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Hammond schedules bids, sets status hearings for multiple blighted properties
Summary
The Public Works and Safety Board set demolition bidding and status-review dates for several properties, including a demo package for 5217 Homan and continuances or status checks for 7415 Montana, 51 Webb and 2104 Sherman.
The Hammond Public Works and Safety Board reviewed a series of property-enforcement items Oct. 23 and set next steps including a demolition bid package for 5217 Homan and status hearings or continuances for several rehab agreements.
Staff reported that at 5217 Homan the solar panels have been removed and the city remains concerned owners may be trying to flip the property without addressing environmental issues. Staff said the property will be included in a demolition bid package scheduled to go out Dec. 18. From the building department side, staff said contractor Felipe Hernandez is awaiting a boom lift from United Rentals expected at the end of the month to reach the top floor and finish work.
On 7415 Montana, staff said the property had been on the demolition list since 2019 but a new owner, identified as Bignev Gula, signed a rehab agreement that expires the day after the meeting. Staff recommended a 30-day continuance to Nov. 20 so the city can confirm inspections and ensure the rehab agreement is updated; the board set a Nov. 20 status date and ordered the owner to appear.
For 51 Webb staff reported uncertainty about ownership and tax-certificate status and said the current certificate-holder situation will determine the next steps; the board set a Nov. 20 status date to allow staff to confirm whether the county has redeemed the tax certificate or who currently holds it. Staff noted the property has rehab potential but that demolition remains an option if ownership does not produce progress.
Property owner or contractor calls also prompted a status setting for 2104 Sherman. Owner Michael Fentress updated the board by phone that contractors are working on plumbing and HVAC rough-ins and that a general contractor is awaiting paperwork to pull permits. Staff requested 30 days to inspect progress and promised a full walkthrough and updated photos before the Nov. 20 status hearing; the board agreed to set the matter for Nov. 20.
No formal demolition orders were executed at the meeting; board members instructed staff to move forward with bidding where appropriate and to return status reports at the Nov. 20 meeting.
