Last house in St. Charles library's way is sold

Kelley Meyer hasn't visited the St. Charles Public Library in four years, even though it's visible through her kitchen window.

Then again, she's also kept her kitchen curtains closed so she wouldn't have to look at the library.

Meyer doesn't hate books, but she has long hated the idea of losing her home to the long-planned library expansion. The Meyer family has been the lone holdout property in the planned expansion area, which will eventually become a new parking lot for the library.

In about a year, Meyer will be able to open her curtains with no problem. It'll be the same kitchen, but it'll face an entirely new landscape.

The Meyer family just inked an agreement with the library to sell their property in trade for the value of the land and some bonus cash to transport their current house three blocks east.

Meyer said the library had been putting pressure on them to sell, and she was ready to go to court if eminent domain was used.

Library board President Norm Huntley said eminent domain was never mentioned in public, but he acknowledged homeowners were aware the library does possess such powers.

Meyer said she's glad a compromise was found that works for both parties.

"The main thing we want to do is get on with our lives," Meyer said. "They get the land they want, and we get to keep our home. It'll just be a different address."

Moving to that address won't likely occur until next year. When it does, it'll be a rare community event. Meyer said city officials have told her St. Charles hasn't helped engineer the transport of a house from one location to another in about 20 years.