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News for Briar East Dune Woodlands

Date: January 26, 2025, 8:25 PM GMT

Executive Summary: The Briar East Dune Woodlands continue to be a focal point for community activism and environmental conservation efforts. Recent developments have included public meetings, social media campaigns, and urban planning discussions aimed at protecting this natural resource. The community’s efforts are captured in various media, including Instagram reels and city council meetings, highlighting the ongoing battle to preserve this unique area amidst urban development pressures.

Environmental Conservation

Save Briar East Dune Woodlands Campaign

An Instagram reel titled “Apologies for the lag between audio and video, this …” showcases the ongoing efforts to save the Briar East Dune Woodlands. The reel emphasizes the urgency of the situation and calls for public support to keep the woodlands from being declared null-and-void. The campaign, tagged with #SaveBriarEastWoods and #GrandAvenueSolution, underscores the community’s commitment to environmental preservation.

Instagram (Sep 16, 2024)

Urban Planning and Community Meetings

Hammond City Council Meeting – Impacted Area Discussion

During a Hammond City Council meeting, discussions centered on the “impacted area,” which includes the Briar East Dune Woodlands. The meeting touched on the potential implications of urban development on the area and the steps being taken to apply for protective measures. The council’s deliberations are crucial for understanding the future of the woodlands amidst development plans.

Facebook (Sep 25, 2023)

Hammond City Council Meeting – East Hammond Updates

Another city council meeting focused on updates related to East Hammond, which is in close proximity to the Briar East Dune Woodlands. The meeting addressed crime watch initiatives and community engagement, indirectly affecting the woodlands’ preservation efforts by fostering a stronger community presence and awareness.

Facebook (Oct 11, 2022)

Hammond City Council Meeting – Hard Rock Developments

A city council meeting discussed the impact of the Hard Rock’s new location on local businesses, including those near the Briar East Dune Woodlands. The discussion highlighted the economic pressures and potential development that could affect the woodlands’ preservation.

Facebook (Sep 26, 2022)

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https://www.jtnwi.org/news/4000-year-old-forest-under-threat-by-hammond-mayor

Timeline of Events

• 4,700 Years Ago: The High Tolleston Shoreline Dunes, which include what is now the Briar East Woods, are formed when Lake Michigan’s water level was much higher.
• Prior to 2021 The area known as Hessville experiences issues with stopped trains blocking railroad crossings, causing disruptions and creating safety concerns as students climb over trains.
• November 26, 2021: Ken Rosek creates the “Save The Briar East Dune Woodlands” petition on Change.org, aiming to preserve the woodlands from development.
• September 26, 2022: A Hammond City Council meeting discusses the impact of the Hard Rock’s new location on local businesses, including those near the Briar East Dune Woodlands, highlighting economic pressures that could affect the area’s preservation.
• October 11, 2022: A Hammond City Council meeting focuses on updates related to East Hammond, which is in close proximity to the Briar East Dune Woodlands and addresses crime watch initiatives.
• September 25, 2023: A Hammond City Council meeting discusses the “impacted area” including the Briar East Dune Woodlands, and potential implications of urban development.
• Prior to January 7, 2024: Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. announces plans to build an overpass that would cut through the Briar East Woods.
• January 7, 2024: Mike Santos publishes an article on Just Transition NWI website highlighting the proposed overpass project and the community’s opposition to it.
• September 16, 2024: An Instagram reel is posted emphasizing the need for public support to keep the woodlands from being declared null-and-void, with the hashtags #SaveBriarEastWoods and #GrandAvenueSolution
• January 2025 (ongoing): Community activism and discussions surrounding the Briar East Dune Woodlands continue, including public meetings, social media campaigns, and urban planning discussions.

Cast of Characters

• Thomas McDermott Jr.: The Mayor of Hammond, Indiana. He is advocating for the construction of an overpass through the Briar East Woods, despite community opposition. He is criticized for his lack of transparency and dismissive attitude toward constituents.
• Ken Rosek: A local environmental activist in Hessville who has taken the lead in organizing opposition to the overpass project. He started the “Save The Briar East Dune Woodlands” petition on Change.org.
• Lilia Wolf: A 17-year-old climate activist and student at Morton High School. She challenged Mayor McDermott’s lack of transparency at a Mayor’s Night Out event and was dismissed.
• Mike Santos: A lifelong resident of Hessville and a teacher at Scott Middle School. He wrote the article for Just Transition NWI highlighting the threat to the Briar East Woods, is part of the Just Transition NWI org.
• Dean Button: The City Engineer for Hammond, who mentioned there was room for 50 houses in the Briar East Woods area, fueling speculation about a future subdivision.
• Additional Notes:
• The “Just Transition NWI” organization plays a role in advocating for environmental protection and community organizing against the overpass project.
• The sources highlight concerns about gentrification and environmental racism related to the proposed development in Hessville.
• The community’s opposition to the overpass is driven by a desire to preserve the Briar East Woods, seen as a significant environmental and historical treasure.
• Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Reddit, and OpenSea are used to document the efforts and community involvement in protecting the Briar East Woods. Let me know if you need further information!