HAMMOND | City officials are mounting a campaign to persuade Bon Ton, owner of the Carson Pirie Scott store, to keep the retailer in Hammond.

The city's Web site contains a plea to the public by Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. to contact the store's parent company in a show of support and recently the city announced a public meeting, petition drive and rally.

Keeping the store in Hammond plays a pivotal role in the long-lagging redevelopment of the Woodmar shopping center at Indianapolis Boulevard and 165th Street.

At stake for Praedium Development principal George Markopoulis, owner of the center, is a $4.5 million incentive package.

City officials have been explicit in saying the deal hangs on the inclusion of the Carson store, long a fixture at the site.

"As far as I know, the developer is still committed to keeping Carson's on that site and to develop a center that will make Hammond proud," attorney Calvin Bellamy said Monday. Bellamy's Hammond firm of Krieg Devault represents Markopoulis.

While Bon Ton remains mum on the potential of relocating the store, developers of the Oak Street Commons lifestyles center in Schererville report Bon Ton has shown some interest.

City officials could not be reached Monday regarding their drive to gain public support.

Last week, the city announced it will hold an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Jefferson Elementary School, 6940 Northcote, where those attending will be asked to sign a petition.

"Our goals are to inform the public and to show Carson's parent company that Hammond is the right place for Carson's," McDermott is quoted as saying.

The public meeting will be followed by a rally from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 12 in the south parking lot of the Carson store.

More information is available by calling the Hammond Department of Planning and Development at (219) 853-6508.