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TO: Members of the Aurora City Council
FROM: Alayne Weingartz, Corporation Council
DATE: February 19, 2016
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Estate Commonly Known as 2380 North Farnsworth Avenue, Through Eminent Domain or Otherwise.
RECOMMENDATION:
The realignment of Corporate Boulevard is recommended to support increased traffic levels from the Chicago Premium Outlet expansion. This roads
project will be accomplished through condemnation and purchase of properties utilizing TIF funds.
BACKGROUND:
In the Fall of 2015, Chicago Premium Outlets completed expansion plans for 290,000 square feet of new retail, 50 stores in all. This expansion will cause a significant increase in local traffic, placing a strain on the existing infrastructure. At present, the location of Corporate Boulevard, a main connection to the Farnsworth artery, is unaligned with Premium Outlet Boulevard. Without a traffic signal, this misalignment causes a significant public safety risk. Realigning Corporate Boulevard with Premium Outlet Boulevard would allow a more neutral traffic flow while improving public safety by utilizing existing traffic signals. At present, two properties block this expansion and realignment: Aurora Fox Valley Inn, located at 2450 North Farnsworth, and Motel 6, located at 2380 North Farnsworth. An independent consulting firm was contracted to conduct an assessment, and found the market value of these properties to be $3 million each.
The realignment of Corporate Boulevard to alleviate traffic flow represents a public safety need for the City. The City of Aurora has the statutory authority to condemn property for public purposes. The Seize the Future Development Foundation (STFDF) has recommended that the City proceed with condemnation proceedings in accordance with the Illinois Eminent Domain Act, and recommends the City make a good faith offer to purchase for a combined total of $5.8 million. STFDF also reco...
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