As a continuation of Mayor Jim Dodge’s efforts to improve Orland Park’s reputation, the Village Board voted Monday to hire two lobbying firms to advocate for residents at the state level.
The board also considered a housing development on the 14100 block of 108th Avenue, but tabled the request from Northbrook-based Realtor Richard Turk to construct a 20-unit residential development, requiring property rezoning and special-use permits.
The Bridlewood development would cater to older adults, with developers seeking to rezone the property from E-1 estate residential to R-3 residential.
R-3 residential properties include 450 square feet of private green space adjacent to each unit and 20% of the development as common open space. Density cannot exceed 2.5 dwellings per acre, according to the village.
But some residents raised concerns about rezoning and traffic that would result from the homes. Brandon Hubby, who said he lives on Old Tamarack Lane, raised concerns about plans to raze 50 trees located at the top of a hill that serves as the focal point of the area.
“None of the residents in that neighborhood are for this — we’re all against it,” Hubby said. “When do the residents wishes, who have been here for two or three decades paying property taxes, count more than an outside developer?”
Dodge advocated for tabling the vote to get more information on its potential impact.
“But this can’t go on forever,” Dodge said. “The developer has a right to develop — residents have a right to certainty. I think there may be some adjustments or tweaks we could help with.”
Waterfall Plaza
The board approved plans to renovate Waterfall Plaza shopping center at 8760 West 159th St., including adding a two-lane drive through for a planned coffee shop. In response to concerns about noise and vehicle headlights, the village’s planning commission required the drive-through service window close by 9 p.m.
Miraj Coffee plans to inhabit a former video store in the plaza. Other planned businesses for the renovated shopping area are Cha Cha Popcorn, Doors and Millwork, Universal Dental, Gravity Salon and Prevail Jujutsu.
The plans were approved 5-2, with Trustees William Healy and Cynthia Katsenes opposed.
“It’s no secret that our relationship with the state and other levels of government could have been better, as an understatement,” Village Manager George Koczwara said, referring to the former administration of Mayor Keith Pekau. “We have a lot of projects in Orland Park that are dependent on other levels of government, especially on the state level … We need help to rebuild relationships.”
The board has yet to set the village’s legislative priorities, and Trustee Michael Milani raised concerns about setting those priorities after choosing firms to represent the village.
“Maybe we should probably change our process here and talk about our priorities first,” Milani said.
Healy chimed in with questions about Matthew O’Shea Consulting, which has ties to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, convicted of corruption schemes.
“The political nature of it — I think it deserves a little more critiquing,” Healy said.
The hiring of both firms was ultimately approved 5-2, with Healy and Katsenes voting against.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
