Orland Park Village Board Explores Development Initiatives

The Orland Park Village Board, with the assistance of a hired consultant, has initiated discussions to attract development in four specific areas of the village. This is part of a broader review of the village’s comprehensive plan. The board considered revitalization challenges for the Old Orland Historic District, Gateway to LaGrange District, Harlem Avenue Corridor, and I-80 Employment Corridor, as well as linking them with a new downtown.

Mayor Jim Dodge expressed enthusiasm about the village’s future saying, “This is Orland’s destiny. It’ll take 20 years, but it’s Orland’s destiny.” The urban planning and design firm Houseal Levigne plans to gather input from board members, businesses, and residents through community meetings and an online survey. The village aims to finalize the plan for board approval by next summer.

During the meeting, board members filled out worksheets to identify three major issues in each area and discuss them. They then selected the concern they deemed most important. “You’ve got to go through the process of getting ideas on a piece of paper,” Dodge said, noting the surprising shift in perspectives among board members after discussions.

For the Old Orland Historic District, priorities included giving existing properties a facelift and maintaining a balance between historic preservation and development. Its central location and unique feel were highlighted as strengths. Board member Cynthia Katsenes remarked on the area’s unique charm due to the age of its structures.

Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge shared potential challenges in improving the Old Orland Historic District during a meeting.

When discussing the I-80 Employment and Harlem Avenue corridors, there was a focus on the types of developments to encourage. Michael Milani reflected on past attempts to attract corporate headquarters and suggested the need for a new identity post-COVID-19, as remote work becomes more prevalent. Differing views emerged regarding the potential for a data center in the area. Katsenes opposed this due to nearby housing, citing concerns over water, electricity, and noise pollution.

Milani suggested data centers as a preferable option over warehouse development, noting their higher tax revenue potential. “We have a lot of key areas where we could have one where no one would ever hear it,” he said. Despite the long-term nature of these changes, Dodge remains eager to gather various perspectives, especially as plans for the downtown triangle develop. A proposal for this area will be presented next month during a board meeting.

“I’m thrilled for the process because it forced the board in a nonformal way to share ideas — what we see, what we think — as residents,” Dodge stated. He looks forward to receiving feedback from the community.