Two-hour parking may be allowed soon around Glenbard East High School

Parking restrictions near Glenbard East High School in Lombard soon could be changed to give neighbors more flexibility.

Public Works Director Carl Goldsmith said the parking restrictions have been in place for roughly 25 years and vary street by street in the area surrounding the school. A majority of the streets prohibit parking during school hours, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goldsmith said the restrictions were put in place for two reasons: to lessen the impact on property owners, who had their driveways blocked by students' cars that crowded the streets, and for public safety reasons, to ensure emergency and snow removal vehicles could properly access the area.

In recent years, however, residents have expressed frustration with the restrictions that make it difficult for visitors or deliveries coming to their homes.

Village staff members have proposed restricting parking to two hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on school days on most streets within a ⅓-mile radius of Glenbard East's property lines. The change would give residents a chance to use the street for parking, while still restricting use by students.

"The current restrictions vary, so we're making a more consistent application so there's greater understanding," Goldsmith said.

No changes will be made to Main Street, Wilson Avenue or any other streets where there is no parking allowed at any time. Goldsmith said Glenbard East officials have no problem with the proposed changes.

The public safety and transportation committee is discussing the proposed changes this week and the village board will vote on the issue in December. If approved, Goldsmith said he anticipates new signs will be installed in early 2017.