Owner jailed, translator asks for time as Hammond staff moves 51 Webb toward demolition

A translator, Sravan Kumar Mumbers, told the Hammond City Board of Building and Safety on July 30 that property owner Mayul (Maybel) Kumar Soni is currently in jail and expects release in roughly two weeks, and that Soni plans to work with a contractor to fix 51 Webb.

Staff said the city previously had a signed rehab agreement for the property but no work was performed. The inspections representative told the board the property remains in poor condition with no permits pulled and recommended continuing toward demolition unless the owner provides proof of financing and a clear plan. The board voted to forward the demolition bids to inspections for review and set 51 Webb for a status update on Aug. 13, 2026.

"If he gets out and he has the financial means and a plan, you can get a hold of Jordan," the chair said, promising staff contact information for the owner. City staff estimated the contracting and notification process could take roughly four to six weeks if demolition proceeds.

The meeting record shows two bids had opened earlier for the agenda group's listed demolition projects: J and M Industrial Services at $45,650 and UES Underground Excavating Solutions at $49,558. The board's motion to forward the matter to inspections and to set the Aug. 13 status passed by voice vote.