Public commenters urge Hammond to allow backyard chickens, press utilities on data-center sites and appeal to save Challenger Learning Center

Three members of the public told the Hammond City Council on Nov. 24 they want changes that affect daily life and community resources.

Leanne Cortez told the council she and others support allowing domestic birds (for example, chickens) in Hammond under appropriate standards, arguing they can lower household food costs and teach useful skills. "Only 3 are against owning domestic birds," she said on the record, and she urged the council to consider permitting them with standards that address health and nuisance concerns.

Terry Stegall thanked the mayor for supporting National Guard troops and raised concerns about the State Line Generating parcel and nearby data-center development. Stegall urged ComEd and data-center developers to clean up unused structures, provide green space and invest in environmental improvements tied to those sites so industry and residents can coexist, saying the city should "make them realize their corporate responsibility."

Caitlin Holly, who identified herself alternately as a realtor and community advocate and used the name "Moxie Molly," appealed for public help to keep the Challenger Learning Center open. Holly said the center provides immersive STEM education and told the council Hammond "is home to the only Challenger Learning Center in the entire state of Indiana." She urged donations, shared flyers and asked the community to "share [the] donation link" to support the facility.

Council members did not take formal action on these public requests during the meeting. The comments were recorded in the public-expression portion of the agenda; speakers were reminded they had three minutes each.