logo
Column: South Sububan Land Bank rehabs Park Forest house in pilot project

Column: South Sububan Land Bank rehabs Park Forest house in pilot project

Chicago Tribune21-04-2025

No matter the community, there are vacant and neglected homes not fully owned and not legally abandoned. These are the 'zombies' of local housing and, like the walking dead of movie fame, these dwellings are to be avoided.
Uncut grass, decrepit gutters, a bad roof and unpaid taxes are the usual logos of decay, often caused by death, debt or disinterest. Be it the vacant house next door, down the street or in the community in which you live, this virus of neglect infects everyone.
Sadly, the hardscrabble south suburbs are often seen as the epicenter of this plague, and that is what the 13-year-old South Suburban Land Bank, comprised of 28 communities, is confronting with injections of time, money and work. The agency has rejuvenated some 200 homes, businesses and vacant lots.
The rehabbing of these decrepit buildings is not something a village wants to be in, says Andrew Brown, Park Forest's assistant director of economic development
That's where the land bank steps in, getting title to properties by paying all debts and working to develop, sell or demolish the property, thus eliminating the pungent odor of decay before putting it on the market.
Under the leadership of Joe van Dyk, the executive director of the land bank, it has, for the first time in its existence, bought and then rehabbed an entire house.
This pilot project is a two-story house at 345 Miami in Park Forest, on the market for $179,999 after the land bank spent about $130,000 in a clean-up, fix-up, patch-up effort that turned a community eyesore into a home with up-to-date plumbing, new kitchen fixtures, glistening floors and what was said to be some 50 gallons of paint covering the inside and outside of the house.
It also exudes the heady perfume of a new beginning, 'and it is affordable,' said van Dyk. Doing it this way 'gives us more control over the outcome,' he said.
Chances are, van Dyk said, 'that if you have a vacant or abandoned home some 300 feet from your property your values will go down.' This program is meant to stabilize communities and increase the tax base.
Even zombies can be reborn under this plan.
Last December, in Crain's Chicago Business, van Dyk wrote that along with a fragile economic base, the area, now challenged by extremely high property taxes, needs new taxpayers by expanding the tax base. He notes under Cook County's recent increase in 2023, Harvey's median tax bill increased 82%. In Calumet Park, by 72%. In Phoenix, by 107%.
In just the last two years, van Dyk wrote, the land bank 'reactivated 75 properties, generating $930,000 in new tax revenue,' as well as employing local electricians, carpenters, painters and builders.
Kicking the can
Johnnie Thomas, the Rich Township School District 227 superintendent, earns more than $307,000 this year; a salary that will increase to nearly $336,000 by the end of the 2028 school year.
When the rumor spread that Thomas was asking for a year's extension on his contract, as well as requesting he receive medical benefits for 12 years after his departure, one might think irate district residents facing massive property taxes hikes would storm last Wednesday's board meeting.
Not quite.
Before the board went into closed session, Richton Park resident Kim Jones was the lone voice heard as she urged the board to vote no on both the proposed increase in salary and perks. Jones estimated the total cost to the district would amount to $1,5 million in salary and benefits, adding her tax bill increased to more than $6,500 and that 'our community cannot afford this.'
After more than one hour of discussion the board returned. Board President Andrea Bond combed though some of the issues before quietly announcing the proposal was tabled, proving again that a hot potato always needs an asbestos glove.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Subway workers vote to strike in row over pay and working conditions
Subway workers vote to strike in row over pay and working conditions

Yahoo

time03-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Subway workers vote to strike in row over pay and working conditions

