Even with the addition of 50 parking spots on the Idlewood side of Morton Family Aquatic Center, the village is already concerned that overflowing parking could become a safety issue if it is not addressed.
Morton village board trustee Jeff Kaufman said residents are concerned about cars parked along Idlewood Street, limiting visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
“The (park district) might have to expand their parking lot,” Kaufman said. “Taxing bodies need to take a look at that in the future.”
Morton Police Department Chief Nick Graff said, particularly during busy swim meets, both the existing and new parking lots were full, forcing guests to park along the road.
The former parking lot includes 55 spaces, the new lot includes 50.
“I think reducing the speed in that area will help,” Graff said.
A proposal will be brought to the village board during its next meeting, July 6, to address the issue, Graff added.
The speed limit will change to 20 mph when children are present.
Morton Mayor Norm Durflinger said the park district board of directors is “well aware” of the situation and is already looking for solutions.
“The (pool) attendance has far exceeded anything they expected,” Durflinger said.
Other business:
In other business, the Morton Village Board:
• approved a $20,000 tourism grant for the Morton Blaze annual Memorial Day Classic Soccer Tournament and the annual Pumpkin Classic Soccer tournament.
Durflinger raised concerns that organizations seeking tourism grants are using the money for operating revenue, which he said he feared would happen five years ago.
“I’m afraid (grants are) becoming operating revenues,” Durflinger said. “I throw out the caution, this money is supposed to be extra ordinary money.
“It concerns me when I keep seeing these over and over,” he added.
• approved a $2,000 tourism grant for the Midwest Cruiser’s Car Show, which will be July 17.
• heard work on Adams Street, between Plum and Pershing, has begun. The area will likely be closed Tuesday morning, trustee Kaufman said.
• announced the acquisition of right-of-way to make way for the planned Detroit Avenue expansion to five lanes.
Two more plots of land were donated by property owners Gene Knapp and Eric Jenkins, president of Engineering Design and Development.
Village board trustees commended the property owners’ willingness to offer the land in favor of a public road expansion.
Kaufman said it is important for the village to gain the cooperation of property owners along Detroit Avenue during the village’s right-of-way acquisition process.
He said if Morton is to receive external funding for the expansion, property owners need to be quick in discussions with the village regarding right-of-way.
“Right-of-way acquisition is very important,” Kaufman said.
