Village Purchases Land at Five Corners

For the last seven years, the site of a former Marathon gas station at the corner of Main Street and St. Charles Road has sat vacant and slowly deteriorating. Glass in the windows has broken and weeds have grown in front of the former entrance. The site is a particular eyesore for village officials because its location at Five Corners is considered to be a gateway entrance to Glen Ellyn.

The Village Board approved funds to purchase the land at last week's board meeting and several trustees offered to demolish the site with their own hands.

"I'm willing to swing the ceremonial first sledgehammer against the building," offered Trustee Carl Henninger.

But last week the village finally purchased the land, and at a significantly reduced price. In 2005, the building was worth $1.4 million, and the board jumped last week to seal the deal and purchase the land for $590,000.

"The economy has given us an incredible opportunity and we'll use that to maximize this investment," said Village Manager Steve Jones.

The property sits across the street from the building site of the Historical Society's new History Park. Village officials said they've been looking at acquiring the property for some time.

"Having the village own the land gives us more control over what eventually gets built there," Jones said.

Although the village currently has no offers to buy or rent the land, Jones believes the site will eventually be used by a local business and will offer a significant return to the village in tax revenue. Village officials also hope the redevelopment of the site will help to spur additional development in the area of Stacy's Corners.