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Hammond council approves alcohol permits, multiple demolitions and infrastructure purchases; rezoning introduced
Summary
The Hammond City Council on April 22 approved two alcohol permits, authorized a series of demolitions, approved a wastewater pump purchase and sidewalk reimbursement, and ratified bids for a multi-site drainage project; a rezoning application was introduced for a future public hearing.
The Hammond City Council on April 22 approved a package of routine and infrastructure items and introduced two ordinances for later public hearings.
What the council approved
- Alcohol permits: The council approved a request to allow an alcohol permit at Mariners, 117 West Thomas Street (change in ownership), and at Nash Express, 605 McCaugton Street (convenience store). Representatives for each applicant appeared and the council voted to approve both permits.
- Demolitions: The council authorized a group of demolitions as part of a new demolition process focused on structures that pose health or safety risks. Properties included (by address) 112 West Green Street; 117 Perry Lane; 117 West Newman Street; 120 Moran Street; 311 Reed Street; 407 Washington Avenue; and 1305 Mooney Avenue. Notices had been sent to listed owners. The council approved the demolitions to allow staff to continue condemnation and follow-up procedures.
- Infrastructure and maintenance purchases: The council authorized purchase of a submersible pump for the South Wastewater Treatment Plant from Delta Process Equipment Inc. for $65,890 (including delivery, installation and setup) to replace an aging unit and reduce the risk of overflows during severe weather. The council also approved reimbursement of sidewalk improvements at 223 East Thomas Street under a three-way cost split: Sweet Haven LLC, the Hammond Downtown Development District and the City of Hammond. The total project cost was $90,000; the city share is $30,000 from the building department's contract-services line.
- Drainage improvements: The council reviewed and ratified bids for the Fiscal Year 2025 drainage improvements project (project number 42012-420-12504). Spangler Engineering reported 14 bids; the low, responsive bidder was Richard Price Contracting and the low bid came in under budget. The project covers eight locations across the city, including South Holly Street, Live Oak Drive, South Elm Street, Old Covington Highway near Elm Street, Mooney Avenue, South Orange Street, East Illinois Avenue and Haskins Street.
Introductions and referrals
- Rezoning introduction: The council introduced an ordinance to rezone 1009 Mooney Avenue from RS-3 to RM-3, requested by Christopher Wells; the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial (3-0) on the grounds that the request was spot zoning. If introduced tonight, the item will return for a public hearing at the next council meeting.
- Street renaming introduction: The council introduced an ordinance to rename East Hoover Street to Holton Hill Lane, requested by Yanita Gay Andrews. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (3-0). The item will go to a public hearing at the next meeting if introduced.
Public comment and context
Pastor Jesse Mongette of Unity Progressive Missionary Baptist Church spoke against the proposed demolition of the church property at 1305 Mooney Avenue, saying the structures were not a public-safety threat and urging the council to prioritize enforcement against drug activity and gun violence instead. The council recorded his comments and proceeded with the vote authorizing the demolition process.
Budget context and follow-up
City staff noted that demolition funding and building-department funds are available for these activities; council members pressed staff for clearer fund-balance statements and for ongoing updates on demolition scheduling and contractor selection. For the drainage project, the city engineer and Spangler Engineering said the base bid was recommended; the city will coordinate construction details and notify affected neighborhoods.
Votes at a glance (outcome)
- Ordinance (introduction) ' Rezoning 1009 Mooney Avenue: introduced for public hearing on May 13 (P&Z recommended denial). - Ordinance (introduction) ' Street renaming East Hoover Street to Holton Hill Lane: introduced (P&Z recommended approval). - Resolution 1 ' Alcohol permit for Mariners, 117 West Thomas Street: approved. - Resolution 2 ' Alcohol permit for Nash Express, 605 McCaugton Street: approved. - Resolutions 3'9 ' Demolitions at multiple addresses listed above: approved (authorizations to proceed with condemnation/demolition process). - Resolution 10 ' Purchase of submersible pump for South Wastewater Treatment Plant, Delta Process Equipment Inc., $65,890: approved. - Resolution 11 ' Sidewalk improvements reimbursement at 223 East Thomas Street (three-way split; city share $30,000): approved (vote included one recorded no vote). - Resolution 12 ' Ratify bids for Drainage Improvements FY25, project 42012-420-12504: approved; low bidder Richard Price Contracting under budget.
For details on individual motions, recorded votes and owner notification lists, see the meeting minutes and staff packet that accompany the April 22 council meeting.
