A proposed Amazon retail development near one of Orland Park’s busiest intersections has sparked significant concern among local residents regarding potential traffic issues. The development plan includes a one-story retail store located at the intersection of 159th Street and LaGrange Road, a site that has remained vacant for nearly two decades.
Officials from the village have clarified that this project is not a distribution center, as some residents initially feared, but rather a retail space comparable to large supercenters such as Costco or Walmart. “This is retail — not a warehouse,” stated Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge. He emphasized that the facility would operate with standard delivery patterns, contrary to the assumption of continuous truck traffic associated with distribution centers.
According to planning documents from the village, the proposed store will encompass 228,660 square feet and will offer more than 800 parking spaces. The plan also includes provisions for bicycle parking and potential future outlot development. Residents are voicing their concerns, particularly regarding increased truck traffic and congestion at an already busy intersection.
Local officials acknowledged the traffic issues in the area. They are proactively addressing these concerns through a comprehensive traffic impact study and proposed roadway improvements. These improvements include new turn lanes and a future traffic signal linked to an extension of Ravinia Avenue. The Illinois Department of Transportation will also review access points and traffic flow related to the project.
Much of the public apprehension stems from a misunderstanding of the type of Amazon facility being proposed. Mayor Dodge noted, “When people hear Amazon, they immediately think distribution center. That’s not what this is. This is a retail store with normal delivery patterns — not hundreds of trucks coming in and out around the clock.”
The village leadership is hopeful that the project will not only revitalize a long-dormant site but also bring significant economic benefits to Orland Park. These benefits include increased property tax revenue and sales tax income that would support local schools, public safety, and community services.
The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Orland Park Plan Commission as part of a detailed approval process. Should it receive the necessary approvals, final authorization from the village board will be required before construction can commence, a timeline that may extend well into the future.
As the community awaits further developments, the outcome of this project will be closely monitored, given its potential impact on the local economy and traffic patterns in a busy commercial area.
