TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 16, 2020
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
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Authority to purchase the real estate commonly known as 13359 Woodlawn Avenue in Robbins, Illinois for the construction of the Flood Control Project on Midlothian Creek in the Village of Robbins, Illinois (Contract 14-253-5F) and authority for payment to the Housing Authority of Cook County, the owner of said real estate, in an amount of $230,000.00, plus closing costs, Account 501-50000-656010, Stormwater Management Fund
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Dear Sir:
On March 15, 2018, the Board of Commissioners (“Board”) adopted Ordinance No. R18-002 establishing the right-of-way for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Flood Control Project on Midlothian Creek located in the Village of Robbins (Contract 14-253-5C) (“Project”). Said Ordinance authorized and directed the Executive Director to negotiate with the respective owners to acquire fee simple title or such lesser interests, as appropriate, in and to the real estate described in the Ordinance.
On June 20, 2019, the Board authorized the District to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Robbins for the Project. The Project consists of stormwater improvements extending along Midlothian Creek and east of Kedzie Avenue from approximately 139th Street to the Calumet-Sag Channel. The Project will address overbank flooding that affects approximately 94 properties through conveyance improvements along the existing creek, a new stormwater storage facility, and a new overflow channel to the Calumet-Sag Channel.
The Project requires the acquisition of several vacant properties located in the right-of-way. Three such adjacent parcels, located at 13359 Woodlawn Avenue Robbins, Illinois, are commonly owned by the Housing Authority of Cook County (“HACC”). The combined parcels comprise 11.27 acres and are currently vacant. The site was previously the location of HACC’s Edward Willett Homes public housing complex, which was demolished in 2011. The District and HACC have reached a negotiated settlement in the amount of $230,000.00 for fee simple title to the property. This amount is equal to the subject property’s value according to the fair market value appraisal obtained by HACC and reviewed by the District.
HACC has advised that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) has an interest in the subject property, and, therefore, the settlement for acquisition negotiated by the District and HACC will require HUD review and approval pursuant to federal regulations. On June, 18, 2020, HACC’s Board of Commissioners approved the proposed purchase, subject to approval by this Board and HUD. If the Board authorizes this purchase, HACC will submit the proposed disposition to HUD for its approval.
Accordingly, it is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it adopt the following orders:
1. That, subject to approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the subject real estate be purchased by the District for the amount of $230,000.00, plus closing costs;
2. That the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the Real Estate Sales Contract effecting the aforesaid purchase, after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality; and
3. That the General Counsel be authorized and directed to execute and deliver all other documents and take such other actions as may be necessary to effectuate said purchase and to attain possession of said property.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel and Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering; STM:CAO:EMA:JMP:nl
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 July 16, 2020
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