Fremont Township buys home next to its offices, eyes possible expansion

Fremont Township officials Monday approved the purchase of a home and property adjacent to its administrative center on Route 60 near Mundelein.

At a special board meeting, trustees agreed to pay $450,000 for the 1-acre site and structure at 22425 Route 60, east of Fremont Center Road.

“We’re excited,” said township Supervisor Diana O'Kelly. “It gives Fremont Township many possibilities for the future, which we didn’t have.”

The township learned the property was going to be for sale and worked with the owner to acquire it before it hit the market, O’Kelly said. Closing is set for Sept. 9.

The property sits adjacent to township offices at 22385 Route 60 and the township highway department at 22376 W. Erhart Road.

That location is key because the township cannot pave any more of its property, so more land will be needed for potential expansion of either facility. O’Kelly said the township has tried but been unable to buy other adjacent land.

“We have to have more (allowable) impervious surface to do anything,” she said.

No expansions are imminent but both facilities are being reviewed.

The township office is about 30 years old. A study of how it could better function is in progress, O’Kelly said.

The main highway department building is more than 60 years old and options are being considered to make it more functional for large equipment, said Highway Commissioner Alicia Dodd.

“We’re restricted on the amount we could do on our property so this (purchase) gives us options,” she said.

“We are not moving ahead with anything in the near future (but), at some point, something is going to have to be done,” Dodd added. “I think it was wise of the (township) board to acquire the land when it became available.”

O’Kelly said the house will be evaluated to see if there are possible uses.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com