Munster reopens bridge over Little Cal after complaint by Hammond mayor

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BY BILL DOLAN
bdolan@nwitimes.com
219.662.5328 | Thursday, October 09, 2008 | (104 comment(s))

Hammond and Munster officials fought Wednesday for control of the Northcote Avenue bridge, which has been barricaded and reopened several times this week.

Munster Town Manager Tom DeGiulio said Wednesday afternoon the town was reopening the bridge after Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. appealed to Lake County commissioners to keep the road open.

However, DeGiulio said the bridge will either have to be elevated or walled off when the Little Calumet River levee system is completed.

County commissioners find themselves in the middle of the dispute because they own the span over the recently flooded waterway.

DeGiulio said the town closed its end of the bridge Tuesday and Wednesday to restrict traffic in the recently flood-damage area on the river's southern shore while reclamation work continued.

Munster Town Councilman Robert Mangus said he is irritated at McDermott for making an issue out of the bridge closures.

"If he had a problem, he should have come to us directly -- not go around us to the commissioners," Magnus said.

McDermott said he had his reasons for going directly to commissioners.

"I went to the commissioners because I've heard a lot of grumbling lately that the bridge should be shut down permanently," the Hammond mayor said. "It's an important way for many parts of Hammond to (Munster's) Community Hospital. (Indiana Department of Transportation) has designated it as a traffic collector road. Closing the Northcote bridge would be a disaster for Hammond's long-term interests."

But Munster Town Council President Helen Brown said, "It's a very sleepy street. People going to the hospital would have to go west of there anyway. At this time, our uppermost concern is flooding problems."

There is no dispute the bridge's surface is 2 or more feet below the top of a proposed earthen dam designed to wall off homes on either side of the river from future flood crests.

Brown said Munster residents near the bridge also have worried about increased traffic.

County Commissioner Fran DuPey, D-Hammond, said there also were complaints of scavengers crossing the bridge into Munster and "treasurer hunting" through debris removed from recently flooded homes.

McDermott said he had Hammond police officers patrol those Munster neighborhoods to ward off looters.

"We did everything we could to reach out to them in their time of need, and now the bridge is being shut down for no other reason than that they don't want us in that neighborhood. It's not neighborly," McDermott said.

Lake County Highway Department Superintendent Marcus Malczewski said Munster doesn't have the authority to close the bridge but can control its portion of the bridge's access.

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Megan Kaye wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:57 PM:

" I used to live in Hammond right next to the bridge and yes we were flooded a few times... but it'd be better if we just fixed the bridge rather than shut it down completely. That bridge holds Hammond and Munster together... it is a fast route for those of us stuck in between indy and columbia. Now I understand where Hammond people think this is all about demographics, Munster is known for their money and talkin trash about those who are less fortunate, however we need to come together and create a solution to benefit both sides. If this issue grows it will only make more tension between the joining areas and we all know that is unneccessary. "

Wicker Park Resident wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:32 PM:

" The bridge needs to be closed for flood protection reasons.. It has nothing to do with Hammond's demographic and all to do with protecting our neighborhood from another flood.. "

A.A. wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:21 PM:

" NWI RESIDENT, YOU MUST BE A GOOF BALL!
AT ST. JOHN BOSCO(IN HAMMOND) WE RAISED OVER $5000 AND DONATED THE EXTRA ITEMS FROM OUR ITALIAN NIGHT TO THE FLOOD VICTIMS, AT THE TIME MOST OF WHICH IN WERE IN MUNSTER. WE FELT SO BAD FOR THE PEOPLE AND HOPEFULLY BROUGHT A HOT MEAL AND SOME FORM OF COMFORT TO THEM..YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF..SOME HAMMOND RESIDENTS ARE NOT GANG MEMBERS..JUST GOOD MEMBERS OF SOCIETY..OUR SOCIETY..AND THAT INCLUDES MUNSTER...I HOPE SOMEDAY YOU CAN BE THERE FOR US WHEN WE HAVE A TRAGEDY! "

Hey guess what wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Hey everyone, The bridge is open and not a single one of your complaints or comments is going to change that. So on to the next gripe, nothing to see here. "

NWI Resident wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:30 PM:

" Truth: that bridge is on the side of Munster touching Hammond. The bridge is also by the trashy, degenerate side of Munster. The rest of Munster is beautiful. Maybe the bridge should stay closed so that there aren't any more gang affiliates being gutted in that part of Munster. The Hammond disease will continue to spread unless it is cut off at its entry point. I know that sounds awful, but I don't think there is a nice way to tell that truth. "

true patriot wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:53 PM:

" but when hammond built the wall on state line road to keep out the wonderful(sic) citizens of cal city, their mayor said the same thing and he didn't care.
"....now the bridge is being shut down for no other reason than that they don't want us in that neighborhood. It's not neighborly," McDermott said.

