Redevelopment commission approves purchase agreement for 5643 Seoul Avenue; nonprofit pastor outlines housing plan

The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on Monday approved a purchase agreement for 5643 Seoul Avenue with Seoul Development Group LLC, doing business as Keystone Communities. Commissioners voted 5-0 to authorize the sale and an associated option for additional nearby parcels.

Pastor Callaway, representing Intermission (a local nonprofit that runs the Claude Street shelter), outlined a three-pronged approach: supportive services tied to housing, plans for 19 four-bedroom townhomes in Douglas Point (Jacob Square) and an intention to move residents from "surviving to thriving." Callaway said Intermission expects to begin building within 12 months and aims to complete the buildings within five years, using a mix of nonprofit, public and private financing.

Staff described the parcel as an empty redevelopment lot and said the purchase price and earnest money were included in the packet. Commissioner Myricks moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Tomage, and the motion passed on a roll-call vote (five yeses). The commission thanked Pastor Callaway and wished the group well.

The agreement positions Intermission and Seoul Development Group to proceed with zoning, permitting and financing steps necessary for construction and supportive programming.