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Hammond council authorizes demolition of multiple blighted properties, grants some owners 30‑day reprieves and tables one case
Summary
Council approved a long list of demolition authorizations across council districts, approved 30‑day extensions in some owner‑requested cases, and tabled further action on at least one property while staff follows up with owners.
The Hammond City Council voted to authorize demolition proceedings for numerous blighted properties and discussed limited reprieves for owners who requested time to remove structures themselves.
City staff presented photographs and ownership lists for each address; council members moved to approve demolition authorization so the city can proceed with administrative steps and, when necessary, solicit bids. For properties where owners asked for time to act, council members discussed granting 30 days for the owner to obtain a demolition permit and complete the work themselves rather than the city contracting the demolition.
On 201 Mississippi Street an owner asked for 30 days to remove the structure. City staff and council members explained the administrative timeline: bids, permitting and scheduling typically mean demolition could take longer than 30 days, but a 30‑day hold prevents the city from demolishing during that window. City staff said demolition "shall not begin until at least 10 days after the notice is served," and that the overall bidding and contracting process can extend the timeline beyond the reprieve.
Calvin Cotton spoke to the council about 2808 Garner, saying he inherited the property after his father's death and is doing repair work himself but needs more time. Council members said they would follow up with the owner and in at least one case agreed to table the item to monitor progress.
Approvals covered addresses including (select list): 701 E. Louisiana Ave; 601 S. Mooney; 1403 Carbon Rd; 201 Mississippi St (reprieve discussed and tabled for follow up); 2808 Garner (owner requested additional time and council agreed to revisit); 2804 Garner and 2804B Garner; 615 Barn St; 608 E. Michigan; 17039 Holton Hill; 608 Campo St (owner given 30 days to demo themselves). Many resolutions passed by recorded council motions.
Staff noted that when multiple heirs are listed as owners the city attempts to notify known descendants and that demolition remains an administrative process once authorized by council.
Next steps: staff will serve required notices, solicit bids where applicable, and follow up with owners who requested time. Council directed staff to communicate with owners and return to the council if additional action or follow-up is needed.