Hello pot, meet kettle! "

To My Perspective wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Sheesh, go to counseling! "

the dude wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:39 PM:

" stay out of munster lebowski!! stay out!! we don't need your goldbrickin kind around here. jackie treehorn draws alot of water in this town, you don't draw squat!! "

Hammond residentGary born wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:51 AM:

" All this fuss about the bridge from Hammond to Munster. Ask McDermott why is 165th in Hammond which is 9th Ave in Gary, still closed off between Hammond and Gary. Hammond closed this street years ago and it still is closed. That is a vital traffic area for Gary residents as well. Gary residents have to either go to 169th or Michigan St and come back up to 165th to get to a place on 165th in Hammondthey are trying to go. This sounds like a double standard situation to me. "

Getting Worse wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:38 PM:

" You people are all insane! Grow up! "

Gillian wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:39 PM:

" I was getting everyone i could to voting booths, to vote in a different mayor-that is what I was doing! I am still ready to swing hammder with any wrcking crew that want ti meet in the dead of nite,and corrent that stupid mistake!!!!
I know the history of the area for almost 50 years, more than most. I have helped from day one for Munster-that is why these neagative comments sting me so. Munster-where do you think Hammond shops-Munster!!! Not me! I am boycotting after reading these comments. You do not want my child in your parks, well, then my money is not any good for you either!

I am noty some stupid lady talking out of the side of her mouth-I am frustrated and deeply hurt by these comments, after living in the region for 46 years--are we not together in this? United we stand, divided we fall! BF "

My Perspective wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Imagine returning to your house after a flood and trying to get your life together...Now imagine trying to get your life and property back in order as people fly down your devastated street and junk collectors sift through the discarded remains of your personal belongings. Closing the bridge allowed those working on their homes to work in peace. Should the bridge be closed in the future? That remains to be seen. So in the meantime stop making this a city against city issue and work together to right this ship. And to Gilligan, don't volunteer for the purpose of throwing it in other's faces later. The world is better off without volunteers like you. "

RE Gillian wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:23 PM:

" I used to live in Hammond and Munster too, but your comments are just as ignorant as everyone else's! Sounds to me like you wish you never helped a soul! Well, go ahead and say that, because it makes you just as rotten! If you hate towns being closed off from one another, then where were you when HAMMOND closed off State Line all the way to 165th and now Illinois people can't cross over into Indiana? Go crawl back under that rock, because you're not talking out of your mouth, lady!! "

Gillian wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:43 PM:

" In a disaster, that neighborhood has only 4 exists to evac out of, and you are talking about taking one away. In the 80's the was a hazmat issue on the borman and that Hammond area had to evac-and could not use the two hammond exits, only through Munster. I also say this, Hammond and those house all existed before those houses in Munster. My father fought the flood in the 50's and built those banks, when Munster was still farms. These comments hurt me to the core. To close the bridge, to separate towns. Then who do we or can we turn to for help. makes me wish I never did all the volunteering, donations, and crying i done for all of you Munster people. I am a Hammond person, and I grew up in that neighborhood. Always been prood of it. "

race wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:41 PM:

" As a Hammond resident, I say yes, close the bridge. In fact, I say wall off ALL roads, bridges and paths between Hammond and Munster. With the attitude that they have towards us, I do not want Munster residents doing business in my fair city, or even showing up in my city.
Have a long and interesting life. "

Munster Resident wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:34 AM:

" The Northcote bridge will either have to be raised or closed, if nothing else for flooding concerns. I know out here near Hohman they raised the bridge over the Little Calumet River a couple of feet. While it didn't prevent flooding, it delayed the flooding until Sunday and reduced the flood's effects. If that bridge hadn't been built, I'd hate to think what would have happened Saturday. "

Tim S wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:54 AM:

" We should let these people live behind their walls. They no longer think we belong to the same society as theirs, they've abandoned the cites and moved to unwelcoming gated communities where they can enjoy the company of their own. If we are developing a bizarre form of multi-culturalism, I'd rather not have them in my view, as they only make a beautiful day uncomfortable with their only too obvious attitudes and disturb the quiet thoughtfulness of a nice bike ride. Their walls can't block the sunshine and the air, even while their thoughts can block my freedom. In the long run their position will loose. If you remember the story, long after the plague had passed, the peasants found the aristocrats who had perished behind the castle walls. Hammond's walls are as stupid as Munsters. You people need to find a life, I'm going to live mine regardless. I find all this disgusting. "

RE RE To Blah wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:36 AM:

" Hi again Blah - my are you insecure.

Nope, no 'beach front property here'.

I am very happy with my acquisitions - no regrets.

You need to move away so you can, hopefully, overcome your jealous, insecure nature. I know it is tough not to be living in Munster and speculating about your 'south of 30' choice. I would be the same way! "

KARMA wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:10 PM:

" What goes around ; comes around; anyone remember 165th st./9th ave..

