For years, the old BP Gas Station at 159th Street and 88th Avenue has sat empty.
Residents and regular motorists called it the “eyesore,” the “ghost station” or simply “that corner.”
Trustees recently decided to take matters into their own hands and placed a deed restriction on the property so they have control over what goes in there.
At its August 3 meeting, the village moved forward with the revised purchase agreement for the property at 9401 W. 159th St. The board previously approved this purchase.
Out of an abundance of caution, an additional environmental assessment is being added given the property’s history as a gas station.
One thing is for sure: It won’t be another gas station unless it is another BP Gas Station, according to the language in the deed restriction..
“It’s been an eyesore for quite some time,” said Trustee Bill Healy. “It’s time we do something about it and clean up that corner. It’s a busy intersection and we need to be careful and deliberate about what goes in there. We’d love to see it developed into a thriving retail outlet.”
The village has cut the grass and maintained the property for the last seven years.
Trustee John Lawler said the village now envisions something better, something that will bring tax dollars to village coffers and not just a new building.
After years of discussion about what to do with the site, the village board is looking for a tenant to renovate and move into the property — not just clean it up, but transform it.
