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Kankakee officials say owner neglected former Salvation Army building as tax-sale bidders back away
Summary
City lawyers told the council Jan. 5 that the former Salvation Army building at 591 East Court Street is structurally unsafe, has accrued $16,000 in fines and is moving through a tax-sale process after prospective buyers withdrew due to high rehabilitation costs.
KANKAKEE — City lawyers briefed the Kankakee City Council on Jan. 5 about the deteriorating former Salvation Army building at 591 East Court Street and steps the city is taking as the property moves through a tax-sale process.
In-house counsel Miss Landler told the council the city first became aware of roof problems in early 2024 and that code enforcement issued five tickets over the following eight months that ultimately resulted in defaulted fines totaling $16,000. Drone photos reviewed by a structural engineer showed the roof had collapsed and the engineer concluded the building was unsafe; the city fenced the site to protect pedestrians, Landler said.
"The structural engineer indicated…
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