I say close it, the people of Munster's concerns are just as valid as those of the residents of Hessville. Remember that barrier was errected in response to a flooded neighborhood also. "

Salzeider wrote on Oct 13, 2008 6:17 PM:

" We are all missing the point. The bridge (other than a convenience for few) is obsolete. It serves no emergency vehicle use as fire is provided up to the city lines on both ends and ambulance service other than the foremost southeast end of the Hammond neighborhood would use Columbia as the main thoroughfare to Munster hosptals. The incresased traffic that the bridge provides to both sides of the river is unnecessary and unsafe for the neighborhoods and is easily rerouted to INdy,columbia, river rd etc. Home values would increase on both side of the river by insuring the nice quite neighborhoods everyone covets. The bridge is obsolete because it will serve in its present capacity as a weakness to the flood system. People say we will just have to sandbag it when a flood happens. Wil you trust the government to do so, I won't in Munster, Mc will not be there forever and we can't put that responsibility on the citizens. In turn something will have to be done i.e.lock system, raising etc which in turn costs money. Yank it out, it has served it's purpose, it has no quantifiable value and it only poses future problems "

Effing Idiots wrote on Oct 13, 2008 5:10 PM:

" Seriously people. This Munster and Hammond crap needs to stop.
People in Munster not wanting people from Hammond there and vice versa.
Get over it!
As for Thunders comment about not wanting the Hammnond children playing in the parks and riding bikes on the streets... They are PUBLIC parks and PUBLIC streets. Do you know the meaning of that???
What is so different between the children of Hammond and Munster. There are as many bad seeds in Munster as there are in Hammond. There is good and bad in every neighborhood, but most people are too ignorant to realize that just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not there.
If Munster is so much better than Hammond then why is it that YOU were the ones under water? You were declared a disaster area? Hammond was busy uniting to sandbag while the yuppies of Munster were trying think of ways to pay someone to do the work for them so they wouldn't have to get their precious hands dirty...Now who is crying out for help??? "

Thunder wrote on Oct 13, 2008 3:38 PM:

" I grew-up in Munster, moved to the city for eight years and have recently returned to Munster. As a child, I remember the bridge providing a quick trip to the Country Club and the Carson's Department Store; however, now that both are gone or nearly gone, it only provides a means for a view of the back of Cabela's, the soon to be waterpark, and rundown/discheveled Gavit High School. Unfortunately, leaving the bridge open so many years through Hammond's continued deterioration, has lead to the rise of crime in Munster, unsupervised children crossing the bridge to play in our parks and ride bikes on our streets and much unwanted traffic. Many affluent Illinois suburbs (not those near Northwest Indiana) have used walls, both tall and short, to seperate towns from each other, protect from possible high rising rivers and shut-out the noise or site of busy traffic ways. These walls have allowed towns to maintain their "elite status" and have helped draw homebuyers who were more than willing to spend the money and energy to maintain their property. Munster should do the same and regain its glory as an affluent Indiana town. "

Re to Munster blah wrote on Oct 13, 2008 2:29 PM:

" Who in their right mind would own 2 homes in Lake County? Sounds like you have more dollars than sense? I bet your Munster home is worth so much today because it is now considered beach front property. Sell one of your cars and buy a boat, sounds like you would get some use from it. "

To Munster BLAH BLAH BLAH wrote on Oct 13, 2008 12:35 PM:

" I just bet YOU live south of Rt. 30 and you are trying to draw attention to how 'affluent' you and your neighborhood is, well guess what, you don't have a clue!

I own my beautiful, large, home NORTH OF ROUTE 30 as well as a home on a lake 'south of route 30'. Some of my neighbors have more than I do and some do not. I am very, very comfortable and happy in my Munster neighborhood and very financially secure. Re: the 'real money' that you speak of - some are as financially secure as I am and many are not! Tied up in mortgages that they cannot afford with car payments that they cannot afford as well. Oh, did I mention that I OWN two cars. When I say 'own' it is almost like a foreign langues however, my home, assessed at $349,000 NORTH of Rt 30 is paid for. My lake home, assessed at $289,000 IS PAID FOR as are my cars.

I have seen your Munster Blah Blah Blah post before, you must have a complex. "

yes Dave stay in Griffith wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:24 AM:

" Stay put Dave, Gary needs all the support and money it can get from you! "

Munster blah blah blah wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:22 AM:

" The real money lives south of Route 30. "

Milly wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:21 AM:

" I live in Wicker Park Estates and I have no problem with the bridge staying opening. My husband and I both use the Northcote bridge to visits friends that live in Hammond and vis versa. My concern is the amount of traffic with people driving down our residential streets way over the posted speed limit. We do not have street lights or sidewalks in this part of town. My concern is for the families that are walking or riding their bikes and have no choice but to ride/walk in the street. I have seen my neighbors car totaled by someone driving too fast down the street and because the street is narrow and allows parking on both sides, the man plowed into a parked car. As far as thinking I am better than Hammond people, I don't think that, I am just proud to be a Hoosier. "

Duh wrote on Oct 12, 2008 8:05 PM:

" McDermott started it by bypassing the Town of Munster and whining directly to the County.

