Eminent domain refers to the practice of using a state’s power to convert a private building into public use. The planning process for the station is still ongoing, however, so it is yet to be confirmed whether the village will pursue this option.
The specific locations, sizes, or number of proposed new sites have not been disclosed to the public. However, the village board just passed a resolution enabling the village to proceed with condemnation proceedings if a mutual sale agreement cannot be agreed with a particular property landlord.
The ordinance grants a special Chicago-based lawyer and Mayor Donna Johnson the authority to engage into negotiations with the owners of the property needed to complete the project. According to the state’s law, Libertyville has the legal option to employ eminent domain if it needs to acquire property that the village has deemed as:
"…useful, advantageous or desirable for municipal purposes or for the public health, welfare and safety."
The preliminary findings from an in-depth study exploring potential solutions and associated costs to enhance police operations revealed that the existing police station's building layout hinders proper functionality and, in certain areas, causes hazardous conditions. Graphic design can be used to illustrate an ideal floor plan in cases like this.
In February 2022, Hezner Corp. presented findings to Libertyville’s board, which demonstrated that the current facilities are fragmented and do not adequately meet the essential requirements of today's police department.