Neighbors press board on unsafe property at 51 Web; city to issue 10-day notice and revisit May 1

Neighbors urged the Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety on April 17 to move faster on cleanup and demolition of a blighted property at 51 Web. Staff reported a tax-sale purchaser now holds title and that the city must reissue notice to the purchaser before ordering demolition, which will delay an immediate demolition order.

A resident told the board, "Specifically, the toilet is offensive," describing persistent trash and unsanitary conditions. City staff said a citation had been issued and recommended issuing a 10-day notice (a pink notice) for trash and debris; staff confirmed the board-up service had recently secured the front door and placed a no-trespassing mark. Staff said they will post and mail notice and put the matter back on the board's schedule for May 1.

Staff explained the legal constraint: because a tax-sale purchaser now appears on title, the city must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard before reissuing an order for demolition. The city will post the required notice, give 10 days for compliance, and then, if necessary, contractor cleanup and additional enforcement will follow. The board directed staff to return with a status update May 1.