Overview:
Orland Park votes unanimously to annex Mela Landscaping. The local business keeps operating as usual under new village rules.
The Village of Orland Park voted unanimously Tuesday to annex Mela Landscaping, bringing the 1160 West 179th Street business under village jurisdiction while allowing it to continue operating as it has for years.
The voluntary annexation expands Orland Park’s tax base and gives the village regulatory authority over the landscaping company’s future operations. But Mela can keep its current equipment and practices—only new changes must meet village standards.
The board approved the measure after a brief public hearing where no residents spoke in opposition. The vote was 7-0.
Mela Landscaping was flagged as a high-priority annexation target in two separate village studies. The company chose to negotiate a voluntary agreement rather than face involuntary annexation, which the village had legal authority to pursue.
“Mela is a welcome addition to the village of Orland Park,” Trustee Cynthia Nelson-Katsenes said. “An excellent business. They do great landscaping work and welcome to the village.”
Annexations expand the village’s tax base and give Orland Park control over land use and business operations within its borders. For Mela Landscaping, the deal means access to village services and infrastructure while maintaining operational independence—a win-win framing that reflects the village’s growth strategy.
Trustee Lee asked the practical question many residents might have: Will annexation force the business to change how it operates?
“This doesn’t mean that the annexation doesn’t mean that they have to change anything,” Lee said. “They can continue operating with the as they have been with the um equipment and everything as they have been. Is that right?”
Village Manager George Koczwara confirmed the arrangement.
“They can continue to operate as is, but anything new that they do or changes they make have to be compliant with our new rules,” Koczwara said.
This annexation fits into Orland Park’s broader expansion strategy. The village has been systematically identifying and bringing in adjacent properties to strengthen its tax base and extend municipal services. For businesses like Mela, the voluntary route avoids costly legal battles while securing their place in the village’s future.