New Lenox Could Raise Metra Fee, Install Security Cameras

Parking in New Lenox’s Metra lot could soon be a bit more expensive, but also possibly safer.

is considering an increase to the $1 daily fee charged to park in the commuter lot off Route 30. It would help pay for various upgrades and most notably a security camera system that would aim to reduce ongoing car part thefts in the lot.

The $1 fee charged by the village is expected to bring in about $226,000 this fiscal year, but the cost to maintain the lot is $261,551. Snow and ice control alone costs the village about $90,000 per year. Additionally, Mayor Tim Baldermann said New Lenox’s fee is on the low end compared to other stops along the Rock Island line.

“I’m sure we’re going to have to increase the fee either way because it’s not paying for itself right now,” he said. “The rest of the budget shouldn’t be covering the cost of a user-based service.”

In recent committee meetings, village staff and trustees have discussed the possibility of increasing fees at least 50 cents, but the final amount is still to be determined. They were still planning to tour the lot to study what other improvements are needed. Earlier this year, to help pay for various upgrades. 

The village hopes a fee increase would at least cover the cost of maintaining the lot, but also go toward upgrades such as restriping handicap lots and fixing the crumbling walkways. Even if residents don’t like to hear about fee increases, many and would get it through a security camera system the village could purchase.

first warned residents about the car part thefts in February after incidents became more regular, and now at least 24 cases have been reported to police this year. The parts taken are typically hubcaps or catalytic converters, which contain traces of precious metal that has recently seen skyrocketing prices. Replacing a catalytic converter can cost $200 on the low end and up to $1,000.

"It wouldn’t be hard to put a camera up," said Marsha Morgan, who found the hub caps missing from her GMC one day after work in February. "There's only two entrances, so you would see if there's a car coming. And the police should also be patrolling when it's not rush hour, because that's when (thieves) are coming."

After questioning the effectiveness of security cameras earlier this year, Baldermann said the village is now considering different security systems that could cost up to $25,000.

The village still needs to pick a security system and determine the fee increase, but the mayor expects the board to discuss this at an upcoming meeting.