South Barrington Park District again seeking voter approval to sell land
The South Barrington Park District is taking another shot at gaining voter permission to sell a vacant 34-acre lot that officials say is not needed.
Voters will decide April 2 whether the district can sell what's known as "Area N," on the southeast corner of Bartlett Road and Route 59 in South Barrington.
District voters rejected the same ballot measure in November. However, Executive Director Jay Morgan said a better job has been done this time in getting information to potential voters about the referendum.
"I think the major reason (for the November defeat) was they were not familiar with what we were asking," Morgan said.
The district bought the vacant 34 acres, along with a 12-acre site, for $4.3 million as part of 2003 lawsuit settlement involving a developer.
Officials say the parcel, formerly home to Klehm tree nursery, is not ideal for a park. The land isn't flat, has wetlands and is awkwardly shaped. Morgan said an appraisal and public auction would follow if the park district is allowed to pursue a sale.
South Barrington Park District's other holdings include the 5-acre Marvin Dunteman Park at Witt and Penny roads and the 22-acre New Community Park off Bartlett Road, just north of Higgins Road. There also is The South Barrington Club, which offers tennis, aquatics and fitness to members, along with a banquet facility and pro shop.