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Hammond Plan Commission unanimously recommends rezoning for proposed $25M crane factory
Summary
The Hammond Plan Commission voted 8–0 May 18 to forward a rezoning petition for 5009 Calumet Avenue so UESCO Industries can build a 70,000‑sq‑ft overhead bridge crane manufacturing facility. Staff emphasized floodplain protections and parcel boundary work; one nearby church representative attended to learn about the project.
The Hammond Plan Commission voted unanimously May 18 to recommend that the Hammond City Council rezone 5009 Calumet Avenue to allow a 70,000‑square‑foot manufacturing facility proposed by UESCO Industries Incorporated.
The petition, described by the petitioner as a $25,000,000 investment that would bring "over a 100 jobs to our community that are accessible jobs," was presented to the commission during the meeting's new business. The petitioner said the facility would employ fabricators, electricians, service technicians, engineers and office staff, include an eight‑step cross‑training program, and offer benefits such as 401(k) matching and health coverage.
Staff reviewed the parcel history and recommended a favorable referral to city council. "Staff recommends that the plan commission forward the petition to rezone to the city council with a favorable recommendation," the staff presentation stated, noting that part of the property already carried I‑2 zoning and that parcel boundaries had been scrutinized to protect the North Bank of the Grand Calumet River, the floodplain and an existing force main.
A single public commenter, Lester Stokes of Bethel Church of God in Christ (815 Michigan Street), identified himself as a nearby property owner, said he had received notice and attended to learn about the application, and raised no substantive objections during the hearing.
After staff and petitioner remarks, Commissioner O'Pinker moved, and Commissioner Kazmierczak seconded, that the commission forward the rezoning petition to the Hammond City Council with a favorable recommendation. The commission approved the motion on roll call, 8 ayes, 0 nays. The commission also voted, 8–0, to adopt the staff report as a preliminary finding of fact.
The commission's favorable recommendation does not itself rezone the property; it forwards the petition to the Hammond City Council for its decision. Staff reminded commissioners to keep calendars open for the next plan commission meeting on June 15.
