Addresses now included in sale of village-owned properties in Dixmoor

The Dixmoor village board amended an existing ordinance governing the sale of village-owned real estate during its meeting on May 14.

Village president Fitzgerald Roberts expressed urgency behind the property sale: “Cook County Land Bank [Authority] can just come in and take it. So what we need to do, what we own…we need to just start getting rid of.” 

Roberts explained that many of the properties are vacant lots that the village has owned for years. The board voted unanimously to amend the ordinance to include specific property addresses as exhibits so residents would know which parcels are available for purchase.

Railroad damage leaves 145th Street a “crater”

Roberts described a plan to file a damage claim against a railroad company due to 145th St. being badly damaged when a railroad company sent heavy equipment through to repair its tracks without repairing the road it tore up in the process.

“It’s like a crater. I go down there all the time,” Roberts said. “Sometimes I don’t even want to go down that block.” Road repairs are expected to stretch from Robey Ave. to Cooper Ave., but Roberts said he will try to get engineers to also work between Seeley and Western avenues.

Roberts said he is deliberately holding off on filing a formal damage claim until engineers can put a dollar figure on the full scope of repairs needed to put in one invoice, a strategy designed to prevent the railroad from making a lowball settlement offer.

Renewable energy firm pitches revenue partnership

Sharon Frazier, an independent advisor with Think Energy,  gave the board presentation on renewable energy. Think Energy is a retail electricity provider that operates in 13 deregulated states and Washington D.C. Frazier pitched the company’s municipal aggregation program as both a community benefit and a potential revenue generator for the village.

The program offers residents complete renewable electricity sourced from wind, solar, and water. Community Solar, an initiative under Think Energy, guarantees 20 percent discounts for up to 20 years for low-to-moderate income customers. Frazier described the enrollment as “free to join and free to cancel” with no financial risk to residents or the village.

The board received flyers and indicated it would consider the proposal at a future regular meeting.

Roberts eyes Springfield trip for funding push

Closing out the meeting, Roberts announced plans for a trip to Springfield in June, potentially alongside a representative from Cook County board president Toni Preckwinkle’s office, to lobby state officials for funding.

“Democrat, Republican, or independent, whatever. If you’re in charge and you’re supposed to help and serve the people, that’s what we need you to do,” Roberts said. “I don’t care who I ask. If we get the funding, then I’m happy.” Roberts also floated the idea of organizing a convoy of coach buses to Springfield this summer for up to 200 residents, reasoning that state legislators are unlikely to turn away a crowd that size showing up to make their case in person.