Village to sell abandoned Caddy

The village of Channahon will have a car up for sale soon, along with a bit of property.

At last week's village board meeting, trustees gave staff the go-ahead to list a 1973 Cadillac for sale and a small piece of residential property at 25218 Canal Road.

The village had an abandoned house demolished on the property over the summer, which was so dilapidated that it had been condemned. The vehicle was removed from its garage before demolition, and with about $18,500 in legal and demolition fees outstanding, Channahon hopes to recoup its losses by the sales.

There have already been two offers for the land. Its small dimensions prevent a new house from being constructed there, but staff said the two adjoining neighbors have both shown interest in purchasing the property to expand on theirs.

Last Monday, trustees asked village staff to get an appraisal for the property before putting it up for sale. According to village attorney Dave Silverman, by law, Channahon will most likely be required to get the appraisal and sell it for no less than 80 percent of its appraised value.

The Cadillac will be listed in The Herald-News, and the village will accept sealed bids. Channahon will hold the right to reject any bids, however, if staff feel the car could get a better price through a different forum.

The village last week also set Channahon's Trick-or-Treat hours to be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Village President Joe Cook also had some words of caution for drivers and parents for the holiday.

"Be careful when driving around on Halloween," Cook said. "Be aware that kids will be out."

Cook also advised parents to make sure their children take care and remember their safety lessons. Channahon's police officers will "be out in full force" on Halloween, also, he said.

In other Channahon village board news, staff assured trustees that the temporary traffic lights at Route 6 and Bell Road will be functioning before the winter weather hits. The village is waiting for ComEd to turn the electricity on to the lights and for pavement striping to be completed.