Oak Lawn Advances Stormwater Detention Basin Project Near Polaris School

Officials in Oak Lawn marked progress on a stormwater detention basin project near Polaris Intermediate School on Tuesday. However, they expressed concerns over a Nicor gas main replacement project in the area.

The Village Board allocated an additional $45,000 for the flood control project at Polaris. The funds aim to use a more athletic field-suitable soil mixture. District 218 had concerns over player safety if a limestone additive was used instead of an infield soil mix.

Board members appreciated the progress of the $15 million project. The majority is expected to conclude by the end of November, ensuring athletic fields reopen by June 2027. The costs are shared between the village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

The unfinished detention basin operated as intended during Monday’s storms. Tornadoes were confirmed in towns like Hazel Crest, Harvey, and others.

District 6 Village Trustee Ralph Soch stated, “It was its first test.” The park reached about half capacity and drained in approximately seven hours. A full basin would require one to two days to drain, according to Trustee Soch and Project Manager Tim Carter.

Nicor Gas Main Replacement Project Issues

In contrast to the basin project, village officials reported poor communication from Nicor Gas regarding a gas main replacement south of West 87th Street and north of West 92nd Street.

District 2 Village Trustee Alex Olejniczak noted residents’ complaints about Nicor starting work without notice. Despite claims of transparency, gaps in communication from Nicor led to dissatisfaction. Nicor’s regional community affairs manager, Patricia Eaves-Heard, asserted notices were mailed to residents.

Mayor Terry Vorderer demanded better collaboration between Nicor Gas and village staff. He emphasized the authority held through permit issuance and called for adherence to village standards.

Home Buying Project Partnership

The first home constructed under Oak Lawn’s partnership with Leeside Builders nears completion. The board approved a $480,000 agreement with Leeside Builders to finalize the home on Tuesday. Neighbors expressed concerns over transparency in the program.

Discussions emerged regarding the pricing of homes under the program, with tax incentives offered countering expectations of more affordable housing.

Village Manager Thomas Phelan explained the need for system processes before construction approval. The village waits on the program’s outcome to decide on further projects. Profit-sharing terms between the village and Leeside Builders were laid out, alongside property tax incentives for buyers.