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1 week ago

Festival of the Lakes headliners announced: Jelly Roll ticketed, Offspring free, Banda el Recodo returns City officials announced Festival of the Lakes headliners: a ticketed Jelly Roll show (mayor cited $500,000 in presales and roughly 14,000 capacity), a free Friday night set by The Offspring, and Sunday’s Latin night featuring Banda el Recodo. VIP options and remaining nights will be announced soon.

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Hammond’s Festival of the Lakes featuring Jelly Roll, The Offspring, and Banda el Recodo!

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1 week ago

Mayor spotlights downtown surge as South Shore trains near service and new projects arrive Hammond’s mayor told residents that the South Shore Line will begin rolling March 31 and highlighted private and public investments downtown — from Purdue’s Roberts Impact Lab to a repurposed bank, a Riverfront District ordinance and upcoming station construction — saying the projects signal sustained economic momentum.

Hammond's downtown is on the brink of a revival, with the South Shore Line set to launch on March 31 and a wave of exciting redevelopment projects transforming the area!

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2 weeks ago

Hammond mayor touts downtown revival as South Shore trains, lab and new housing near launch City leaders at a Mayor’s Night Out described a wave of downtown investment — a $10 million South Shore station project and Purdue-backed Roberts Impact Lab among them — and sought to frame new restaurant and housing incentives as part of a long-term recovery strategy for Hammond’s 2nd District.

Hammond's downtown is on the brink of a transformative revival with new train services, a cutting-edge lab, and a wave of housing investments that promise to reshape the city landscape!

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3 weeks ago

Council approves license agreement with Nature Conservancy for Market Greenway Trail Hammond approved a license agreement with The Nature Conservancy that allows the city to construct a portion of the Market Greenway Trail on Conservancy land where permanent easements are unavailable; the federally funded trail is scheduled for DOT letting in September.

Hammond's council just greenlit a groundbreaking partnership with The Nature Conservancy to build the Market Greenway Trail, paving the way for enhanced outdoor access!

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1 month ago

Hammond BZA approves StorageDEV Hammond LLC boat/RV and self-storage project at 3518 Sheffield Avenue The Hammond City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use and multiple developmental variances for StorageDEV Hammond LLC’s 21-acre boat and RV storage complex at 3518 Sheffield Avenue, including canopy-covered parking with solar panels and a separate climate-controlled storage building; approvals were subject to wetlands conservation, recorded commitment documents and other conditions.

Hammond’s Board of Zoning Appeals just greenlit a $20 million boat and RV storage complex that promises to bring jobs and eco-friendly features to the city!

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1 month ago

Residents tell Hammond council they’re worried about CoreWeave data‑center risks and a Parrish bridge plan During public expression, speakers praised the Cecil J. Harper naming and raised concerns about CoreWeave’s financial profile and potential environmental and utility impacts from a proposed data center, and a resident opposed a Parrish bridge project arguing it would not create a quiet zone and would harm Hessville neighborhoods.

Residents sounded the alarm at a recent council meeting, raising serious concerns about the financial risks of CoreWeave's data center and the disruptive impact of a proposed Parrish bridge project on their neighborhoods.

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1 month ago

Hammond mayor asks council to pause school property action, backs 4‑month data center extension as city eyes NFL stadium bid Mayor reported meetings with School City of Hammond seeking a March 31 pause on two high‑school property actions, urged a final four‑month extension for a Decennial Group/CoreWeave data center while awaiting possible state incentives under SB27, and outlined a $15 million YMCA gift and broader economic-development prospects tied to a stadium proposal.

Hammond's mayor is pushing for a pause on high-school property actions as the city eyes a potential NFL stadium bid and a game-changing extension for a data center deal.

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1 month ago

Hammond mayor hails bipartisan advance of Senate Bill 27 as framework for potential Chicago Bears stadium The mayor of Hammond told a packed council chamber that Senate Bill 27 — advanced 24-0 in the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee — creates a stadium authority and financing model to enable a potential Chicago Bears relocation to Hammond, while confirming property acquisition and local tax proposals would be part of the package.

Hammond's mayor just revealed a groundbreaking plan that could bring the Chicago Bears to Indiana, backed by a potential $1.5 billion state investment!

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2 months ago

Logan's Love, Project Lifesaver and Blue Envelope pilots push for stronger tracking and community supports after elopement tragedies At the Hammond City disabilities retreat, parents and nonprofit leaders described Logan's Love events, county Project Lifesaver funding and Portage Township's Blue Envelope/bracelet pilots intended to reduce harm from elopement. A parent recounted losing her child to an elopement-related train strike, underscoring advocates' calls for tracking and awareness programs.

Nicole's heart-wrenching story of losing her son to elopement highlights the urgent need for community safety measures and tracking technology to protect our most vulnerable.

