Tinley Park is updating its downtown parking regulations following the opening of the Harmony Square venue last summer. Ken Howard, the street superintendent, noted increased congestion in the downtown parking areas. “The old ordinances were more relevant when commuting was more significant in town,” Howard said.
With commuting from suburbs into Chicago declining post-COVID-19, previous two-hour parking limits are outdated. Marketing director Donna Framke explained these limits aimed to stop commuters from parking on residential streets all day to avoid Metra lot fees.
Mayor Michael Glotz emphasized the growth of the town and increased downtown activity due to Harmony Square. Howard mentioned that some two-hour parking signs had been removed over 50 years ago. When reinstalled recently, there was resident backlash over the sudden parking limitations.
“Longtime residents were unaware of these ordinances until the signs reappeared, causing understandable frustration after decades in their homes,” Howard said.
The village aims to repeal many two-hour limits, favoring restrictions to one side of the street during events, ensuring emergency access. The updates will begin with areas around Harmony Square, between 171st and 176th Street, incorporating input from fire, police, and public works teams.
“It’s a public safety concern,” Howard stated, stressing the need for clear pathways during emergencies.
On 173rd Place, from Harlem Avenue to Oak Park Avenue, there will be no parking during events, Glotz announced. Harmony Square, with music and retail spaces, officially opened on July 18, 2025.
The ordinance was unanimously approved at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting. A final vote from the Village Board is scheduled for Oct. 6. Howard highlighted the goal to enforce new rules by the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Trustee Kenneth Shaw supported the move, describing the current 16 pages of ordinance exceptions as outdated and confusing. “Some rules date back decades without clear justification,” Shaw remarked.
Further updates are planned for Parkside subdivision, Barrett Brothers Familyland, and areas near Victor J. Andrew High School and St. George Church. Howard noted the budget constraints for updating signs village-wide, hence the phased approach.