Dalton Village Council Approves Sale of Telecommunication Easements for $564K

The Village of Dolton held a regular board meeting on August 4, 2025, where key discussions focused on property appraisals, ongoing litigation, and financial resolutions that could significantly impact the community's future.

One of the primary topics was the appraisal of properties by Clean Harbors, which has engaged the accounting firm Kone Resnick to assess their value. This appraisal is crucial as it will inform potential partnerships and development opportunities within the village. The board expressed optimism about reaching amicable solutions and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with legal counsel and community stakeholders.

In terms of litigation, the village's attorney provided an update on the status of ongoing cases, revealing a significant reduction from 81 to 38 open cases since the new administration took office. This decrease is attributed to efforts to resolve issues stemming from the previous administration, which had left a legacy of legal challenges. The attorney noted that many of the remaining cases are linked to past officials, and while progress has been made, some cases still pose financial burdens due to high settlement demands.

Financially, the board approved two resolutions concerning the sale of telecommunication easements to Tower Point Acquisitions, generating substantial revenue for the village. The first resolution involved the sale of an easement at 14440 Greenwood Road for $228,000, while the second involved a sale at 401 East 140th Street for $336,000. These transactions are expected to close within the next 30 days and will contribute to the village's financial recovery, particularly after uncovering a previously uncollected $160,000 owed by Comcast for antenna leases.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the village's proactive approach to resolving past issues while laying the groundwork for future financial stability and community development. The board's commitment to transparency and collaboration with residents and stakeholders was evident, signaling a positive shift in governance for Dolton.