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Resident criticizes mayor over putative plans for old-growth forest, raises concerns about school buildings and daycare relocation
Summary
A public commenter accused the mayor of supporting development that would bulldoze roughly 16 acres of old-growth forest for an overpass and townhomes, questioned spending priorities and raised concerns about the Challenger Learning Center and two abandoned high-school properties.
During public comment Mary Shones alleged the mayor is "wants to bulldoze 16 acres of old growth forest" in Hammond to build an overpass and townhomes and said the proposal would harm nearby neighborhoods and increase flooding risk. She questioned why the city would spend $20,000,000 on a bridge and urged the council to reconsider priorities. Her remarks directly named the mayor (she referred to "mayor McDermott") and criticized shifting explanations offered by city leaders.
Separately, residents and council members discussed two abandoned high-school properties (Clark and Gabbard). The mayor replied that School City Hammond had been asked to provide plans and had not complied in the timeline the city requested; he indicated further city action would be considered. Mary’s comment and the mayor’s response raised issues for follow-up: land‑use planning for the forested parcel, capital priorities, and next steps regarding the schools and the Challenger Learning Center, which the mayor said is considering a location outside Hammond.