By the way - bridge is open
:) "

hammond girl wrote on Oct 12, 2008 3:23 PM:

" why are munster people sooo inconsiderate?? who cares if hammond people come into munster? munster people come into hammond and noone says anything about that... do we? what are you guys tryin to say about hammond people? there are people who dont even have somewhere to live right now and all you fools are arguing over a bridge!!!! COME ON!!! quit thinkin about yourself(munster) and this bridge!!! regardless if the bridge is open, us hammond people are getting to munster eiether way!!! MUNSTER GIVE UP!!! its not worth all this arguing! "

FORMER HAMMOND RESIDENT wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:54 PM:

" i cant believe what im reading. you think this flood would teach some Munster residents we are all equal. it just shows how stuck up some people could be just because they live in Munster, then again what do expect from a town that builds 300,000 homes next to a land fill. And Munster people believe it or not ,their are nicer areas then Munster. for example Crown point!!! go BULLDOGS!!! "

Dave wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:04 PM:

" I am considering buying a house in that neighborhood, so i can visit my daughter and granddaughter who live on the north side of the river. However, without that bridge, i should just stay in griffith. I would like to thank all the politicians for acting like complete morons in this issue. I guess my money and I will remain in Griffith. "

Shoreline wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:25 AM:

" Bravo to "Stay in South County"! I hate strip malls with those cheap looking signs and phony facades! And not to mention the generic food and merchandise! Gotta go--for a walk along the lakefront on a lovely fall day... "

ZOOK wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:58 AM:

" To All Who Have Posted a
Comment:
GRANT THAT I MAY NOT
CRITICIZE MY NEIGHBOR UNTIL
I HAVE WALKED A MILE IN
HIS MOCCASINS (WET OR DRY). "

hallllloooo wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:09 AM:

" Those Munster homes were worth a lot of money and the people that lived there could afford them. East of the river the people are in the same situation they bought what they could afford. In either case a home is lost. Put a price on that! Obviously some people dont read any articles with the word Gary in them or they would know the design of the levy was to allow flood gates to be applied by whatever city to close off and prevent flooding. None of this would have prevented the water from flowing into Munster over obvious low spots on their side of the river "

Hammond Resident wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:36 AM:

" Wow - did a munster resident just say they wanted to keep us Hammond people out? My 15 year old son and his friends were on the Munster side of that bridge helping to sandbag - I guess next time I'll tell them they have to stay on the Hammond side as they're not welcome over there! "

To Helllllooooo wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:16 AM:

" You say>>> There are bridges in Gary where the flood project is finished that are lower then the levy. The idea is to block the bridge off "BEFORE" the water tops the bridge. It would have been a much shorter trip for the Hammond dump trucks hauling Munsters debris if that bridge was open.<<

One, Just because something is stupid and poorly planned, doesn't make it right.
Two, More then likely there are no neighboorhoods of valuable homes near those low bridges. More then likely nothing but swampland. Why raise a bridge to protect wetlands? If anything you want the excess overflowing in areas like that before it goes downstream. You don't understand much of how things work do you? "

Hammond Resident wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:12 AM:

" Maybe what Mayor McDermott is doing or saying is hypocritical to some degree, but his job is to do what's best for the city of Hammond and it's residents. If it's better for the Hammond residents to have the curb on State Line (I'm a Hammond resident and I HATE that thing - it's ugly and inconvenient but I don't live in that particular neighborhood) and also better for the residents to have Northcote open, then it's the mayor's JOB to do what he can to make that happen. Unfortunately politics can be a selfish entity. "

McDermott Fan wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:33 AM:

" I have too much traffic on my Hammond street too. Can I please block off my street? I know...Lets build a wall around each city in Lake County. No way in or out. It will be just like 2000 years ago. We can have guard towers and everything!! Wow! What fun!! Munster needs to grow up. When people moved into that neighborhood they knew it was a main route. This is like building a house next to an airport and then complaining that there's airplane flying overhead. "

lansing residentt wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:05 AM:

" who cares about a stupid bridge dont we have other things much more relevant to worry about?? "

RealityCheck wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:55 AM:

" The fastest way to Community Hospital is down Columbia. Where the traffic lights can be controled by the ambulance's and not going through the car lined streets of the neighborhood.

Watch Out - The Lake Cty Dems are politicising this to gain a foothold in Munster - the ONLY holdout from the machine. "

A solution wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:36 AM:

" There is an easy resolution to this problem. Have the mayor of Hammond and the town manager of Munster stand at the each end of the bridge. On the count of three, they throw stones at one another. Whoever hits the other first, wins.
Oh yea, I forgot ...people who live in glass houses, shouldn't THROW STONES! "

do the math wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:38 AM:

" Maybe you dreamers can close the bridge and put a gate around your community and live in your own little world. Until then, it's still a public street and bridge, and it's none of your business who drives on it. No one should have to circle around out of their way to get somewhere, especially when gas is still over $3 a gallon. It sure didn't bother you that the bridge was open when you needed to get to that country club and Woodmar Mall years ago. You act like you own the place and you don't. And as far as scavengers coming over the bridge, I do believe that they can find their way over there with or without that bridge, so your argument doesn't hold water. By the way, that was the only bridge open during the November 1990 flooding when the dyke gave way in Highland and flooded the neighborhood south of the old Kmart. "

halllloooo wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:19 AM:

" There are bridges in Gary where the flood project is finished that are lower then the levy. The idea is to block the bridge off "BEFORE" the water tops the bridge. It would have been a much shorter trip for the Hammond dump trucks hauling Munsters debris if that bridge was open. "

