Title/Name/Summary
7924 W. 159th Street Land Donation
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
7924 W. 159th Street Land Donation
PIN # 27-13-300-018-0000
Donator
159-80 LLC c/o Midwest Property Group
Purpose
Donation of parcel to Village of Orland Park’s Open Lands program
Requested Actions: Recommend acceptance of donated parcel
Project Attributes
-Owner: 159-80 LLC c/o Midwest Property Group
-Address: 520 W. Erie Street #430
-Size: 4.34 acres
-Current Zoning: BIZ General Business District
-Comprehensive Plan: Opportunity Site but with preservation of known wetlands
-Existing Zoning: BIZ General Business District
-Future Zoning: OL Open Lands District
OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
The owner of 4.3 acres located just north of the existing Walgreen’s Store at 80th Avenue and 159th Street has offered to donate the parcel (PIN # 27-13-300-018-0000) to the Village’s Open Lands program. Although the parcel is currently in the Village’s Business Zoning District, the parcel has never developed and is almost entirely wetland and/or flood plain. Considering the urban surroundings, the site includes an unusually diverse mix of native plant materials and wildlife. A 12 acre preservation area abuts to the north that is associated with Golfview Subdivision. This older section of the Village has fewer parks and less open space than other newer areas of the Village, with no Open Lands holdings nearby.
Preservation potential: Open Lands Chairman Lou Mule, who is an Ecologist by profession, prepared a complimentary Quick Study of the environs. According to the Study, the site appears to be a good candidate for preservation and restoration due to the relatively high quality of native vegetation present. The area is described as a remnant of naturally occurring marsh wetlands and shrub swamp, centered on two ponds. The site also includes original prairie remnants. The floristic quality of the site is diverse and includes notable wetland species. Some invasive species were also noted. The donation site has the potential to serve as a model for restoration and as a native seed source for other wetlands in other areas of the Village.
Public Access: There is no dedicated public parking for the site, however the site has 80th Avenue frontage and is accessible by sidewalk. The site is unusual for an Open Lands holding because along with the large wetland to the north, it is surrounded by developed area, and is somewhat accessible from abutting multi-family residences. Additionally, there are privately owned commercial parking lots that abut to the south that could be utilized for access, with permission. There are currently no marked trails on the site, but this is a relatively low-cost future improvement that could be considered by the Open Lands Commission.
Development potential: Although this area is identified in the Comprehensive Plan as a ‘Development Opportunity’, and the land is currently zoned BIZ Business District, it is unlikely to be cost-effective to develop due to the extensive natural constraints. The wetland is identified on the U.S. National Wetland Inventory Map and is likely jurisdictional. The land was originally purchased by the developer of the commercial area to the south with mitigation in mind, but the owner is no longer pursuing that option and now hopes to dedicate the parcel to the Village.
Village responsibility:
The subject site as well as the 12 acre site to the north, receives a considerable amount of storm water from the surrounding area, including overflow from detention ponds that serve the commercial properties to the south and from nearby Village street storm sewer discharge. Reportedly some inlet/outlet work on the pond may be needed. Village ownership may be appropriate due to the complexities and multiple users that utilize and impact the site. Another issue is the accumulation of trash on the property, which sometimes results in property maintenance complaints from nearby residents. Acceptance of this land donation will obligate the Village to periodically clean up the site.
Financial Impact
Land ownership will be donated to the Village’s at no cost, accompanied by a $10,000 donation to help cover the costs of the transaction and to clean up the site. Other than customary legal and closing fees, and removal of trash from the property, staff does not anticipate any other immediate financial obligations.
OPEN LANDS COMMISSION DISCUSSION
The Open Lands Commission supports the acceptance of this donation. However, in consideration of limited Open Lands and Village funds, the Commission offered two options to the land owner: either the acceptance of a conservation easement on the property that could potentially lower property taxes, or the transfer of the property to the Village along with a $10,000 donation to cover expenses. After consulting with their Attorneys, the owner opted for the property donation accompanied by a $10,000 donation.
OPEN LANDS COMMISSION MOTION
On November 9, 2017, the Open Lands Commission voted 5-0 to recommend to the Village Board to accept the land donation near 159th & 80th Avenue subject to a $10,000 fee to cover costs.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MOTION
On June 18, 2018, the Development Services and Engineering Committee voted 3-0 to recommend to the Village Board to accept the land donation near 159th & 80th Avenue subject to a $10,000 fee to cover costs.
This case is now before the Board of Trustees for final consideration.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to accept the land donation near 159th & 80th Avenue subject to a $10,000 fee to cover costs.