TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2025
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to pay relocation costs in an amount not to exceed $24,200.00 to Armando Aguilar, the tenant of the real estate commonly known as 15332 Myrtle Avenue in Harvey, Illinois, for the Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin and Separate Storm Sewer Improvements in Harvey, Illinois (Contract 18-249-AF), Account 501-50000-667330, Stormwater Management Fund
Body
Dear Sir:
On February 2, 2023, the Board of Commissioners (“Board”) authorized the District to negotiate and enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) with the City of Harvey (“City”) for the Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin and Separate Storm Sewer Improvements in Harvey (Contract 18-249-AF) (“Project”). Under the IGA, the District will complete the property acquisition, design, and construction, while the City will be responsible for long-term ownership and maintenance of the properties and improvements.
On April 20, 2023, the Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. R23-001 (“Ordinance”) establishing the right-of-way for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project. The Project includes the creation of an approximately 23-acre-foot stormwater detention basin along Myrtle Avenue, between 153rd Street and 154th Street, to provide flood storage, as well as the installation of approximately 9,650 feet of storm sewer to convey stormwater to the proposed basin and allow discharge into the Wood Street storm sewer system. The proposed improvements will provide flood reduction benefits to approximately 209 structures.
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. One such parcel is 15332 Myrtle Avenue in Harvey, Illinois (MWRD Parcel 11). The District and the owner have reached a tentative agreement as to the purchase price; however, due to outstanding title issues, the District and the owner will be handling the acquisition through the court process to ensure clear title is obtained.
While that process moves forward, the property was occupied by a tenant, Armando Aguilar, who has already vacated the property. The District’s relocation consultant, Polk & Associates, LLC, determined that the tenant is eligible for estimated relocation costs of approximately $24,200.00. This amount includes a rental assistance payment and reasonable moving expenses, which are required to be paid by the District under the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (“URA”). The amount is subject to adjustment based upon the actual costs incurred.
Accordingly, it is requested that the Executive Director be authorized to make intermittent payments to the tenant, in an amount not to exceed $24,200.00, for eligible costs in connection with relocation, as provided for in the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel and Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering; STM:CAO:BJD:MSZ: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 January 9, 2025
Attachment