Subway workers who feel 'devalued and ignored' have voted for strike action in a dispute over pay and working conditions, a union has said. Unite said more than 100 staff employed in Glasgow's Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) subway voted by 97.5% in favour of industrial action, with a series of 24-hour stoppages planned later this month. Strikes are to take place on June 21, 25, 27 and 28 while an overtime ban will be in place from June 13. The union warned that chronic under-staffing has led to the subway system struggling, with train drivers and station staff often working up to 10 hours over their contract of 39 hours per week. Unite said that SPT has not made any improvements, and that staff are frequently called in to work additional shifts at short notice. The subway system will be closed on the day of the Punk All Dayer festival in Bellahouston Park, which features acts like Sex Pistols, the Sting, Simple Minds and Stereophonics Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite's Glasgow subway members membership feel totally devalued and ignored. 'We will not tolerate our members being exhausted and underpaid. The subway system is running on empty. 'SPT has had every opportunity to resolve the chronic issues that have resulted in this dispute but have chosen not to act.' Andrew Brown, Unite industrial officer, said: 'The strike action will cause major disruption across the subway system but this is entirely the fault of SPT's management which has continuously ignored the workers' concerns about being overstretched and under-staffed.' SPT has been approached for comment.

SHINE Announces Two Strategic Appointments to Advance Fusion Technology and Market Expansion
SHINE Announces Two Strategic Appointments to Advance Fusion Technology and Market Expansion

Yahoo

time21-05-2025

  • Yahoo

SHINE Announces Two Strategic Appointments to Advance Fusion Technology and Market Expansion

Healthcare technology leader Dr. Gregory Sorensen joins Board of Directors; Defense expert Col. (Ret.) Gregory Van Dyk joins as Strategic Advisor JANESVILLE, Wis., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SHINE Technologies, LLC, a next-generation fusion technology company with commercialized platforms in industrial testing and medical isotopes, today announced the appointments of Dr. Gregory Sorensen, co-founder of DeepHealth and Chief Science Officer of RadNet, and Col. (Ret.) Gregory K. Van Dyk, U.S. Air Force, as strategic advisor to its Board of Directors. These appointments bring deep expertise in healthcare technology and national security to SHINE as the company expands the reach of its fusion applications across commercial and defense markets. "Fusion technology provides real-world solutions to big infrastructure problems in highly specialized markets," said Greg Piefer, founder and CEO of SHINE. "These appointments expand our ability to understand and access these markets quickly. Dr. Sorensen is a strong addition to our already distinguished board, having rare depth in the healthcare space that spans founding, growing, and selling startups through executive operations at multinational conglomerates. Col. Van Dyk brings a career of leadership and widespread connectivity in the radiation effects testing arena, with a specific focus on the effects of DT fusion neutrons." Dr. Sorensen: Guiding Commercial Strategy and Innovation Dr. Sorensen brings decades of experience at the intersection of healthcare, imaging, and technology. As co-founder of DeepHealth (now RadNet's AI division) and former President and CEO of Siemens Healthcare North America, he has led the development and commercialization of transformative medical technologies. He will advise SHINE on strategic growth initiatives, partnerships, and the expansion of its fusion-enabled medical isotope business. "SHINE represents the promise of fusion – not as a science experiment, but as a real-world solution," said Dr. Sorensen. "I'm excited and honored to help guide the company's growth into new healthcare and commercial markets." Col. (Ret.) Van Dyk: Advancing National Security through Fusion Col. (Ret.) Van Dyk, Ph.D. joins SHINE following a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he specialized in nuclear engineering, fusion technology, and strategic deterrence. He previously led the Department of Defense's Fusion for National Security initiative and managed a $207 million annual R&D portfolio at the National Nuclear Security Administration along with leading two multi-billion-dollar programs in the Department of Defense. His appointment comes at a critical time as SHINE expands FLARE (Fusion Linear Accelerator for Radiation Effects), a high-energy neutron testing service that enables defense contractors to evaluate the resilience of microelectronics and mission-critical systems in extreme radiation environments. "SHINE's fusion platform is practical, innovative, and timely," said Van Dyk. "FLARE offers a new capability for understanding how our most important defense technologies perform under the toughest conditions." About SHINE Headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, SHINE is an industry leader in next-generation fusion, developing innovative fusion-based technology that combines safety, cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility. SHINE has successfully commercialized fusion across multiple applications, including neutron testing markets such as neutron radiography, radiation-effects testing and fusion material research. It has commercialized and is scaling its proprietary medical isotope production, processes, supplying high-quality radioisotopes essential for procedures including diagnosing heart disease and cancer as well as cancer therapy. Beyond these applications, SHINE is pioneering nuclear waste recycling to make nuclear energy more sustainable. Its long-term purpose is to change the way humans make energy by commercializing fusion energy. Unlike other fusion companies, SHINE takes a commercially driven path mirroring successful deep-tech industries. Through this visionary approach, SHINE is advancing technology, healthcare, and sustainable energy, making a lasting impact across multiple sectors. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SHINE Technologies, LLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Column: South Sububan Land Bank rehabs Park Forest house in pilot project
Column: South Sububan Land Bank rehabs Park Forest house in pilot project

