What to Do with Derby Road Property

Lemont-Bromberek District 113A board members last week decided to price out an appraisal on its unused land at Derby Road and 131st Street.

Though not all board members agreed, the move indicates an interest in selling the property, which it purchased in 1989 as land for a prospective school.

But an enrollment decrease and the closing of Central School in 2011 have led the board to reconsider its retention of the property. Those in favor of selling it contend that there is no use for it in the foreseeable future, and that instead the district would reopen Cental School or expand an existing one if enrollment necessitates it.

Board member Brian Bushnell has previously called the land a cost risk, noting $96,000 in unpaid property taxes. The board has since secured tax exempt status for the land, meaning it costs the district very little to keep—$100 in upkeep each year. The district would benefit from the sale, but if it decides to buy land in the future, would pay more for that land, than the Derby Road property had cost, said board member Dave Molitor.

Board member Damon Ascolani suggested the board first plan for its future before unloading the land, which could be of use later.