Parking Frustrations: La Grange Says What It Has Done

LA GRANGE, IL – A La Grange restaurateur this week questioned what the village had done about downtown parking in the last few months.

"I was told in the summer that there would be something done in the short term. Nothing was done," Dan Spain, owner of The Elm restaurant, told the Village Board.

He said he appreciated that the village hired a consultant to conduct a parking study.

"I have a lot of people in my restaurant on Friday and Saturday, and it's great that La Grange is a destination. I feel like The Elm has contributed to that," Spain said. "The only issue is that I continuously hear that parking is a problem."

In response, Village President Mark Kuchler disagreed that nothing had been done. He said the city reached an agreement to make available the teacher parking lot at Cossitt Avenue School to the public during weekends and the summer.

"From what I can tell, it's well-utilized," he said. "We've increased some of the signage, so we can direct some of the parking."

He also said the village would like to get parking near the playground at Cossitt, but it has no striping. Somebody, he said, would need to retain a valet service to direct people where to park.

The village also has reached an agreement with La Grange Public Library to allow public parking during the library's off-hours.

As for the parking study, Kuchler said, "It's a major undertaking for the village. It's being done to make sure any changes to parking are done professionally."

Spain returned to the podium to apologize.

"There was a lot of effort put forth toward having that extra parking lot. Obviously, I do appreciate that," he said. "I think what I meant to say is that demand is high. La Grange is just a popular town."

He added, "I just have to hear it on Friday and Saturday nights. Thought I'd give you a refresher."

Kuchler said he appreciated the efforts of The Elm and other establishments in helping La Grange have the best downtown.

A final report from the parking study is expected by the end of the year.

Spain has spoken before to the Village Board about parking issues, including during an April meeting.