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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REPURPOSING THE WATCHMAN'S HOUSE AT 87TH AND BEVERLY AVENUE IN THE DAN RYAN FOREST PRESERVES
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the "Preserves") watchman's house at 87th and Beverly Avenue in the Dan Ryan Preserves has been unoccupied for a few years; and recently, this structure sustained significant damage due to water pipes breaking and will need extensive renovation; and
WHEREAS, the Dan Ryan Preserves has another watchman's house located at 91st and Longwood Drive, which is approximately one half mile away from the house located at 87th and Beverly Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the watchman's house at 87th and Beverly Avenue is conveniently located along the Major Taylor Bicycle Trail. Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was an American cyclist who won the world 1-mile track cycling championship in 1899 after setting numerous world records and overcoming racial discrimination; and
WHEREAS, this unfortunate property damage at the watchman's house located on 87th and Beverly Ave provides a unique opportunity for the Preserves to explore alternative use for the structure; and
WHEREAS, with the support of the local community and elected officials and with the identification of the appropriate funds, the watchman's house located at 87th and Beverly Ave. can become a new public destination for the Preserves; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Real Estate Committee of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners requests that the Superintendent of the Preserves, and/or his designee, examine the cost and benefit of removing the watchman's house located at 87th and Beverly from the Preserve's Resident Watchman program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is also requested that the Superintendent of the Preserves, and/or his designee conduct outreach with the Dan Ryan Preserves local community and elected officials to explore interest in alternative uses and funding sources for ...
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