CROWN POINT | A local developer has an option on the property the city is considering purchasing for its proposed new police and fire stations.

According to documents filed in Lake County Circuit Court, almost 10 acres at the back of the City Center complex at 113th Avenue and Broadway has been in a foreclosure case since September 2006, but a company called 113th Properties LLC has made three offers on the property, including the current offer of $1.4 million. A court appointed receiver is working to sell the property.

According to the Indiana secretary of state's office, 113th Properties LLC was registered in May by Robert Rossman, of Crown Point's Rossman & Associates.

Rossman could not be reached for comment.

Mayor David Uran asked the city's Redevelopment Commission on Monday to allow the city to look into the possibility of purchasing the almost 10 acres for new police and fire stations. The commission agreed to allow the city to get two appraisals on the property.

Uran said Tuesday the city has been approached by both the receiver and Rossman, but hasn't discussed any numbers.

"We're now dealing with the aspect of what it's worth and are not at the point of entering into an agreement with anyone," he said.

Although 113th Properties LLC has an option on the property, the civil defendants in the foreclosure case aren't sure if they want to let it go that easily. According to a document filed Oct. 28 by their attorney, the offer's financing contingency and closing terms allow 113th Properties LLC to extend the closing date to February or March, and the company can terminate its proposed purchase at any time until closing without a penalty.

The document also says the civil defendants believe those possible delays erase any benefit of a private sale and would like the court to consider a public sale to maximize the value of the property. It alleges a public sale could be conducted and closed within 113th Properties LLC's time frame and could result in a higher selling price.

Crown Point Fire Rescue Chief Greg DeLor and Police Chief Pete Land said Tuesday they like the location because of its access to major thoroughfares in all directions. Both also said they hope the larger facilities will plan for future growth for the city.

"We're growing. The city's growing. It's a very necessary next step as we go toward the future," DeLor said.