On the evening of August 21, the 14th annual “Hot August Nights” in Hammond was hotter than ever, but I am not talking about the temperature. Although it had rained earlier in the afternoon, the streets were jam- packed with people from throughout the Florida parishes seeking out new businesses, old friends and plenty of entertainment.
Hammond’s Downtown Development District was created by the Louisiana state legislature in 1986, and in 1987 the Downtown Development District was formed. Its major goal is to upgrade and improve downtown Hammond. In carrying out its mission, the downtown Development District Authority can, through a vote of the citizens living in the district, assess themselves a property tax millage specifically dedicated for the use in the district. The City of Hammond serves as its Fiscal agent.
In the early 1980’s, downtown Hammond was a ghost town. Sure, there were your mainstay businesses you see today like the Crescent Bar, Brady’s, Mariner’s Inn and the Brown Door, but most of everything else in the area was falling apart. Buildings were literally crumbling before your eyes.
Boy, things have changed dramatically in twenty years. The renaissance of Hammond is here!
Terry Lynn Smith, Hammond’s DDD Executive Director, said, “This is a wonderful concept the state has put in place for us. Not only for us in Hammond, but also for cities throughout Louisiana and the United States. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, we all left the downtown area and it deteriorated. We have so many beautiful places in downtown and we just walked off and left it.
“The state had the wisdom and said we are going to have downtown development districts and historic commissions and we are going to save these cities and bring people back. There are people here that would not live anywhere else but downtown Hammond. They want to walk to eat and be entertained,” said Smith. “The DDD started off with some really unique people. There were building owners, business owners and civic minded people who came together to get us started.”
Philip Nicaud, Chairman of the Board for Hammond’s DDD, said, “This area is very unique. The property owners, as well as the residents who live on the east and west side of the tracks, were the major drivers of who will be represented on the board. The mayor is an ex-officio member and the city council approves our budget. However, we are self-governed as a department of the State of Louisiana. The district encompasses three city blocks on the east side and four city blocks on the west side of the tracks. It stretches from approximately to the train depot to the north and south to near where the Harley Davidson store is located.”
Mayson Foster, Mayor of Hammond, said, “I think the success of what’s happening in downtown Hammond is attributed to the ability of event organizers to bring and hold successful events in the downtown area. For example, the Smokin’ Blues and BBQ is held downtown. Next year, we will have a Harley Davidson ‘Hog Rally,’ where we expect 2,500 Harley owners coming downtown. We have Starry November night, Hot August Nights and our Mardi Gras parade, all of which are held in downtown Hammond.”
Recently, the voters of the Hammond DDD passed a renewal of its property tax millage of (14.16) mills, which will generate approximately $180,000 for the year. Residents on both the east and the west of the railroad line supported the board of directors and its mission and goals. Smith said, “We were very fortunate in May of 2009, as the voters supported our renewal millage. So, when they said yes, we were given not only the authority to continue, but also the willingness and encouragement to put forth our efforts to make this a better community. We look to find what’s viable and valuable for our merchants and our residents that make this area beautiful, prosperous and safe.”
“In the past, the board members in the ‘80s and ‘90s did an excellent job in preparing the city and encouraging investment in the city. Our job is to promote and expose this Hammond and its downtown area to as many people as we can. We have forged new initiatives with companies like Lamar Outdoor with digital advertising in Baton Rouge near the Mall of Louisiana, and in Metairie at Lakeside Mall with the message ‘Come see Downtown Hammond’,” said Nicaud. “West St. Tammany, Livingston. Washington and St. Helena Parishes is the sleeping giant for new growth.”
The Hammond DDD has worked hard with the City of Hammond to provide a safe environment to do business. There have been a number of infrastructure projects including sidewalk projects, parking lots, garbage receptacles, street lighting and trees. Yes, trees in downtown Hammond. “We have also helped with the trees. Trees have become like diamonds. The heavy snowstorm that hit Tangipahoa Parish hard in December of 2008 had really damaged a great number of the old oak trees. The snow and ice had broken many limbs off of some historic oaks. We are fertilizing and planting trees,” said Smith.
“You have to give credit to the property owners downtown. There were many property owners who put their money where their hearts lie, and that’s downtown Hammond. It has taken twenty years of real development to bring back downtown Hammond. We need to continue improvements like a parking facility, more retail development. The residents who already live here absolutely love this area, and I think we will grow residentially and see an increase in boutique shops,” said Foster. “The DDD board has worked closely with the new Hammond Square Mall. These two developments go hand in hand.”
“We have a group of volunteers made up of bankers and lawyers that manage our revolving loan program made available by the United States Department of Agriculture. It has over $300,000 available in its coffers. This is set up very much like a bank loan for merchants to access for inventory or building renovations if needed. Fortunately, I have a banking background, which has helped me get this program off the ground, “ said Smith.
“Also available is a façade grant for merchants who want to put up new signs or awnings. It is a two-to-one matching grant program where, if you spend two dollars, we will give you one for these types of upgrades. They go through the historic commission for final approval on these improvements, of course. This keeps us honest,” She said.
Downtown Hammond has made the effort to be significant and special in the business, education and entertainment environment. So, if you have not had the opportunity to visit the Downtown Hammond area, you need to set some time aside and find out what all the excitement is about.
“Come shop, dine, live and experience downtown Hammond! It is a rich historical and cultural downtown. Come park in our free parking lots and slow down and walk the streets. Our motto should be park, walk and see where the sidewalks take you,” said Nicaud.