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The Illinois House has approved legislation that would sell the shuttered Tinley Park Mental Health Center property to the Tinley Park-Park District for $1, according to the district and state Sen. Mike Hastings, D-Frankfort.
The 280-acre property, northwest of the intersection of Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street, has been eyed for redevelopment by the Park District and the village.
The legislation, which previously passed the Senate, would require the state’s Central Management Services, which controls the site, to sell it to the Park District. The measure now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for consideration.
“We are very grateful to members of the General Assembly for supporting our vision for the Mental Health Center to create new recreational opportunities and green space to benefit the entire Southland region,” Park Board President Marie Ryan said in a news release.
Before any redevelopment could occur, millions of dollars would need to be spent to clean up environmental problems with the property, and who might foot the bill for that remains up in the air, although the Park District indicates it is looking for help from the state.
“The Park Board of Commissioners is hopeful Gov. Pritzker will sign the legislation into law, and we can partner with the state to begin needed environmental cleanup at the site,” Ryan said.
The property had at one point been considered a site for a combination harness race track and casino, but Hastings said the legislation prohibits any gambling development on the site.
The Park District plans include a domed, regulation-size soccer field and a stadium with a running track.
The village has also been in talks with Central Management Services about acquiring the property and had proposed a mixed-use entertainment district that would “be a powerful economic engine” producing tax revenue and make Tinley Park “an all around-destination to live, work and play,” Mayor Michael Glotz said in a January posting on the village’s website.
The village’s aim is to have a development that would complement assets such as an outdoor music theater and several hotels that are adjacent to the state-owned property.
mnolan@tribpub.com
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