Bret Buganski

I’ve heard of states using eminent domain to kick people out of their homes and businesses to build roads and bridges.
Until reporting this story, I had not heard about this situation.

Did an update to a story we did in 2015 about Northeastern Illinois University using this rare legal tactic to force people out because they wanted to build dorms. At the time, they said it was a last resort and couldn’t build dorms on campus. It turned into a legal battle NEIU won. However in 2016, NEIU ended up building dorms ON CAMPUS. They never built dorms in the places they acquired through eminent domain.

Today, the majority of the properties NEIU acquired are still vacant. There are no plans to develop them.

10 years later, Hollywood North Park has a simple ask for NEIU. Develop what they acquired, or sell the properties to someone who has a plan. Fox 32 Chicago

I'm working on a follow up story about a new report that came out this morning. It's a tax study about a potential new stadium in Arlington Heights and what the megaprojects bill does across Illinois.

Would love to speak to YOU about the findings in this report when it comes to taxpayers potentially making up the difference to pay for essential services, while the Bears and others would enjoy benefits you're not getting. The report said it's beneficial for Chicago and Illinois taxpayers if the Bears were to build in Hammond!
Fox 32 Chicago