TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 18, 2023
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to commence statutory procedures to lease 22,722± sq. ft. of District real estate located at 413 West Taylor Street in Chicago, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 45.01 (portion)
Body
Dear Sir:
Amtrak has requested to lease 22,722± sq. ft. of District real estate located at 413 West Taylor Street in Chicago, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 45.01 (portion) (“MCP 45.01”). If Amtrak is the successful bidder, it intends to use the site for storage of railway and track materials such as spikes, anchors, and other related items. The requested lease term is 20 years.
MCP 45.01, in its entirety, comprises 26,102± sq. ft. The District and the City of Chicago (operating under a permit from the District) use the northern 3,380± sq. ft. of the parcel for offloading debris collected by skimmer boats in the waterway. This northern portion of MCP 45.01 is not included in the lease request to ensure there will be no interference with the debris removal operations.
Due to MCP 45.01’s narrow and limited size, Amtrak is requesting a variance from the setback requirement under the District’s Waterway Strategy. The Waterway Strategy applies to all District leases entered into after 1984 and requires a 60’ open-space setback from the top of the bank. MCP 45.01 is located along the west bank of the South Branch of the Chicago River and ranges from approximately 40’ to 75’ in width. A variance from this setback requirement is recommended to allow use of the parcel consistent with the lease. No permanent structures will be permitted within the setback area.
The District’s technical departments have reviewed this lease request and have indicated that the subject site is not currently needed for corporate use and that they have no technical objections thereto. The Alderman of the 28th Ward has no objections to the proposed lease of the property.
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 22,722± sq. ft. of District real estate located at 413 West Taylor Street in Chicago, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 45.01 (portion), upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:BJD:NOC:vp
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 May 18, 2023
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