Tinley Park is advancing an ordinance to revise downtown parking rules after 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 due to Harmony Square. Existing ordinances mainly addressed past commuting patterns into Chicago, but these have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donna Framke, marketing director, explained that two-hour parking limits initially aimed to deter commuters from parking on residential streets to avoid Metra lot fees. With commuting less frequent, these restrictions no longer apply effectively. Mayor Michael Glotz acknowledged the town’s growth and heightened downtown activity around Harmony Square.
Over the years, many two-hour parking signs were removed, but replacing them recently led to resistance from residents unaware of these ordinances, Howard explained. The village intends to ease most two-hour limits, opting to restrict parking to one side during events to facilitate emergency access.
The plan will start with downtown areas near Harmony Square, from 171st Street to 176th Street. Howard emphasized the importance of public safety, expressing concerns over emergency vehicle accessibility during events if streets are fully parked. Significant changes are set for 173rd Place between Harlem Avenue and Oak Park Avenue, prohibiting parking on both sides during events.
Harmony Square, an outdoor venue featuring retail spaces, opened on July 18, 2025 in Tinley Park. The ordinance modification received unanimous preliminary approval and will undergo a final vote by the Village Board on October 6. Howard mentioned the goal to enforce the new rules before the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Trustee Kenneth Shaw supported the ordinance overhaul, noting outdated exceptions spanning 16 pages that no longer serve their intended purpose. Shaw remarked on the obsolescence of some provisions dating back decades. Future updates in parking regulations are also planned for other areas, including the Parkside subdivision and near local schools and churches.
Howard noted financial constraints for a village-wide comprehensive study, so changes will occur gradually. Limited budgets necessitate a phased approach to update parking signs across Tinley Park.