Chester school district buys property bordering track complex

Chester District 139 has purchased the tree-lined buffer property between Chester High School's Dr. Charles R. Young Track and Field Complex and State Street.

The 11.3 acre tract was acquired during an April 11 auction held by Adam's Auction for a total price of $174,900, which includes a 6 percent premium fee.

"Basically, it means that if we need to start looking at a building project that might come into play in the future, it gives us a buffer," said District Superintendent Rick Goodman.

The District 139 Board of Education formally approved the transaction at its April 20 meeting.

Board member Dan Colvis said the opening bid was $100,000 and the district was competing with an unknown online bidder for the property, which was described as No. 1 Hoppe Drive on the meeting's agenda.

Colvis noted that the online bidder dropped out at $165,000. Sales tax money was used for the purchase.

"It could be used for different things," Goodman said. "It's better to own it so we have control over it."

During the board's February meeting, Goodman spoke on the district nearing the top of the state's school construction list. He was asked for an update on that situation.

"We're just kinda sitting tight and seeing what happens," he said. "As long as there's not a (state) budget, I don't think that money will come up."