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CHICAGO-Rather than watch another North Side industrial property go the way of residential redevelopment, city officials are stopping one attempt in the North Park community. The Department of Planning and Development recently won acquisition authority from the community development commission, which will give the city to use eminent domain, if necessary, to gain control of 5895 N. Rogers Ave.

The one-story, 25,500-sf industrial building has been owned by Reliable Perforating since late 1990, when it paid $200,000. However, the business closed more than two years ago, and the building has been vacant since, according to Denise Roman of the Department of Planning and Development. After paying the owner fair market value for the property, the city could offer tax increment financing and Cook County property tax incentives to a buyer who would return the property to industrial use, she adds.

The 57,000-sf site is at the southern end of the Peterson/Pulaski TIF area, which is the strongest portion of the manufacturing area, Roman says. The property is bounded on two sides by New World Van Lines. A church is on the north, Roman says, while the rest of the surrounding uses are primarily industrial and manufacturing.

"We've had to deal with issues of graffiti, vandalism and what appears to be issues with an absentee landlord," says 39th Ward Alderman Margaret Laurino. "This site is very sought after in this area." The current owner of the property could not be reached for comment.

A $448,000 mortgage was placed on the property in 2003, according to documents on file at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds office. However, acquisition authority allows the city to order an appraisal, Roman notes, to determine the property's fair market value. The city also could issue a request for proposals seeking developers.

Instant Insights /

North Side Building Off Limits to Residential Developers

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