Oak Lawn Village Board Addresses Progress and Concerns in Local Projects

Stormwater Detention Basin Construction

Oak Lawn officials are marking progress on their stormwater detention basin project near Polaris Intermediate School. The Village Board approved an extra $45,000 for the project, opting for a soil mix suitable for athletic fields to ensure player safety. This replaces a limestone additive that raised concerns. While the project now costs $15 million, most of the work should finish by November, allowing field reopening by June 2027. The village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District share the costs.

After recent severe weather with tornado confirmations in areas like Hazel Crest and Orland Park, District 6 Village Trustee Ralph Soch affirmed the basin functioned as expected. Soch reported that the park filled to half capacity, draining in seven hours. At full capacity, drainage will take one to two days.

Nicor Gas Main Replacement Issues

Village officials criticized Nicor Gas for insufficient communication about a gas main replacement project between West 87th and West 92nd Streets. Residents faced unexpected disruptions due to lacking notifications. District 2 Village Trustee Alex Olejniczak highlighted the communication gaps with Nicor, citing multiple unanswered emails.

Patricia Eaves-Heard from Nicor stated that mailed notices were sent, receiving few resident emails. She emphasized ongoing transparency efforts. With a completion target by August, Mayor Terry Vorderer urged better cooperation with local staff and residents, referencing the village’s permitting authority.

Home Buying Initiative

Trustee Timothy Desmond resigned three months ago to launch a home restoration initiative. The first home under this plan is almost ready, with the Village Board approving a $480,000 agreement with Desmond’s Leeside Builders for ongoing construction. However, residents raised concerns over transparency.

Village Manager Thomas Phelan explained the necessity for financial system processes post-contract approval. He mentioned ongoing efforts for a program information website, pending first home sale results.

The partnership contract stipulates Leeside Builders receives up to 40% of sale profits while the village retains 60%. Buyers enjoy a 10-year property tax break, although exact discounts remain unspecified. Resident Suzanne Hodorowicz questioned the appropriateness of offering tax incentives for a home in this price range, suggesting a preference for aiding lower-income buyers.