The Bridge wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:08 PM:

" Get used to it folks. One way or the other that bridge is going to be removed or the retaining wall is going to run right across it to continue the levy from east to west. Authorities are scratching to come up with funds to complete this project as it is. Have any idea how many more millions removing the old bridge and building a new one will cost? It's not just the bridge work. The roadway will have to be raised on both sides. There is no way work is going to continue on the levy if that bridge is left alone at 2 feet below the new work. It'll become the only weak link in the Little Cal River system. Think of it. Twenty two miles of raging waters after a big storm trying to find the path of least resistance. Where do you think it's find it? Flooding will reach Ridge Rd. for sure this time. "

hammond wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:14 PM:

" i live on the the hammond side and have a friend that lives just over the bridge on the munster side, and i cant tell you how disappointed i'd be if they closed the bridge for good. that would make for an awefully long drive after a case of tall boys. "

To HEY wrote on Oct 9, 2008 6:33 PM:

" All towns that helped Munster patrol their streets are being reinbursed by FEMA all they have to do is keep good record keeping and turn it over to the proper people to recoup their money. By the way Hammond forgot about the wall on state line they built requickly!!!!! "

Wow wrote on Oct 9, 2008 6:24 PM:

" As a Munster resident, I find the bridge very convenient to use.
Keep it open, but raise the level. "

The REAL Duh wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:23 PM:

" It's a beautiful day in the neighbor hood, but neighbor DeGuilio osn't being very neighborly. He better watch out or when mayor Tommy's daddy builds his water park they won't let him play there. Or maybe McDimwit will take over the bridge and Munster through Emminent Domain.
In reality, I've never seen two adults act so much like children. "

RE To First of All wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Basically, you just embarrassed the rest of us living in Munster. What does a curb have to do with the fact that we flooded? After all, this person made a comment about enjoying their peace and quiet. I think you need your meds changed to a higher dose, and go back to school to comprehend a simple paragraph. The rest of us will try to go back to getting our lives straightened out and hope that a nut case like you turns out not to be one of our neighbors!! "

Hammond wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:39 PM:

" was good enough to cross that bridge to haul your soggy junk away and patrol your flooded streets in boats, but we are not good enough to cross the bridge to come to your town after the flood? You people are pathetic. Didn't this flood teach you that all men are created equal and nature doesn't discriminate? So why should you? "

Hey to First of all wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:27 PM:

" If you think a curb will keep the flood waters out of Munster you need to get checked because you ain't right. "

G Davis wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Remember when Mcdermott was the champion for closing the State line throughfare in Hammond? Now Munster want's to return the Favor because the people of Hammond are lower on the totem pole than them. This is a major route to Community Hospital and has nothing to do with flooding.If anything the State or even the Federal Government should file suit if they try to close this! This is a faster way to the Hospital! "

To First of All wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:42 PM:

" So you enjoy the peace and quiet, absence of riffraff and safety and all that from the curb Mayor McD installed on State Line. But we in Munster can't do the same thing to keep flood waters out of Munster? Go get yourself checked out. You aint right. "

Stay in South County wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:21 PM:

" "The question then is why would they go past everything they could possibly want right here in south Lake County?"

Please just stay in soul-less Dyer/St. John/Schereville with your god-awful traffic and over-inflated sense of self-worth. You're right you have everything you need in your glut of strip malls. (Hey, they just put up another one in the time it took me to write this!).

Who needs the lakefront, marina, Horseshooe Casino, Cabela's, PUC, the South Shore, the Borman, Lost Marsh Obviously, you don't so please continue to stay barricaded in your home posting nonsense - it makes me smile. "

Stay in south County wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:20 PM:

Duh wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:12 PM:

" The irony -

Being neighborly didn't stop Mayor McCheese from placing a curb and stopping traffic between Hammond and Lansing/Cal City. DUH!

Mayor Mc is such a cry baby. How's that Cabela's doing for the taxpayers of Hammond. Has it dropped their property taxes yet? "

ralph wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:12 PM:

" It's a public road and should be treated as such. I would think by now much of the garbage from homes has already been removed. All those living on Northcote have to be careful of the traffic just as they had to before the flood. It is important to everyone to bring back some normalcy to the masses. "

searchingfordryland wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:05 PM:

" Someone has to give. Hammond, Munster
etc...Streets are going to be closed permanently, If you know your house flooded and they brought you out by boat its going to happen again.
People who live in those areas should contact every state and county official they can and say here. Take my house, give me so much money and build me a house in an area that does not flood.

The area you now live in has been contaminated with toxic soup from the Cal everything from by products from oil, sewage, sludge etc...LIFE WILL NEVER GO BACK TO NORMAL.. But you can have a better life. Demand they give you a new house out of the Fema money and trade them your house and property for the levee project. IT IS NO FUN TO HAVE 3 SUMP PUMPS AND A BACK UP GENERATOR AND LIVE IN FEAR EVRYTIME IT RAINS. TRUST ME . wait till you get your new insurance bill. Its just not worth it. "

To R Dub wrote on Oct 9, 2008 1:02 PM:

" "Maybe he should focus on finishing Calumet Ave!"

