TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 3, 2015
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Title
Authorization to commence statutory procedures to lease approximately 0.535 acres of District real estate located at 20 Harbor Drive in Wilmette, Illinois; North Shore Channel Parcel 1.14 and to waive the North Shore Channel Resolution and the Waterway Strategy Resolution
Body
Dear Sir:
The Sheridan Shore Yacht Club (“Sheridan Shore”) leases 0.535 acres of District real estate at 20 Harbor Drive in Wilmette, Illinois and known as North Shore Channel Parcel 1.14. Sheridan Shore has occupied the site under a series of leases and permits since 1937. The current lease is set to expire on March 6, 2016. The site is improved with a split level building that is used as a club house for yacht club members. The annual rent under the lease is $32,127.00. Both Sheridan Shore and the Wilmette Harbor Association (“WHA”) have submitted a request to lease the subject site upon expiration of Sheridan Shore’s lease. Many WHA members are also members of the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club and use of Sheridan Shore’s facilities are commonly shared by members of both entities.
The District’s technical departments have no objections to leasing the yacht club site for 39-years.
The subject property falls within the area subject to the North Shore Channel Resolution which requires that District land located along the North Shore Channel between Devon Avenue and the Wilmette Harbor be leased only for green space and public recreational use. Further, the Waterway Strategy Resolution applies to all District leases entered into after 1984, which requires a 60-foot setback from the top of water’s edge. Parcel 1.14 is narrow and only comprises 0.535 acres located along the west side of the Wilmette Harbor. The site ranges from 124’ to 127’ in depth with most of the site containing the building. The remaining area of the site not encumbered by the building contains green space.
The District’s leasing statute authorizes the Board, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director, to include any terms or conditions deemed to be in the best interest of the District. It is recommended that the North Shore Channel Resolution and the Waterway Strategy Resolution be waived in this instance as the use of the site as a yacht club pre-dates the resolutions by 68 years and 47 years respectively.
It is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and direct the General Counsel to commence statutory procedures to lease approximately 0.535 acres of District real estate located at 20 Harbor Drive in Wilmette, Illinois; North Shore Channel Parcel 1.14 upon the terms and conditions set forth above and to waive the North Shore Channel Resolution and the Waterway Strategy Resolution for this parcel of real estate.
Requested, Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel, RMH:STM:vp
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Respectively Submitted, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Chairman Committee on Real Estate Development Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 3, 2015
Attachment