Westchester approves deed-in-lieu to take ownership of nuisance Derby Lane properties

The Westchester Village Board on Feb. 10 approved a deed‑in‑lieu of foreclosure and settlement agreement to take ownership of nuisance properties commonly referred to as 99 Derby Lane and 9930 Derby Lane.

Village counsel described the properties as nuisances that have cost the village resources for water and maintenance and said the deed‑in‑lieu will allow the village to acquire title at nominal cost. Counsel explained that, after closing, the village will file a Section 21‑95 letter with the Cook County assessor and treasurer’s office to remove delinquent back taxes and produce a clean title that will make site cleanup and future redevelopment easier.

Trustees and staff discussed constraints posed by flood‑plain designations. Staff said parts of the properties near the creek are in the floodway and are not buildable; Burke Engineering indicated that, if developed, the likely use would be parking areas in areas outside the floodway. Trustees emphasized the village’s intent not to remain long‑term property owners and to pursue cleanup and redevelopment as feasible.

The board approved the deed‑in‑lieu resolution by roll call. Officials said using the Section 21‑95 process is standard practice to clear delinquent property tax clouds on title in Cook County and noted that private buyers often cannot erase large tax delinquencies as readily as a municipality can through this mechanism.

The village will file the 21‑95 documentation promptly after closing, then proceed with title cleanup and site remediation work as budgeting and planning allow.