Progress on Stormwater Detention Basin
Oak Lawn officials have celebrated advancements in constructing a stormwater detention basin near Polaris Intermediate School. Despite this progress, they also addressed concerns about an ongoing Nicor gas main replacement project.
The Village Board approved an additional $45,000 for the Polaris flood control project. This includes a more costly soil mixture intended for athletic fields. District 218 officials expressed worries about player safety on the fields if a limestone additive were used instead of an infield soil mix. Board members appreciated the progress on the now $15 million project. Most of the work is expected to complete by the end of November. This will allow the athletic fields to reopen by June 2027. Funding is shared between the village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
District 6 Village Trustee Ralph Soch highlighted the project’s performance during recent storms. Tornadoes hit areas like Hazel Crest and Orland Park, but the unfinished detention basin functioned as intended.
Trustee Soch explained that the park reached about half capacity during the storm and drained within seven hours. When fully filled, the basin will take one to two days to drain.
Issues with Nicor Gas Project
Contrasting the positive progress on the detention basin, Oak Lawn officials expressed frustration with Nicor Gas. The utility is undertaking a natural gas main replacement south of West 87th Street, north of West 92nd Street.
District 2 Village Trustee Alex Olejniczak reported that residents were not informed before work began outside their homes. Olejniczak cited unanswered emails to Nicor asking for project updates.
Nicor’s regional community affairs manager, Patricia Eaves-Heard, stated that notices were mailed to residents. However, she acknowledged gaps in communication, noting she had received only six emails from residents.
Mayor Terry Vorderer urged Nicor to improve cooperation with village staff and residents. Vorderer emphasized that the village holds ultimate authority through permit issuance.
Home Buying Initiative
Three months after Trustee Timothy Desmond resigned to collaborate with the village on restoring dilapidated properties, the first home under this partnership is nearing completion. The board approved a $480,000 agreement with Desmond’s company, Leeside Builders, to finish constructing a single-family home.
Neighbors of the property at 9347 S. 55th Ave. expressed skepticism about the program, questioning transparency at a board meeting. Village Manager Thomas Phelan explained delays in finalizing financing and payments after the contract approval in April. He shared plans for a program website and stated project expansion decisions would follow the first home’s sale.
The contract allows Leeside Builders to earn up to 40% profit from home sales, with 60% retained by the village. Buyers receive a 10-year property tax break, although specific discount details remain unconfirmed.
Suzanne Hodorowicz expressed concern over offering tax incentives for a $480,000 home, questioning the program’s aim and affordability.