I don't know who the Realtor is, or who did the appraisal, but I got a house I want them to help me unload. The property includes parking lots and two houses along West Nebraska Avenue and North Ellis Street.
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| This house and parking lots sold for $262,000 (St. Paul on right side of street) |
Why would The District pay that kind of money for the house at 510 W. Nebraska?
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| From PeoriaStory, public comments from Monday, September 10th BOE meeting. |
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| click images to enlarge |
74 comments:
Shame on the district and shame on the pastor that saw them coming. I hope the district didn't pay that amount. I hope they bought the church too.
Isn't one of the school board members a member of St. Paul's?
It was a 4 parcel sale - $262k for all four lots, not just the one house
And why pray tell exactly is Psd150 buying the four parcels? They've just been selling off schools.
St Paul church was extremely unhappy with Dr. Lathan for what was done to Annette Coleman. They put alot of heat on Dr. Lathan. I am sure this was a political move to "make nice" with St. Paul. Maybe Dr. Lathan could have used her own money as a dontation to St. Paul instead of the taxpayers.
District 150 got a $34MM state grant for CAPITAL projects.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1656492885/District-150-touts-34-million-in-grant-money-as-incredible-opportunity
It is using those funds to purchase space adjacent to Peoria High, which has relatively little land for a school its size.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1052258526/District-150-plans-to-add-properties
It is greatly overpriced. With the crime in our area, our house's value has dropped about $20,000. Which means we cannot afford to move, even with having paid our mortgage off years ago. There is no way that land is worth that much in our area.
much like the school in the park, those houses were bought for significantly larger amounts than worth. No wonder we face continued deficits in the district.
Latham and Buler openly talk about Latham buying Butler's church. Why not- she gets away wih everything else. When it happens...which it will...you all can say you knew, we're warned - and did NOTHING about it- just like all her other scams.
Where/what are the 4 lots?
Does this actually surprise anyone? Look at the overinflated prices D150 paid for houses along Prospect when they wanted to put the new G.O. School in G.O. Park.
They bought more than that one house for $262k - what else did they get for that price?
But the lame school board just goes along with it.
a) Sounds like Dawn got the short end of the stick, and
b) Screw you St Paul Church, for soaking everyone you can.
Vintage 150
That house at 510 W Nebraska sold a few years ago for $35k. The total property that D150 actually bought for $262k is probably 8X the size of that one house.
Who's more gullible? The D150 board for allegedly buying one little house for $262k - or the people who actually believed that to be the case?
C'mon people - it wasn't one house. At least get your facts straight. Hmmm, maybe the money for the Islamic Temple is really being used to fund.......
Nobody knows the actual facts so speculate people. It helps the District all the more with the negativity. I did however take note of one comment; " With the crime in our area, our house's value has dropped about $20,000. Which means we cannot afford to move..."
This is why there isn't a mass exit out of Peoria. Many are stuck here because of the crime and streets and limited police have indeed lowered property values. I have always said that looking at a small property tax increase to do away with the garbage fee and to put more police on the streets was a very viable option. But no way according to city leaders. Property tax increase would drive people out. Again, that is what is not driving people out of Peoria. It is crime and the schools.
"The total property that D150 actually bought for $262k is probably 8X the size of that one house."
Considering the crime ridden area that this property sits in - The District still paid too much. Bottom line. They paid premium for property people were literally giving away (hence the $35,000 donation of the property to the church by Ms. Cassulo.)
Additionally, the newspaper listed one address in the real estate transaction - that address was 510 W. Nebraska Ave. The newspaper didn't say 510 - 530 W. Nebraska (or whatever). The newspaper didn't indicate that several parcels were a part of the transaction - the newspaper listed one address for one price $262,000.
It appears we erred in believing what we expected would be a true depiction of the real estate transaction that was shown in the legal notice section of the newspaper. I guess we are gullible.
Clarification of the transaction appears in today's newspaper:
"Land that Peoria School District 150 recently purchased from St. Paul Baptist Church will probably be used for softball or soccer fields for Peoria High School, according to the district’s treasurer/comptroller, Dave Kinney.
