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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alessandro Minnella, Senior Planner
DATE: May 2, 2024
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a 0.07-Acre Property Located at 112 Woodlawn Avenue for the Price of $49,000.00 to Facilitate the Demolition of a Non-Conforming and Blighted Property.
PURPOSE:
This resolution will facilitate the purchase and acquisition of a challenged non-conforming and blighted property currently zoned Manufacturing District, Limited (M-1) and the rezoning of it to facilitate its redevelopment.
The site is depicted in the attachment to this resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Over the years the City has acquired adjoining properties located at 108, 104, 102 Woodlawn through condemnation. In addition to being adjacent to the referenced City owned land, this site is less than a tenth of a mile from the Downtown Fringe and with the capabilities of sparking qualified redevelopment for the wellbeing of the neighborhood.
The property lost its legal nonconforming use of a two unit after it was vacant for more than six months, is in Circuit Court and the City is seeking an order for demolition due to its precarious condition.
The subject property was acquired by the current owner in January of 2024 for $50,000 and it has not been able to be developed due to its conditions and pending restrictions.
The City has increasingly viewed vacant and underutilized properties as opportunities for productive reuse, and with the acquisition of this site in conjunction with the land already owned, this purchase would increase our options for development of additional opportunities.
In addition to providing greater flexibility for long term planning, acquisition of this property will also provide consistent maintenance to these parcels which will improve aesthetics and quality of life for the adjacent homes and businesses whose properties are adjacent or back up to this specific site.
DISCUSSION:
The City continues to make long-term decisions to bolster its acquisition of land throughout City limits in order to maximize the potential for development of recreational, entertainment, commercial & residential developments.
The property will be purchased at $49,000 plus reasonable closing costs.
Funds will come from Ward #4 account number 314-1330-463.71-01
Funds for the acquisition will come from Alderman’s Bill Donnell ward funds, and the demolition will be facilitated with the use of grants or Risk funds. The seller will be required to obtain an exempt stamp, which will involve paying any outstanding fines related to the property in order to close. Maintenance costs will be minimal and will be easily absorbed into the current operational maintenance of the adjacent city-owned land activity.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The acquisition of land will provide the City additional flexibility in the long-term planning of that area.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that proposed resolution authorizing the purchase of the site addressed 112 Woodlawn be approved.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a 0.07-Acre Property Located at 112 Woodlawn Avenue for the Price of $49,000.00 to Facilitate the Demolition of a Non-Conforming and Blighted Property.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Gustavo Morales owns certain real property at 112 Woodlawn Avenue within the City of Aurora (hereinafter, "Subject Property"); and
WHEREAS the Subject Property is legally described as follows: J D Annenbergs Sub Lot 2; and
WHEREAS, Linden has expressed its desire to donate the Subject Property to the City; and
WHEREAS, the City is desirous of purchasing the Subject Property from Gustavo Morales due to its proximity and contiguity with other parcels of land owned by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City and Gustavo Morales have negotiated a Sale and Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") to facilitate the acquisition and redevelopment of the property; and
WHEREAS, the property will be purchased at $49,000 plus reasonable closing costs; and
WHEREAS, funds will come from Ward #4; account number 314-1330-463.71-01
WHEREAS, the Agreement is attached to this Resolution and made apart thereof as if fully set forth therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the purchase of the Subject Parcel by the City in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement shall be and hereby is authorized; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the respective officers and employees of the City shall be and hereby are duly authorized to take all actions necessary and proper carry into effect the purposes of this Resolution, including but not limited the execution of the Agreement on behalf of the City and the execution of all other documents required to complete the contemplated conveyance of the Subject Property.