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Residents press Hammond council on blight, hazardous trees and traffic; mayor reports criminal investigation remains pending
Summary
District 3 residents and council members raised long-standing concerns about blighted houses, hazardous trees falling on private property, requests for demolition updates, and traffic and safety near Industrial and Hewitt roads; the mayor reported state police correspondence and said criminal charges remain pending in a matter raised by a resident.
Multiple residents used council reports March 24 to press the city on persistent neighborhood problems in District 3, including dilapidated houses that residents say are eyesores, trees that are dead or falling onto private property, and requests for more aggressive code enforcement and demolition follow-up.
Donald Carter and other residents described properties that they said attract illegal activity and create safety hazards. Council members acknowledged a backlog and said staff will compile updated lists of properties recommended for demolition and follow up with council offices. The mayor said staff would provide an update to council members.
Residents also asked for traffic studies in areas experiencing growth — including Hewitt/JW Davis and an Industrial corridor near Sky X — and for clearer pothole‑reporting protocols. Council members suggested the city could commission traffic studies where appropriate and noted an engineered roundabout has been planned for an Industrial/190 intersection tied to prior development.
On a separate matter involving the Fabiola Castor incident, the mayor said he received a letter from the state police indicating the FBI reviewed aspects of the case. He said the Attorney General denied a request for additional review and that criminal charges remain pending, which keeps investigative records confidential under standard criminal‑process rules.
Council adjourned after directing staff to follow up on demolition lists, tree hazards and traffic matters.
