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AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT APPROXIMATELY 0.36 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 714-726 NORTH KEDZIE AVENUE FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOR THE EXPANSION OF KELLS (GEORGE) PARK #1040
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To: The Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District (“Board”) adopt an ordinance authorizing the acceptance approximately 0.36 acres of property for the expansion of Kells (George) Park #1040 from the City of Chicago (“City). It is further recommended that the Board authorize the General Superintendent, or designee, to negotiate, enter into, and execute such agreements, amendments, indemnities, and instruments and perform any and all acts as shall be necessary or advisable in connection with the transaction described herein.
II. Agreement Information
Grantor: City of Chicago
121 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Transfer Type: Land Acquisition
Granting Instrument: Deed
Agreements: Intergovernmental agreement, and, if applicable, temporary right of entry, easements, restrictive covenants, and any other agreements or instruments necessary to comply with any restrictions of record for a portion or the entirety of the property.
Authorization: Authorize the General Superintendent, or designee, to negotiate, enter into, and execute such transfer instruments, agreements, amendments to agreements, and indemnities, and perform any and all acts as shall be necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions described herein, including compliance with existing easements, if any, filing of street and alley vacation or dedication applications, plats of dedication, and other applicable requirements. Authorize the General Counsel to include other relevant terms and conditions in the transfer instruments, the written agreements, and any amendments thereto. Authorize the Secretary to attest as to the signing of the transfer instruments, the written agreements and any amendments thereto and keep original on file.
III. Explanation
Kells (George) Park is a 1.93-acre park located in the Humboldt Park Community Area that is improved with ballfields and a playground. The Park District leases this land from the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. On February 15, 2023, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners approved the land acquisition of 0.19-acres directly south along Kedzie Avenue to expand the park. Additionally, the City of Chicago owns approximately 0.36-acres of property at 714 North Kedzie Avenue. The Fire Truck Company #36 was decommissioned in 1981 and the City intends to transfer the land to the Chicago Park District for further expansion of the park. On the 0.55-acre parcels, the Park District will construct a new fieldhouse and playground. Upon project completion, a total of 2.48 acres of improved open space will be provided by this park that will serve the Humboldt Park Community Area.
IV. General Conditions
1) Conflicts: The Agreement shall not be legally binding on the Chicago Park District if entered into in violation of the provisions of 50 ILCS 105, the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
2) Ethics: The agreement shall contain a provision requiring compliance with Chapter III of the Code of the Chicago Park District ("Governmental Ethics").
3) Contingent Liability: Any agreement lawfully entered into for a period of more than one year shall be executory only for the amounts for which the Park District may become liable in succeeding fiscal years pursuant to 70 ILCS 17(i).