Tinley Park Updates Downtown Parking Rules

Tinley Park is advancing with plans to update downtown parking regulations. This follows the opening of the Harmony Square music and event venue last summer. Ken Howard, the street superintendent, noted increased congestion in the downtown parking area. He pointed out that current ordinances are outdated, originating from a time when suburban commuting to Chicago was more prevalent.

Donna Framke, the marketing director, explained that the reduction in commuting means two-hour limits meant to deter all-day parking by commuters are no longer as relevant. Mayor Michael Glotz highlighted the town’s growth and increased downtown activity, particularly due to Harmony Square’s presence. Some signs enforcing two-hour parking limits were recently put up again, leading to resident backlash, as many were unaware the ordinances existed.

Howard mentioned plans to repeal most of these limits and restrict parking to one side of the street during events for emergency access. The parking updates will start with the downtown area around Harmony Square, from 171st to 176th Street. The biggest change will be banning parking on both sides of 173rd Place from Harlem Avenue to Oak Park Avenue during events.

The new downtown parking ordinance received unanimous preliminary approval and awaits a final vote from the Village Board on October 6. The aim is for enforcement by the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Trustee Kenneth Shaw supported the move, noting many outdated exceptions in the ordinance. Future updates will extend to areas like the Parkside subdivision and around Victor J. Andrew High School and St. George Church.

Howard acknowledged that a village-wide update is financially challenging, leading them to adopt a neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach.