By Thomas M. Kennedy
Special to Inside
The Park & Ride on the west, southbound side of Ravenswood Ave., between Cullom and Berteau avenues, has been purchased in a tax sale by a private citizen, reducing the number of parking spots available to commuters by 64 spaces.
The property in question was at one time an abandoned lot, and then it was turned into a railroad spur. The property was again abandoned and eventually owned by a number of people. Years later, the land sold again to another private owner who kept it until December 1996, when the land was sold back to the City of Chicago for $152,000.
Because the City failed to notify the Cook County Assessor's office at the time of the purchase, the distinction between private ownership and public ownership was never recognized. As a result, because the real estate tax was never paid over the course of two years, the land was sold to Mohammad Z. Uddin at a tax sale.
Although Uddin has owned the property since 2003, the issue of the Park & Ride was brought to the attention of the City only about one year ago, when Uddin signed a contract with Lincoln Towing, placing "No Parking" signs on City light posts at the north end of the parking lot and one at Berteau Ave.
Prior to Uddin's purchase of the land, it was part of the Ravenswood Park & Ride, on Ravenswood Ave. between Berteau and Montrose avenues. Initially, the south half was going to charge $1 per day for parking privileges, but Ald. Gene Schulter (47th) made the entire lot free to the public. The land was to be used by CTA commuters, area residents, and business owners and customers.
Because the surrounding neighborhoods are very congested with vehicles, it is difficult for people to find parking. "That's our Park & Ride," Ald. Schulter said. "We need it for commuters and industry in the area. He has no basis to own it. It's still City property."
Since Uddin bought the land, it has been placed for sale three times, each time for a different price. The most recent time it was posted on the real estate Multiple Listing Service as of Jan. 21, 2004, the sale price was $749,000.
Attorney Mark Davis, representing the City, took up the issue in court four months ago. Currently, there has been no decision made about the property. Until a final decision is reached, the property will remain that of Uddin. However, Ald. Schulter is hopeful that the matter will be decided within the next few weeks. Uddin did not respond to attempts to reach him for comment. |
