TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2012
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to commence statutory procedures to lease approximately 0.82 acres of District real estate located at 536 Sheridan Road in Wilmette, Illinois; North Shore Channel Parcel 1.01 and to waive the North Shore Channel Resolution and the Waterway Strategy Resolution.
Body
Dear Sir:
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i’s of the United States (“Baha'i') has requested a 39-year lease on approximately 0.82 acres of District real estate located at 536 Sheridan Road in Wilmette, Illinois, North Shore Channel Parcel 1.01. Baha'i' has occupied the site under successive leases and/or permits to operate an access roadway and parking lot for members and visitors of the Baha’i’ Temple since 1940. In 1973, an additional area was added to include the use of a pedestrian walkway under Sheridan Road bringing the total permit area to approximately 0.82 acres. Baha'i'’s current permit agreement expires in June, 2013. The annual permit fee is $2,000.00.
The District’s technical departments have no objections to a long-term lease on the land. A Phase II Investigation was performed on this site and there are no recognized environmental conditions associated therewith.
It is relevant to note that 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 open-space setback from the top of the bank in all leases. Parcel 1.01 is a narrow, irregular-shaped parking lot located at the top of the bank of the channel and ranges from approximately 40’ to 125’ in width.
The District’s leasing statute authorizes the Board, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director, to include any restrictions on permissible use of District real estate under a lease. It is recommended that the use of the site be restricted to a parking lot, green space, or public recreational use. It is further recommended that a waiver of the North Shore Channel Resolution and the Waterway Strategy Resolution be granted for this parcel as use of the site as a parking lot pre-dates these resolutions by 44 and 64 years, respectively. If continued use of this site for a parking lot is authorized, then making the site available for lease through the statutory leasing process is consistent with the District’s goal of ensuring that long-term use of District real estate by private entities is obtained through the statutory leasing procedures rather than through consecutive permits. Additionally, administrative costs will be reduced by entering into one long-term lease rather than consecutive short-term permits over the course of several years. Further, rental income can be derived from this site if leased to a private entity.
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 0.82 acres of District real estate at 536 Sheridan Road in Wilmette, Illinois, North Shore Channel Parcel 1.01 upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.
It is also requested that use of the site be restricted to parking, green space, or public recreational use and that a waiver of the North Shore Channel Resolution and the Waterway Strategy Resolution be granted for this parcel of real estate.
Requested, Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel, RMH:STM:BEB:rg
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Respectfully Submitted, Terrence J. O’Brien, 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 January 19, 2012
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