Calumet Avenue in Hammond, also known as US 41 (it jogs from Indianapolis to Calumet via 80/94), is a state road and isn't McDermott's responsibility. "

Terri wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:33 PM:

" I have used the Northcote Avenue bridge for many years when going to and from Munster. I do so because it is a enjoyable drive. The Homes on Northcote in Munster are beautiful, older homes and the trees that line that street are great! I would miss the link between Hammond and Munster but I do understand that this tragedy may want people to have their privacy.
I do, however, hope that the bridge stays open! "

Hammond People wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Well we in Munster want to keep you out! So I guess we may both win! "

wolfie wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:19 PM:

" I am NOT wet hen. This is the only name I use and I will say I am familiar with Munster Politics. So unless you hav been there and got the merit badge just keep what you think to yourself. "

First of All.. wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:03 PM:

" I live where the curb in Hammond was installed and it was the best thing that ever happened to this neighborhood! I am quite sure if you have children and you live on a street where traffic speeds past constantly you would love some control too! Mayor McDermott, you did the right thing with the curb and you are doing the right thing now with the bridge. I am glad our mayor fights for our city's best interests! "

Save Face wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:52 AM:

" Looks like Munster is looking to save face to me! "

R Dub wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:45 AM:

" First of all, the bridge should have been blocked during & immediately after the floods so people could get their homes & lives back in order.

Ok - its open now, but Mayor Mc Dumbo should have things to worry about other than how he is going to get across that dinky bridge to the hospital. And yes he could have called Munster instead of running to Mommy (Lake County) like a little boy. So he's a hypoctritical politician. Anyone really surprised?

Maybe he should focus on finishing Calumet Ave! They are going to need that fixed so they can get the Statue of Liberty to Wolf Lake! I don't think it will fit going over the Northcote bridge.

As for the residents on the Munster side, that bridge was there when you moved there deal with it.

As for the bozo's who seem to hate Munster, there HAS to be somewhere else to channel your nonesense. Get a life.

I love how somehow every article the times posts turns into some form of class warfare. Grow up people! "

Oh sorry. wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:43 AM:

" I didn't mean to say mayor for Munster, I just got carried away with the typing. And trust me not everyone wants to take Calumet Avenue with all the construction to get somewhere. I was just giving suggestions.

And if that is all you have to prove, is that I made some typing errors than I still stand by my point that the only reason the TOWN OF MUNSTER AND IT's MANAGER and CITIZENS are upset is because Mayor McDermott got involved and overrode you guys.

You should be thankful for as much help that Hammond (including the Mayor and residents) have put in to help you guys in such a terrible situation. A LOT of help and care went in, in your time of need and all you can do is complain? There are still people without homes and you have time to complain about a bridge being open? I have never seen people be as ungrateful and make such ignorant comments in a time of need. If "McDimwit" as you all have called him, is so bad then you should have denied his help. But you didn't yet you still complain. Unbelievable. "

Curb wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:40 AM:

" I agree that Munster should not build a nice wall to shut off the Northcote connection from Ham'd to Munster. Neighboring towns should build nice little curbs instead! How dare McDermott complain about a neighboring town not wanting to continue having a shared road after the Cal. City curb debacle! "

To Please wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:26 AM:

" Let me hip you to a couple things. Munster doesn't have a mayor. He's a town manager enpowered by a 5 member town council.
Second, I doubt there is anybody stupid enough living in Dyer, who use Northcote Ave to get to anywhere in Hammond. They would by nature use Calumet Ave, Columbia Ave, or Indianapolis Blvd. That is if they were inclined to come into Hammond. The question then is why would they go past everything they could possibly want right here in south Lake County? "

Schererville Res wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:10 AM:

" My family still lives in Munster so I'm in the area all the time. That bridge has been blocked off since before the floods. What's the hold-up? And if it's because of the levee work, let's put it to you this way. I could have built the Sears Tower with my own two hands and be done with it, way before all those dimwits could finish a flood project! I've seen plans like this before....you'd have to be a dimwit not to get this done on time! "

confused wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:07 AM:

" alot of munster residents use that bridge to get to purdue calumet, and the casinos. it's a convenient bridge and it needs to remain open. everyone who disagrees needs to go take a swim in the little cal. "

Now we are talking wrote on Oct 9, 2008 11:06 AM:

" It is about time the Munster town council started thinking BIG! Want to keep propertiy values up in the WIcker Park Area? Close that bridge! This is one of the dozens of major projects that need to get done to keep the standard of living as high as possible in Munster... "

FORMER HAMMOND RESIDENT wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:55 AM:

" As a former resident of Hammond in the neighborhood where minimayor put his curb up , I would say turn about is fair play. If I were Munster I would just close the access to the neighborhood on their side of the river. The county has no authority over Munster on controlling access to the bridge so just put up a nice gate that can be opened for emergency access if needed. Who would jr mayor cry to then? What a hypocrite! "

Stupidity in Hammond wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:48 AM:

