Update from Orland Mayor Kieth Pekau

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend and more importantly took the time to honor of those who have fallen in service to our country. This is a short update. I called into the board meeting as I was at the Retail Convention in Las Vegas.  The one big thing that came out of this meeting is that it was the first one that was broadcast on Facebook Live by the Village.  It took a year, but not only are the meeting on audio but they are now on video!  I realize that few will watch them, but they can if they want to.  Thank you to Trustee Ruzich for also being a strong proponent of video over the last year.  Score one for more transparency! My trip to Vegas was very fruitful.  The interest in Orland Park is very high.  The Sears redevelopment with Seritage, the Triangle, Carson’s and Toy’s R Us are all generating a lot of interest from developers, restaurants and retailers.  While I can’t speak to the specifics of any of these locations, I can tell you that if the developers close with the parties that currently show interest, the residents of Orland Park will be extremely happy. Unfortunately, these developments take time.  It will take at least 2 months and maybe longer until any announcements will be forthcoming.  As I have said numerous times, in two to three years when these sites are completed (or near completion), the changes to Orland Park will be positive. Upcoming this week is our first strategic planning workshop.   This is an important step in the process.  I will continue to insist that the end result of the strategic planning process are actionable goals and performance measures.  The last strategic plan fell short of this and it is critical to hold everyone accountable for their performance.  I also encourage everyone to watch the state of the Village.  Here is a link to the Facebook Live.  Sandburg also video taped this and once it is edited it will also be posted on the Village website. Going forward, local businesses will be hosting “meet the mayor” events.  There is one on May 29th from 11:30 to 1PM at DA’s Deli and Dining at 7260 W. 159th Street.   It’s a great opportunity to experience local restaurants and also to ask me about the Village. The next board meeting is June 4th.