Reader Poll: Do You Agree With Move To Close Orland Park DMV?

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Township Board of Trustees on Monday voted to close what Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias called one of the state's busiest DMVs.

Giannoulias slammed it as a "disservice" to residents, saying it was made without notice and consultation with the agency. Board members, he said, "failed their constituents" in their decision.

The trustees who voted in favor of the closure countered by laying out their case that it was necessary, and an answer to constituents' call. Citing safety concerns, parking shortages, security issues and cost, recently seated Trustee Ken Duffy launched the discussion, detailing more than a dozen issues he said he's encountered at the facility since the start of his term in May.

<< READ: Orland DMV 'Needs To Go,' Trustee Says, But Sec Of State Calls Closing 'Huge Disservice' >>

The agency has been leasing 1,100 square feet of space in the building at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. since 2020, when it was relocated there from Village Hall. Supervisor Paul O'Grady worked with then-State Sen. Bill Cunningham to find space for the agency within Orland Township. The Secretary of State, Supervisor Paul O'Grady said, has since been leasing the space for $1 annually as part of an intergovernmental agreement.

“The Secretary of State’s office has been a vital community asset for five years,” O'Grady said in a statement Tuesday. “I’m deeply disappointed that my colleagues chose to eliminate these services without first hearing from the people who rely on them every day.”

Duffy went on to argue that they were acting on behalf of many who wanted to see it closed.

"We did not fail our constituents as they support this decision," Duffy said. "And the taxpayers? We did them a solid. You are not even servicing our taxpayers but those from outside of our township."

Also among the arguments, was the contention that many who use the facility are not Orland Park residents, but travel to the location. O'Grady countered that by saying that while true, those from outside the township who use the facility are also eating and shopping while in town, supporting the business base.

You've heard from the officials, and now we want to hear from you. What do you think of the Orland Township Board of Trustees' decision to close the Orland Park DMV at the Orland Township administration building? Let us know in the informal poll below. Please note: be sure to scroll within the poll for ALL available answer choices. The poll seeks input from Orland Park residents and non-residents.