Plan commission approves Crossroads YMCA consolidation, development plan and PUD amendments; water park targeted for 2027

The Hammond City Plan Commission unanimously approved three related items that together clear the way for expansion of the Crossroads YMCA sports complex at 6532 Indianapolis Boulevard: a one‑lot consolidation plat, final approval of a three‑phase development plan, and text amendments to the Hammond Sports Facilities PUD.

James Huss of DVG Team presented the consolidation plat and broader master plan on behalf of Crossroads YMCA. Huss said the consolidation merges three existing lots into one to accommodate phased construction, including demolition of two north commercial buildings and later construction of a water park and expanded parking. "The intent is for those [north] buildings to be demolished," Huss said. Jay Buckmaster, representing Crossroads YMCA, estimated demolition of the first lot could begin in spring and said, "So we're hoping for an opening of the '27."

Staff summarized technical points for the consolidation: released utility and access easements on the site, outstanding detention/drainage certification language requested by the city engineer, and confirmation that the signalized entrance on Indianapolis Boulevard is now operational — a factor staff said improves site circulation. Staff recommended approval of the consolidation plat, final development plan, and the PUD text amendments to PUD Supplement No. 4 (amendments to Ordinances 93‑78 and 95‑72 and Zoning Ordinance 85‑14) and asked the commission to forward the text amendments to city council with a favorable recommendation.

The commission moved and voted unanimously to grant preliminary and final approval of the consolidation plat and to adopt the development plan and PUD text amendments; all votes were recorded 9–0. Commissioners accepted staff reports as findings of fact on each item.

Next steps include completion of outstanding technical plat language (notably the detention/drainage certification requested by the city engineer), recording of the consolidation plat, final technical review, and, for the PUD amendments, forwarding the ordinance to Hammond City Council with staff’s favorable recommendation. Petitioners and staff said additional details about demolition timing and phased construction will follow as leases and demolition schedules are finalized.