The move to close this DMV is getting pushback from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, which says township trustees did a "huge disservice to Southland residents."
Monday night, Orland Township trustees voted 3 to 2 to close the state's busiest DMV, located at Ravinia Avenue and 149th Street in Orland Park.
Some township leaders said the DMV has outgrown the site, which uses the township office building and needs a new larger location. They also cited security concerns and parking issues.
Trustees had strong words during discussion, before voting not to renew the lease with the state.
"There's no room for them here," Orland Township Trustee Kenneth Duffy said. "They're only operating in 1100 feet, which is ridiculous for the amount of traffic that goes through there. And through our tiny little parking lot, it's just, in my opinion, insane."
"You haven't seen sad until you see an elderly man or woman using a walker to cross Ravinia to get to this building because there's no parking for them here in this building in the township, where they pay taxes to not only maintain the building but the parking lot they can't park in," Orland Township Trustee Frank Williams said.
In response, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a statement,: "by making the decision without providing notice to or consulting with secretary of state staff, board members failed their constituents and the taxpayers they are elected to serve!"
Some township leaders said they are worried about the potential breakdown in services, now that this site will no longer operate.
Trustees said they're willing to work with the Secretary of State's Office to find a new location.
The secretary of state had recently signed a new five-year lease at $1 per year to use the property, but Monday's vote broke that.
"I understand all the frustration; I can't really explain this decision. I know people are furious. They've told us, and I would be furious, as well," Giannoulias said.
A monthly lunch at Orland Township brings seniors for the food, fun and music.
As some attendees left, they shared challenges they've had parking nearby, as so many come to the secretary of state's office in the township building.
"It's been very difficult for a lot of people who live here; they should definitely get rid of it. Take it out; go somewhere else," Orland Park resident Lorraine Rybka said.
"Let them find their own little place to get their messages and tags for their car; they have a lot of empty stores around Orland here," resident Joann Horan said.
Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady initiated the contract five years ago, and had hoped to get voter input before making a decision.
"The next closest facility is Joliet or Midlothian, which is not convenient for our seniors, our prime constituency," O'Grady said.
Some visitors to the DMV Tuesday said they are disappointed by the decision to close the facility, which had been there for five years.
"How it is going to be convenient for me? I live right there. If it's going to be closed, it's going to be detrimental," Orland Park resident Gesner Loiseau said.
"I think it's ridiculous. Why? It already an underserved area," DMV visitor Kathy Borello said.
The secretary of state said they were given 90 days to vacate, and they will find another location eventually.
"I don't like it. Why? I'm a senior citizen; I don't like spending money to go into all these different neighborhoods," Tinley Park resident Robert Deuser said.
For now, in addition to Joliet and Midlothian, other nearby DMVs would be in Bridgeview and Chicago Heights.