Residents press council for clarity after North Oaks proposes donating 15 acres to Northshore Tech; rezoning introduced

The Hammond City Council introduced a rezoning and related subdivision June 23 for 2700 West Park Avenue after a representative for North Oaks said the request is driven by a planned donation of 15 acres to Northshore Technical College.

Michael Watkins, representing North Oaks, told the council the rezoning from RS-11 to MX-C and associated parcel reconfiguration are needed to preserve access to remaining acreage and to accommodate the charitable conveyance. "This is really driven from our commitment to donate 15 acres to Northshore Technical College for their expanded campus," Watkins said.

Nearby residents raised concerns that mailed notices did not reach all adjacent Rue Simone properties and pressed the developer on what would happen to the remaining 21 acres behind their homes. Sylvester Marsh said he had seen an earlier plat showing the property could be covered by the school and asked whether the rezoning would allow commercial uses behind residential lots. North Oaks replied it currently has no plans to develop the 21 acres, that the parcel is intended to remain accessible and maintained, and that the school might take the land in a later phase but is not obligated to do so now.

Staff and the applicant agreed to follow up with the planning department and affected residents before the public hearing. Council members indicated the introduction could proceed while staff and the applicant clarified parcel boundaries, mailing lists and intended uses ahead of the formal public hearing and vote.