The district’s recent purchase of property from St. Paul Baptist Church has raised questions that the district is planning to build a new stadium. Kinney said the new property is “not where we would put a football stadium,” but he added that Peoria Stadium does need renovations.
The St. Paul property, purchased for $262,000, includes parking lots and two houses along West Nebraska Avenue and North Ellis Street.
The district purchased both properties for fairly close to appraised values, Kinney said, though he didn’t have exact figures with him. Parcels of land or houses were not appraised separately, he said."
"They paid premium for property people were literally giving away (hence the $35,000 donation of the property to the church by Ms. Cassulo.)"
Let's get the facts straight. Cassulo's family SOLD the property to the church for $35k.
When the District negotiated to buy property 8X the size of that house, located right next to Peoria High's school grounds, we should have just expected the seller to "give away" the property, I guess.
Is the district in a financial position to be buying property for a use that is not yet determined? NO.
Was this property worth 262K? Probably not.
Who cares if the property was "8x times the size as the one house". Maybe it is a gigantic piece of shit. The size does not determine the value.
The district got a $34MM windfall from the state that has to be used for capital projects (sorry, that can't be used for salaries or supplies), so YES, the district is in a position to buy these properties. And YES, size (and proximity to the school) does matter when part of the consideration of buying the lots is to increase the land (for soccer fields, parking, whatever) for a school that has relatively a small footprint for a school its size.
Funny how people who have no idea what lots were even purchased have determined that the price was too high.
Correction "windfall"? that would be taxpayers dollars.
Yes, taxpayers dollars - do you expect D150 to turn it down?
Contrary to what some people might wish....size matters....
So when 150 gets a "windfall" (taxpayers dollars) , they can pay whatever they want, even if it is more than the property is worth? I don't care if they paid 10-20k more or 100k more. This idea that grants, windfalls, etc. is free money that falls out of the air and no one pays in the end is not a good mindset. Not trying to argue, just my opinion.
"So when 150 gets a "windfall" (taxpayers dollars) , they can pay whatever they want, even if it is more than the property is worth?....This idea that grants, windfalls, etc. is free money that falls out of the air and no one pays in the end is not a good mindset.
These are straw man arguments. No one is claiming such a thing.
Some grants say you have to spend XX amount of dollars in a certain time frame to keep the Grant our the money is forfeit. Schools run on tax dollars. Be thankful PD150 got this grant and if it is a waste, then contact your state rep and complain. I'm sure Peoria could be omitted in the future for grants that can help our schools. Besides, the house wouldn't sell on a bet nor the lots and they would become full of trash and broken glass. If the school used it to make a field or landscapes it into something then it is a plus for the school and the neighborhood. Otherwise bitch bitch bitch.
taxpayer dollars for windfalls - like for teacher pensions?
Oh, here we go. The war on teachers again. Somehow every post comes back to that.
I think we'd better do some checking before anyone comes to the conclusion that the property was purchased with the Peoria High grant--I believe the strings attached to the "gift" wouldn't allow for such a purchase. I would certainly hope not since the purchase will have nothing to do with improving academic results, etc.
I believe the purchase that night included the property on Nebraska (much more than a house) and the Islamic church on North Street.
As to whether or not a stadium is being planned instead of a soccer field, etc.--if the District would start being transparent about their intentions, they would be no speculation.
Terry Knapp has asked over three times at three different board meetings if a stadium was planned. Silence was his answer.
No one is suggesting that the money to purchase the properties came from the "Peoria High grant".
As already referenced (with a link to the PJStar article), the District was awarded a state grant for capital projects:
"According to state Rep. David Leitch, R-Peoria, the source of the funding is a capital bill that took nearly 10 years to get passed and one that contains money specifically earmarked for school construction bonds."
No--that was my mistake--no one suggested it was from the Peoria High grant--I hope I have quickly stamped that one out--definitely my error (I read the above posts too quickly) However, as to the windfall from the state, I thought that many potential projects were mentioned on the night that the windfall was first announced. Certainly, there are many schools that need fixing up.
