A property dispute between a landowner and Springfield Public Schools District 186 has been resolved, halting an eminent domain process and allowing the district to move forward with a renovation project.

Disagreement on the fair market value for two neighboring vacant lots on Monroe Street had effectively halted an estimated $126 million Springfield High School renovation project.

Springfield resident Joyce Downey has owned the vacant lots on 521 and 523 W. Monroe St. since 1998, according to Sangamon County property records. The district had previously offered the fair market value of $69,000, but Downey wanted more than $200,000.

Now, both parties have agreed to a $100,000 deal for the property transaction. District spokeswoman Rachel Dyas said a school board vote scheduled for Nov. 20 will be the final step before the contract is approved.

Work is expected to start next summer at the oldest high school in the district and will include additions of new offices, an auxiliary gym, cafeteria, and classrooms. The funding comes from the 1% sales tax increase that Sangamon County voters approved in 2018, netting District 186 an average of $13 million per year and going towards construction and upgrade projects at schools throughout the district including Lanphier High School and the new Memorial Stadium.

More:Five years after sales tax hike, district, county schools benefit; here’s what it took

To allow for the quick-take proceedings, Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, carried Senate Bill 385 through the Senate during the first week of the veto session. It received a 44-12 vote with fellow Springfield Republican legislator Sen. Steve McClure in favor.

Now going through the House, Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea is leading the amended bill which advanced out of committee on Tuesday. The language pertaining to Springfield High was removed and the bill now focuses on a real estate transaction to the City of Venice in Madison County.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.