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2 months ago

Ben's Blue Bags and a mobile sensory hub aim to give first responders tools to better assist people with autism At Hammond City's disabilities retreat, Crown Point fire Captain Matt Kodycek demonstrated Ben's Blue Bags, described a 300-square-foot Mobile Sensory Hub and urged first responders to use low-stimulation tactics and communication aids to de-escalate calls involving people on the autism spectrum. Presenters cited local deployments and fundraising but noted some program claims were presented without citation.

Captain Matt Kodycek unveils "Ben's Blue Bags," a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip first responders with tools to calm and communicate effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum.

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2 months ago

Hammond board conditionally approves $8.47 million contract for downtown train station The Hammond board gave conditional approval to a $8,474,000 construction agreement with Larson Danielson for the Downtown Hammond Train Station, allowing the contractor time to review and propose changes before final execution.

Hammond City is taking a major step forward with a conditional $8.47 million agreement for a new downtown train station, aiming for a St. Patrick’s Day launch!

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2 months ago

Redevelopment Commission approves LaSalle Hotel redevelopment deal with $1.38 million incentive The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on Jan. 20 approved a development agreement with Hammond LaSalle LLC to convert the former LaSalle Hotel at 5266 Homan Ave. into 24 apartments and two ground-floor commercial spaces, and to provide a $1,380,000 incentive paid in milestones; the vote was 5-0.

Hammond's historic LaSalle Hotel is set for a vibrant transformation into 24 modern apartments and bustling commercial spaces, backed by a $1.38 million incentive!

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2 months ago

Hammond council elects leadership, approves $8.10M in claims and confirms advisory appointments The Hammond City Common Council elected its president and vice president by acclamation/voice vote, approved $8,104,604.10 in claims, and confirmed appointments to the Gaming Advisory Committee and Capital Improvement Board with an amendment to the volunteer list.

The Hammond City Common Council made waves by electing new leadership and approving over $8 million in claims during their latest meeting!

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2 months ago

Hammond council approves stormwater fee; sanitary district pledges $1M to capital projects Council approved Ordinance 25-29 to add a stormwater user fee (about $1.25 first year) expected to raise $1,000,000 for the Capital Improvement Board in year one; Hammond Sanitary District officials outlined current stormwater spending and repair needs.

Hammond City Council just passed a new stormwater user fee that could raise $1 million in its first year to tackle flooding and aging infrastructure!

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2 months ago

Hammond board approves NDOT LPA greenway agreement, sets train-station bid schedule and funds Lawndale lighting design The board approved an INDOT LPA agreement for the Market/Marquette Greenway extension (no funding yet), set advertising and bid dates for the Downtown Hammond Train Station, and approved a $18,130 allocation from the fourth-district gaming fund to design Lawndale street lighting.

Hammond's Board of Public Works just greenlit major infrastructure developments, including the Market/Marquette Greenway extension and plans for a new downtown train station!

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2 months ago

Council approves PILOT for Renaissance Towers, cites downtown momentum The council approved Ordinance 25-28, a 30-year PILOT beginning 2027 for Renaissance Towers: $95,000 the first year with 3% annual increases. Council and mayor said the $27 million development and proximity to the train line are driving downtown investment.

Hammond City Council just greenlit a groundbreaking $27 million affordable housing project that promises to revitalize downtown and boost investor confidence!

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2 months ago

Mayor McDermott defends data center development, urges regulatory focus on IURC and generation capacity Asked about rising utility bills, Mayor Tom M. McDermott Jr. rejected blaming data centers alone and urged residents to pursue rate changes at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, while advocating for more generation capacity including nuclear to stabilize rates.

Mayor McDermott is tackling rising utility costs head-on, urging residents to focus their frustrations on state regulators while championing the future of energy in Hammond with an eye on nuclear power.

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2 months ago

McDermott touts $70 million in projects, Sportsplex momentum and downtown growth in State of the City At the Lakeshore Chamber State of the City, Mayor Tom M. McDermott Jr. highlighted roughly $70 million in new investment across downtown Hammond — including a $27 million, 100‑unit residential conversion — praised the Sportsplex’s role in driving hotel demand, and pointed to pending transit and quiet‑zone projects.

Hammond's future is bright with Mayor McDermott announcing a staggering $70 million in new projects, including a $27 million residential conversion and exciting developments to enhance downtown living!

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2 months ago

Hammond planning panel backs subdivision and rezoning for large storage, RV facility with solar canopy The City of Hammond Plan Commission voted unanimously Oct. 20 to approve a one‑lot subdivision and forward a rezoning recommendation to the city council for a climate‑controlled storage facility with about 311 solar‑canopied RV/boat stalls, subject to technical corrections and a recorded commitment restricting certain I‑1 uses.

Hammond's Plan Commission just greenlit an eco-friendly storage and RV facility that will transform underused land with solar canopies for over 300 vehicles!

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2 months ago

Redevelopment commission approves amendment to Sportsplex financing to lower borrowing costs The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on Oct. 21 approved Resolution No. 2025‑15 and related contract amendments to change the financing structure for the 2018 Sportsplex deal, citing a competitive offer that staff said reduces issuance costs and replaces a balloon scenario. The measures passed on unanimous votes.

