Hoffman Estates agrees to review Randi Lane parking

Will the third time prove a charm for Joe Lichtenbert of Hoffman Estates?

Lichtenbert, a Hoffman Estates resident sine 1969, has approached the village board twice before in the last 40 years about changing parking rules on his street Randi Lane, only to be turned away empty-handed.

When he approached the village board again this week, though, the board agreed to refer the matter to its Transportation Committee for a new look.

Forty years ago, Lictenbert’s then 9-year-old daughter was almost hit by a car on Randi Lane.

“This is significant and I’m going to continue to pursue it,” Lichtenbert told the board. “I think we should seriously consider moving parking to the outside” edge of the curved street.

He first approached the village board about the issue 25 years ago and then again last September. In turning down his requests officials village said that moving parking to the outer circumference of the street would significantly reduce on-street parking in the area.

The way it is now though, Lichtenbert said, a driver’s line of sight is severely restricted when going around the curve on Randi Lane since the cars are parked on the inside of the street’s curve and driveway parking also blocks the view of oncoming traffic.

“It’s a safety issue,” he added.

Trustee Gary Stanton agreed with Lichtenbert that the parking pattern makes it difficult to notice oncoming cars.

“Those sight lines are terrible,” said Stanton, “Especially in the morning.”

“There are a lot of children … and they play out there every night,” added Stanton.

The board asked the Transportation Committee, to research the issue and make a recommendation on future action.