Commission approves forgivable homebuyer loans, basement backup program and raises Junth vendor fees

The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on May 7 approved resident-facing programs and an event fee change intended to support homeownership, residential flood mitigation, and the city’s annual celebration.

Two conditional forgivable homebuyer loans were approved: Brian Smith will receive $6,796 toward the purchase of 6622 Parish Avenue; Derek Raja, identified in the record as a Hammond police officer, will receive $10,000 toward 7104 Northcot Avenue. The commission’s roll-call votes for both loans were 5–0. After the vote, commissioners offered congratulations to the applicants.

The commission also approved a basement back-up protection installation (backflow/back-up valve) for Zachie and Sahar Jasen at 2606 Birch; staff described the unit as an inside basement installation intended to reduce sewer-backup risk. Commissioner Mosley Shelton moved and Commissioner Tomage seconded; the vote was 5–0.

Staff requested and commissioners authorized an increase in vendor fees for the 6th annual 'Junth' celebration (scheduled for Friday, June 19) to help cover event expenses: staff proposed raising food and non-food vendor fees from $25 to $50, while nonprofit vendor fees were left at $25. The motion to authorize the fee increase passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote.

Why it matters: The forgivable-loan approvals support home purchases by two residents, including a public safety employee; the basement backup installation addresses a recurring water-table/back-up issue at a specific address; and the vendor-fee increase affects local small businesses and nonprofit exhibitors for an upcoming city event. Each action was approved unanimously and will be implemented by staff.

What to watch next: Staff will process loan documentation and schedule the basement backflow installation; the Junth fee change will take effect for the June 19 celebration.