Hammond's Redevelopment Commission has just approved a strategic amendment to the Sportsplex financing that could save taxpayers hefty costs and strengthen ties with Horizon Bank!

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2 months ago

Residents plan protest as mayor blames IURC and data-center demand for higher NIPSCO bills At Mayor's Night Out, residents and the mayor discussed steep NIPSCO utility bills; Mayor McDermott pointed to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as the body that sets rates and to data-center demand and retired generation capacity as drivers. A resident announced a Feb. 1 protest at NIPSCO’s Hammond office.

Residents are taking action against soaring NIPSCO bills, as Mayor McDermott points to the IURC and data-center demand for the steep increases.

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2 months ago

Hammond council adopts 2026 city budget, approves raises and related funds The Hammond City Council on Oct. 28 adopted the cityand related 2026 budgets, approved across-the-board pay adjustments and several related ordinances; one councilmember recorded the only no vote on the city budget. A statutory objection to the city budget was entered into the record.

Hammond City Council just approved the 2026 budget, setting the stage for key spending priorities and pay raises across departments!

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2 months ago

Mayor warns state property tax changes could force local income tax or layoffs in Hammond At Mayor's Night Out, Mayor Tom McDermott explained state-level bills that combine a $300 homeowner credit with local revenue cuts, saying Hammond faces roughly a $15 million hit that could force layoffs, referenda or a local income tax and prompting a citywide hiring freeze for non-public-safety positions.

Hammond is bracing for a staggering $15 million hit from state property tax changes, which could lead to local income taxes or layoffs that directly impact residents.

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2 months ago

Mayor warns SB1 will force local choices: $300 credit may shift $15M burden to Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott told attendees that a recent state bill (SB1) will reduce property tax revenue and could force Hammond to cut services, pass local income taxes, or seek referendums; the city has imposed a hiring freeze and prioritized public safety while uncertainty persists.

Mayor McDermott warns that a new state bill could slash Hammond's budget by $15 million, forcing tough choices on local taxes and services.

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2 months ago

Hammond board awards $8.474 million contract for Downtown Train Station The Board of Public Works and Safety voted to award an $8,474,000 contract to Larson Danielson for the Downtown Hammond Train Station, saying the project is funded by a food-and-beverage measure and should begin after a March service start; the board approved the award unanimously.

Hammond's Downtown Train Station is set to become a reality with an $8.4 million contract awarded to Larson Danielson, igniting hopes for enhanced local transportation by 2027!

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2 months ago

Mayor addresses rising utility bills, data centers and Hammond’s College Bound program Mayor Tom McDermott told attendees that higher utility bills reflect regulatory and supply issues more than data centers alone, urged residents to engage the IURC, and celebrated the 20th anniversary of Hammond’s College Bound scholarship program, which he said has cost the city about $60 million over two decades.

Mayor McDermott urges residents to address rising utility costs by engaging with the IURC, emphasizing that data centers aren't the sole culprits while celebrating two decades of the College Bound scholarship program investing in local education.

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2 months ago

Hammond showcases Sportsplex, downtown conversions and South Shore Line progress At the State of the City, Mayor Tom McDermott credited the Sportsplex transformation and announced additional downtown investments, a planned gateway station tied to the South Shore Line project, and quiet-zone work; he said South Shore stops are expected to open in March and that gateway work will follow.

Hammond's downtown is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the new Sportsplex, exciting hotel projects, and enhanced transit options that promise to revitalize the area!

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2 months ago

Hammond mayor says city is courting Chicago Bears, touts $70 million in new projects Mayor Tom M. McDermott Jr. told a packed State of the City at the Hammond Sportsplex that Hammond is actively pursuing the Chicago Bears and touted roughly $70 million in new downtown and waterfront projects, including a $27 million mixed-use redevelopment and multiple hotel investments.

Hammond is setting the stage to potentially welcome the Chicago Bears, backed by $70 million in new developments that could reshape the city's future!

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2 months ago

City staff updates BZA on South Shore 100 & 73rd Station plan amendment; two cases continued for Feb. meeting Staff briefed the board on a proposed plan amendment for the area around the South Shore 100 & 73rd Street Station and invited BZA members to public meetings; two cases (Z-26-03 and Z-26-04) were continued because notification requirements were not met.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the South Shore 100 & 73rd Street Station area, with plans that could reshape the community and bring new opportunities!

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2 months ago

Hammond council approves $20.5 million in claims, advances riverfront district and redevelopment plans At its Jan. 21 meeting the Hammond Common Council approved $20,512,960.89 in registered claims, passed multiple ordinances on first/second reading, and adopted redevelopment resolutions expanding North Hammond and establishing the Jacob Square residential program.

Hammond's Common Council just approved a staggering $20.5 million in claims and unveiled exciting new plans for downtown redevelopment!

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