Title
Norfolk Southern Railroad Company - Lease Agreement
History
The Village has leased a 0.4-acre parcel from Norfolk Southern since 1981, with an updated agreement executed in 1991. The property is located along the east side of the railroad tracks between 143rd Street and 144th Street, and the Village currently pays $6,708 annually for its use.
Over the past year, Village staff have coordinated with Norfolk Southern to expand the leased area from 0.4 acres to approximately 2 acres, at a revised annual lease rate of $15,000. This expanded parcel is planned for development as Beacon Park, as originally envisioned in the 2013 Comprehensive Plan.
As a long term plan, the site will be redeveloped to include a public park, parking lot (35-40 spaces), and a commemorative common area, replacing an underutilized strip of land that has previously functioned as a gravel parking area for Metra commuters and as an auto parts storage site.
Beacon Park will introduce a much-needed civic amenity within the Historic District. Old Orland-despite being the Village’s oldest neighborhood-currently lacks dedicated civic park space. The addition of this park is intended to enhance community character, create a gathering place for residents, and establish a critical connection between the Historic District and Downtown, as well as between the commercial areas along Union Avenue and Beacon Avenue.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve a lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railroad Company as fully presented.
(Full motion - not necessary to be read)
I move to approve and execute a Lease Agreement between Norfolk Southern Railroad Company and the Village of Orland Park;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute the agreement subject to Village Attorney review.