Land acquisition for proposed Woodridge rec center to go to courts next year
“The Village of Woodridge’s pursuit of property to build an athletic recreation center is expected to go to court in February.
The village and the park district are seeking eminent domain to acquire approximately four acres of land at the northeast corner of 83rd Street and Janes Avenue, where the two entities hope to build a long-awaited and much-needed athletic facility.
The property is currently home to the 16-unit Janes Avenue Plaza shopping center owned by Mel Spohn.
Spohn calls the village’s attempt to take over the property “disgraceful.”
“Eminent domain was meant to provide land for roads and bridges, not recreation centers,” Spohn said.
The Village of Woodridge did make an offer to purchase the shopping center property, but that offer was turned down by Spohn.”
Pedicini, Kristin. mysuburbanlife.com 26 September 2013.