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Crime & Safety

Does Orland Park Want More Tobacco Shops?

The village opened a survey to see if codes should be changed to allow more than one cigar shop, and other highlights from the March 19 village board meeting.

Cigar Lounge(s)

Is enough? Orland Park staff and officials would like to know before they decide whether to expand village code to allow more.

Residents and business owners have one month to visit the village's website and take a survey, which was unavailable as of Tuesday night.

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When asked how many business owners have expressed interest and where those potential owners might set up shop, development services director Karie Friling declined comment.

The village's development services committee will review the issue again next month and possibly send it to the full village board for vote.

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K9 Retired

After five years of service, Orland Park police’s finest K-9 has been relieved of narcotics-sniffing duties.

Police Chief Tim McCarthy told the village’s Public Safety Committee that spinal problems impede Bosco, a German Shepard, from continuing with the department. Trustees endorsed the purchase of another "multipurposed" dog for $12,000 from a dealer in Dyer, Ind.—a cost that includes training courses and would be paid with funds from the sale of forfeited cars. 

James Heramb, an officer who worked regularly with Bosco, has agreed to adopt the dog, McCarthy said.

A fulfilling half-decade though it may have been for Bosco, it was a short run. According to the police chief, the average police dog works six to eight years.

The K-9's work history included community relations events and building searches, which likely contributed to his progressive degenerative myelopathy, a disease of the spinal cord.

Laser Tag

The village's development services department and committee have also endorsed a rezoning agreement for the opening of a laser tag facility at 11545 W. 183rd Street.

Before sending the issue to the full board, trustees on Monday wanted assurance that the recreation facility would fit in with the character of the neighborhood and that the developer did not have any outstanding debts with the village.

As far as village manager Paul Grimes could recall, the developer does not.

Kayaks and Pedal Boats on Lake Sedgewick

Village officials are considering adding kayaks and family-sized pedal boats to Lake Sedgewick this summer during weekends, holidays and baseball tournaments.

Assistant Village Manager Ellen Baer said the boats would cost around $3,000, though additional equipment would be needed for boat use, and costs for the other items were not certain as of Monday night. Staff does believe the new feature could pay for itself through rental fees. Trustee Patricia Gira praised the idea, noting that this was a part of the original plan for .

Although the lake at places is shallow enough to walk across, staff seemed certain on Monday that a pedal boat of four adults wouldn't have trouble perusing the lake.

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