Orland Park Area Community Leaders Address Concerns Over Repo Lot

Orland Township, IL – Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady is urging residents to voice their concerns regarding the community impact of the proposed repossession lot poised to open at 17101 S. Wolf Rd, in Orland Park. A hearing will take place at the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals on May 7, at 11 a.m. at 69 W. Washington St., 22nd Floor Conference Room, in Chicago. Those who wish to participate from home can also request a link to attend virtually at zba.emails@cookcountyil.gov.

In addition, a petition has been started to collect signatures of those opposed to the development.

"The presence of repo lots can fundamentally change the atmosphere of our communities," said Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady. "The unease and intimidation felt by residents cannot be overlooked. We want to foster safe neighborhoods where families feel secure, and that can be compromised by the intimidating presence of repossession activities."

Orland Park’s community leaders are committed to ensuring that the integrity and beauty of our neighborhoods are preserved. O’Grady consulted with incoming Orland Park Mayor-elect Jim Dodge, who will be sworn in on May 5, after his defeat of two-term incumbent Keith Pekau.

“The Village needs to work with the residents and landowners in that area to clean up all of Wolf Road south of 167th Street,” said Dodge. “I’d prefer if those long vacant properties and former businesses were under Village zoning control.

"Repo lots and other businesses of this type near residences can change the character of the area. The potential for visual disruption caused by repo lots, often characterized by chaotic displays of vehicles in various states of disrepair, poses a risk to area aesthetics and may also negatively impact property values. These are legitimate concerns to take to the County meeting."

The officials urge residents to participate in community dialogue with neighbors, share their experiences, attend the hearing, and/or sign the petition voicing their feelings regarding repo lots in Orland Park. The goal is to create actionable strategies that promote the enforcement of community standards and aesthetic improvement.