Monee Realtor Takes Exception

A Monee Realtor working with village officials to acquire properties on Gail Avenue has taken exception to resident accusations they are being forced out of their homes.

Their properties are within the footprint of a 90-acre site adjacent to the future Towne Center’s commercial and residential development.

They say they are being pressured by a local Realtor and the village and told to “get out now.”

Village officials deny any intimidation tactics are being used and that Eminent Domain – taking private property to convert it for public use – will not happen.

“There will be no Eminent Domain,” Mayor Therese Bogs emphasized. 

At the same time, village Economic Development Director Bill Barnes said all of the properties already purchased by the village were professionally appraised, and the owners were given “very fair” prices with plenty of time to vacate.

Ray Rosewell, Realtor ABR,SRS  and 2023 Top Producer Award Recipient, agrees with the village.

“I have helped the Village of Monee purchase the following properties on Gail. Avenue: 5615, 5621, 5629, 5647, and one other that will be under contract in the next 30 days,” he said.

“Last fall, I received a lead developers were planning on buying the homes on the north side of Monee-Manhattan Road and the south side of Gail Avenue for the purpose of creating a commercial complex adjacent to what was to become the Town Center. At that time, I was told all these properties would be purchased through negotiations with the residents and businesses occupying those properties. The owners would be offered fair market value. 

“I explained in my letter to the residents that they would get more than fair value – top dollar. 

“Shortly after my initial contact with the residents, I became aware  it was the Village of Monee that was the developer and contacted Bill Barnes, the Economic Development Director, and he indicated they were indeed looking to purchase those properties, and they had already purchased properties on Monee-Manhattan Road, with a different Realtor and by direct negotiation,” he continued. 

“I informed him I was in contact with the Gail Avenue residents and had received some positive responses. The first property purchased was an empty parcel at 5621 Gail Avenue. The owner of 5629 already had signed a listing agreement with a different Realtor, and I represented the village as their buyer’s agent and presented the contracts for the village to complete. This home was for sale prior to me contacting the other residents, and he was paid his asking price. 

“ALL the residents were given 90 days or more to vacate the property AFTER closing and more time, if required. 

“AT NO TIME WAS ANYONE TOLD TO ‘GET OUT.’ 

“I cannot share each seller’s reasons for selling, but nobody was taken advantage of because they were represented by counsel. 

“If you drive down Gail Avenue you will see the condition of some of the homes and realize the offers were more than fair. I am not aware of the Village of Monee’s financial situation, but if you watch the board meetings in person or by YouTube, they are paying multi-million dollar contracts to contractors working throughout the village. 

“In summary I wanted to help those residents to make sure they were treated honestly and fairly. I am also a Senior in my 70s and work with residents 55 and older purchasing homes in age-qualified communities, and you can look at my reviews. 

“There is a resident on Gail Avenue who has harassed those who have sold their properties already, and I have been told she is complaining because a major drug store chain offered her an amount that far surpasses what Monee is offering. The drug store chain is no longer building stores and is closing what stores they have. If she does not want to sell, that is okay. 

“I have told the Mayor of Monee I will not represent them in the purchase of these properties after the one in the works closes and will only be involved as the seller’s agent, if requested. I feel I have been unjustly dragged through the mud. There is nothing illegal or unethical about my contact with those residents. After the initial contact, I have sent updates on what homes are under contract and which ones have closed. There is no threatening verbiage of any kind. Just an update on what is going on and some of the incentives to sell.”

A letter Rosewell sent to the Gail Avenue residents underscores the efforts undertaken to make it easier for them to sell their properties and vacate. In it, he wrote, “Dear Homeowner, I have recently contacted you by phone/text or in person about selling your home.

“At the last meeting of the Monee Board of Trustees, the purchase of your home was discussed, and they approved the purchase to move forward, and I should reach out to you and let you know they are ready to approve any reasonable asking price that is in line with what they have already purchased. I know some of you were going to check with an attorney, and you should get the advice of an attorney. Because you are the seller and your attorney will be arranging the closing, they will be able to quote you the closing cost close to the penny.

“Once again, you will save money, because this is a cash sale, and there will be no inspections, no surveys.

“They wanted everyone on Gail Avenue to know what was happening on your street and give you an opportunity to sell your property. Some of you, I am happy to say, are under contract and will be closing shortly and will be receiving a cash settlement.”

Highlighted in the letter was the promise that residents would not be forced to move quickly. Rosewell emphasized, “As I stated previously, the village will allow you to stay in your home for up to 90 days after closing – rent free. No mortgage payments; you would continue your utilities payments and yard maintenance. You can sell or take all the appliances and fixtures, including the furnace and other mechanicals. You can dismantle your fences if you would like and take them with you, if possible.

“If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can continue to speak with me, and I will provide you with the latest information available to me about Gail Street. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

His letter also included the addresses of three properties scheduled to close within 10 to 15 days. “Your home could be next,” he added. “Call or text me!”