Post by doctorwho on Dec 16, 2007 8:59:47 GMT -6
Okay, not only is this 52450 and acre ( no I did not leave off a zero ) - butthe jury awarded less than the district actually offered for the land.
Where was this jury when we needed it ?
Also how ironic that the purchase was for 204 acres ?
Land will cost district $10.7 million
Forest Preserve ready to buy golf course
December 16, 2007
By KATHY CICHON Staff Writer
The Forest Preserve District is ready to expand by 204 acres.
The owner valued the property at $20 million, but Wednesday, a DuPage County jury decided it is worth about half that amount.
Late Wednesday, the jury returned a verdict of $10.7 million as the price the Forest Preserve of DuPage County would pay to purchase Country Lakes Golf Course, signaling the end is near in a legal case that dates back to 1999.
"We're ready, willing and able to close," said district president D. "Dewey" Pierotti Jr.
The battle over ownership of the land began in the late '90s when the district attempted to use eminent domain powers to acquire the course and surrounding property on Naperville's northwest side. The district was seeking the land for natural resources and to help with stormwater management issues in the area.
"We knew it was going to be a long and cantankerous acquisition, but we promised (residents) to go forward," Pierotti said. "I'm pleased that I was able to keep my word."
Robert Krilich Sr. and the land trust that owns Country Lakes want to retain ownership. A phone call to their attorney by The Sun was not returned. Pierotti said Krilich and the trust were asking for $20 million, based on the development potential of the site. Two years ago the forest district offered $12 million for the land but was turned down, he said. During the trial, the district provided two appraisals for the site based on the current zoning, with the jury ruling closer to the lower appraisal. Pierotti said he is happy with the jury's decision.
"We do try to give people the fair market value as required under the law," he said.
Krilich has 30 days to file an appeal to the jury's decision, Pierotti said.
Once the district purchases the property, it will provide more recreational opportunities to Naperville residents and those living in the surrounding area, district officials said.
"It's been a long time coming," said forest Commissioner Carl Schultz of Aurora, who represents the district where the site is located. "This is a great opportunity for the citizens of DuPage County."
On Tuesday the district's attorney is expected to brief commissioners on the jury's decision, as well as outline the details of the district's next steps.
"We still have to vote to accept it," Schultz said. "There's still stuff to do."
With the purchase of the 204 acres added to land the district already owns in the area, it will bring the total to more than 240 acres, said Kevin Stough, director of land preservation for the district.
Once the district owns the land, it will meet with the Naperville Park District to discuss the best uses for the site, Pierotti said, including a possible partnership in running the golf course.
"Whatever uses we put in, it will be for the benefit of the residents," he said.
Contact Kathy Cichon at kcichon@scn1.com or 630-416-5114.
Where was this jury when we needed it ?
Also how ironic that the purchase was for 204 acres ?
Land will cost district $10.7 million
Forest Preserve ready to buy golf course
December 16, 2007
By KATHY CICHON Staff Writer
The Forest Preserve District is ready to expand by 204 acres.
The owner valued the property at $20 million, but Wednesday, a DuPage County jury decided it is worth about half that amount.
Late Wednesday, the jury returned a verdict of $10.7 million as the price the Forest Preserve of DuPage County would pay to purchase Country Lakes Golf Course, signaling the end is near in a legal case that dates back to 1999.
"We're ready, willing and able to close," said district president D. "Dewey" Pierotti Jr.
The battle over ownership of the land began in the late '90s when the district attempted to use eminent domain powers to acquire the course and surrounding property on Naperville's northwest side. The district was seeking the land for natural resources and to help with stormwater management issues in the area.
"We knew it was going to be a long and cantankerous acquisition, but we promised (residents) to go forward," Pierotti said. "I'm pleased that I was able to keep my word."
Robert Krilich Sr. and the land trust that owns Country Lakes want to retain ownership. A phone call to their attorney by The Sun was not returned. Pierotti said Krilich and the trust were asking for $20 million, based on the development potential of the site. Two years ago the forest district offered $12 million for the land but was turned down, he said. During the trial, the district provided two appraisals for the site based on the current zoning, with the jury ruling closer to the lower appraisal. Pierotti said he is happy with the jury's decision.
"We do try to give people the fair market value as required under the law," he said.
Krilich has 30 days to file an appeal to the jury's decision, Pierotti said.
Once the district purchases the property, it will provide more recreational opportunities to Naperville residents and those living in the surrounding area, district officials said.
"It's been a long time coming," said forest Commissioner Carl Schultz of Aurora, who represents the district where the site is located. "This is a great opportunity for the citizens of DuPage County."
On Tuesday the district's attorney is expected to brief commissioners on the jury's decision, as well as outline the details of the district's next steps.
"We still have to vote to accept it," Schultz said. "There's still stuff to do."
With the purchase of the 204 acres added to land the district already owns in the area, it will bring the total to more than 240 acres, said Kevin Stough, director of land preservation for the district.
Once the district owns the land, it will meet with the Naperville Park District to discuss the best uses for the site, Pierotti said, including a possible partnership in running the golf course.
"Whatever uses we put in, it will be for the benefit of the residents," he said.
Contact Kathy Cichon at kcichon@scn1.com or 630-416-5114.