It is odd that the $34 million was ballyhooed back when it was announced, but in the same breath stating the state had no idea when they would have the funds.
So, without any public announcement, they are getting the funds and they are buying properties?
Dr. Kinney also said "back when it was announced" that the older buildings would now be air conditioned. Can't wait for that to happen!
When did the state become solvent enough to grand those funds? Are the other school districts who got similar grants gushing with excitement?
Peoria is now all A/C. In every room. It won't be full operational though until next spring.
Also, can I ask a question? With the current stadium very outdated and in need of a major overall, what is so bad about the District wanting to build a new one?
It would seem that Peoria High is beginning to be the main and center high school for Peoria so wouldn't people welcome an improvement over the old?
oops one more question: Why does Terry Knapp care if a new stadium is being planned and why should the Board respond? Maybe someone else should ask?
Ok 3 more..
"So, without any public announcement, they are getting the funds and they are buying properties?"
Back in early July, the District announced that it was going to buy the properties (before they actually completed the sale late that month), and further, explained that the money was coming from the $34MM grant.
People clamor for transparency, but the reality is no one pays attention. This whole post is proof of that. All of the information was out there - well before the final decisions were made. Yet people want to assume the worst and trash the district.
From the July 9 board meeting minutes (on the District website):
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR NEBRASKA AND ELLIS – Moved by Petelle, seconded by Butler that the Board of Education approve the purchases of properties located at 1821 N. Ellis, 510 W. Nebraska, 602 W. Nebraska and 1820 N. Ellis. Pin numbers include 18-04-101-021, 18-04-101-035, 18-04-102-008 and 18-04-102-006.,
On roll call, 6 ayes. Motion carried.
Let’s say I’m reading the paper and I think I see that a property my family sold for $35k a few years ago was recently sold to the local school district for $262k. I decide to…
A) Inquire with the school district regarding the transaction to confirm the transaction
B) Check the Peoria County land records (all available online) to confirm the transaction
C) Google “Peoria District 150 buys Nebraska property”, which would in less than one second direct me to a PJStar article explaining the transaction
D) Write a letter to the paper trashing the public school district
Let’s say I read the letter to the paper about the family who sold a property for $35k a few years ago and then claims the local school district bought the same property for $262k. I decide to….
A) Inquire with the school district regarding the transaction
B) Check the Peoria County land records (all available online) to confirm the transaction
C) Google “Peoria District 150 buys Nebraska property”, which would in less than one second direct me to a PJStar article explaining the transaction
D) Write a blog post trashing the public school district
Let’s same I’m reading the blog post about the family who sold a property for $35k a few years ago and then claims the local school district bought the same property for $262k. I decide to….
A) Inquire with the school district regarding the transaction
B) Check the Peoria County land records (all available online) to confirm the transaction
C) Google “Peoria District 150 buys Nebraska property”, which would in less than one second direct me to a PJStar article explaining the transaction
D) Make a comment on the blog post trashing the public school district
Well…there is a certain consistency here…
Buy my house!
Sharon - why would you come out with a plan to build a new stadium without having secured the property yet? To inflate the asking price of said property?
Sharon - why would you come out with a plan to build a new stadium without having secured the property yet? To inflate the asking price of said property?
I'm not sure why you are asking that question now. The property has already been secured, hasn't it--and it was secured when Terry started asking the question. If there is other property to be secured, the cat was probably out of the bag when the purchase under discussion was made.
I don't know why anything should be secret now--if the PHS stadium is going to replace the current stadium--a buyer for that property would be needed.
"The property has already been secured, hasn't it-"
No, it hasn't. From the PJStar:
"Kinney said the new property is “not where we would put a football stadium,” but he added that Peoria Stadium does need renovations."
Randall-Were you joking when you said 150 was all air conditioned as of next spring?
And Terry would care because he is taxpayer and does attend the events. More taxpayers should care.
