Hammond planning panel approves three‑lot subdivision at former Walmart; one commissioner recuses

The Hammond City Plan Commission voted to grant preliminary and final approval for a three‑lot subdivision of the former Walmart site at 1812–18128 165th Street, clearing the way for redevelopment and a condominium conversion of the existing building.

The petition from Woodmar Plaza LLC was presented by attorney Scott Yaney, who said the applicant plans to condominiumize the Walmart structure so existing tenants such as North Shore Health Centers and City Trends occupy separate condominium units while the balance of the building would be reserved for future users. "We're going to convert the existing Walmart building to a condominium, which just means divided property," Yaney said during his presentation. Yaney described two out‑lots and a northwest footprint that could accommodate a single 14,000‑square‑foot building or multiple retail/restaurant tenants.

Staff planner Mr. Poland told commissioners the plat meets subdivision control ordinance requirements and noted existing covenants and easements dating to 1997; staff recommended approval subject to technical corrections to the plat language. Poland said agency review produced no objections. The commission moved to approve the plat "subject to the technical corrections of the plat," and the motion passed with one abstention.

Commissioner William Hutton told the commission he "may have a conflict of interest on this case" and offered to follow the body’s guidance on participation; counsel advised that Hutton abstain and recuse himself from the vote. The approval was recorded with one abstention and the motion carried.

Yaney explained the intended chain-of-title steps the parties have agreed to before recording the plat: North Shore will transfer the footprint back to Woodmar, the plat of subdivision will be recorded, a condominium declaration will be recorded, and deeds for the condominium units will be issued so each owner’s title is clear. Yaney said a title company will hold documentation in escrow during the transfers.

Next steps specified by staff and the petitioner include completion of the technical corrections on the recorded plat, recording of the condominium declaration, and the subsequent deed transfers described by Yaney. The commission also voted to accept the staff report as findings of fact for the matter.