Forest Park council declines to authorize application to pursue Army Reserve site at 7402 Roosevelt Road

The Village of Forest Park council on July 25 failed to authorize submission of a nonbinding application under the Army Reserve’s real property exchange process to pursue the 6.5-acre Reserve Center at 7402 Roosevelt Road, after a divided and extended discussion over environmental contamination, remediation costs and whether the village has the funds to proceed.

Commissioner Maxam, who voted against the motion, said the village lacks the money and time to complete necessary environmental work before the Army’s deadline. “We asked the Army for a meaningful extension and we were refused,” Maxam said, adding that the village is projected to end fiscal year 2023 with a limited fund balance and cannot keep “pouring money we don't have into this project.”

Commissioner Vog, who moved the resolution to authorize submission, described the application as a nonbinding step that would preserve Forest Park’s chance to negotiate if the Army responded favorably. “All we’re doing is submitting an application now… it is non‑binding and the village will not move forward spending any monies until it has been agreed to by the council,” Vog said.

Council discussion focused on environmental findings and cost estimates from consultants and staff. Commissioners and staff cited potential asbestos in floor tiles and mastic, lead paint, an underground oil tank, a former vehicle maintenance area and a range used as a pistol range as recognized environmental concerns at the site. One commissioner summarized consultant estimates and consequences: the property is a 76,000-square-foot building with recognized environmental conditions that could require substantial remediation and increase acquisition costs.

Supporters of pursuing the property pointed to long-standing local planning work, a 2012 planning grant and the village’s TIF (tax increment financing) as potential paths to fund due diligence and remediation. Vog and others said limited Phase II testing and appraisal could follow only after the Army signaled interest. “If they accept the proposal we will do our due diligence before we sign on the dotted line,” Vog said.

Opponents said the village had already spent money on legal and engineering work and that the deadline and lack of additional extension left insufficient time for necessary studies. After debate, the motion was seconded and put to a roll call: Commissioner Burns voted no, Commissioner Maxam voted no, Commissioner Vog voted yes and Mayor Hoskins voted yes. The motion failed for lack of a majority.

The council did not adopt the application-authorizing resolution. No binding purchase or expenditure was authorized; if the Army later indicates interest, the council would return to consider any binding steps or funding for remediation.

The council turned next to other routine business and deferred further action on Roosevelt Road until future discussion.