Tinley Park · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tinley Park public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Commercial Business Licensing and Permit Delays
Dr. Mezen Barakat spoke during public comment asking the village to review and restore the business license for a local coffee shop, Original Mocha, after operational and ownership changes.
Midlothian Creek Streambank Stabilization
The village approved engineering plans to stabilize the streambank of Midlothian Creek in downtown Tinley Park.
Library Exclusion from Village Health Insurance Plan
The village renewed its annual health insurance plan while removing the Tinley Park Public Library, saving the village money but forcing the library to seek costlier independent coverage.
Downtown Parking Restrictions and Signage
The village is reviewing outdated parking ordinances and event-related signage in residential areas near downtown to balance resident convenience with emergency vehicle access during events.
Non-Compliant Speed Bumps on Commercial Property
Staff reported that the speed bumps at Pete's market were adjusted after complaints about vehicle damage, while board members discussed broader concerns about speeding in neighborhoods and the feasibility of temporary speed bumps.
Annual Professional Engineering and Landscape Architecture Contracts
The village renewed consulting and engineering agreements with multiple firms to handle ongoing public works and landscape design projects.
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program
Residents voiced concerns about sewer water backing up onto village-owned property and affecting their homes following heavy rains. Village officials advised them to coordinate directly with Public Works and submit photo documentation.
Emergency Mutual Aid Agreement (MABAS Division 24)
Tinley Park updated its mutual aid agreement to ensure seamless emergency response coordination with neighboring fire departments.
Adoption of Updated Fire and Life Safety Codes
Tinley Park is adopting the latest 2024 and 2025 NFPA codes for building sprinklers, fire alarms, and life safety to ensure modern safety standards in residential and commercial buildings.
Gas N Wash Development at 191st Street
The village approved a special use permit and final plat for a new Gas N Wash gas station and car wash at 7201 191st Street within the Brookside Creek Retail Center PUD.
Neighbor Dispute and Code Enforcement
A local resident addressed the Board regarding chronic code violations and safety concerns with a neighboring property, expressing frustration with the village adjudication and enforcement process.
Crisis Center for South Suburbia Special Use
The Board granted a special use permit allowing an institutional use for the Crisis Center for South Suburbia at 6775 Prosperi Drive.
Duvan Industrial Park Class 8 Re-Certification
The village initiated steps to recertify the Duvan Industrial Park under Cook County's Class 8 tax incentive program to encourage business retention and investment.
Public Infrastructure and Lift Station Aesthetics
Residents voiced concerns about municipal lift station construction near their property, requesting landscaping and odor control, as well as addressing storm-damaged sod and sinking sidewalks.
Park Noise Nuisances
A resident complained about excessive noise from music and basketball courts at Veterans Park, as well as after-dark loitering. Officials advised her to contact the Park District regarding noise rules and continue calling police for enforcement.
Kimberly Heights Drainage Improvements - Phase 7
Tinley Park is advancing engineering services to improve neighborhood drainage in Kimberly Heights to mitigate flooding risks.
Fiber Agreement and Subcontractor Standards
The village is expanding municipal fiber connectivity along Oak Park Avenue through a construction contract with Pirtano Construction.
Traffic Safety and E-Bike Regulation
To address severe speeding issues that have led to accidents and property damage, the village approved a contract for traffic calming chicanes on 167th Street.
Public Works Fleet and Infrastructure Maintenance Contracts
Public Works reported receiving hundreds of calls and emails regarding tree limbs and storm damage from recent microbursts, urging residents to be patient as crews work around the clock.
Speeding Concerns on 163rd Street
A resident expressed concern over speeding vehicles on 163rd Street and requested speed bumps. Officials explained that speed bumps damage heavy emergency vehicles and snowplows, but police agreed to increase patrols.
Zoning Variance Denial for Apartment Floor Area
The village board rejected a plan to allow smaller apartment unit sizes at 6732 173rd Street, despite a recommendation from the Plan Commission. Trustees felt the proposed units would be too small and failed to meet standards.
Watermain Extensions and Infrastructure Contracts
The village is moving forward with its annual street resurfacing program and various municipal contracts, including lawn care and parking lot expansions. Favorable contractor bids are allowing the village to squeeze extra road repairs into the schedule.
Municipal Staff and Commission Appointments
The board filled several key leadership roles, including appointing a new deputy police chief and emergency planning manager, alongside annual commission appointments.
Downtown Commercial Facade Grant
The village reviewed and advanced a redevelopment grant for Hillgrove Tap at 9501 W. 171st Street to support local business investment.
State Legislation Concerning Municipal Zoning Authority
Trustees warned residents about upcoming Senate bills in Springfield that would strip local home rule control over zoning and force municipalities to permit multiple accessory dwelling units on residential lots. The board urged residents to submit witness slips opposing the legislation, arguing it would overwhelm local infrastructure and fire safety codes.
Ridgeland Avenue Speed Limit Reduction
A resident expressed frustration that a recent county agreement only lowered the speed limit on Ridgeland Avenue by 5 mph, arguing it remains unsafe for pedestrians since there are no sidewalks. Village officials noted that getting the county to agree even to the 5 mph reduction required extensive negotiation by staff and lobbyists.
Roadway Improvements and Pavement Programs
The village is moving forward with annual pavement crack fill and remarking programs, as well as an IDOT agreement for Oak Park Avenue improvements. These projects aim to maintain local roads and transfer jurisdiction where appropriate.
School District 140 Property Transfer and Helen Keller Elementary Subdivision
The village and Kirby School District 140 established an agreement regarding property usage, access easements, and stormwater management improvements.
Building Code Updates for 2024
Tinley Park is updating its building rules to the 2024 International Residential and Property Maintenance codes, along with the 2023 Electrical Code. This keeps the village up to date with state standards and helps support top ratings for fire safety and insurance.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Performance and FY27 Outlook
The village is projecting a healthy $2.9 million surplus in its general fund for FY26, thanks to strong revenues and smart tax decisions made last year. Officials also reviewed early numbers for the upcoming FY27 budget, which features upcoming departmental reviews.
Police In-Car Video Equipment Upgrade
The village approved purchasing 30 new Getac in-car video systems and cloud storage for the police department for $186,090. This upgrade replaces aging equipment and integrates directly with existing body cameras.
Brookside Creek Retail Center PUD Amendments and McDonald's Development
The board advanced a proposal to relocate a gas station with a car wash from Lot 1 to Lot 4 within the Brookside Creek retail center. This change modifies the allowed uses in the previously approved commercial PUD.
Residential Solid Waste Collection Agreement
The village is considering a new residential solid waste collection service agreement with Homewood Disposal Services, Inc. This contract governs local trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup for residents.
Interstate Sports Dome Development
Tinley Park is partnering with developers to bring a major sports dome to the area, committing up to $1.5 million for nearby road improvements on 191st Street.
Mahoney Garage Zoning Variation
The board approved a zoning variation to allow an oversized two-level garage currently under construction at 16801 Sayre Avenue. The plan commission previously recommended the variation by a 5-0 vote.
Proposed Rental Housing Regulations and Registrations
Real estate representatives spoke before the board to urge a careful, data-driven approach to any new rental housing regulations, noting Tinley Park's low rental percentage compared to national averages.
Ridgeland Avenue Annexation
A single-family residential property in unincorporated Cook County is being annexed into Tinley Park and zoned as R-1 residential.