Quick Take

[momof3]

The other QT thread is closed, so here is a new one.

Group rallies to find support from senator on school land
(http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/409720,6_1_NA01_RALLY_S1.article)

June 1, 2007

By BRITT CARSON Staff writer

The office of state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, got a few visitors Thursday.

A small group of Indian Prairie School District 204 parents gathered at Holmes' office in Plainfield to show their support for quick-take legislation that is before the Senate.

The district is seeking the one-time authority to obtain land for a third high school. With quick-take, the district would take immediate possession of the 55 acres of the Brach-Brodie property and let a jury later decide the price per acre.

"We cannot relieve the overcrowding at the middle schools and each year it is getting worse," said Patty Smith, who has three children. "We had the vote for the third high school and the politicians need to follow through on what the people want."

The district filed a condemnation lawsuit for the Brach-Brodie property along 75th Street and the future extension on Commons Drive in Aurora. It already owns the adjacent 25 acres. The condemnation trial is set for September in DuPage County.

The district had hoped to open the 3,000-seat Metea Valley High School in the fall of 2009 with freshmen and sophomores. It was unable to come to an agreement for the asking price per acre with attorneys for the trust that oversees the land, which has resulted in construction delays and higher costs.

"The (school) board has had lots of conversations with e-mails and she has indicated an awareness of the issue," said School Board President Mark Metzger. "We need her to be an advocate."

Superintendent Howie Crouse has said getting quick-take would save the district $8.5 million in escalating construction costs.

"We need to get the local issue separated from the larger political game that is being played," Crouse said.

The legislation passed the state House of Representatives in March and is awaiting discussions in the state Senate. Metzger said although the bill has support from Sen. Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield, the part of Holmes' district that is in District 204 would largely attend Metea Valley.

Holmes was in Springfield on Thursday, but issued a statement on the situation.

"I welcome the input from parents and school district representatives regarding the construction of a new high school for District 204," Holmes said. "We all agree this is a necessary project. I have had several discussions with the Senate president regarding this issue and he understands my support for a fair and reasonable resolution. Since it appears that we will be in Springfield past the normal deadline, this will give us more time to negotiate."

Contact Britt Carson at [e-mail] or 630-416-5269.

[momof3]

Senator Linda Holmes

Plainfield Office [phone]
Springfield Office [phone]

ETA email:

[e-mail]

[proschool]

I have had several discussions with the Senate president regarding this issue and he understands my support for a fair and reasonable resolution.

I am confused. What does she consider a "fair and reasonable solution?"

[momto4]

proschool said:

I have had several discussions with the Senate president regarding this issue and he understands my support for a fair and reasonable resolution.

I am confused. What does she consider a "fair and reasonable solution?"

I thought that meant something other than what the people are pushing for...

[gatordog]

momof3 said:

Holmes said. "We all agree this is a necessary project. I have had several discussions with the Senate president regarding this issue and he understands my support for a fair and reasonable resolution. ...."

Sen Holmes, Here is the fair and reasonable solution:
--The land owner gets paid fair-market value for there property as determined by trial in the Fall. Fairness to the property holder.
--The school district gets access to the land now to stay on schedule and avoid overcrowding. Fairness to the students.
--The school district taxpayers avoid escalation of construction cost due to delays. Fairness to taxpayers.

Quick-take is the fair and resonable solution which Sen Holmes should pursue.

[Arch]

GD: Perfectly put.

[bluemoonoden]

The way things are going I am grateful when there is any movement at all.

[wvhsparent]

I am not holding out hope that QT will be resolved ...It seems the IL legislature is too preoccupied with the State budget now and Emil Jones does not seem to be a big supporter of things not of or directly benefitting Chicago.

I am OK with it as I am not a supporter of QT anyway...

[sd204taxpayer]

gatordog said:

momof3 said:

Holmes said. "We all agree this is a necessary project. I have had several discussions with the Senate president regarding this issue and he understands my support for a fair and reasonable resolution. ...."

