Residents of the shuttered Forest View Mobile Home Park in Blue Island may soon have a new owner, as negotiations for the property’s sale have progressed. Canaan Van Williams, managing partner at Proactive Sustainable Bonds, announced that his investment group has reached an agreement to purchase the park, which has been closed due to infrastructure issues and zoning challenges. However, city officials have confirmed that the property is still zoned for industrial use, complicating the transaction.
The mobile home park, managed by Mer-Car Corporation on behalf of the owners, has faced significant challenges. In a meeting last July, attorneys discussed the unrealistic prospects of revitalizing the property, citing the need for substantial investment to address building code violations and essential infrastructure updates. Despite this, Van Williams expressed optimism regarding the deal, stating that his group finalized the terms of the cash purchase, which is below market value, with plans to take responsibility for the property’s outstanding water bills.
Van Williams indicated that the proposed sale includes provisions requiring Forest View Mobile Home Park Inc. to settle any unpaid fees to the city. He emphasized that Proactive Sustainable Bonds aims to address the existing code violations and improve the overall condition of the park. The investment group focuses on funding affordable and energy-efficient real estate projects.
The agreed sale price is seen as favorable, allowing for rent stabilization while improving facilities and potentially adding new units. The next step involves drafting an official agreement, although the zoning issue remains a significant obstacle. According to Thomas Wogan, the city administrator, the property has been zoned industrial since its development in 1971. While a special-use permit was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, there is no record of the City Council formally granting it.
Wogan noted that a previous owner obtained a special-use permit in 1980, but there is no documentation indicating that the current owners have sought or received such a permit. “Special-use permits do not transfer with the sale of a property,” Wogan explained, indicating that the current operation lacks the necessary zoning.
On October 23, Wogan revealed that although residents’ attorneys had reached out to the city attorney for a meeting, no discussions have been scheduled. Joe Cervantes, a resident and advocate for the park’s revitalization, expressed the need for a viable solution before engaging with city officials. He stated, “The city has the power to change the zoning, but they need reassurance that this will not repeat past issues.”
Both residents and Van Williams plan to present the sale contract and a proposal for rezoning at an upcoming City Council meeting. They have approached Alderman Dexter Johnson and Alderman Joshua Roll to facilitate a meeting to discuss their request. Van Williams has committed to enhancing the property’s security by increasing lighting and improving infrastructure, including stormwater management systems and landscaping.
In terms of community safety, he promised to enforce rules regarding pet management and address issues related to domestic violence. His plans also include removing dilapidated units and collaborating with residents to identify and remove unauthorized individuals from the property. “The enthusiasm among residents has been palpable,” Cervantes noted, highlighting the excitement surrounding the potential new ownership.
Residents had previously been working on a relocation agreement, anticipating the possibility of needing to move. This effort was part of a broader legal dispute involving the city, Forest View Mobile Home Park Inc., and other parties. In a letter sent in late July, city officials demanded that the property owners “cease and desist” operations, citing unsafe conditions and the risk posed to public health and safety. The property management company owes the city nearly $4 million in unpaid water bills, with a significant payment of $850,000 due in 2023 almost leading to service disconnection.
The case is currently scheduled for a court hearing at 10:00 on November 12, 2023, presided over by Cook County Judge Jonathan Clark Green. Residents continue to advocate for their rights and for a positive resolution to their situation, hoping the new ownership will bring about much-needed change.
