As a public works employee in Sauk Village, Dave Overocker digs ditches, fixes water pipes and makes sure sewers are flowing properly.

Years of hard work helped Overocker and his family save enough cash to buy a home two years ago in Brookside Glen, the largest subdivision in Tinley Park where homes go for nearly $400,000.

A 24-hour Wal-Mart Supercenter was the last thing Overocker wanted near his back door. "That particular style of retailer ... it'll bring your property value down," said Overocker, whose back yard looks out on a sod farm that was slated for massive development. "I'm sorry. It just will. Nothing against (Wal-Mart)."

Overocker was rejoicing Thursday at news that Chicago-based Aetna Development Corp. withdrew its application last week to build a 370,000-square-foot retail center anchored by a 24-hour Wal-Mart.

The project, Prairie View Crossings, was to be built on 83 acres of what now is a sod farm at the southwest corner of 191st Street and Harlem Avenue. The project included more than a dozen outlots that would have fronted 191st Street and Harlem Avenue.

A commercial development eventually will be built on that land, maybe even another big-box store, Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki said.

That's fine with Overocker, he said. But he envisions a bookstore, such as Borders, or other high-end businesses with quaint architecture.

"I just keep my fingers crossed whatever goes in there will be more classy," Overocker said, adding that he wants Tinley Park leaders to extend the vintage feel of the community's downtown area, which is lined with mom-n-pop shops, to the west side of town. Aetna and Wal-Mart worked for more than two years with Tinley Park to develop their project.

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