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Hammond council adopts ordinance renaming East Hoover Street to Holton Hill Lane
Summary
At its May 27 meeting the Hammond City Council gave final approval to an ordinance renaming East Hoover Street to Holton Hill Lane after a public hearing that drew both support and objections over notification of homeowners.
The Hammond City Council on May 27 adopted an ordinance renaming East Hoover Street to Holton Hill Lane after a public hearing and a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The change was requested by applicant Yanita Gay Andrews, who told council members she sought the renaming to honor her grandfather. "My grandparents started their life on 614 Hoover Street," Andrews said, describing her family's long ties to the area and her grandfather's business and landholdings.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 3–0, and city staff presented the commission's recommendation during the public hearing. Several nearby residents objected to the proposal and to how notice of the proposal was handled. Beverly Brumfield said she learned of the effort only after signs went up and that she had not received mailed notice before the planning meeting. "I was not notified, and I wanted my letter," Brumfield said, adding she and other residents opposed the name change.
City staff responded that mailed notices were sent to property owners listed in tax-assessor records and that the commission had matched owner names to the tax rolls before holding its hearing. Resident Al Nicolosi said the commission's mailed notice showed no opposition returned and recommended the council approve the request.
After public comment the council voted to give final adoption to the ordinance. The motion to approve was made from the dais and seconded; roll-call votes recorded Councilman Leon: Aye; Councilman Andrews: Aye; Councilwoman Gonzales: Aye; Councilman Devaterio: Abstain. The council formally introduced the ordinance earlier in the meeting and completed final adoption during the regular session.
The council's action will change signage and official addressing records; the city will implement the change through its street-name and addressing processes.
Details from the hearing show competing claims about who must be notified for a street-rename: some residents said all occupants should receive notice, while staff said the city mails notices to property owners shown on assessor records. The council did not direct further review of the notification process as part of the adoption.
Copies of the ordinance and the planning commission file will be available through the city clerk's office.
