On Monday
May 16th a hearing was held at the OP Village Hall to protest the
development of two 5 story hotel buildings behind the Rock Bottom Restaurant.
The Hall was packed with protestors from Hummingbird Hill and the surrounding
area. For many this was their first exposure to local government in action .Most
had just learned of the meeting through a flyer distributed by a concerned
citizen. It was obvious that the Trustees weren’t pleased to see this opposition.
The Village position was based on an obsolete plan from 2004 to fill the vacant
land. Since 2004 much has changed and the lots in question have gone through
bankruptcy and foreclosures. The history was not clear. The finances and
concessions were not discussed. The Trustees did not lay down sufficient ground
work for discussion and justification. The Village and the developers presented
very positive positions backed up with their statistics. The Village was geared
to approve this development. This was not to be the case, as the people had thoughts
of their own...
In response,
the community voiced their opposition to potential parking and traffic problems.
The area was already feeling the pinch from existing businesses in the area. The
use of the 2004 plan was not fully explored or justified. In twelve years the
area has developed into a beautiful area for residents. To build two five story
buildings does not conform to the present aesthetics. It practically butts up
to Hummingbird Hill. This is a major concern and objection. Would you like two five story hotels in your
backyard?
The issue
was presented regarding the need for 2 hotel buildings to compete with the
Hilton. Why here? The developer presented his national statistics on hotels in
a way that it appeared the Hilton was always 98% full. His statistics were questionable,
they didn’t jive with the people’s observations.
The question arose, why here, in a beautiful
residential area, when there is plenty of vacant land available in Orland Park.
It made no sense as the Trustees attempted to sell an obsolete 12 year old
plan. The Trustees were confronted with the potential problems of having hotels
near the new Twin Peaks, Bikini, Bar/Restaurant. A Bar known for the biker shoot out in Waco
Texas where nine people were killed. The Trustees were asked to use their imagination
for potential problems.
What if the
hotels fail? What happens to the property? Will we inherit more section 8
housing? There were plenty more questions and opposition to the development. It
was clear that the Trustees lacked research and analysis in defining the
potential problems associated with this development. They need to present their
impact statement on how they justified this project, if they have one. They
need to rethink relocating these 2 hotels in OP. The presented statistics were a
deception of the proposed hotels and operation in attempting to sell the project.
The Trustees voted for a no decision and to meet again on June 6.
During the
interim I hope the Board and Mayor revisit their position and start thinking of
the people and the impact on the residential area. A 12 year old plan is no
longer viable. It’s time that the concerns of the people come first. Sorry, the
glove does not fit.
