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Residents urged to use Hammond 311 as mayor addresses trash, blocked driveways, abandoned school site and sanitation complaints
Summary
At the Jan. 28 meeting Mayor Tom McDermott and department heads encouraged residents to use the Hammond 311 reporting system to document problems with blocked driveways, nuisance properties, garbage runoff, unsafe pools and abandoned school buildings; city staff outlined enforcement steps and fees.
Residents used Mayor’s Night Out to press the city about everyday services. Mayor Tom McDermott and department heads urged use of Hammond 311 for timely, documented follow-ups and described how the city addresses common complaints.
Blocked driveways and public safety: A resident described a late-night incident in which a vehicle blocked her driveway; the police chief said in obvious cases the vehicle can be red-tagged and towed immediately and pledged follow-up to identify the responding officer. McDermott advised callers to treat driveway blockages as emergency calls when necessary (call 911 if required) and to submit details to 311 for tracking.
Nuisance properties, boarding and mowing: Code enforcement said complaints trigger a review of police calls, written notices and possible court action; for urgent safety issues the city may board up properties and bill owners. The mayor and inspectors explained that unpaid administrative fees (for boarding or mowing) can become liens on a property and may be placed on tax rolls if not paid.
Sanitation and garbage truck runoff: A resident complained that compacting garbage trucks left liquid “juice” in front of his garage; sanitation staff said newer trucks still compact waste and can leave residue but said sweepers can follow trucks when complaints are made. The mayor repeatedly advised submitting a 311 request so the city can track and escalate recurring problems.
Clark High School and downtown redevelopment: The mayor described Clark High School as effectively abandoned and said he would press the school district for plans; he also highlighted the city-owned downtown hospital site and the new Purdue Roberts Impact Lab, noting a $10 million investment and potential commercialization of the space.
Why it matters: These are routine quality-of-life services that shape daily experience for Hammond residents; the mayor directed residents toward formal 311 submissions to ensure documentation and timely departmental response.
