Elmhurst gives go-ahead to proceed with eminent domain of gas station
“The project, about 120,000 square feet of property on both sides of Hahn Street between York Street and Addison Avenue, has been the subject of redevelopment efforts for years. The Marathon gas station, on the northwest corner of Hahn and York, was first put under contract by developer Morningside Hahn LLC in 2007. More than a year ago, the city took over the Morningside contract, including reimbursing the developer $50,000 in earnest money paid to station owner Chuck Pauli.
News reports at the time put the agreed purchase price at about $2 million.
Acting mayor Scott Levin said Monday night that the city had been in negotiations with Pauli for more than a year. “This is another step in the negotiation,” Levin said.
Pauli said Tuesday he was puzzled by the decision to authorize condemnation of the property under eminent domain.
“Eminent domain takes away the rights of the property owner and the taxpayer,” said Pezza on her last night on the council since she did not run for re-election. “The city should not be in the real estate business.” Her sentiment was in line with ongoing criticism from some residents, many of whom cite the controversial proposal for a six-story garage on Addison Avenue as evidence the city should leave real estate ventures to private developers using their own money
That also was Gutenkauf’s objection. “I can’t support the taking of private property for private development,” she said.”
Megan, Grayden. Chicago Tribune 17 April 2013.
*