The Village of Orland Park is asking residents to participate in an online survey at www.orland-park.il.us to help the board of trustees draw the outline of their community’s future. The survey is one part of drafting the village’s comprehensive plan, which will be used as a go-to document on how the village will maintain its green initiative and develop the community. 

Jane Turley, senior planner at the Village of Orland Park’s planning division spoke on the importance of the survey and how it will be used in the planning process.

Q:How many responses have been turned in to the comprehensive plan survey so far?
A: So far, there I see 29 responses on the web survey.  We hope for a surge after the press release is issued. Other methods have also been used to collect opinions and ideas for the Comprehensive Plan Update. A public visioning session was held last year, with approximately thirty people in attendance.  Stakeholder interviews were conducted with approximately seventeen people.  Interviews were conducted with elected officials, civic bodies, local builders, library and schools.

Q: Very interesting questions on the survey, especially in regard to the types of housing residents are looking for in Orland Park. How much of the village is made of senior and affordable housing, apartments, condos, large lot housing and flats?
A: Orland Park is fortunate to offer a wide range of housing types and price points, ranging from apartments and small condominiums to large estate homes.  Some of our more affordable units are embedded in neighborhoods with a mix of prices.  
Several senior housing projects exist in Orland Park.  These include Lexington Health Care, Autumn Leaves, Brighton Gardens, Smith Crossing and Alden Nursing Home. Smith Crossing was recently approved by the Village Board for a large expansion that will include an additional 106 units.

Q: What about housing is the village looking to change or improve?
A: The goal is to provide complete life cycle housing:  smaller affordable condominiums or apartments for young adults, single family homes for families, and then senior focused housing for more mature residents.  A wide variety of housing choices will meet changing needs and circumstances throughout one’s lifetime.

Q: As it is today, is there a general idea as to if all age groups get around safely and conveniently around town? Is the question based more on transportation or crime?
A: Many residents have voiced concerns regarding safety for pedestrians and bike riders on the roadways.

Q: What is the deadline for the survey process to be completed?
A: There is no official deadline; we will continue to collect responses as we work on formulating a draft plan. As we progress, the online survey may be updated to include additional questions.
 
Q: What’s next after the surveys are taken in?
A: We will review the responses and incorporate the suggestions into the draft.

Q: What kind of participation are you looking for from the public after the surveys have been received?
A: Once a draft is completed, it will be posted on the Village website to get feedback. There will also be public hearings before the Plan Commission to present the Comprehensive Plan Update.

Q: Just curious, but in the preliminary concepts, why the roundabout at the intersection of 179th and Wolf Road?
A: The roundabout is just one possible option to explore. Roundabouts offer the potential for improved traffic circulation as well as an attractive visual focal point for a sub-area.

Q: How much have the comprehensive plan visioning session in 2009, the draft preliminary concepts, draft vision and resident survey cost the village thus far?
A: All of the work on the Comprehensive Plan has been conducted in-house utilizing staff time.  Our online survey is being conducted utilizing web based Survey Monkey, at a cost of under $20 per month for both the Comprehensive Plan and 159th Street Corridor Surveys. Other than that, we have incurred only some minor printing costs.

Q: What successes came of the 1997 comprehensive plan, and what remains to be implemented from the 1997 comprehensive plan?
A: Many of the basic concepts of the 1997 Comprehensive Plan are evident in the form of the community.  The 1997 Plan emphasized the importance of green open space and natural feature preservation in defining Orland Park. This can be seen in our parks, trails, open lands, landscaping requirements. Additionally, most of the current land uses are reflective of the guidelines set forth by the 1997 comprehensive Plan.  Many transportation and bikeway recommendations have been realized. Some recommendations will never be realized because circumstances spurring those recommendations have changed.

Q: At a time when the economy is down, how would the village implement plans for infrastructure, commercial and residential development?
A: The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range document that can be put into action as private land develops and as money for public projects becomes available.  The Capital Improvement Program can incorporate some of the proposed projects into the project priority list for funding. Pauses in the development pace offer a good opportunity to explore and develop long range planning vision and goals. 

  —By Amy Alderman, Triblocal.com reporter