Orland Park Approves 20-Unit Housing Project Amid Local Concerns

BREAKING: Orland Park Village Board has just approved a controversial 20-unit housing development on the 14100 block of 108th Avenue despite significant local opposition. The decision, made on November 6, 2023, comes after extensive discussions regarding community concerns and the project’s impact on the neighborhood.

Village officials addressed resident worries about the Bridlewood development, notably the proposed removal of 50 trees that serve as a landscape focal point. Mayor Jim Dodge expressed optimism, stating, “I think there’ll be pretty strong demand for this kind of project.” However, residents like Brandon Hubby voiced their discontent, arguing that the interests of longtime residents were being overlooked in favor of an outside developer.

“None of the residents in that neighborhood are for this — we’re all against it,” Hubby declared during the November 3 meeting. This feedback prompted the developer, Richard Turk, to agree to enhance landscaping by planting 18 evergreen trees along the project’s boundaries, aiming to create a more visually appealing barrier.

In a bid to address safety concerns regarding parking, Trustee Cynthia Nelson Katsenes raised the issue of potential overflow onto 108th Avenue, which poses visibility challenges. “Is there any way we can include no parking on 108th Avenue?” she questioned, as the committee considers further measures.

The approved Bridlewood development will be designated for older adults, with the board voting 7-1 to rezone the property from E-1 estate residential to R-3 residential. This zoning allows for 450 square feet of private green space per unit and requires 20% of the development to remain as common open space, with a density limit of 2.5 dwellings per acre.

In addition to the housing project, the board also agreed to cover $37,000 in snow removal costs for the temporary DMV facility located at CTF Illinois. This decision was made as the previous lease for the site ended abruptly, leaving the secretary of state’s office without budgeted snow removal services.

Village Manager George Koczwara explained, “Of course, it depends on snow and what kind of season we have,” as the village prepares for the winter months. This agreement passed with a 4-3 vote, drawing criticism from trustees who felt it set a concerning precedent for funding nonprofit organizations.

Trustee William Healy expressed frustration over what he termed a “handout,” while Katsenes highlighted the state’s financial capabilities compared to the village’s budget constraints. “I think this sets a very dangerous precedent,” she warned.

Despite the concerns, Trustee Joanna Leafblad defended the snow removal agreement, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for residents using the DMV facility. “This offers a service to residents who won’t have to worry about navigating snow or ice,” she stated.

As the village moves forward with these developments, community members remain watchful of how the housing project and temporary DMV operations will unfold in the coming weeks. The impact on local residents and the preservation of community spaces will be critical points of discussion.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Orland Park navigates the complexities of growth and community needs.