Committee recommends conveying 427 to land bank; agrees to add 466 Country Club Drive to city property list

KANKAKEE, Ill. — The Kankakee City Council Community Development Committee on Monday recommended that the city convey 427 to the county land bank and agreed by consensus to add 466 Country Club Drive to the city-owned property acquisition list.

The committee voted 6-0 to recommend conveyance of 427 to the land bank; Alderman Rivera made the motion and Alderman Swanson seconded. A roll-call vote recorded six ayes and no nays.

Barbie, ECDA staff, told the committee that 427 had been reviewed by the land bank and city staff (including the mayor, engineering and planning staff) and that the property is “rehabable.” She said the land bank could take ownership and then issue a request for proposals for developers to rehabilitate the house.

Why it matters

Staff said transfer to the land bank would allow the authority to clear liens and title issues and then market the property to developers, returning it to productive use and the tax roll. Committee members noted the property’s location on a block with otherwise sound housing and said the vacant building was holding the block back.

Discussion and next steps

Alderman Singa (referred to in the meeting as Mr. Singa) observed the other house at 466 Country Club Drive has been empty for many years; committee members said that property has not been on the city acquisition program list and therefore potential buyers could not apply. The committee indicated consensus to add 466 to the city list so applications may proceed. Staff said they will prepare conveyance contracts, resolutions and a streamlined internal review process to speed council consideration.

Committee action

- Motion to recommend conveyance of 427 to the land bank: made by Alderman Rivera, seconded by Alderman Swanson; roll-call vote 6-0, motion carries. - Addition of 466 Country Club Drive to the city acquisition list: committee indicated consensus; no formal roll-call vote recorded.

What comes next

Barbie said staff will prepare documents to bring both items to the full city council for final action. If the land bank acquires 427 it will be able to clear liens/title issues and solicit proposals for rehabilitation, staff said.

Ending

The committee’s recommendation will move to the full council for formal conveyance and for adding 466 to the city property program, with staff aiming to reduce duplicative internal review steps before that presentation.