Orland Township Property Tax Appeals; Holiday Happenings at Orland Square Mall

Originally published December 7, 2014 (Submission copy)

A second opportunity to protest assessments through the Cook County Board of Review is underway until Dec. 30. The Orland Township Assessor’s office is assisting residents in filing an appeal of their assessed valuation. Information is available at: www.cookcountyboardofreview.com or (312) 603-5542; or the Orland Township Assessor’s Office at (708) 403-4222.

Mary Ellen Malito, Chief Deputy Assessor, Orland Township Assessor’s Office, spoke about the process and provided reasons for filing an appeal. “If you missed the first opportunity to file an appeal, you may do so at this time; also, if you feel your first assessment was in error, or that you should have received further reductions, you should file again.”

Malito further informed that the Senior Exemption and Senior Freeze due for renewal will be mailed from Cook County the beginning of January in booklet format. Senior Exemption and Senior Freeze will be on one form, with instructions included. The Disability Exemption renewal will be mailed in February.

Assessor Rich E. Kelly, Orland Township Assessor’s Office, provided background on what assistance the Orland Township Assessor’s office provides. “Our job is to clean up any mistakes that Cook County may have on file on a property, and to help people to find what exemptions they are eligible for. Many residents are not aware of some of the exemptions that are available.”

Assessor Kelly added, “Usually, every year, we help people save between $750,000 to $1,000,000!  We take care of so many people that it does add up. I am proud that we can assist residents, and that the money they receive is due back to them. We’re the good guys!”

To file an appeal, schedule an appointment with the Orland Township Assessor’s Office (708) 403-4222. If the township staff prepares your appeal, you will be given copies of the appeal form and any supporting documentation. Your appeal will be mailed directly downtown for processing. Appeal result letters will be mailed directly to you.

Appeal online at: www.cookcountyboardofreview.com. The deadline is Dec. 30 (5:00 p.m. paper forms; 11:30 p.m. online). Orland Township Assessor’s Office will accept 2014 appeals until Dec. 23, to ensure delivery to the Board of Review Office, located at 118 N. Clark St., Rm. 601, Chicago, IL 60602, by the filing deadline.

Orland Township will assist residents through Dec. 30, but residents will need to mail their appeals through the Post Office (postmarked by Dec. 30); or they may drop them at the Board of Review Offices at Markham or Bridgeview Courthouse. Indicate on the envelope that it contains a 2014 appeal or supporting documentation for a 2014 appeal, and include your complaint or appeal number.

Orland Township Offices close at noon Dec. 24 for the Christmas Holiday; and will reopen Monday, Dec. 29.

Holiday Happenings at Orland Square Mall

Orland Square Mall, one of Chicagoland’s leading fashion destinations, is the place to be this holiday season with these upcoming events:

Orland Square Mall is “Spreading Love” all season long! From the love of giving to those who matter; children’s love of Santa; celebrating love through holiday festivities with family and friends, Orland Park shoppers are invited to join Orland Square to experience the season’s festive cheer with the best of holiday shopping and entertainment.

Stop by Simon Guest Services, (lower level near JCPenney) and pick up a gift bag filled with goodies to keep you fueled during your visit (while supplies last). Also, receive a “Holiday Gift Guide” highlighting the season’s hottest gift ideas for everyone on your list (also available online:  www.simon.com/holidaygiftguide).

Sign-up for the Simon Rewards program (Simon Rewards App or online at www.simonrewards.com) for a chance to win instant prizes; accumulate points as you shop to earn exclusive rewards and benefits; or use points toward chances to win prizes, like a Mercedes-Benz, Simon GiftCards and more.

This summer, Orland Park resident Daniel Welcome was the first to win a grand prize – a week-long vacation to Hawaii! In addition to the trip, he received $1,000 in Simon Giftcards courtesy of Orland Square Mall.

Don’t forget Santa!  Already camped out in Carson’s Court (upper level), a visit with Santa is a cherished tradition for many Chicagoland families! Visit with the big man in red now through December 24. For a list of Santa’s hours, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/orland-square-mall/stores/where-is-santa/stream/make-a-date-with-santa-2114125 or stop by Guest Services.

Two opportunities are available to visit the Caring Santa – 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 7; and 8:30 a.m. until 10: a.m. Sunday, December 14. This special event is dedicated to families that have children with special needs, providing a subdued environment to visit Santa Claus. Steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comfortable environment for the children’s magical visit with Santa. The program is guided by AbilityPath, an online support organization serving the special needs community for over 90 years. Reservations are required and can be secured at http://www.simon.com/mall/orland-square-mall/stores/where-is-santa/stream/caring-santa-2109785. It is free to visit Santa; professional photo package prices vary.

For more information: www.simon.com/mall/Orland-Square-Mall or (708) 349-1646; Facebook www.facebook.com/OrlandSquareMall; Twitter @OrlandSquare; and Instagram @OrlandSquare.