Luechtefeld: Expensive state buildings stand empty
Nine months ago, the last residents were moved out of the Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) as part of an initiative to relocate developmentally disabled people from state institutions to community-based settings, according to Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville). Local officials, however, are still waiting to see what the state will do with the now vacant property.
In order for the state to re-use or dispose of the property JDC must first be declared surplus property. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has officially informed the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) of its intention to declare JDC surplus property. CMS must review the request before the surplus process can begin and anticipates that this will happen by the end of this year.
Logistical concerns are a major factor in surplus requests involving larger properties like JDC. The property must be completely shut down, which includes shutting off utilities, transferring any remaining employees, and removing any personal property that may still be present.
Once JDC is officially accepted as surplus, it will be offered to other state agencies. If no state agencies wish to utilize the property it will be appraised and offered for sale. The first opportunity to buy is given to units of local government, like the city or county. Next, it is offered for sale to the public.
The power plant on the property has been shut down, though concerns have been raised about the potential for deterioration at a facility that is already in need of major repairs and the impact that could have on perspective buyers.
The Lincoln Developmental Center (LDC), a similar facility, has been vacant for the past decade. LDC was shut down amid concerns about the quality of care its residents were receiving. It is estimated that the state spends $1 million per year to maintain the property.
According to the CMS, the Illinois State Police use a portion of LDC for exercises and the Department of Corrections uses a 27,000 square-foot warehouse for storage. Beyond these uses, the facility is completely vacant, including four never-used 10-bedroom homes that were built in 2006 to house developmentally-disabled adults.
Officially, JDC is in the process of being declared surplus, and LDC is still continuing to explore long- term options. JDC and LDC are just two of many vacant state facilities Illinois taxpayers are paying to maintain.