Chicago Tribune

time21-04-2025

  • Chicago Tribune

Column: South Sububan Land Bank rehabs Park Forest house in pilot project

No matter the community, there are vacant and neglected homes not fully owned and not legally abandoned. These are the 'zombies' of local housing and, like the walking dead of movie fame, these dwellings are to be avoided. Uncut grass, decrepit gutters, a bad roof and unpaid taxes are the usual logos of decay, often caused by death, debt or disinterest. Be it the vacant house next door, down the street or in the community in which you live, this virus of neglect infects everyone. Sadly, the hardscrabble south suburbs are often seen as the epicenter of this plague, and that is what the 13-year-old South Suburban Land Bank, comprised of 28 communities, is confronting with injections of time, money and work. The agency has rejuvenated some 200 homes, businesses and vacant lots. The rehabbing of these decrepit buildings is not something a village wants to be in, says Andrew Brown, Park Forest's assistant director of economic development That's where the land bank steps in, getting title to properties by paying all debts and working to develop, sell or demolish the property, thus eliminating the pungent odor of decay before putting it on the market. Under the leadership of Joe van Dyk, the executive director of the land bank, it has, for the first time in its existence, bought and then rehabbed an entire house. This pilot project is a two-story house at 345 Miami in Park Forest, on the market for $179,999 after the land bank spent about $130,000 in a clean-up, fix-up, patch-up effort that turned a community eyesore into a home with up-to-date plumbing, new kitchen fixtures, glistening floors and what was said to be some 50 gallons of paint covering the inside and outside of the house. It also exudes the heady perfume of a new beginning, 'and it is affordable,' said van Dyk. Doing it this way 'gives us more control over the outcome,' he said. Chances are, van Dyk said, 'that if you have a vacant or abandoned home some 300 feet from your property your values will go down.' This program is meant to stabilize communities and increase the tax base. Even zombies can be reborn under this plan. Last December, in Crain's Chicago Business, van Dyk wrote that along with a fragile economic base, the area, now challenged by extremely high property taxes, needs new taxpayers by expanding the tax base. He notes under Cook County's recent increase in 2023, Harvey's median tax bill increased 82%. In Calumet Park, by 72%. In Phoenix, by 107%. In just the last two years, van Dyk wrote, the land bank 'reactivated 75 properties, generating $930,000 in new tax revenue,' as well as employing local electricians, carpenters, painters and builders. Kicking the can Johnnie Thomas, the Rich Township School District 227 superintendent, earns more than $307,000 this year; a salary that will increase to nearly $336,000 by the end of the 2028 school year. When the rumor spread that Thomas was asking for a year's extension on his contract, as well as requesting he receive medical benefits for 12 years after his departure, one might think irate district residents facing massive property taxes hikes would storm last Wednesday's board meeting. Not quite. Before the board went into closed session, Richton Park resident Kim Jones was the lone voice heard as she urged the board to vote no on both the proposed increase in salary and perks. Jones estimated the total cost to the district would amount to $1,5 million in salary and benefits, adding her tax bill increased to more than $6,500 and that 'our community cannot afford this.' After more than one hour of discussion the board returned. Board President Andrea Bond combed though some of the issues before quietly announcing the proposal was tabled, proving again that a hot potato always needs an asbestos glove.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store