Dear Mayor McDermott and City of Hammond,

The City of Hammond does not exist in isolation. As residents of Munster, we regularly visit Hammond for business, family, and entertainment, just as Hammond residents do in our town. Our communities are interconnected, and decisions made in one directly impact the other.

Your neighbors to the south in Munster, Highland, Dyer and beyond are aware and concerned. We write to express our strong opposition to any development in Briar East Woods. This cherished natural space represents an irreplaceable part of our region's heritage, and we are deeply concerned about the lasting consequences that such a decision would have on the community and environment.

Lynton Keith Caldwell, a pioneering environmental advocate and one of the architects of the Environmental Protection Agency, was born in Hammond. He understood the importance of preserving nature for both present and future generations, dedicating his life to protecting it. His legacy reminds us of the responsibility we all share to safeguard the natural world for those who will come after us.

Communities evolve, neighborhoods shift, and needs change, but once natural spaces are lost, they are gone forever. We urge you to prioritize long-term stewardship over short-term development gains. Please explore every possible alternative to preserve this critical piece of nature for future generations.

Sincerely,

Munster Sustainable and Green