Simplify Downtown Clarendon Hills Traffic: Leader

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Clarendon Hills' new village president has an idea for what he sees as simplifying downtown traffic, according to a village memo this week.

President Eric Tech, who ran unopposed in April's election, wants the village to consider closing the southbound leg of Prospect Avenue next to the Sloan Triangle downtown.

That would create a plaza space similar to the one created in front of Village Hall as part of a downtown revitalization project, the memo said.

However, village staff identified potential problems with the proposal, Assistant Village Manager Zach Creer said in the memo.

"Particularly the staff is concerned about the potential loss of street capacity for cars clearing the tracks between slightly offset trains," Creer wrote.

He said the staff would look to ensure no parking is lost, even if an additional right turn lane needed to be added.

Also, the staff wants to make sure the plaza is functional, allowing for a semi-permanent stage area during summer events without having to close the street during setup, Creer said.

"This is an ongoing issue for businesses in the retail district that do not see a direct benefit from the concerts and lose their limited on-street parking," Creer said.

Creer recommended a "feasibility" study for the closure of the southbound leg of Prospect. That is expected to cost $10,000, which would come from a downtown tax increment financing account, or TIF, he said.

The Village Board is expected to vote on that recommendation Monday.