The Forest Preserve District is considering court action to take about 60 acres near University Park from two owners who have balked at offered prices.
Members of the forest district’s land acquisition committee Wednesday endorsed the separate actions against the properties of Rich Granat of Alsip and William Ricketts of Crete.
The district wants to add Granat’s 20-acre property to its Thorn Creek Preserve and Ricketts’ 39-acre piece to its Black Walnut Creek Preserve. The Thorn Creek Preserve borders Park Forest, Steger and University Park. The Black Walnut Creek Preserve, established in 2006, lies just south of University Park.
Forest District Executive Director Michael Pasteris said Granat wants $70,000 an acre for his property, near the intersection of Kings Road and Norfolk Avenue in unincorporated Crete. District appraisals value the land at less than $19,000 an acre, Pasteris said.
He said Ricketts wants $25,000 an acre for his property at the intersection of Western Avenue and Crete-Monee Road in unincorporated University Park. District appraisals value it at less than $10,000 an acre, Pasteris said.
Both eminent-domain issues next go to the full forest district board, scheduled to meet Jan. 11.
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Eminent domain is a legal power available to some governmental bodies that makes it possible to acquire land for the public good from owners who are unwilling to sell.
The power generally is associated with public works and infrastructure projects.
Typically, the forest district uses its eminent-domain power to bring property owners to the bargaining table, settling the issue well before the formal process begins.