District 200 to Vote on Resolution for Hubble Sale

District 200 officials will vote on a resolution to begin the process of selling the old Hubble school site through a sealed bid Wednesday Feb. 16. 

Bill Farley, assistant superintendent of business operations, District 200, explained Wednesday that the resolution will include a detailed description of the property, a declaration of the board's opinion that the property has become unnecessary and inconvenient for the school district's use and an authorization that the property is for sale.

If a two-thirds vote passes the resolution Feb. 16, the sale must take place within 60 days, Farley explained. District 200 would notify the public of the time, place and terms of the sale via the Daily Herald in the three successive weeks leading up to the sale.

The District is waiting on an appraisal of the site, which Superintendent Dr. Brian Harris said will be ready by the time the board votes Wednesday. The minimum price set for the site, he added, will be determined based on the appraisal. 

The board discussed the Wheaton Park District's proposal to purchase the site at a fair market value and sell a portion of it for light development, while modifying its fields and facilities used for park programs Wednesday. An appraisal in 2007 valued the site at $21.7 million, Harris said. Since market values have changed, a new appraisal was necessary for setting a price, he explained.

Farley explained three options for proceeding with the disposition of the property including a sealed bid or public auction, a local governmental property transfer or an exchange of properties of similar value.

The further articulated its multi-use vision for the future of the old site Tuesday with a specific rendering of a site for recreational and commercial uses. 

School board vice president Rosemary Swanson commended the park district on their proposal Wednesday, but challenged them to think "even bigger," than they already have. The park district has proposed to purchase the site at a fair market value. 

A rendering of the plan shows: the creation of a gateway leading from Roosevelt Road along Main Street into Wheaton’s historic downtown business district; the preservation and enhancement of the outdoor athletic fields and the school’s indoor gymnasiums; and a portion of the property devoted for light development.

 The new details for multi-usage of the property came as a result of additional feedback from the community, according to a release from the park district Tuesday. 

Park board president Ray Morrill wrote, “This property serves as a valuable asset for our entire community and it’s important we strike a balance that takes into account everyone’s needs and concerns, including quality of life issues." Further, nearly 95,000 hours of Park District programs took place on the site last year. “We will continue to listen to what people have to say so we can achieve a workable solution that can take place in the immediate future," he wrote.

Based on the new renderings, about two acres on each side of Main Street at the Roosevelt Road intersection would be devoted to creating an entrance leading into downtown. The landscaped gateway complete with landmarks on each side of the street "is designed to lure visitors and consumers to restaurants and shops in the downtown area," according to the release.

By maintaining the open space, the two softball fields, running track and three gymnasiums, the Park District can continue to offer programs and leagues. Improvements would be made to the fields and the playing field inside the track would be resurfaced with synthetic turf. If it no longer had access to those venues, park district officials have warned that it would have to significantly reduce activities and programs.

Based on the vision, the park district would ultimately sell the remaining, highest- valued portion of the property—about four acres at the corner of Roosevelt and Naperville roads—so light development can eventually contribute to the area’s tax base for the first time at that location. This smaller-scale development would not take away from existing downtown businesses or diminish the area’s aesthetic appeal or quality of life for nearby residents, according to the release.

Morrill also noted that a mixed-use option would address the physical challenges of the site, most of which cannot accommodate any development. Because most of the 22-acre property lies on a floodplain, which includes the outdoor playing fields on the lower elevation part of the property, only eight acres allow for any buildings or structures.

“This multi-use plan provides an immediate common-sense approach that fits the needs of the entire community,” Morrill said. 

"We cannot afford to make a decision that fails to benefit the entire community," Morrill said when he addressed the school board Wednesday.

The District 200 Board of Education will vote on the resolution Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Special Services Center, 130 W Park Ave, Wheaton.