And here's what the State says about disclosing contract negotiations that are not yet final (via whether or not such information can be secured via FOIA):
"Documents containing information on contracts or agreements that, if disclosed, would frustrate procurement procedures are exempt (subsection 7(1)(h)). Records related to real estate purchases are exempt until negotiations for purchase are terminated or completed (subsection 7(1)(s)).
Why are you all saying the property hasn't been purchased? The July 9 minutes prove it was already purchased. Today's PJS article just tells what Kenny says about how he thinks the property will be used--he isn't a board member; he doesn't decide how the property will be used and there has been no public announcement as to how it will be used.
The property purchased next to Peoria High is not/can not replace Peoria Stadium. It's a big piece of land, but not that big.
Do yourself a favor and read the PJStar links and the quote from Kinney.
Sharon - this land is for the expansion of baseball/softball/soccer fields. I assume that any future expansion of the school itself would take up the area where those fields are located currently.
The stadium would have to be a much bigger land area. I do think it would be in the best interest of the district to sell that land. With PND building a new multi-purpose stadium, there won't be much, if any, revenue coming in from the stadium. They already tried to sell it once, but the COP's business climate prevented that.
If there is a new stadium planned, it would be foolish for the district to display the grand plan before the property can be secured.
There has been no announcement as to exactly how the property will be used because they haven't fully decided how it will be used. They acquired it because they have a school that needs more space, it's right next to the school and it was available, and they had the capital funds for it.
Now that they have the land, they can figure out how to best utilize it - it has several possibilities, but putting a football stadium on it isn't one of them.
Anonymous Jon is still annoying.
Yes, it would be foolish to let taxpayers and Peoria High neighbors weigh in on any possible plans for a stadium. It would be foolish to try to build any kind of relationship between taxpayers, etc., and District 150. It is always foolish to let the people know what is going on.
Here's how it works - and how it worked in the current case of the Nebraska/Ellis properties.
The District negotiates with a potential buyer/seller. Hopefully they agree in principle on a price. However, ANY agreement is contingent on approval from the board and ALL agreements are reviewed at a public meeting of the board - BEFORE the transaction is finalized.
The Peoria High neighbors and taxpayers had the opportunity to discuss any concerns with the proposed transaction at the July 9 meeting. The transaction didn't take place until July 26.
Perhaps it's foolish to think that some people will ever understand this.
So no architect has been asked to draw up plans for a stadium on the PHS property, right?
Architect? Yes
Stadium? No
Gulen Mosque? YES!
P.S. On July 9 no one was given the opportunity to speak about the possibility of a stadium or any other use of the land because no one was telling why the property was purchased.
Yes, Peoria High is going to be all AC. It isn't done yet but they have rooms in the building where windows won't open so they are getting AC for the whole school.
All of the high schools are also going to finally have WIFI, whenever it is turned on, as well.
At the July 9 Board meeting, after explaining the purchase of the North Street property (Islamic Center) Kinney spent the next 2 minutes explaining why the Nebraska/Ellis properties were being purchased.
Check out the video - starting at about 14:55.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25224213
He referred to it as an "opportunity sale" and said "we don't have immediate plans that we're implementing...we have lots of ideas and there will be opportunities...at the very least, with the construction of Peoria High, it will provide us with more space..."
He then goes on to explain that Peoria High has no soccer there, no girls softball, and that they have to take kids elsewhere to play.
Maybe Sharon didn't hear the answer she wanted...but an answer/explanation was provided. It was on the Agenda for the meeting and the public was given the opportunity to speak on it.
Maybe Sharon did hear the answer that was given. Maybe Sharon knows that David Kinney doesn't vote on any issues. He can speculate all he wants, but who on this blog can predict how this board will vote. No one who votes has talked in public about any possible uses for the land.
How were the neighbors notified that they would have an opportunity to speak or that the board was going to vote on the purchase of land in their neighborhood? Oh, yes, they could read the agenda on the website--I'm sure they regularly look at the site just in case some land near them might be purchased.
I pressed the button too early--didn't mean to post anonymously even though I spoke of myself in the third person.