" Lets face it. The Northcote bridge served the Woodmar Country Club and it also was a quick link to Woodmar Shopping Center and other destination shopping along the blvd. Hammond on it's own set in motion a long time ago, a program to gut it of it's once prominate position in the Calumet area. And recently allowed a flim flam developer to tear down a historic shopping mall and leave a rubble strewn mess. Then to add insult to injury, Hammond leaders continue to listen to this same developer as if a massiah, and entertain his plans to tear down the empty yet younger Builders Square and renovate an aged former KMart. That's good thinking. Tear the bridge down. It's outlived itself. "

schleicher resident wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:45 AM:

" as a resident that lives very close to the river on the hammond side, i am frustrated that the northcote bridge could be closed permanately. our schleicher neighborhood only has a few ways in and out. closing that bridge is a major inconvenience for those of us that work in schererville, highland, etc. The complaining munster residents should remember that many of us hammond residents have been out there every weekend assisting in the flood aid... and if they were on our side of the river... they would want the bridge open as well. Raise the bridge... do whatever is necessary. closing it is not the answer "

Please wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:45 AM:

" The only reason you Munster people are upset is because a mayor from another city told put your mayor in his place. And NEWSFLASH. People from surrounding cities use it as well. There are more people in the state of Indiana who are affected than the just the citizens of Munster. What about the people from let's say Dyer who have to cut through Munster to get to the train station to go to work.

Your points are baseless as are your mayor's. You are just upset that you were told what to do. Deal with it. "

to wolfie and bernie and harold and I live wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:32 AM:

" you are still wet hen even if you use another name. "

I have lived in hammond wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:06 AM:

" at the foot of the northcote bridge for 20 years. A majority of the cars are coming from the eway to munster homes. or from the munster homes to the eway. I use the bridge to commute south towards highland and schererville. If I go to munster target or restaurants on cal ave I go to columbia to broadmoor. If I go to lansing cleans in munster on ridge I go over ncote bridge. If I visit my aunt on baring in munster I go over ncote bridge. Most of the people coming from munster still use the ncote bridge. I havent seen a sharp decrease in traffic now that the "movers and shakers" took their show to briar ridge. Munster is arrogant. show a little humility after mother nature and your inept council humbled your entire north end. "

Gary Resident wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Does this sound familiar.... remember 9th avenue/165th Avenue bridge that cline avenue went over. That used to be open until Hammond dumped huge piles of Dirt to close the road. Gary responded to have smow plows open it, only to have Hammond recreate the dirt piles this time accompanied with concrete barriers.

Good for you Munster... Give Hammond a dose of its own medidine. I'll volunteer to help move the barriers... you pick the set.... removing 165th & Cline or setting them at the river and Northcote. "

D. Villarreal wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:37 AM:

" WHAT A HYPOCRITE! ONE of the MANY reasons why I DON'T like McDimwit! He CAN do WHATEVER he wants but let others follow suit and he CRIES like a child! He knows mommy will say no so instead he goes to daddy! What a JOKE!
NOW I AM NOT saying they should CLOSE it, NO! It should remain open, MANY use that and many other bridges BUT MANY ALSO need to get to Illinois as well!! "

I live in Hammond wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:36 AM:

" Unfortunately I live in Hammond and yes, you are correct McDimwitt is a lying two faced hypocrite. I wish we coulld build a wall to keep him out of city hall! "

harold Kock wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:32 AM:

" We need a good wall like on State Line!! "

Frank wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Looking at the sandbags on Columbia Ave. it looks like that bridge is also below the new levee elevation. And what about Calumet Ave? Hohman Ave is the only bridge ever raised to match the new levee. "

Munster people wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:56 AM:

" You people use the Northcote bridge ALL the time to come into Hammond, it also gets you to the expressway. You also use the Columbia bridge should Hammond close that to keep you out? HAMMOND WANTS TO KEEP MUNSTER OUT~! "

To birdwatcher wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:46 AM:

" When the Mayor installed a 6 inch curb in a completely residential neighborhood to stop cut through traffic, the papers called him a racist.
When Munster wants to close a bridge that they don't even own, which is state designated collector route, the "R" word isn't used. Could there be a double standard here??? Closing that bridge is NOT going to stop flooding. Sandbagging would have stopped the flooding. As it was, if Hammond hadn't come over and fixed the Munster pump, there would STILL be water over there. If Hammond police hadn't patroled Munster in boats there would have been looters, but how quickly Munster forgets the help given. "

What goes around... wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:34 AM:

" Hmmm...didn't Mayor McD spend thousands of dollars building a curb between Hammond and Calumet City? Seems to me Mayor McD used one of the same reasons, increased traffic and thefts in the neighborhood where it was built.
Hammond residents won't be able to get to the Community Hospital? He didn't have a problem with Cal City residents having difficulty getting to St. Margaret's. Hammond started a nice precedent with these barriers and the Mayor shouldn't cry when another town decides to do the same. "

whats the difference wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:30 AM:

" What is the difference between what Hammond did in the historical area to keep the Illinois traffic out and this?? "

shorty wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:23 AM:

