Council approves seven‑lot subdivision at 401 JW Davis after neighbors raise density concerns

The Hammond City Council voted to adopt an ordinance approving a seven‑lot major subdivision by Trent Anthony at 401 JW Davis in District 3.

Developer Trent Anthony spoke at the public hearing and described the proposal as “7 lot development, more than doubles the required density of what the ordinance states,” adding that most lots are planned to be around 10,000 square feet and that homes would be roughly “13 to 1,400 square feet” and target a price point “around 200,” which he said would be about $50,000 above the city median but below the city’s new‑build average. Anthony said the lots are “far as far surpasses the minimum lot size requirement” and that he expected owner‑occupied sales rather than government‑funded multifamily housing.

Neighbors urged caution. A resident identified to the council as Aaron Morrison said the block already has a high crime rate and brought a petition opposing the plan, saying the proposal would “crowd so many people in that 1 small area.” Another resident, Christy Morris, said her parents had lived nearby for more than 40 years and asked what would happen “if it doesn't sell” and whether the site could later turn into lower‑income housing.

Council members moved and seconded approval during the regular session; the ordinance received the recorded ayes and was adopted. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended adoption by a 4–0 vote.

The council record shows the developer emphasized larger lot sizes compared with surrounding parcels and a plan for single‑family, owner‑occupied homes; opponents focused on traffic, crowding and long‑standing concerns about crime. The council approved the measure without additional conditions recorded in the minutes.

The ordinance is final; the council did not register a separate motion to postpone or amend the measure at final adoption.