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Villa Park board authorizes eminent‑domain motion for Hawthorne World property after years of stalled redevelopment
Summary
Following executive‑session briefings, the village board voted to authorize condemnation proceedings for the Hawthorne World site near the train station. Trustees cited unsuccessful attempts to secure redevelopment and legal advice; proponents said in public comment the developer opposed the action and warned of litigation and fiscal exposure.
The Village of Villa Park on Monday voted to authorize a condemnation ordinance for property commonly known as Hawthorne World (405 N. Ardmore Ave.), advancing the village’s legal authority to acquire the site if negotiations fail.
Why it matters: The derelict Hawthorne site near the downtown train station has been a longtime focus of redevelopment plans. Trustees and staff said they had offered a negotiated purchase price in the past and continued to seek a solution, but that the property’s condition and stalled process prompted the village to prepare a condemnation alternative.
What happened at the meeting: After public comment from Hothan Development representatives who said they had invested time and money in entitlement work and urged the board to negotiate, trustees convened in executive session to discuss the property with the village attorney. When the board returned to open session they took a roll‑call vote to adopt an ordinance authorizing the village to begin acquisition through condemnation. The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote with trustees voting in favor.
Statements from speakers: Community members and the developer urged more time and criticized prior village decisions. Developer representatives said they had been working on financing and zoning amendments for years and warned that a condemnation vote would likely lead to litigation and additional cost for the village. Village staff and trustees said the village had previously made offers and that the property’s condition and unpaid assessments required decisive action if redevelopment was to proceed.
Legal and fiscal context: Village staff and counsel told trustees that the ordinance directs staff to continue negotiations through a date-certain before immediately starting condemnation steps; the updated ordinance included a deadline for an owner response (the board noted an extension in the draft toward a June 30 deadline for acceptance before proceeding). During the executive‑session discussion the village attorney’s office advised the board that condemnation was legally defensible as a municipal option when redevelopment and public interest warrant it. Trustees acknowledged risks including legal costs and potential contests by lien holders; staff said legal fees and settlement costs would be incurred only if negotiations fail and litigation proceeds.
Outcome and next steps: The board voted to approve the ordinance enabling condemnation proceedings. Trustees said they hope that the authorization will create leverage to move redevelopment forward—either by prompting a private resolution or by enabling the village to acquire and control the property to guide future plans. Trustees also said the village would continue outreach to resident stakeholders and development partners to advance a successful project at the site.
Ending: The board’s decision does not itself transfer title; it authorizes legal steps that the village can use if the property owner and lien holders do not reach agreement within the timelines established by the board. Trustees said they would report further public details as negotiations and any legal steps proceed.