" Too bad the the mayor went to commissioneres because of a rumor, instead of going to the source. Designating Northcott as a 'collector' is absurd. Who is the designator? Some pencil-necked geek in Indy looking at a map? Did he actually look at this narrow, 20 mph avenue through the neighborhood? Why would we want to spend $zillions on a new and higher levee, then leave a 'hole' for the water to escape? Hammond, Munster and the State should improve traffic flow on the main roads so that people are not looking for shortcuts through neighberhoods. "

Im Looking For... wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Where's Scheub during all of this...I mean his district has nothing to do with that area, but can't he butt in somehow? its been a few days since he's issued a press release or made a comment about something he has nothing to do with...Now is the time Gerry! Tell us how the people of Lowell need to use that bridge as well...We're all waiting for your opinion, then we will act off of that. Lead us Gerry! "

hoosier mom wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:19 AM:

" The shoe is now on the other foot!!!! Didn't Mayor McDirtbag build his own wall between Calumet City and Hammond for no other reason than to keep people from driving between those two cities??? What a hypocrite!!! "

Kevin wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Oh, I forgot something else. It's stated that when the levy project is completed that the bridge will be 2 feet below the top surface of the new wall. Hate to tell you folks in Hammond, you're going to need to find a better way to Community Hospital. Like maybe Columbia Ave? Which actually is a quicker way as there aren't a million and one stop signs to navigate through. That bridge had its purpose at one time to provide easy access to Woodmar Country Club for the movers and shakers of the Calumet region who called that northeast section of Munster home. Woodmar is gone, there no longer is an important need for that bridge. Take it down! Otherwise it will remain as the sole circuit breaker for floodwaters in the next big rain storm following the levy project completion. "

Town employee wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Great now i can get hammond to get to cabelas without going to the blvd. Munster really dropped the ball here. Also easier to get to Stracks and then get back home. "

birdwatcher wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Mr. McD remember the Calumet City Wall ??? Who was keeping who out and for WHY?? "

Wicker Park Estates Resident wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:11 AM:

" I am a Munster resident whose home is within site of the Northcote Bridge. The bridge sits several feet BELOW the level of the new levees now under construction. This single fact places all homes in my neighborhood at risk. The current plan calls for the bridge to be sandbagged during floods. This remedy was wholly inadequate during the recent flooding. The bridge itself sustained damage during the flood and I PERSONALLY saw river water shooting through joint linking the bridge to the roadway. IT SHOULD BE PERMANENTLT CLOSED. Hammond residents can use the Columbia Avenue bridge to reach The Community Hospital. Mayor McDermott should devote his energies to determining how HIS Cabala project increased flooding in MY neighborhood. "

Sound familiar wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:04 AM:

" This sounds strangely familiar. Remember 20 years ago when Hammond had a sand pile blocking 165th Street at the Hammond/Gary border? There's now a permanent barricade there. Hammond wanted to keep Gary out then; now Munster wants to keep Hammond out! "

Hey wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:00 AM:

" Hammond spent a lot of time and manpower helping Munster after the flooding, from patrolling their streets with our police, to cleaning up the mess with our workers. Mr. Magnus is irritated?!?! Too bad! I think his residents are more than irritated! "

Interesting... wrote on Oct 9, 2008 6:52 AM:

" I don't want to even think of the real reason Munster wants that bridge closed. That would be their dream come true if they could "wall it off" as DeGiulio states. You have already made a lot of people mad, DeGiulio, you might want to watch what you say! "

So glad wrote on Oct 9, 2008 6:49 AM:

" That the bridge is finally open! I have been wondering why it was closed so long. Thanks Mayor McDermott! "

bernie wrote on Oct 9, 2008 6:43 AM:

" Hammond is hypocritical, why don't they open the road between Hammond & Gary. "

munster resident wrote on Oct 9, 2008 6:28 AM:

" Finally The town screwed us by not dikeing it in time now thay want to stop us from leaving here. I use the northcote bridge everyday. I am still amazed that they did nothing before the flood. I went out there during the rain to see if they needed help and no one was there. I did talk to mayor of hammond and a firefighter that was with him thay said it didnt look good and were not sure what munster was doing but they were getting ready to close there side and start sandbagging northcote and columbia. They were prepared where waas my tax dollars at. "

wolfie wrote on Oct 9, 2008 5:51 AM:

" Only KING Tom would have the arrogance to do this. No reguard for anyone else. "

S.S. Schneider wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:50 AM:

" Was this bridge not built in the 1990's? Was there no thought given then to building it at the proper height? Very poor planning on the part of some town or local agency. "

Silas wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:49 AM:

" That's what is wrong with the whole system all the bridges need to be raised and the pies in Gary on King drive under the railroad need to bigger! "

Donna wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:29 AM:

" If Helen had her way, she would give the entire north side of town to Hammond. She could care less what happens to them. It's time to step down Helen and admit you have no clue what is going on north of your mansion in white oak. "

ZOOK wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:25 AM:

" A BRIDGE/ROAD BELONGS TO A CITY/TOWN??
The commisioners own the span???What is this really about.? "

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