Orland Park trustee Joni Radaszewski's in-person return to the Orland Park board meeting Monday night was welcomed warmly by her colleagues. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)
Rainbow Cone coming to Orland Park
Trustee Radaszewski’s return highlights cheery meeting
By Jeff Vorva
Rainbow Cone is coming to Orland Park.
So is Steinhafel’s Furniture. And Silver Cross Hospital wants to being in a medical office building.
Oh, and Trustee Joni Radaszewski returned for her first in-person meeting since suffering injuries in a horrific accident in July that took the lives of her parents.
For the most part, Monday’s Orland Park Village Board meeting was jovial with laughs and jokes and good cheer. The meeting was held in the training room of the Orland Park Police Department because the meeting room at Village Hall is being renovated.
Mayor Keith Pekau remarked that Radaszewski’s presence helped lighten the seriousness of recent meetings and other trustees took turns welcoming her back.
The mood was also light because of the new businesses coming to town.
The board agreed to allow Rainbow Cone a special use permit for a drive-thru at 15711 Harlem Ave., the former site of Baker’s Square.
According to a document from Rainbow Cone to the village, it wants to open “by early 2023.” It also plans on an outdoor patio with a branded canopy.
The Original Rainbow Cone started in Chicago 96 years ago and there are also locations in Lombard, on Navy Pier, Darien, Lakemoor and Skokie.
“I lived two blocks away from the one on Western [in Chicago] for 10 years and this is fantastic that you are coming to Orland Park,” Trustee Brian Riordan told Rainbow Cone officials during the meeting. “My kids are going to be very excited. I’m very happy you are coming.”
The board also agreed to an inducement agreement for the Wisconsin-based Steinhafels Inc. to move into the 203 Orland Park Place site that housed Bed Bath and Beyond.
No action was taken Monday, but Pekau said at the next board meeting they will discuss Silver Cross’s desire to bring in a medical office building at 171st Street and LaGrange Road.
Losing Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Carson’s and Sears and other stores in recent years and COVID-19 making life hard on businesses plus skyrocketing inflation have taken its toll on the village. Pekau is happy with the uptick in businesses coming to Orland Park, which could also include a PGA Tour Superstore.
“This speaks volumes to what a great community this is,” the mayor said. “I grew up here and I’m biased a little bit but it’s a wonderful community and I think we’re an example for other communities in the state and in the country on how to be run and how to have a vibrant community even when surrounded by a fair amount of turmoil.”
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