Worth passes parking restrictions for better safety

By Joe Boyle

A series of parking regulations have been established in Worth in an effort to provide improved public safety within sections of the village.

Trustee Brad Urban, who is the head of the public works committee, mentioned that an ordinance was being considered to eliminate parking on the south side of 116th Street from Oak Park to New England avenues.

The ordinance, which was passed during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night, was enacted because vehicles that are being parked along the street are creating obstacles for public works near Homerding Park.

Urban said the parking restrictions are being implemented in part because it is difficult for workers to mow grass during the summer, and also to remove snow during the winter with vehicles lined up and down the south side of the street.

The guardrails that once were seen along the south side of the street will be removed to allow for easier access for village employees, Urban said.

An ordinance was also amended to allow for a fire prevention code enforcement. The North Palos Fire Protection District had contacted the village stating that they would like to see some businesses who have numerous violations suffer the consequences.

The fire department does not give out citations specifically. They require an official from the village to give the offending businesses the citations.

Mayor Mary Werner said during a previous meeting that the North Palos Fire Protection District, serving Worth since 2009, has never given out citations.

An official from Worth will take care of the citations with the advice of the fire department. Representatives of the fire department will visit businesses on several occasions, warning them to take care of the violations. The offenses range from fire extinguishers that do not work properly to exit signs that are not luminated.

An ordinance was also established to restrict parking on portions of South Oak Park Avenue between 107th Street and Lode Drive. Three parking spots for the disabled will be eliminated along Oak Park and moved within Peaks Park.

The three parking spots obscured the vision of drivers, who are not always able to see youths and adults walking across the street.

“We are doing this to make things safe,” Urban said. “We don’t want see anyone get hit.”

Village Clerk Bonnie Price mentioned that 2023 Motor Fuel Tax Street Resurfacing bid was approved and went to Gallagher Asphalt Construction in the amount of $1,131.030. The Gallagher Asphalt put in the lowest bid. However, village engineers believed that Gallagher Asphalt was the proper choice.

ARPA funds for the Worth Park District project were also approved for Penny Park for $30,000. However, Bob O’Shaughnessy, director of parks and recreation, did say the park district initially asked for $45,000 because he said that amount would have allowed for all of the projects to be completed this year.

O’Shaughnessy, who was appreciative of the funding, said that they will not be able to fulfill that goal this year. But he added that all the projects will be completed by the end of 2024.

No semitrailers, campers and large trucks will be allowed to park overnight at the Water’s Edge Golf Course parking lot, including near the boat launch. The ordinance was passed on Tuesday night.

A business license was tentatively granted for Nasir Mahmoud Othman to open up N&A Auto Service, 6455 W. 111th St.

Werner reminded the board and residents that the Fraternal Order of Police Golf Outing will take place Saturday, June 17, at Water’s Edge. Police Chief Tim Denton said that there was still time to enter foursomes in the tournament.

The first outdoor concert will also be held in the evening on June 17 at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.

The Worth Park District will hold a holiday event on July 3 at Altman Park, which will include a beanbag tournament. Teams can enter for a $25 fee. A fireworks show will take place at night.

Trustee Laura Packwood, who is the head of the golf committee, said since Water’s Edge has been under the management of Missouri-based Orion, revenue has increased.

“It’s really exciting to see,” she said.

Packwood became emotional after explaining a tree was planted in memory of Bob Potokar, a Chicago Ridge resident who relatives said loved playing golf at Water’s Edge. The burr oak was planted at the second hole facing 116th Street. She added that the tree would not interfere with play.

Potokar died at the age of 47 from cancer. Packwood was near tears when she said that this was the first time that a tree dedication has taken place at the golf course.

“This was really important to the family,” Packwood said, adding that a plaque would also be put up in Potokar’s memory.