The Humongous Building in Crystal Lake that County Officials Want to Buy for a Salt Dome

My wife refers to the Crystal Lake Park District as the “Crystal Lake Park and Real Estate Company” because it owns so much property in Crystal Lake.

This big sign is on the office side of the Eisenmann complex on Virginia Street Road just down from Rakow Road.

This big sign is on the office side of the Eisenmann complex on Virginia Street Road just down from Rakow Road.

Now comes the Transportation Committee and Department saying it wants to buy property for a salt dome in the southeastern portion of McHenry County.

Of course there are two township road districts–Nunda and Algonquin–with property in the southeast portion of McHenry County.

This is the structure behind the office complex.  It may or may not be under consideration by the County Board.

This is the structure behind the office complex. It may or may not be under consideration by the County Board.

Will those seeking a new location for salt suggest an intergovernmental agreement with either of these townships?

This building is on the west side of the Eisenmann complex.  It is clearly for sale.

This building is on the west side of the Eisenmann complex. It is clearly for sale.  It connects to the building above behind the office complex.

It doesn’t seem so, because the building being discussed in secret session right now is a really huge building next the Eisenmann office building. (Maybe it even surrounds the office portion of the Eisenmann complex on three sides.)

The "For Sale" sign next to the really big, empty parking lot.

The “For Sale” sign next to the really big, empty parking lot.


I don’t know how many square feet the County Board is considering buying in this Crystal Lake location, but it seems to be large enough to put all the offices in the current Administration Building, as well as many vehicles are one could imagine being needed to do highway work in the southeastern part of the county.

Maybe some county officials are even thinking about putting a regional courthouse on Virginia Street Road just east of Main Street.

This is a major purchase being considered.

There is no reason for the discussions to be held in secret because there are no alternative buyers.

The structure has been vacant for years.

And it certainly is far, far too big for supporters to use a salt dome for a rationalization.

Oh what a juicy campaign issue will be created if the County Board takes a roll call vote before the fall election.


Comments

The Humongous Building in Crystal Lake that County Officials Want to Buy for a Salt Dome — 6 Comments

  1. Salt storage in a conventional building?

    Do we have an attempt to duplicate the Animal Control Building fiasco?

    There is a reason salt is stored in specially constructed domes and enclosures covered with industrial tarps.

  2. Cautious- You are correct.

    This is another project that will cost zillions and zillions over what the estimate when it done.

    This building is TOTALLY inappropriate for salt storage.

    Carefully watch for which county idiots want this thing.

    VOTE THEM OUT.

  3. Follow the money….

    Who is benefitting from this project?

    Yes, board members we will be watching you…

    Gosh, time for some more social media…

    And, everyone, wonders why our taxes are so high.

  4. If the rumor posted above is true and there is no public outcry, watch for plans to move the entire MCDOT to Crystal Lake.

    I do believe the County Engineer lives there and it would shorten his commute.

    We are overdue to work diligently at removing the Miller family from political power in McHenry County.

    Miller Road, Alden Road, CFI and now salt storage.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *