TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2025
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
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Authority to issue a 9-month permit to Walsh Vinci Transit Community Partners on a portion of the District’s Calumet Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago, Illinois to conduct a tree survey, general survey, and soil resistivity testing. Consideration shall be a fee of $5,000.00.
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Dear Sir:
Walsh Vinci Transit Community Partners (Walsh Vinci) has requested a 9-month permit to conduct a tree survey, a general survey and soil resistivity testing on a portion (approximately 70,000 sq. ft.) of the District’s Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (Calumet WRP). Walsh Vinci is working on the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) proposed CTA Red Line Extension project (Project) which extends the CTA’s Red Line from 95th Street to 130th Street. If extended, new railroad tracks would run near the Cottage Grove Avenue right-of-way on the eastern edge of the Calumet WRP.
The tree survey will include attaching a numbered tag to trees within the permit area. Each tag will correspond to data collected, including tree diameter, species and condition. The general survey work will consist of crews setting up stations to locate existing trees, sidewalks and driveways in the permit area. The arborist’s assessment of the tree survey data will be used in developing the project’s design. The soil resistivity testing will measure the electrical resistivity of the soil at the planned traction power substation sites to assist in designing the ground grid for the extended rail line. All areas that are disturbed will be restored upon completion of the work and performed at no cost to the District.
The work to be performed by Walsh Vinci is expected to start immediately and continue intermittently for nine (9) months.
The District’s technical departments have reviewed Walsh Vinci’s permit request and have no objections thereto. A permit fee in the amount of $5,000.00 is recommended, as the pro rata share of 10% of the fair market value of the land would yield a fee less than the District's minimum permit fee of $5,000.00.
It is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it issue a 9-month permit to Walsh Vinci Transit Community Partners on a portion of the District’s Calumet Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago, Illinois to conduct a tree survey, general survey, and soil resistivity testing. Consideration shall be a fee of $5,000.00.
It is further requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said permit agreement after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:EMA
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for March 20, 2025
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