Politics & Government
Yorkville Considers Selling Old Post Office
The city will issue a "request for proposals;" a former alderman wants to build a brewery and retail space there.
Yorkville Mayor Gary Golinski broke a tie vote Tuesday in favor of seeking proposals for selling the old post office building downtown.
The vote came after former alderman Jason Leslie walked some leaders, privately, through his plans for the building at 201 Hydraulic St. He also discussed his plans casually during the public comment portion of Tuesday's City Council meeting.
Leslie , retail space, and terraced landscaping in the back leading to a riverside pathway. Leslie thinks the space could be an extension of the Three Angels Brewing he started with area attorney Boyd Ingemunson, as well as a complement to other downtown developments.
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Some aldermen paused, though, in light of the city's long-term discussions about whether to purchase the REC Center or discontinuing using the facility. They had initially decided against selling the building at a Committee of the Whole meeting earlier this month, but they were unaware of the specific proposal or Leslie's involvement then.
Ward 1 Alderman Carlo Colosimo said he was impressed with Leslie's presentation.
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“From what little I heard in the two-hour meeting, I was impressed," Colosimo said. "It’s geared toward what I see as the development in the riverfront in the city.”
But Ward 2 Alderman Larrry Kot said the city should sell real estate when the economy is more stable - in line with the old adage "buy low, sell high."
“This is probably the worst possible time to be selling anything," Kot said. "I’d like to wait six months and put it out there again.”
But Ward 3 Alderman Chris Funkhouser figured hearing some ideas for the space couldn't hurt.
“We need to look at all options, and in this case I would not be doing my civic duty if I did not hear the proposals," Kot aid.
When the aldermen were evenly split on the issue, Golinski said the city's downtown is what first drew him to Yorkville.
Voting against accepting proposals for the building were Ward 2 Alderman Jackie Milschewski, Ward 1 Alderman George Gilson Jr., Ward 4 Alderman Rose Spears and Kot.
