Hammond Board continues event‑space conditional‑use request after occupancy and safety questions

The Hammond Board of Zoning Appeals continued a conditional‑use petition for an event space at 1424–1430 Michigan Street (Z‑26‑11) after staff, building and fire officials said they need life‑safety and egress drawings to set a safe occupancy limit.

Petitioner Raul Correra described plans to operate small, family‑oriented events with roughly 30 on‑site parking spaces and proposed hours that would typically close at 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and midnight on weekend nights. Staff explained that an occupancy greater than 49 requires either two ADA‑compliant emergency exits or a double‑door ADA exit and a 200‑foot path of travel to exits; the building commissioner and the fire department must review a life‑safety plan before staff can set conditions.

Public comment was split. Second‑district Councilman Alonso Selenus III said he surveyed neighbors and supports the proposal and that police recommendations exist; he told the board he would support the project when it goes to council. Neighbor Hector Renas opposed the use, alleging a pattern of disruptive activity at the site, including loud music and on‑site mechanic work; Renas said he had called law enforcement in the past. Correra said prior activity consisted of private family gatherings and denied operating as a licensed venue without required permits.

Because the life‑safety and occupancy question remained unresolved, the board voted to continue Z‑26‑11 to the June 30 meeting so the petitioner can provide the requested drawings and staff can obtain formal recommendations from the building commissioner and fire department. Staff advised that no re‑notification of the public hearing is required but suggested neighbors attend the June 30 meeting if they wish to present further input.

What happens next: the petitioner is to submit the building/exiting diagrams and staff will update its report with building and fire department recommendations prior to the June 30 hearing.