Pause Amazon development in Orland Park to reassess impact

The Issue

Orland Park has long been a community that many of us are proud to call home. Its charm is rooted in a balance of thriving local businesses, accessible amenities, and a strong sense of community. However, the proposed Amazon development at the busy intersection of 159th Street and LaGrange Road threatens to disrupt this harmony.

As a resident, I am concerned about the effects this project will have on our community. The Amazon facility, with its 42-foot-high ceilings, promises to be a hub of constant truck and delivery traffic. Such a facility would not only generate noise and pollution but also permanently increase traffic congestion throughout the Village. This is especially worrying considering that this intersection is one of the busiest in our area.

Nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and daily commuters will face significant challenges. Long-standing local businesses may suffer due to reduced access, and the added traffic may deter customers from visiting the area altogether. It is essential that we weigh these potential consequences to make an informed decision.

I urge the Village of Orland Park to pause the decision on this development. Before moving forward, the community should be engaged in a transparent public discussion, allowing for our voices to be heard. This is a decision that will affect all of us, and we deserve a say in it.

Let us work together to ensure that Orland Park remains a community that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and businesses. Please sign this petition to demonstrate our commitment to open dialogue and thoughtful consideration on matters impacting our future.

Joe SolekPetition Starter

Media inquiries

847

Let’s get to 1000 signatures!

Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

Joe SolekPetition Starter

Media inquiries

Support now

847

Let’s get to 1000 signatures!

Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Decision Makers

Jim Dodge,

Orland Park Village President

Responded

Illinois

“On behalf of Orland Park Mayor James Dodge, attached please find a response from the Village of Orland Park that addresses the information in the petition. Summary: • The proposed Amazon Retail Store follows the same established, transparent, and legally required Village review process that applies to all commercial planned development proposals in Orland Park including public Plan Commission review, traffic and engineering analysis, environmental and infrastructure evaluation, and multiple opportunities for public input. All steps have been followed thoroughly and in accordance with established procedures. • The subject property is zoned for retail use as proposed by the petitioner. • Publicly available information includes an informational video explaining the development proposal, concept plans and supporting documents submitted by the petitioner, Village-issued press communications, recorded public meeting proceedings, and ongoing project updates. All materials can be accessed at http://orlandpark.org/upcomingprojects. • Traffic, infrastructure, and quality of life are standard considerations in every commercial proposal reviewed, including the Amazon Retail Store project. • As part of this proposal, the petitioner is dedicating the Village with land, and ultimately the funding through new sales and property tax revenue, necessary to complete the long-planned extension of Ravinia Avenue along with other traffic improvements. Additionally, the developer will accommodate Ravinia Avenue’s stormwater discharge within the development’s basin at no cost to the Village. • The Village remains committed to responsible growth, transparency, and resident engagement. • At the request of a Village Trustee, the Village conducted a focused review of the Special Use Permit Ordinance to ensure the ordinance language clearly and explicitly authorized the specific commercial retail use being proposed. As a result of that review, the ordinance language was refined and clarified, and additional conditions were incorporated prior to approval. • This ordinance, if adopted, approves a special use for a planned commercial retail development by Amazon Retail LLC at 9600 159th Street following review and approval by the Plan Commission and consideration by the Village Board. • The Special Use Permit Ordinance confirms that the proposed development: o Is consistent with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. o Is compatible with similar surrounding commercial uses. o Will not adversely impact adjacent properties, wetlands, or cultural resources. o Can be adequately served by existing and planned infrastructure and public services. • The Special Use Permit ordinance includes specific conditions and safeguards, including: o Explicit prohibition of warehouse or distribution uses. o Traffic controls and post-occupancy traffic study requirements and operational adjustment, if required by the study. o Sidewalk construction and connection, landscaping requirements, and tree mitigation fees. o Screening of mechanical equipment and removal of existing signage. o Compliance with all applicable zoning, engineering, and tax regulations. ----- QUESTION 1: What is the status of the proposed Amazon retail store located at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road? ANSWER 1: Amazon has submitted plans for a first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar retail store in Orland Park. The proposal includes a one-story building of approximately 230,000 square feet offering groceries, household essentials, and general merchandise. The store would function similarly to a large-format retailer such as a Walmart Supercenter. This is a commercial retail store open to the public, not a warehouse or distribution center. The plan was reviewed and approved by the Orland Park Plan Commission at its January 6, 2026, meeting and is being reviewed on the Committee of the Whole and Board of Trustees agendas on January 19, 2026. ----- QUESTION 2: I read on social media that this is going to be an Amazon Fulfillment Center. Is that correct? ANSWER 2: No. This project is not a fulfillment center, warehouse, or distribution hub. It is a commercial retail store open to the public. The proposed one-story building is approximately 230,000 square feet, which is a standard size for large-format retail stores and is comparable to nearby retailers such as the Orland Hills Walmart Supercenter. The proposed Amazon retail store would include seven loading docks, compared to six at the Orland Hills Walmart Supercenter. By contrast, the Amazon fulfillment center in Matteson, Illinois is approximately 3 million square feet, includes 67 loading docks, and provides parking for 375 semi-trailers. In addition, the approved zoning and Special Use Permit specifically prohibits warehouse, or distribution uses at this site. ----- QUESTION 3: Why did Amazon choose this…”

Jim Dodge

Orland Park Village President

Responded

Orland Park Village Council,

6 Members

Illinois

Michael Milani

Orland Park Village Council

Represents 240 petition signers