Board awards demolition contracts despite property owner’s pledge to rehabilitate 51 Webb

The Hammond City board awarded demolition contracts to J and M Industrial for several properties after the department recommended J and M as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The bid amounts listed for approval included $18,600 for 51 Webb, $4,800 for 829 Ames (garage), $4,800 for 2117 Sherman (garage), and $17,450 for 434 Vine.

"I'm the owner of the 51 Webb Street, Hammond, Indiana, and I'm trying to stop the demolition order on my property," said the property owner (speaker 7), who asked the board for more time and said he was attempting to pull permits and hire contractors. Staff responded that the city typically requires a $10,000 bond for rehab agreements and will not waive that requirement without proof of financial capacity and concrete plans.

Board members urged the owner to meet with department staff (Kelly Kearney and others) immediately to show proof of funding and a contractor schedule; the board proceeded to approve the awards. A motion to approve the bid awards passed on a voice vote.