State Representative Tim Ozinga (R – Mokena) introduced legislation on Thursday to force the sale of the old Tinley Park Mental Health Center to the Village of Tinley Park. HB 3011 authorizes the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to transfer the property to the village at fair market value for economic development.
“For nine years, this state-owned property has sat vacant and become the most notable eye-sore in Tinley Park. Development efforts have failed in the past; however, that is no excuse for the state to retain the property. It’s time to get it into the hands of the local people so they can do what they want with it before the cost of remediating the growing hazards becomes too costly for anyone,” Rep. Ozinga stated.
The Tinley Park Mental Health Center sits on 280 acres in Tinley Park. The center closed in 2012 and was the last of 13 state facilities of its kind to be built. CMS took control of the property, which has been plagued with numerous environmental concerns.
“This is out of my district, but I still felt the need to take the initiative because, regardless of district lines, this is my community,” Rep. Ozinga continued.
HB 3011 was introduced on Thursday, February 18, and awaits committee assignment.