportsplex renovation/expansion:…