ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Mayor Tom McNamara urged the Mercyhealth board of directors to tread carefully into a potential deal to sell the former Rockford Memorial hospital to someone he characterized as lacking "a proven track record."

"In an effort to be transparent with the community, I wanted to make the community aware that I have recently heard of a potential transaction, though nothing has been confirmed," McNamara said in a statement. "What I’ve heard, however, raises serious concerns. The prospective transaction appears to put the property in the hands of an individual/organization that lacks both a proven track record of successful projects and the financial capacity and wherewithal to bring a redevelopment to fruition."

McNamara did not name the potential buyer, but warned, "Dum

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