We are currently working on several topics for this blog. In the meantime, what are your thoughts and comments in general, and also in regards to some of the following:
- How much money has been spent so far on this project?
- How much money still needs to be spent to buy and / or relocate the remaining businesses in the affected area?
- How much return on this investment is Orland Park receiving now?
- Were the existing businesses consulted in the initial planning of this project?
- Should the existing businesses in the affected area have been offered preferential treatment or choice in the new retail area(s)?
- What has been the project's impact on the current Fiscal Health of Orland Park?
- Is the recently reported budget deficit, the cap on the Property Tax Rebate and the proposed property tax increase a result of how this project has or has not been managed to date?
Concerned Citizens of Orland Park is continuing to address this vital issue in an effort to create a course of action that best serves the citizens and business community of Orland Park both now and for the future.
In the 27 years I’ve lived in Orland Park, I’ve seen the Tinley Park politicians do a great job in transforming their village from a small town into an “updated” older downtown area. One thing they had at hand to work with was a town with older homes and businesses along Oak Park Ave. which made it easier for them to update their downtown area. Their efforts were easy compared with the just announced Orland Park plan to transform a 36 acre tract into the “New Orland Park Downtown” by seizing land if necessary, as your article says.The Orland Park mayor says that the Metra Triangle will “showcase the villages’ history”, provide a link between the Beacon Ave. antique district and provide parking at the Metra Triangle by construction of an “Overhead pedestrian bridge”. The rational for this bridge from what I read from your article is (1) it will create a pedestrian friendly environment (2) get people out of their cars and (3) reduce traffic on clogged village roads. The mayor also says in your article that due to Orland Park’s spread out nature, it is the villages’ responsibility to do whatever it can to get people out of their cars and reduce traffic on clogged streets and he evidently believes that Metra Triangle will do this. I personally don’t believe it will. Orland Park now has 2 train stations, 143rd street and 153rd street which has considerable parking with vacant space for more parking if needed,
ReplyDeleteThe politicians in Orland Park from 1976 until the late 1980’s “missed the boat” during these heavy building times when they didn’t acquire land through their legal power for north/south main road construction as you see today in Naperville. Presently, we only have Harlem and LaGrange Rd. to carry the North/South traffic. Much of the traffic through the village is “residential cut-thru traffic” to avoid the north/south main road traffic problems.
Since the village’s approval 2 years ago to create “Main Place” at 143rd and Lagrange and which didn’t materialize due to the “anchor Store” Von Meyer” never planning on building a store in Orland Park, the village seems to want to put their residents through another trial by fire approval process with this “new plan”. There was much opposition to Main Place but the Planning Commission proceeded with approval regardless of what the residents thought. Orland Park is considering financial incentives for the Metra Triangle developers such as instituting a TIF district or rebating some sales tax says the mayor. Am I missing something or isn’t Illinois, the U.S., and Chicago in some financial difficulty. Why do the Orland Park taxpayers have to provide tax incentives to a development group for a plan developed by the Orland Park politicians? Aren’t tax incentives used by taxing bodies who are approached by a business/businesses or groups and WHO WANT TO BUILD IN THEIR AREA and the taxing body wants them to build, so incentives are provided.
Orland Park has many other problems/concerns that need fixing before a “New Downtown” is created for the business owners in the Beacon Ave, antique district or the friends of the Orland politicians who may be investing in the townhouse/condominium development that will be built in the Metra Triangle per your article. I would hate to see the Orland politicians use their legal powers to seize the land and drive out businesses such as Randy’s, Orland Park bakery and others who have been there for more than the 27 years I’ve lived here.
I agree with most of your thoughts. I don't know what is the matter with OP leaders. We have great established businesses @ 143rd and LaGrange. Why do they wish to get rid of them? ----- Just to look oh so modern and in vogue. Many people and a large majority of them Seniors use these stores.!!!! Time to get back to the basics in Orland..... By the way, I have resided in Orland for 30 years and raised my 5 children here.
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