Board affirms demolition orders, rescinds one demo for sold lot and hears public parking concerns
April 03, 2026 | Hammond City, Lake County, Indiana
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The Hammond City safety meeting addressed several demolition and property-status items, affirming demolition orders for garages in serious disrepair and rescinding an order for a vacant lot that staff said is being sold.
Staff described notices issued under the Unsafe Building Act and the enforcement process, provided property-owner names and mortgagee information where available, and recommended affirming demolition orders to proceed to bid for properties that appear to be on the verge of collapse. For one vacant lot at 2619/67th Street, staff reported it is in contract for sale and recommended rescinding the demolition order; the board recommended rescission and concurred.
On other properties, staff reported progress (for example, vehicles and trailers removed near Chuck and Irene's garage on Kennedy Avenue) and set status dates: a status hearing was set for 05/28/2026 for the Kennedy Avenue matter and a follow-up status for a different property was set for 06/04/2026 when an HVAC manifold delay may be resolved. The board affirmed demolition orders for garages where proper notice has been given and the inspections department recommended orders be upheld.
During public comment, Marius Balchis (who identified himself and said he represents 5217 Homan) and Mike Sabragano spoke about stalled redevelopment tied to parking availability for that property. Staff advised the speakers to engage with the redevelopment commission and city staff (including an Anne and Juan mentioned in the discussion) to explore parking options; staff said final redevelopment solutions—such as dedicated parking—are beyond the safety board's typical function and are often handled by redevelopment authorities.
The board also handled a late business-license hearing for Purdy & Minks; staff reported the applicant missed two years of registration citing pregnancy/postpartum and the board agreed to apply late fees for both years. The meeting adjourned after the board recommended closure of business.
Staff described notices issued under the Unsafe Building Act and the enforcement process, provided property-owner names and mortgagee information where available, and recommended affirming demolition orders to proceed to bid for properties that appear to be on the verge of collapse. For one vacant lot at 2619/67th Street, staff reported it is in contract for sale and recommended rescinding the demolition order; the board recommended rescission and concurred.
On other properties, staff reported progress (for example, vehicles and trailers removed near Chuck and Irene's garage on Kennedy Avenue) and set status dates: a status hearing was set for 05/28/2026 for the Kennedy Avenue matter and a follow-up status for a different property was set for 06/04/2026 when an HVAC manifold delay may be resolved. The board affirmed demolition orders for garages where proper notice has been given and the inspections department recommended orders be upheld.
During public comment, Marius Balchis (who identified himself and said he represents 5217 Homan) and Mike Sabragano spoke about stalled redevelopment tied to parking availability for that property. Staff advised the speakers to engage with the redevelopment commission and city staff (including an Anne and Juan mentioned in the discussion) to explore parking options; staff said final redevelopment solutions—such as dedicated parking—are beyond the safety board's typical function and are often handled by redevelopment authorities.
The board also handled a late business-license hearing for Purdy & Minks; staff reported the applicant missed two years of registration citing pregnancy/postpartum and the board agreed to apply late fees for both years. The meeting adjourned after the board recommended closure of business.
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