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Council adopts zoning for Davies thermoplastics plant after procedural debate over testimony
Summary
Council approved ordinance 26-04 to reclassify land at 1175 State Street for a roughly 50,000 sq ft Davies thermoplastics facility projected to create about 40 jobs; the meeting included a procedural dispute about public testimony at final passage and a developer presentation of renderings.
The Hammond Common Council voted unanimously to adopt ordinance 26-04, reclassifying several parcels including 1175 State Street to allow construction of a Davies thermoplastics manufacturing facility.
Councilman Salinas described the site as a long-vacant, illegally dumped property to be transformed into a modern precast facility with landscaping, truck circulation redesign and stormwater improvements. The planning commission record and prior hearings were cited; council members debated whether additional public testimony was procedurally permitted at final passage. Leadership clarified that the planning commission had established the public record and that the council’s vote at final passage is to affirm or reject that recommendation; if the council amends the ordinance it must be referred back to the planning commission.
Developer consultant Jack Ferino (identified in the record as Jack Farino/Ferino) presented a rendering and described the project as a roughly 50,000-square-foot precast building that would create “40 plus quality local jobs” and provide on-site parking and a buffer from rail noise. Ferino said neighbors had asked to submit resumes for potential local hires.
After procedural clarification and limited discussion, the clerk called roll and the ordinance passed 9–0 on final passage and adoption. No amendments were made at the council table.
The council noted the project will require standard permitting and coordination with city engineering for truck circulation and stormwater controls before construction proceeds.
