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Westmont board terminates long‑standing BNSF lease to clear way for Metra station work
Summary
The village board voted to terminate its 1975 BNSF lease so Metra can execute a new lease and proceed with federally funded depot and platform renovations; staff said the village will negotiate a follow‑up agreement for remaining parcels.
The Westmont Village Board on June 11 approved an ordinance terminating the village's lease with BNSF Railway tied to parcels adjacent to the Westmont BNSF station so Metra can take a direct lease and proceed with federally funded depot and platform improvements.
Village staff explained that the village’s original lease dates to 1975 with later amendments and that Metra must have a direct lease with BNSF as a condition of the federal aid package for station rehabilitation. "In order for them to have a lease with BNSF, we have to terminate our lease," a staff member said, adding that the Village will then negotiate a new lease with Metra and BNSF for any remaining property after Metra's lease is finalized.
The board asked staff clarifying questions about timing and next steps; staff said a draft lease from BNSF has been provided for review and that Metra’s new lease will take effect once Metra completes its agreement with BNSF. Trustee Little moved, Trustee Guzo seconded, and a roll call vote approved the termination ordinance.
No costs or compensation terms were reported during the public discussion; staff said additional negotiation and agreement steps will follow once Metra advances its lease and project schedule.
The termination is intended to let Metra proceed with planned improvements; the village will return to the board with a proposed follow‑up lease and any related agreements.