The Board ASKED Kinney to explain the purchases and THEN they voted on it. Like Lathan, Kinney works FOR the DISTRICT.
How are neighbors notified of ANY sale? When you bought your house, did the seller notified all of your neighbors so that they could object? Weren't they given an opportunity to see what you were going to do with the house? Ohhhhh....there are CITY zoning issues if you later wanted to change the use of the property. Gee, I wonder if any of those City zoning laws apply to D150?
I don't know how my last post got on 3 times--sorry. Last Anonymous - question to you--were you at that board meeting? I was and that isn't at all how I remember it. No one asked the board, and during the meeting no one else told anyone how the land would be used. After the meeting, Terry asked Kinney and Kinney told us that no decision had been made as to its use. The board has not voted on how to use the land--do you think the board needs to vote on its use?
From the PJS July 10 article:
"Kinney said the closing on the Islamic Center at 1716 N. North St. should be completed by Aug. 20. Though the building requires some work, the district plans to use it for Peoria High School's ROTC program and offices when school begins.
Kinney said purchasing the Islamic Center will alleviate the "tight squeeze" at Peoria High exacerbated by construction of a new gym and science wing."
Certain government entities and political candidates usually feel that public memories are short, so they can approve business, make promises, etc., knowing in 2-3 months, the public would have forgotten about it..including all the details. However, I feel the original letter to the PJS editor could have looked up the facts of this particular transaction before writing the letter.
I haven't been out to the Peoria Stadium in quite a long time, but I think renovations would bring it back up to par vs. finding enough property space to build a new one.
At the same time, you hear about the public wanting the government to "cut cut cut spending"...except if that spending comes to your town. If Dist. 150 had not received that $34 million to do improvements at PHS, plus A/C in other schools, among other things, I have no doubt there would still posters here and there complaining about the condition of the schools getting worse. Which way do you want it, Peoria? Thank you.
Dennis, the board did state at the July 9 meeting that the Islamic building was to be used (and I believe is currently being used for ROTC). That building, however, has nothing to do with the potential site of a stadium or soccer fields, etc.--that property was purchased on the same night, but no purpose was stated for its use.
If you lived in the Peoria High area, would you like the idea of heavy traffic, etc., through your neighborhood on game nights, etc. And, of course, we all know that fights occur at the current stadium. I suppose there are those who wouldn't consider that possibility if a stadium were to be located right in the middle of a residential area.
Obviously, no one has yet convinced me that a stadium is not still a possibility.
No one has convinced me that a Gulen mosque is not still a possibility.
"That's not how I remember it."
Watch the video (link previously provided).
The Stadium is now located right near a residential area and if the District did build a new one at PHS, it isn't the fights but the neighborhood that scares me. You can be robbed and shot just walking in that area. Maybe a stadium there would clean out the riff raff and improve that area
They are building a huge new gym on the end of PHS now and YES all the rooms will be A/C which means the whole building will be A/C
Randall, I will concede that as yet another reason not to have a stadium near PHS. However, when was the last time you heard about a stadium fight breaking out into the surrounding neighborhood--those fights are usually contained on the premises and few students are going to continue a fight out into War Memorial traffic.
My friend lives behind the stadium. While fights are rare, they do happen in the yards because the police, like you say, want the people off the property out to War or Lake Street. They also don't like the noise, traffic and the garbage dumped either but, the stadium is isolated in that it sits back in so most trouble, if any, is right there at the stadium.
As for the neighborhood around PHS, a new stadium would probably clean up that area anyway. Besides, that isn't going to happen because a source has told me where the District is considering and when it gets out, the people here will shit their pants. I know it.
Do tell, Emtronics. Southtown? No? Midtown Plaza? No? The new Downtown East Peoria ? The Adams Street Supermarket? Woodruff? Glen Oak Amphitheater? the old Lakeview Museum campus ? On Heartland Partnerships downtown elevated pad next to the Amazeum?
Maybe at the sight of the old Harrison School after it is demolished?
Next door to Peoria Speedway? Then you can go across the street and get a lapdance afterward.
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