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An Ordinance Amending Section 15-3-18 of the Oak Park Village Code to Extend the Free Parking Time at the Village’s Avenue Garage from Sixty (60) Minutes to Ninety (90) Minutes to Provide Business Support During the “Renew the Avenue” Streetscape Project
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Introduction
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This a proposed ordinance expanding the free parking time at the Avenue parking garage from sixty (60) minutes to ninety (90) minutes to support the Hemingway Business District during the period of February 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action
• On March 18, 2025 the Village Board adopted ORD 25-134 amending the code to extend free parking from March 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
Background
The “Renew the Avenue” streetscape project is underway in the Hemingway District. Village staff has conducted several public meetings and one-on-one meetings with individual business owners, property owners, and Hemmingway Business District leadership. Through these discussions, staff developed several recommendations for business support, including changing the effective date of the free parking extension from March 1, to February 1. The additional month will be advantageous to the business community. The current timeline of the project plans to have full loss of on-street parking and street closures in mid-February.
Timing Considerations
If approved, the extended free parking time will take effect February 1.
Budget Impact
Transient, or daily, parking revenue for the Avenue parking garage is accounted for in the account 5060.43770.784.440460 (Garage Fees and Permits). Staff estimates that, if adopted, the proposed Ordinance will result in a lost revenue of $36,863. This is an increased $5,000 projection of loss revenue in comparison to the original approved plan.
Operating Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item because the free parking is for all groups and individuals in the community and visitors.
Community Input
Village staff conducted several public meetings and one-on-one meetings with individual business owners, property owners and the Hemingway Business District leadership. Through these discussions, staff developed this recommendation.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance, extending the free parking time at the Avenue parking garage from sixty (60) to ninety (90) minitues during the period of February 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026. Increasing the days of the extended free parking at the Village’s Avenue parking garage will provide a crucial benefit to the Hemmingway Business District during the upcoming “Renew the Avenue” streetscape project. By making parking more convenient and affordable, the Village can support businesses through this challenging period, fostering continued patronage and economic vitality while construction is underway.
Advantages:
• This action will mitigate potential decreases in foot traffic and customer engagement in the Hemingway Business District.
• This action ensures shoppers and visitors have easy access to stores and services.
Disadvantages:
• This action reduces revenue from the parking garage. The estimated loss of revenue is $36,863.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The board can decide not to adopt the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• The extended free parking would take effect at the previously approved date of March 1
• There would be no direct lost revenue from the Avenue parking garage.
Disadvantages:
• This action can result in a potential decrease in foot traffic and customer engagement in the Business District.
Alternative 2:
The Board can modify the Proposed Ordinance to extend the free parking time from sixty (60) minutes to one hundred and twenty (120) minutes.
Advantages:
• This action further ensures shoppers and visitors have easy access to stores and services.
• This action further mitigates potential decreases in foot traffic and customer engagement.
Disadvantages:
• The estimated revenue increases to $91,238.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Business Services Manager/Administrative Officer
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance