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Oak Park holds public hearing on quick‑take for 11 Madison Street to build new police station
Summary
The Village of Oak Park held a public hearing Jan. 13 to solicit comment on asking the Illinois General Assembly for quick‑take eminent domain authority to acquire 11 Madison St. (the former U.S. Bank site) for a new police station. Supporters urged adaptive reuse and speed; US Bank warned against forced seizure and customer impacts.
The Village of Oak Park held a public hearing Jan. 13 required by the Illinois General Assembly to gather input on the village’s plan to request quick‑take eminent domain authority for 11 Madison Street, a property the village has identified for a new police station.
Village Attorney Greg Smith summarized the notices and legal basis for the hearing, saying the village has been unable to reach terms for a voluntary sale and has authorized eminent domain proceedings (ordinance 25‑207). Village Manager Jackson said the site is needed “to proceed with development of the new facility in a timely manner.”
Members of the public offered mixed views. A speaker supporting the acquisition argued adaptive reuse of the bank building would save money and put a major gateway site back into productive community use. Several residents and an advocate who said they had been involved in community banking efforts urged trustees to move quickly so the property does not sit vacant.
Abel Deglawi, identified as the US Bank branch and market leader for Illinois, urged trustees not to use quick‑take, calling it “the most aggressive and risky method of taking private property against the will of a property owner.” Deglawi said US Bank has served the location since 2009 and that the bank had offered to sell the property under conditions allowing the branch to remain. He warned quick‑take would force a branch closure and disrupt customers while the bank sought a new site.
Trustees did not take a final vote on authorization to seek legislation. After public comment the board moved, seconded and approved a motion to adjourn the hearing; Clerk Waters took a roll call confirming trustees voted to close the hearing and proceed to the regular agenda.
What happens next: staff will include the hearing record and public comments in the village’s packet for any future decision on whether to seek quick‑take authority from the General Assembly. Any formal request to the legislature or a board vote to pursue quick‑take would be a separate, public action.
