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Residents decry fence at Brier Eastwoods; speakers raise tax-abatement and local project concerns
Summary
During public expression, residents criticized fencing and signage at Brier Eastwoods as a 'land grab', raised concerns about 10-year tax abatements, accessibility signage at a civic event, and proposed park and pedestrian-bridge projects; multiple speakers urged greater transparency and local protections.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the May 26 Hammond council meeting to press the city on land-use and planning issues.
Ken Rosk criticized recent fencing and warning signs at Brier Eastwoods, calling the action “nothing more than a blatant land grab” and saying the city had excluded volunteers who had cared for the woods. Rosk urged the council to reconsider the fences and signage and described the development as an overreach that discourages community access to green space.
Mary Shones and other commenters raised concerns about recurring 10-year tax abatements, questioning whether those incentives are always in the city’s best interest and asking for greater scrutiny of long-term tax breaks. Shones said repeated abatements may contribute to long-term tax burdens for homeowners.
Tom Casmerac reported accessibility problems at a recent civic-center flower giveaway and recommended clearer signage to the handicap entrance to prevent hazardous stairs-related incidents for older attendees.
Barb Parro presented a concept for a Veterans Memorial Parkway developed with Purdue University students that would include native plantings, a bike trail and space to honor veterans and asked the council to consider signing on to the planning effort.
Speakers also discussed concerns about a proposed pedestrian bridge and redevelopment projects; Anthony Hicks and other former officials urged follow-up and coordination with the mayor’s office. The public-comment period closed after a series of remarks and an adjournment motion.
No formal council action on the Brier Eastwoods fencing or tax-abatement policy was taken that night; speakers requested follow-up and investigation by staff.
