Council rejects extension of exclusive listing for 914 Front Street

The McHenry City Council voted down a motion to authorize the mayor to extend an exclusive listing agreement with realtor Jack Monro of Berkshire Hathaway for 914 Front Street, a city-owned parcel in downtown McHenry.

Alderman Glab pulled the item from the consent agenda and told colleagues he no longer believed the current broker had been aggressive enough in marketing the property. "We've had him listed for a couple years now," Glab said, adding he wanted "somebody that's really hungry that's going to go out there and find somebody that wants to do something there." Other council members described the site as hard to sell, noted a previous price reduction and the council's prior preference that any redevelopment include a commercial element rather than purely residential uses.

Council debate focused on whether to continue with a listing agent or attempt a different approach. Alderman Bassie said, "After four years, it's time to find a new listing agent," while others noted the parcel's market constraints and the potential advantage of a broker who also lists adjacent properties as a package.

A motion to approve the extension was made and seconded but failed on roll call, with two council members voting yes and four voting no. After the vote, the mayor directed staff to explore other marketing and disposition options and return to council with recommendations.

The council did not take further action on 914 Front Street at the meeting; staff follow-up was requested.