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Council ratifies Dairy Bell and storage-area development agreements, refers target‑area ordinance for committee review
Summary
Hammond’s council ratified Resolution 26R‑10 and 26R‑11 to move forward on a Dairy Bell/laundromat redevelopment at 1719–1733 Indianapolis Boulevard and a ~21‑acre RV/boat/self‑storage revitalization area; Ordinance 26‑16 was referred to the economic development committee for detailed review and a developer presentation.
The Hammond Common Council on May 11 ratified two development resolutions and advanced an ordinance related to economic revitalization plans in the city.
Council approved Resolution 26R‑10, which ratifies a development agreement among the city, the Hammond Redevelopment Commission and Midwest Prairie Builders LLC for new commercial construction at 1719–1733 Indianapolis Boulevard (a Dairy Bell, a laundromat and a 1,200‑square‑foot commercial building). Councilman Kowinski moved the resolution; Councilman Spatelli seconded and the roll‑call vote was 9–0 in favor.
The council also approved Resolution 26R‑11, a declaratory resolution creating an economic revitalization area for a roughly $20 million project on about 21 acres that would host RV and boat storage and self‑storage buildings. Councilmembers said the project will return to the economic development committee for a developer presentation, and the council scheduled a public hearing during a future council meeting.
Separately, Ordinance 26‑16 (designation of a certain area as an economic development target area under Indiana Code 6‑1.1.1‑12.1) was moved through first and second reading and referred to the economic development committee; council members said a traditional 10‑year tax abatement is expected as the proposed incentive for at least one of the projects. Council members discussed neighborhood impacts and the need for a public hearing and committee presentation before final action.
During public expression afterward, residents raised concerns about long tax abatements, neighborhood traffic and parking near the Dairy Bell site and about proximity to local schools. The council acknowledged the comments and scheduled committee meetings and a public hearing to allow developers to present plans and answer neighborhood questions.
All resolutions passed unanimously by roll call; the council set committee review and a public hearing dates for more detailed presentations and community input.
