Joliet Wins Legal Fight to Take Over Evergreen Terrace

The City of Joliet’s almost decade-long fight to own Evergreen Terrace is almost over.

A federal judge on Thursday ruled in favor of the city in its eminent domain lawsuit against the troubled housing complex’s owners, New West/New Bluff. The decision came down in a 54-page ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Charles Norgle, who ruled in favor of the city on all claims.

Citing problems with crime and poor living conditions, the city began its bid to take over the Broadway Street housing development in 2005. Thursday’s ruling gives the city the right to continue with its efforts to purchase the government subsidized complex.

Mayor Tom Giarrante on Thursday said the next step will be a hearing to set a date for a jury trial, which will determine the value of the 356-unit complex.

“We’ll give our estimate or appraisal, they’ll give theirs and then the judge rules what it’s worth,” Giarrante said. Once the price it set, city officials will determine how to move forward.

Related:

• Giarrante, O’Dekirk Spar Over Evergreen Terrace After Woman’s Murder
• Murder at Evergreen Terrace -- Young Woman Butchered in Laundry Room, Man Charged with Slaying
• Alleged Evergreen Ripper Found Victim on Internet Escort Site, Met With Her For Sex: Prosecutor
• Crime at Evergreen More Than Three Times Joliet Average: Police

Giarrante said if and when the decision to purchase the property is made, officials will work with Holsten, the consulting group behind the redevelopment of Chicago’s Cabrini Green housing complex.

Holsten’s suggestions will be presented to community members before any action is taken to redevelop the property, Giarrante said.

“We will get all parties involved,” the mayor said. “This will be a public deal.”

Shortly after the ruling was issued, At-Large City Councilman Jim McFarland issued a statement on the decision.

“I will work to ensure that the original intent of the City’s lawsuit to demolish Evergreen Terrace is fulfilled,” McFarland said, calling the eminent domain suit ”a prolonged and expensive legal battle.”

McFarland added, “Those residents directly impacted by this ongoing issue deserve access to safe and adequate housing facilities and I will work to make sure this is accomplished once the City takes ownership.”

It’s unclear whether the property owners will appeal the ruling.

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