Oak Lawn Community Projects: Stormwater Basin Success and Home Restorations

Oak Lawn officials noted progress on the construction of a stormwater detention basin near Polaris Intermediate School. This project aims to improve flood control in the area. The Village Board agreed to allocate an additional $45,000 for the project to use a specialized soil mixture intended for athletic fields. District 218 expressed concerns over player safety if limestone was incorporated instead of an infield soil mix. Officials reported satisfaction with the ongoing $15 million project, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of November. The village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District are sharing costs. The athletic fields are expected to reopen by June 2027.

During recent storms with tornadoes in nearby areas, the detention basin functioned as intended, according to Village Trustee Ralph Soch. Soch stated, ‘It was its first test,’ referring to the basin filling to about half its capacity and draining within seven hours. If completely filled, the basin would drain in one to two days, noted the project manager Tim Carter.

Issues with Nicor Gas

In contrast, there are concerns about Nicor Gas’s natural gas main replacement project underway in the village. Officials claim that Nicor has not communicated updates effectively. Trustee Alex Olejniczak mentioned that complaints came from residents not notified before work commenced outside their homes. Nicor defended, stating notices were mailed to residents, although only six emails of concern were received.

Mayor Terry Vorderer pressed for improved cooperation between Nicor and the village, emphasizing the authority to withhold permits if standards are unmet. Vorderer stressed it during a meeting on July 28, 2026.

Home Buying Project

Three months after Trustee Timothy Desmond resigned to work with the village on property restoration, the first home under this initiative is nearing completion. The board approved a $480,000 agreement with Leeside Builders, Desmond’s company, to finalize a single-family home.

Residents raised transparency concerns during a recent board meeting. The home at 9347 S. 55th Ave. is already under construction. Village Manager Thomas Phelan explained delays due to financing and contractor payment processes. Plans are underway to launch a website with program details, awaiting the first home sale.

The agreement allows Leeside Builders to earn up to 40% of the profit from home sales. The village retains 60%. Buyers will benefit from a 10-year property tax break. Suzanne Hodorowicz questioned the benefit to those capable of buying a $480,000 home, expressing a preference for aiding mid- to lower-income families.