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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Bill Wiet, Chief Development Services Officer
DATE: June 30, 2016
SUBJECT:
To acquire six vacant parcels (former parking Lots) across from Carson's Lake Street Store, for the purpose of transferring ownership to the Fox Valley Park District.
PURPOSE:
Residents in this neighborhood have rallied for more park space within the area. And these parcels were identified as having the potential to be repurposed for open space rather than commercial use as parking lots.
BACKGROUND:
Since that time the City has pursued the acquisition of these parcels, and has now partnered with the Fox Valley Park District that would allow for the City to acquire the parcels, and transfer ownership to the FVPD, at which time they would undertake design and construction of a park on the combined sites. This is part of a larger land swap currently being discussed at City Council involving multiple parcels.
DISCUSSION:
The City has been negotiating the purchase of these properties with the Senior Vice President of Real Estate for The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., which is the parent company of Carson's. The agreed to price is based upon the current market value of the properties (per Equalized Assessed Value), which is at or near $15,700 per parcel. Ward 6 Funds will be used for this purchase.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
There will be minimal impact given the properties will be transferred to the Fox Valley Park District under a separate agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the acquisition of the above parcels be approved.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract to Purchase Real Property for Six Vacant Lots Bounded by Colorado, Palace, and Michigan Avenues, Aurora, Illinois
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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 is interested in acquiring and McRIL, LLC is interested in selling the six vacant lots (former parking lots) bounded by Colorado, Palace and Michigan Avenues, with Parcel Identification Numbers (PIN's) of 15-15-152-014, 15-15-152-015, 15-15-152-016, 15-15-152-017, 15-15-151-016, and 15-15-151-017, all with an approximate size of 13,600 square feet each; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Aurora and its residents to complete the acquisition of the property described above; and
WHEREAS, funding is available for the acquisition in Account Number 316-1330-463.71-01 (Cost of Land - Ward 6 Projects) for a total of ninety three thousand two hundred ninety seven dollars ($93,297.00).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the attached agreement for the purchase of property be approved, and that Alayne Weingartz, Corporation Counsel, or her designee are hereby authorized to act on the City's behalf to complete the purchase of this property.