Townhomes Could Replace Elmhurst Reservoir: City

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst officials are considering whether to sell some of the city's real estate. That includes the city's reservoir on the west side.

According to a city memo, the reservoir near West Avenue and First Street may no longer be needed.

It could possibly be decommissioned at an estimated cost of $1 million, the city said.

The city says the land's highest and best use is townhomes. It could include 77 units, selling for $500,000 a piece, according to the memo.

The city property, which also includes Elmhurst University's tennis courts, could sell for an estimated $8 million to $10 million, the memo said.

The memo said a preliminary engineering study shows the need for the reservoir has declined because of redundancy in the system and water usage.

At a City Council committee meeting Monday, Alderman Mark Mulliner warned against selling the reservoir.

While the city may be in a better situation with its end of the water system, problems may occur at the origin, he said.

"I don't believe in getting rid of that reservoir," Mulliner said. "It's a critical component of our infrastructure. It gives us an extra buffer of water."

Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky said she needed more information before making a decision.