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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Patrick J. Collins, Assistant Corporation Counsel
DATE: April 28, 2026
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the divestment and sale of City owned properties located at 930 and 932 West New York Ave., Aurora, IL 60506.
PURPOSE:
Attached is a resolution authorizing the divestment of City owned properties located at 930 and 932 West New York (Permanent Index Number 15-21-151-004) to Mario Contreras for $72,000. Property will be developed into 2 single-family homes.)
BACKGROUND:
In 2016 the City of Aurora began the process of divesting City Owned property to adjacent neighbors in order to reduce our inventory of vacant land. The City expanded that divestment process to reduce the City's overall inventory of vacant buildable lots. Working with multiple City departments, including Mayor's Office, Planning & Zoning, Revenue & Collections, Financing, Property Standards, Economic Development, Engineering, Building & Permits, Public Works, Parks & Recreations, and the Law Department, all worked in conjunction to identify vacant buildable City owned lots to then market and sell the lots for development.
DISCUSSION:
The City listed each property for sale on the MLS and City's website for $34,000. The City Council previously approved the sale of these properties for $60,000. However, the builder canceled the contract, and the property was put back on the market.
This time around the City received multiple offers; Mario Contreras' offer is all cash for $36,000 per lot, which is over-the asking price.
On each parcel, Mario Contreras' will construct a two-story single-family home with garages, and construction will begin as soon as possible.
The property is currently exempt from real estate taxes, and the City is incurring maintenance and landscaping fees.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Both properties will be back on the tax roll, and two single-family homes will be constructed. City will no longer have to maintain the property.
RECOMMENDATIONS:...
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