Oak Lawn Officials Address Stormwater Basin and Critique Nicor Gas Project
Oak Lawn’s leadership marked progress on a stormwater detention basin near Polaris Intermediate School. Yet, concerns rose regarding a Nicor Gas project in the area. The Village Board sanctioned an additional $45,000 for the flood control project. This funding aims to utilize a high-grade soil mixture suitable for athletic fields.
Officials from District 218, who consented to the basin’s construction at 107th and Kilpatrick Avenue, stressed field safety. They prefer an infield soil blend over a limestone additive. The project currently totals $15 million, with most of the work expected to conclude by November’s end. The athletic fields should reopen by June 2027.
The village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District share the project expenses. After recent local storms—including confirmed tornadoes in nearby areas—the unfinished basin functioned as intended. District 6 Village Trustee Ralph Soch received numerous calls and videos from residents verifying this. Project manager Tim Carter stated the park filled to half capacity during the storm, draining in about seven hours. A completely full basin requires one to two days to drain.
Nicor Gas Concerns
Village officials criticized Nicor Gas for poor communication about a gas main replacement project between West 87th and 92nd Streets. Residents voiced grievances about inadequate notifications when work commenced near their homes. District 2 Village Trustee Alex Olejniczak shared that village emails seeking project updates went unanswered.
Patricia Eaves-Heard, Nicor’s regional community affairs manager, defended by noting preemptive notices were sent. She registered six resident emails regarding the project. Nicor plans to finish meter replacement by August end, under Illinois state supervision. Mayor Terry Vorderer emphasizes better collaboration with local staff and residents. Before issuing permits, he insists on adherence to community standards.
Home Restoration Initiative
A new partnership aims to restore former derelict properties. Three months after District 1 Trustee Timothy Desmond resigned to contract with Oak Lawn, the first home under this initiative nears completion. The board approved a $480,000 agreement with his company, Leeside Builders, to finalize this single-family home.
Some neighbors of the property at 9347 S. 55th Ave. expressed concern over transparency. Village Manager Thomas Phelan explained the need for financial preparations after April’s contract approval. Furthermore, a website to detail the program is in the works. The first home’s sale will influence future projects.
The contract stipulates that Leeside Builders can claim up to 40% of profits from home sales, with the village retaining 60%. New homeowners will enjoy a decade-long property tax reduction, though specifics remain undetermined. Some residents, like Suzanne Hodorowicz, question offering tax cuts for higher-value homes instead of aiding buyers from lower-income brackets. For inquiries, contact [email protected].