Stormwater Detention Basin Progress

Oak Lawn officials highlighted the progress of a stormwater detention basin project near Polaris Intermediate School. The Village Board authorized an additional $45,000 for the project, opting for a quality soil mixture tailored for athletic fields. District 218, collaborating with the village on the project, expressed concerns over the safety of players if limestone was used in place of a suitable infield soil mix.

Board members applauded the efforts on the project, now valued at $15 million. The primary part of the work is on track to conclude by the end of November, allowing the athletic fields to reopen by June 2027. The village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District are sharing the costs.

After severe weather, including tornadoes, swept through nearby areas, District 6 Village Trustee Ralph Soch reported that the unfinished basin functioned effectively. “It was its first test,” Soch commented, noting that the basin reached half capacity before draining in approximately seven hours. When full, the basin is expected to take up to two days to drain.

Issues with Nicor Gas Project

Concerns were raised about a Nicor Gas project focused on replacing a natural gas main. Village officials expressed frustration, saying Nicor was unresponsive about updates for the project situated between West 87th Street and West 92nd Street. Residents voiced complaints about not receiving prior notification before work outside their homes began.

District 2 Village Trustee Alex Olejniczak noted that multiple emails requesting project details went unanswered. Meanwhile, Patricia Eaves-Heard, the regional community affairs manager for Nicor, stated that notices were mailed to residents beforehand. However, doubts about residents receiving these notices persisted.

Nicor plans to finish meter replacements by August’s end, supervised by Illinois state. Mayor Terry Vorderer urged Nicor to strengthen communication with both village staff and residents. He observed that the village holds authority over issuing necessary permits.

Home Buying Initiative

Following District 1 Trustee Timothy Desmond’s resignation to pursue a contract with the village, the first home under this partnership nears completion. The board approved a $480,000 contract with Desmond’s company, Leeside Builders, to finalize a single-family home.

Residents questioned the initiative’s transparency. Robert Hodorowicz commented on the progress of the home, already under construction. Village Manager Thomas Phelan clarified that financing and contractor payments followed the contract’s April approval. He announced plans for a website detailing the program, pending the sale of the first home.

The contract permits Leeside Builders to receive 40% of any profits from home sales, with the village retaining 60%. Homebuyers will benefit from property tax breaks for a decade, though specifics on the discount were not available.