Title/Name/Summary
Open Space Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
History
PROJECT:
Open Space Element amendment
PETITIONER:
Village of Orland Park
PURPOSE:
To update the Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan
LOCATION:
The Open Space Element addresses the entire Planning Area for the Village of Orland Park
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft Open Space Element text
Maps
DISCUSSION
The purpose of a Comprehensive Plan is to represent policy as envisioned by The Board of Trustees as representatives of the Village citizens. It serves as a guide for decision making for land use and development, natural resource protection, community facilities and services and transportation. It is essential that the document be regularly updated to ensure that it continues to reflect community standards and values. The Village Comprehensive Plan is approximately eighteen years old, with the most recent update approximately ten years old. The Open Space Element was last updated in 1997.
Open Space is currently addressed in the Land Use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan with both text and mapping. The current text includes goals and objectives for Greenbelts, Sensitive Environmental Areas, and Open Space. Existing mapping includes analysis maps for floodways, floodplain, wetlands, steep slopes and trees; a Greenbelt Concept Map; and an
Open Space Master Plan. The proposed amendment is built upon many of the principles and guidelines established in the existing adopted Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment includes an overall vision for the Open Space Element and goals for:
1. Greenbelt Connections
2. Preservation
3. Parks and Recreation
4. Implementation
Two maps will be included as a part of the Comprehensive Plan amendment and are before you tonight for initial introduction and discussion:
1. Site Sensitivity Analysis Map based on physical land features,
2. Open Space Element Master Plan.
The Site Sensitivity Analysis was developed using our GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a computer based mapping and data analysis system. This purpose of this map is to determine the suitability of land for Open Space preservation based on physical characteristics of the land. Physical features analyzed included streams and water bodies, wetland, floodplain, slope, vegetation, highpoints, and view &vistas. The process used to create this map involves individual evaluation of natural features that are then combined to create one composite map that summarizes physical sensitivity. The results of this composite map are represented as follows: Slight (yellow), moderate (orange), and severe (red).
The Site Sensitivity map was used as a basis for developing the other map, The Open Space Master Plan. Other information that contributed to the Master Plan includes existing public and private open space, proposed open space from other studies and plans, input from other Village departments, the Open Lands Commission, and general public comment. The Master Plan delineates areas that offer the opportunity, based on physical constraints and recreational potential to protect and expand Orland Park’s Open Space network. Existing and proposed multi-purpose trail ways are included on the Master Plan. Exceptional views and elevation high points are identified. Community Gateway nodes are delineated. Greenway connections are illustrated. Potential regional tie-in points are identified. The Master Plan is intended as a tool to guide decision making in regards to Open Space protection and expansion in Orland Park.
A complete overhaul and update is anticipated for the Comprehensive Plan in the near future.
These maps are a work in progress that are being presented to you at the July 10 Plan Commission meeting. No action is requested at this time. Updated text and maps will be provided to you in your future packets prior to requested action.
Also presented tonight for your information and comment is a Site Plan for a future proposed 40.3 acre Spring Creek Community Park located south of 159th Street and west of Wolf Road (on land owned by Gallagher and Henry). The area is reflected on the Open Space Master Plan as an Open Space Opportunity. The park will be located on undeveloped land that is adjacent to a proposed future residential development. The objectives of the project are to increase community park facilities in Orland Park, and to preserve natural areas along the Spring Creek corridor. The park will provide for active recreation in the form of lighted baseball and soccer fields and a playground. Areas within Spring Creek Park not programmed for active use will be naturalized areas that restore healthy, native ecosystems. The project is designed as a complementary facility to the existing Village Sportsplex and will share existing classrooms and parking. The Site Plan for this proposed park is not a part of the Open Space Component for the Comprehensive Plan, but is presented to you as an example of a plan for one of the identified open space opportunity areas.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to accept as findings of fact of this Plan Commission the findings of fact set forth in this staff report, dated July 10, 2007
and
I move to recommend (discussion and) continuance to the August 14, 2007 Plan Commission meeting.