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New York Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Chicago Suburb Will Buy Pope Leo XIV's Boyhood Home
The Chicago suburb where the first American pope grew up will buy the boyhood home of Leo XIV, which local officials have been looking to preserve as a landmark since the pontiff's election in May. In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Board of Trustees in Dolton, Ill., agreed to acquire the modest three-bedroom house on East 141st Place — about 20 miles south of downtown Chicago — for a yet-to-be-determined amount. Officials said that the village should not pass up the rare chance to own the property, which was put up for auction online with a reserve price of $250,000 around the time of Leo XIV's installation. 'I will say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' Jason M. House, the mayor of Dolton, told the trustees during a meeting with the board. 'We can either seize this moment and move it forward, or we can let that moment go to an investor.' But some people in Dolton, which has grappled with deficits, potholes and the scrutiny of an F.B.I. investigation over spending by a former mayor, questioned whether the village could afford the purchase. 'Do we have the money?' Mary Avent, a resident, asked the board. She also wondered how much property maintenance would cost. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Pope Leo XIV's hometown votes to buy his childhood home
The Dolton Village Board in a south Chicago suburb unanimously voted to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV. The acquisition aims to revitalise the financially struggling village, which is currently grappling with significant debt. Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first US pontiff, and his modest Dolton home has become a pilgrimage site since his election in May. Dolton Mayor Jason House views the purchase as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to bring economic benefits, drawing parallels to other papal homes or historical figures' residences. Despite mayoral enthusiasm and recent positive activity like a free roof replacement, some residents express skepticism regarding the financial prudence given the village's dire economic situation.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home can now be bought
Dolton, a south Chicago suburb, has unanimously voted to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, hoping the acquisition will revitalise the financially struggling village. The decision, made by the Dolton Village Board on Tuesday, comes as the community grapples with significant debt and depleted bank accounts. Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Prevost, made history in May when white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signifying his election as Pope Francis's successor and the first pontiff from the United States. Since his elevation, his modest two-story childhood home in Dolton, located about 20 miles south of Chicago, has become a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from across the country. Prevost was born in Chicago's Bronzeville neighbourhood in 1955 and grew up in Dolton, attending St. Mary of the Assumption for Mass and elementary school before studying theology and teaching in local Catholic schools. Dolton Mayor Jason House hailed the purchase as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," noting that the childhood homes of other popes have often been transformed into museums or pilgrimage destinations. "This is a proud moment for our village and an opportunity, and we want to make sure that we're doing it justice," he stated. However, the move has been met with skepticism from some residents, who question the financial prudence of the purchase given the village's dire economic situation. Last year, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was hired to probe Dolton's finances, revealing the village was \$3.65 million in debt with mounting unpaid bills. The suburb has also faced national scrutiny amid allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption against its former Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Dolton resident Mary Avent voiced her concerns to the board, stating: "Purchasing the pope's residence is admirable. But with the state we're in right now, I guess my concern is, do we have the money?" Mayor House acknowledged residents' concerns and committed to repairing the streets surrounding the property, but affirmed the sale is likely to close within two weeks. He urged the board to seize the moment, adding: "We can either seize this moment going forward or we can let that moment go to an investor. I would like our community to get the benefit of this opportunity." Other board members echoed the mayor's enthusiasm, drawing parallels to the economic opportunities brought to communities by the childhood homes of figures like Michael Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr. Recent activity at the home, including a free roof replacement offered by Gino Ferrari, president of Windy City Construction Group, has already generated positive buzz. Ferrari, whose company erected a sign outside the house proclaiming "Pope Leo's childhood home" and "A roof for the pope's roots," noted the community's excitement. "Dolton has been through a lot in the last few years, so this is such a great, positive moment for Dolton," he said. "The community seems pretty excited."
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Village of Dolton, Illinois plans to acquire house were Pope Leo XIV grew up
The Village of Dolton plans to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV. In a letter to New York-based Paramount Realty USA, attorney Burton Odelson wrote on behalf of the village that it intends to purchase the home at 212 E. 141st Pl. either by direct purchase or by eminent domain. The village plans to work with the Chicago Archdiocese to turn the house into a historic site that can be viewed and visited by the public, Odelson wrote. Dolton Mayor Jason House said the village's first choice would be to negotiate with the current owner of the house — but the eminent domain option could come into play if negotiations don't work out. "We felt like it was a proper step to notify the auction house that the village is interested. And we'll take that measure if we need to, ideally, like anything else," he said. "You want to have a good, fair negotiation with the owner. We want to be fair to him, and we also have the conflicting interest of making sure we're honoring the property." Currently, Paramount Realty USA is planning an auction of the house, which it notes was owned by the Prevost family for nearly 50 years. The house was built in 1949, the realty company noted. The auction is scheduled for June 18. But Odelson wrote that any prospective buyers should be told their "purchase" may be only temporary since the village plans to take over the house.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election Day: Suburban voters head to the polls
Several elections will take place in Chicago-area suburbs Tuesday. The most notable election is in Dolton. Jason House won the primary election for mayor in February defeating incumbent Tiffany Henyard after a series of controversies involving questionable spending. House will now run against Casundra Hopson-Jordan. Heynard is running as a write-in candidate. In aurora, the current mayor, Richard Irvin will take on Alderman John Laesch. He lost the mayoral race against Irvin in 2021. More News, Weather and Headlines at In Arlington Heights, three candidates will face off to become mayor; Jim Tingaglia, Tom Schwingbeck and Jon Ridler. For decades, current Mayor Thomas hayes has held office, but announced last year that he will not seek re-election. The biggest issue on the table is the future of a potential Bears stadium. In Orland Park, Mayor Keith Pekau is seeking a third term, going against former longtime village trustee Jim Dodge. Pekau says he's helped improve village streets and parks. Dodge says being better stewards of taxpayer money is the goal. He is also critical of spending on a concert venue at Centennial Park West. Polls will close at 7 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