Sen Holmes, Here is the fair and reasonable solution:
--The land owner gets paid fair-market value for there property as determined by trial in the Fall. Fairness to the property holder.
--The school district gets access to the land now to stay on schedule and avoid overcrowding. Fairness to the students.
--The school district taxpayers avoid escalation of construction cost due to delays. Fairness to taxpayers.

Quick-take is the fair and resonable solution which Sen Holmes should pursue.

I guess i'm more willing to wait until Sept to see what the Jury decides the price will be. I believe there was a closing on the property behind Krispy Cream in May by Kimball Hill Homes for around $600,000 an acre. Can't get a better comp than that property in my mind. Can anyone confirm this?

I also don't think construction cost will go up the 8-9 million dollars from now till then. I believe it is another smoke screen by the School Board to scare the taxpayers into believing their position that they will get the land for their price.

I do not believe that the Macom site offered was the best from a location standpoint but if that proposal would have been accepted when proposed, we would not have a quick take issue nor would we be worrying about escalating construction costs.

[proschool]

sd204taxpayer said:

gatordog said:

Sen Holmes, Here is the fair and reasonable solution:
--The land owner gets paid fair-market value for there property as determined by trial in the Fall. Fairness to the property holder.
--The school district gets access to the land now to stay on schedule and avoid overcrowding. Fairness to the students.
--The school district taxpayers avoid escalation of construction cost due to delays. Fairness to taxpayers.

Quick-take is the fair and resonable solution which Sen Holmes should pursue.

I guess i'm more willing to wait until Sept to see what the Jury decides the price will be. I believe there was a closing on the property behind Krispy Cream in May by Kimball Hill Homes for around $600,000 an acre. Can't get a better comp than that property in my mind. Can anyone confirm this?

I also don't think construction cost will go up the 8-9 million dollars from now till then. I believe it is another smoke screen by the School Board to scare the taxpayers into believing their position that they will get the land for their price.

I do not believe that the Macom site offered was the best from a location standpoint but if that proposal would have been accepted when proposed, we would not have a quick take issue nor would we be worrying about escalating construction costs.

I doubt if it went for $600,000 per acre for residentail use. it doesn't matter anyway because the jury would only be interested on value as of the date of comdemnation.

[sd204taxpayer]

proschool said:

sd204taxpayer said:

I guess i'm more willing to wait until Sept to see what the Jury decides the price will be. I believe there was a closing on the property behind Krispy Cream in May by Kimball Hill Homes for around $600,000 an acre. Can't get a better comp than that property in my mind. Can anyone confirm this?

I also don't think construction cost will go up the 8-9 million dollars from now till then. I believe it is another smoke screen by the School Board to scare the taxpayers into believing their position that they will get the land for their price.

I do not believe that the Macom site offered was the best from a location standpoint but if that proposal would have been accepted when proposed, we would not have a quick take issue nor would we be worrying about escalating construction costs.

I doubt if it went for $600,000 per acre for residentail use. it doesn't matter anyway because the jury would only be interested on value as of the date of comdemnation.

I'm sure there is a contract involved and it was probably entered into around the same time as the condemnation.

[Arch]

sd204taxpayer said:

proschool said:

I doubt if it went for $600,000 per acre for residentail use. it doesn't matter anyway because the jury would only be interested on value as of the date of comdemnation.

I'm sure there is a contract involved and it was probably entered into around the same time as the condemnation.

Since you're so sure, why not find, scan and post that contract. Should be public record. That would indeed end all speculation in the matter.

[bob]

I'm sure there is a contract involved and it was probably entered into around the same time as the condemnation

Why wouldn't BB use it, if it was true especially since it was around the condemnation date? Well since BB didn't use it for their side, I am going to doubt that $600k/acre until proof. $600k is more than what Costco paid for the corner of Rt59 and 75th so I am really doubting this $600k figure.

[momof3]

Wasn't that property zoned retail and Kimball petitioned to have it rezoned residential? I think it was supposed to be Greenbriar Townhomes but they changed the name, I think, to Mayfair?

ipsd204.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=oldnews&action=display&thread=1151072715

If it was originally zoned retail it would have sold for more than property that's always been residential ... ?

[dcyst]

Who thinks that the school will open in 2009?