By Angela Marshall
Serious space problems in the school district prompted the administration and board to look for ways to move some of the business and plant operations off the high school campus, according to Dr. William Johnson, superintendent of schools. He announced at the Feb. 26 school board meeting that the board was considering a piece of property, and the following day Gaskell confirmed that an agreement had been made.
We have a handshake and a price, Gaskell said.
The property, currently used as a service station, will cost about $620,000.
Before the deal can be completed, it must be approved by voters at a referendum, which will be held on April 18.
The agreement is also subject to appraisal and environmental review.
The district maintenance department would be moved to the Dedek property, possibly freeing up 14 parking spaces on the South Side High School campus. Other departments are also being considered for relocation.
One of the board members Tuesday night said the relocation of departments might open up space for as many as three classrooms.
It's an opportunity that we could not reject, Gaskell said.
However, members of the Maple Avenue Task Force and Middle Village Civic Association do not want a maintenance garage in their neighborhood. And they plan to do everything they can to make sure the referendum is defeated.
We are very disappointed in our school board, said Joe Kelly, president of the Maple Avenue Task Force.
For the last two years, the task force has worked to improve their area and make Maple Avenue a showcase for the village, Kelly said.
He and other task force members were happy when they heard Dedek's was up for sale because they hoped whatever moved in would be an upgrade.
We were hoping that something else would come in that would revitalize the area and turn it around, said another task force member.
A parking maintenance garage and storage area for district vans on what they believe is already an overtaxed street is not what they had in mind.
The board's first concern would be to make the property aesthetically pleasing, Gaskell said. He wants to assure neighbors of the property that the district will not leave vehicles outside all the time.
Dedek Brothers was started in 1930 and moved to the Maple Avenue location in 1940. The company's current owner, Paul Dooling, purchased it in 1995 after working there for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Florence, also a longtime employee, are looking forward to retirement.
