Dolton approves framework sale to Safety Kleen pending rezoning and park-district approval

The Dolton Village Board on Feb. 2 approved a purchase-and-sale agreement framework with Safety Kleen Systems, Inc. that would transfer village-owned right-of-way and vacant lots near Safety Kleen's property, subject to rezoning and park-district concurrence.

Village Attorney Mike McGrath summarized the proposal: Safety Kleen seeks to "square off" its property and expand on-site parking to reduce truck staging in residential streets. McGrath said the sale is conditional on the park district completing its own approval process and, if necessary, petitioning the circuit court for approval because of statutory restrictions on park-district land dispositions.

"This agreement ... just lays out the financial provisions for the sale of the right of way and those lots to Safety Kleen," McGrath said, adding that if the park district finalizes its part, the village and park district proceeds would be reinvested in other park property nearby.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about tax status and whether the parcels would return to the tax roll. McGrath and other speakers confirmed that once privately owned and developed, the property would be placed back on the tax roll.

The motion to approve the purchase-and-sale framework passed by roll call. Implementation steps — including rezoning, park-district approval and any required court petition — were described as prerequisites before a final conveyance could occur.

If the park district does not finalize its portion, McGrath said, the transaction would "go to the wayside."