ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE the Sale of 839 W. MOSS AVE to SAM MACH and to Authorize the City Manager to Draft and Execute the Purchase CONTRACT (District 2).
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BACKGROUND: Since the fall of 2013, the City of Peoria has been partnering with Peoria Public Schools District 150 to sell District-owned property at 839 W. Moss Ave., often referred to as Old Washington School. This building last served as the District's Alternative Education facility, but ceased operating as such at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 school year. The District has declared it as "excess property" and has been seeking a buyer for the last few years. At the request of the City, District 150 agreed to transfer the property to the City so it could create a public Request for Proposal (RFP) process that would both provide the District with at least its asking price of $150,000 and ensure that the new owner of the property used it in a manner consistent with the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood.
The City has issued three separate RFPs to attract a buyer for the property. The first two (October 2013 and March 2014) yielded viable proposals, but both were withdrawn by the buyers prior to purchase. In January 2015, the City issued its third RFP with a due date in April 2015. One responsive proposal was received from Sam Mach, a local businessman seeking to use the property as a Buddhist temple. Mr. Mach plans for some modest improvements to the building immediately, including transforming the gymnasium area into the worship area and making life-safety improvements. Over time, Mr. Mach would hope to utilize more of the building to add educational and language classes.
Per the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and District 150, it is the City's responsibility to sell the property to Mr. Mach and give the proceeds, minus any closing costs, to the District. Mr. Mach has requested 120 days...
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